OW flier with *A questions about best lounge/dining options in SFO and ZRH
Sep 26, 2018, 10:22 am
#1
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OW flier with *A questions about best lounge/dining options in SFO and ZRH
Moderator, please move if this is not the correct spot.
I am a seasoned OW flier, but will be flying several *A flights early next year. LAS-SFO on United, SFO to ZRH on LX J, ZRH-BCN on LX J.
As I never route through SFO or ZRH, I'm wondering the best way to maximize my layovers. LAS will obviously be the Centurion Lounge. In SFO with a 3 hour layover, which louges deserve a visit? Polaris obviously. How is the SFO Centurion Lounge? Thoughts on the Priority Pass restaurants in SFO?
With 2 hours in ZRH, not knowing what terminal I'll be arriving in, from what I've read I want to try to go to E LX lounge, not A - is that correct? Any other advice?
I am a seasoned OW flier, but will be flying several *A flights early next year. LAS-SFO on United, SFO to ZRH on LX J, ZRH-BCN on LX J.
As I never route through SFO or ZRH, I'm wondering the best way to maximize my layovers. LAS will obviously be the Centurion Lounge. In SFO with a 3 hour layover, which louges deserve a visit? Polaris obviously. How is the SFO Centurion Lounge? Thoughts on the Priority Pass restaurants in SFO?
With 2 hours in ZRH, not knowing what terminal I'll be arriving in, from what I've read I want to try to go to E LX lounge, not A - is that correct? Any other advice?
Sep 26, 2018, 11:09 am
#2
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On the SFO bit, you can pop into the Centurion lounge but it will likely be crowded and loud. With access to the Polaris lounge, I'd just go there. It's quiet and the sit down dining is alright.
Sep 26, 2018, 11:24 am
#3
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However, the E-lounge provides nice outdoor seating (might be a bit chilly in winter time) and beautiful views of the Alps on a sunny day.
Sep 26, 2018, 11:25 am
#4
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There are a lot of folks who are based in SFO on this forum. In SFO, depending on what time you arrive, you will have choices. Your flight from LAS will arrive in Terminal 3. Amex Centurion Club is on the way to Terminal G (International). United Polaris Club is located just at the entrance to Terminal G (connected to Terminal 3 by a walkway). Centurion Club has better choice of wines and better coffee; Polaris Club has a better bartender (formerly Amex CC) and more choice of seats. LX Lounge in E terminal is very nice, but if you are flying within Europe, I don't think E is where you will fly out of. Give yourself 15 minutes to walk from Terminal E to anywhere.
Sep 26, 2018, 11:58 am
#5
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You can visit the LX lounge in E as US flights are considered "clean" and do not require a security check to enter into the departures area. After visiting the lounge, I would give some time (at least 15-20 minutes but probably more to pick up some Swiss chocolate in the Terminal A shopping mall) to clear immigration and take the Heidi train to Terminal A where the BCN flight will depart from. Conversely, you can clear immigration upon arrival and take the train to the Terminal A lounge.
Sep 26, 2018, 12:46 pm
#7
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Polaris Lounge in SFO and E lounges in ZRH -- for the latter just don't forget you have to take a train and go through passport control to get to your next flight. IME not worth exploring other things, but if you want to check out lounges feel free (I forget whether it's just E SEN that's good, but the E business lounge is probably decent too).
Last edited by findark; Sep 26, 2018 at 12:53 pm
Sep 26, 2018, 2:06 pm
#8
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While the thread was in the United Mileage Plus forum, members gave some most helpful insights. With a discrete thread edit, let me open this to the readers of the Star Alliance forum for more views. I've just moved it there. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, United forum.
Sep 26, 2018, 2:56 pm
#9
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Myriad resources available with minimal effort
SFO Polaris Lounge -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ..
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...ional-sfo.html
Lounge ZRH [merged Q&A thread]
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/swis...nnections.html
SWISS First, Senator and Business Lounges in Zurich Terminal E
ZRH A Schengen lounge reopens [2018]
Just flew the new B777-300ER [merged experience reports]
SFO Polaris Lounge -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ..
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...ional-sfo.html
Lounge ZRH [merged Q&A thread]
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/swis...nnections.html
SWISS First, Senator and Business Lounges in Zurich Terminal E
ZRH A Schengen lounge reopens [2018]
Just flew the new B777-300ER [merged experience reports]
Sep 26, 2018, 8:08 pm
#10
Join Date: Jul 2018
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In my opinion, the best OW club option in SFO is CX in International; I realize OP is not flying OW, but just throwing that out there for anyone interested
Last edited by flying4workNfun; Sep 27, 2018 at 6:39 am Reason: clarification