Last edit by: WineCountryUA
UA has announced that the SFO Polaris lounge is opening 30 April 2018
Summary
The International UC is closed for renovation to a Polaris Club. The SQ & BR lounges have been closed and will be integrated into the new facility. Polaris lounge open 30 April 2018.
SFO Polaris Lounge opens 30 April 2018 (Previews - Press 25th, MP 27th)
The old GFL (near G99) has been converted into a premium cabin international lounge (not an UC). Eventually, it will be converted into a UC for the non-premium cabin international passengers (*G in economy). Now operating as an United Club
The F and E concourse UCs plus again the temporary mezzanine UC lounge (across from Gate 71) are options for those not eligible for the temporary G premium cabin international lounge.
sign
Previous Updates
1 Oct 2017 on united.com
posted 23 Sept 2017
posted 28 Sept 2017
Earlier thread summary
Summary of posts suggest the present SFO Global First Lounge will be available for much of first half of 2017. Reports are that the current Global First Lounge will become a "regular" UC, while the current international (G Terminal) UC will become a Polaris club (which will integrate the space currently housing the SQ & BR lounges). UA is also constructing a new UC, either in Terminal G or E (or both). Construction has begun in the G Terminal United Club, a large portion of which is now boarded off. Latest info from UA suggests "summer 2018" for the SFO Polaris lounge opening.
{Similar Threads:
Polaris Lounge Roadmap 2017-2018 (wiki) (thread) --- UA Polaris lounge update site
Polaris lounge ORD - opened 01 Dec 2016 (wiki) (thread)
SFO Lounge changes? Which will become Polaris? Shower options?(wiki) (thread)
United Polaris-New Business Class seats & inflight service and new Polaris Lounges(wiki) (thread)}
Summary
The International UC is closed for renovation to a Polaris Club. The SQ & BR lounges have been closed and will be integrated into the new facility. Polaris lounge open 30 April 2018.
SFO Polaris Lounge opens 30 April 2018 (Previews - Press 25th, MP 27th)
The old GFL (near G99) has been converted into a premium cabin international lounge (not an UC). Eventually, it will be converted into a UC for the non-premium cabin international passengers (*G in economy). Now operating as an United Club
The F and E concourse UCs plus again the temporary mezzanine UC lounge (across from Gate 71) are options for those not eligible for the temporary G premium cabin international lounge.
sign
Previous Updates
1 Oct 2017 on united.com
On October 1, the United Club location in the International Terminal will be closed to launch its transition into a United Polaris lounge. An additional United Club location will open across from Gate 71A on the mezzanine level at the end of September. Customers departing out of the International Terminal should allow 10-15 minutes to walk to their gate from the United Club location in Gate 71A or Concourse F.
Bummer - was just in GF lounge and was told that in two weeks it will be a United Club - no showers, no open bar, etc. Was also told that "Polaris" is just a marketing term and that until the actual Polaris lounge opens in 8 months, it's United Clubs for everyone. .....
Closure of San Francisco SilverKris Lounge for renovations
The Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge in San Francisco will be closed for renovations starting from 01 October 2017. As part of the renovations, Singapore Airlines will begin a transition to a newly constructed, shared lounge facility operated by our Star Alliance partner, United Airlines. It is scheduled to open in early 2018.
The Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge in San Francisco will be closed for renovations starting from 01 October 2017. As part of the renovations, Singapore Airlines will begin a transition to a newly constructed, shared lounge facility operated by our Star Alliance partner, United Airlines. It is scheduled to open in early 2018.
Summary of posts suggest the present SFO Global First Lounge will be available for much of first half of 2017. Reports are that the current Global First Lounge will become a "regular" UC, while the current international (G Terminal) UC will become a Polaris club (which will integrate the space currently housing the SQ & BR lounges). UA is also constructing a new UC, either in Terminal G or E (or both). Construction has begun in the G Terminal United Club, a large portion of which is now boarded off. Latest info from UA suggests "summer 2018" for the SFO Polaris lounge opening.
{Similar Threads:
Polaris Lounge Roadmap 2017-2018 (wiki) (thread) --- UA Polaris lounge update site
Polaris lounge ORD - opened 01 Dec 2016 (wiki) (thread)
SFO Lounge changes? Which will become Polaris? Shower options?(wiki) (thread)
United Polaris-New Business Class seats & inflight service and new Polaris Lounges(wiki) (thread)}
SFO G UC closed, reopens as Polaris Lounge 30 Apr 2018, old GFL is now the intl UC
#751
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,309
#753
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: UAMP Global Services, AA Platinum
Posts: 89
Again, using generous assumptions (pax in lounge 2.5 hours to 30 minutes prior to departure time), the flow seems to peak between 11 am and 12 noon at about 470 eligible F&J passengers. Bump that up by 15% for transfers who make their way back and the lounge could get be crowded on the busiest of days.
But as EWR764 points out, that assumes 100% loads, 100% visits, and that visitors will be in the lounge for approximately 2 hours. So, net net, I agree they seem to have got it just about right.
In a few weeks we'll know the reality!
Last edited by jcacciotti; Apr 15, 2018 at 2:58 pm
#754
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: USA
Programs: UA Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,195
Current status of United Clubs at SFO?
My mother and sister are leaving Wednesday for Europe. They have a long layover at SFO (originating HNL-SFO, waiting for SFO-MUC) so I gave them the 2 day passes I got this year from my Mileage Plus Visa. I haven't used the UC at SFO for a couple of years so was wondering what the current status there is. Are there still 2 clubs, one in the domestic terminal, one in the international? Are they still so packed that they are turning day pass people away? The day passes aren't explicitly tied to my MP account but should I give my mother my account info just in case?
#755
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,025
My mother and sister are leaving Wednesday for Europe. They have a long layover at SFO (originating HNL-SFO, waiting for SFO-MUC) so I gave them the 2 day passes I got this year from my Mileage Plus Visa. I haven't used the UC at SFO for a couple of years so was wondering what the current status there is. Are there still 2 clubs, one in the domestic terminal, one in the international? Are they still so packed that they are turning day pass people away? The day passes aren't explicitly tied to my MP account but should I give my mother my account info just in case?
#756
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,162
There are, depending on the time of day. Best they can do is try, but do not be surprised if they are refused access.
The different locations do sometimes have different rules for passes (depending on how busy they are), so if one location doesn't allow access, ask if the others are or not.
The different locations do sometimes have different rules for passes (depending on how busy they are), so if one location doesn't allow access, ask if the others are or not.
#757
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,423
Given the duration, I think the rotunda club (in F pier) is both the nicest club and also the most likely to accept passes.
#758
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA 1K 25 years/2MM, Honors LT Diamond, AVIS & Hertz Prez Club
Posts: 4,753
Be sure to tell your mom and sister that the clubs in the International Terminal are not available to them.
The new Polaris lounge will be having a media preview that day, so there will be a bit of activity there and they could confuse it for a United Club. It will not be available. Also, the Business/First Departure Lounge (former Global First Lounge) will not accept United Club passes.
There is the Rotunda club, which as mentioned would be the best option.
There is a club at the start of Boarding Area E - where the 60s gates are located (farthest from International departures).
There is a club on the Mezzanine Level accessible via an elevator across from gate 71A. It has no windows and is a temporary club, but it has some workable space and may be less busy since lots of people still don't know it is there.
For more info - go to this link and choose San Francisco from the drop-down menu:
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/con...s/default.aspx
The new Polaris lounge will be having a media preview that day, so there will be a bit of activity there and they could confuse it for a United Club. It will not be available. Also, the Business/First Departure Lounge (former Global First Lounge) will not accept United Club passes.
There is the Rotunda club, which as mentioned would be the best option.
There is a club at the start of Boarding Area E - where the 60s gates are located (farthest from International departures).
There is a club on the Mezzanine Level accessible via an elevator across from gate 71A. It has no windows and is a temporary club, but it has some workable space and may be less busy since lots of people still don't know it is there.
For more info - go to this link and choose San Francisco from the drop-down menu:
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/con...s/default.aspx
#759
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: San Francisco
Programs: 1K 2.2MM
Posts: 2,352
What is the policy about access when entire itinerary is not upgraded or in business? I have a SFO-IAD-MAD where IAD-MAD is J and SFO-IAD is Y waitlisted for FC. Will I have Polaris lounge access if SFO-IAD does not clear?
#760
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,469
Yes. You just need a Polaris flight within the next 24hrs to enter. Doesn't matter about same ticket, waitlist, anything like that.
#761
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NorCal - 1K 2MM
Posts: 2,089
Polaris lounge guest policy?
Is there a Polaris lounge guest policy? If I'm in J, can I bring a guest who's in Y?
#762
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,976
#763
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,469
Polaris lounge access summary
Somewhat un-intuitively, there is a summary of Polaris lounge access rules in the wiki of the ORD thread
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...-2016-a-7.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...-2016-a-7.html
#764
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: BA Bronze, United 1K, HH Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,477
The United website has a chart for the Polaris Lounge that is easy to understand.
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/con...ge/access.aspx
#765
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,025