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
#316
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1MM, MP 1K, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 457
I thought the ORD Polaris was available for arriving Polaris passengers. The SFO one is only for departing passengers. My Den flight leaves from 95 so I am disappointed and it's not worth it to walk to and from another UC(which makes me question my membership anyway),
#317
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: Mileage Plus Global Services 2MM
Posts: 1,198
I thought the ORD Polaris was available for arriving Polaris passengers. The SFO one is only for departing passengers. My Den flight leaves from 95 so I am disappointed and it's not worth it to walk to and from another UC(which makes me question my membership anyway),
#318
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: Mileage Plus Global Services 2MM
Posts: 1,198
Observations?
As many others have speculated, the number of international *A J and F passengers could overwhelm the former GFL. Has anyone been in the club since Sunday? Curious if they added seats, changed the open bar and food service, etc. I'll be there Friday for a layover on the way to HKG. I'll share what I see, but curious to hear other's feedback.
#319
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 14,921
I thought the ORD Polaris was available for arriving Polaris passengers. The SFO one is only for departing passengers. My Den flight leaves from 95 so I am disappointed and it's not worth it to walk to and from another UC(which makes me question my membership anyway),
The SFO lounge in question IS NOT a Polaris lounge. It is a temporary set-up until the actual Polaris lounge opens next year (allegedly). The size of the GFL can barely handle departing front-cabin passengers. If you've ever visited it (your thinking arriving Polaris customers should have access suggests you have not), you will know that severe restriction of access is necessary. It is not that big. Departing front-cabin overseas passengers would look at 8-across UA business seating as being spacious after being crammed in the (former) GFL.
I actually found the mezzanine lounge to be OK when I used it 2 tears ago (or whenever it was), even without a view. The E club can get totally jammed. The Rotunda club is a bit better than E, especially in the back work area.
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Oct 3, 2017 at 7:54 pm
#320
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,183
I emailed an Air Canada SFO rep to ask where AC business class passengers should go.
The reply said that AC elite members (so, of course, not answering the very specific thing I wanted to know) should head to one of the UCs in T3.
Even at a reasonable walking pace, it's now about ~10 minutes each way out of the way.
I guess Centurion will still be my go-to when I have time for a lounge (though it's a bit out of the way too).
The reply said that AC elite members (so, of course, not answering the very specific thing I wanted to know) should head to one of the UCs in T3.
Even at a reasonable walking pace, it's now about ~10 minutes each way out of the way.
I guess Centurion will still be my go-to when I have time for a lounge (though it's a bit out of the way too).
#321
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: UA 1K 1MM (finally!), IHG AMB-Spire, HH Diamond
Posts: 60,120
I emailed an Air Canada SFO rep to ask where AC business class passengers should go.
The reply said that AC elite members (so, of course, not answering the very specific thing I wanted to know) should head to one of the UCs in T3.
Even at a reasonable walking pace, it's now about ~10 minutes each way out of the way.
I guess Centurion will still be my go-to when I have time for a lounge (though it's a bit out of the way too).
The reply said that AC elite members (so, of course, not answering the very specific thing I wanted to know) should head to one of the UCs in T3.
Even at a reasonable walking pace, it's now about ~10 minutes each way out of the way.
I guess Centurion will still be my go-to when I have time for a lounge (though it's a bit out of the way too).
#322
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 14,921
#323
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,291
#324
Join Date: Jan 2002
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott lifetime Plt, UA 1MM
Posts: 919
At the (old) GFL now (10am PST). Every seat taken. people walking laps to spot someone leaving. Some just eating standing up. Staff are busting to keep up and are really working hard. They need more help.
No lines at check-in but they looked harried. Getting berated by *G folks who are being turned away, but the banner outside clearly states its only for J/F.
Will see if it has improved in a week on the return trip!!
No lines at check-in but they looked harried. Getting berated by *G folks who are being turned away, but the banner outside clearly states its only for J/F.
Will see if it has improved in a week on the return trip!!
#325
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MFR
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,872
At the (old) GFL now (10am PST). Every seat taken. people walking laps to spot someone leaving. Some just eating standing up. Staff are busting to keep up and are really working hard. They need more help.
No lines at check-in but they looked harried. Getting berated by *G folks who are being turned away, but the banner outside clearly states its only for J/F.
Will see if it has improved in a week on the return trip!!
No lines at check-in but they looked harried. Getting berated by *G folks who are being turned away, but the banner outside clearly states its only for J/F.
Will see if it has improved in a week on the return trip!!
#326
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: East Coast, USA
Posts: 1,032
Against my better judgement, I scheduled 3 hour (domestic) layover at SFO tomorrow. I won't be affected by ex-GFL, but I also dread about the lounge situation overall. Sounds like the AMEX Centurion Lounge isn't much better (in fact could even be worse now because of G UC closure).
#327
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AS MVP Gold 75K, UA Gold, Marriott LTT, Avis President's Club
Posts: 1,539
I'm at the old GFL now. Completely overcrowded, had to walk around and wait for someone to get up. They got rid of the decent hot food options for traditional UC fare. Where the hot food was are two fridges with cans of soda which is nice. They also kept the same self serve liquor station.
#328
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA MM Plat, UA 1MM, Hilton Lifetime Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold, CLEAR, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 3,605
I'm at the old GFL now. Completely overcrowded, had to walk around and wait for someone to get up. They got rid of the decent hot food options for traditional UC fare. Where the hot food was are two fridges with cans of soda which is nice. They also kept the same self serve liquor station.
#329
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1MM, MP 1K, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 457
A single lounge closure on one concourse at a single airport with 3-4 other lounges is enough to make question your membership? The horror of a five-minute walk!
The SFO lounge in question IS NOT a Polaris lounge. It is a temporary set-up until the actual Polaris lounge opens next year (allegedly). The size of the GFL can barely handle departing front-cabin passengers. If you've ever visited it (your thinking arriving Polaris customers should have access suggests you have not), you will know that severe restriction of access is necessary. It is not that big. Departing front-cabin overseas passengers would look at 8-across UA business seating as being spacious after being crammed in the (former) GFL.
I actually found the mezzanine lounge to be OK when I used it 2 tears ago (or whenever it was), even without a view. The E club can get totally jammed. The Rotunda club is a bit better than E, especially in the back work area.
The SFO lounge in question IS NOT a Polaris lounge. It is a temporary set-up until the actual Polaris lounge opens next year (allegedly). The size of the GFL can barely handle departing front-cabin passengers. If you've ever visited it (your thinking arriving Polaris customers should have access suggests you have not), you will know that severe restriction of access is necessary. It is not that big. Departing front-cabin overseas passengers would look at 8-across UA business seating as being spacious after being crammed in the (former) GFL.
I actually found the mezzanine lounge to be OK when I used it 2 tears ago (or whenever it was), even without a view. The E club can get totally jammed. The Rotunda club is a bit better than E, especially in the back work area.
#330
Join Date: May 2001
Location: RNO, NV, USA.
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 5,038
I'm at the old GFL now. Completely overcrowded, had to walk around and wait for someone to get up. They got rid of the decent hot food options for traditional UC fare. Where the hot food was are two fridges with cans of soda which is nice. They also kept the same self serve liquor station.