Flying ANC-SFO-BNA in August. Would really love to grab a shower during my layover in SFO. Flying on Y ticket so from what I can find I have zero access to any paid or unpaid shower/lounge options without going outside security to Freshen up lounge. I do have priority pass but not real helpful in my opinion.

Are there any other options? If I do leave security temporarily, it does not affect my checked luggage in any way does it?

Thanks

You would not have access to any airline lounges that have a shower.

Centurion lounge has one shower.

Freshen Up is a rip-off.

I've used the Centurion shower, and it was not the greatest, especially because they rush you to make room for the many people who are waiting to use the facility. SFO Centurion Lounge remains very overcrowded most of the time, despite all of Amex's efforts to cull the herd of users.

Never used Freshen Up and am curious as to why it is a rip off?

Shower Availability at SFO


While I would agree 25.00 is not a good value, I don't think its a rip off. But YMMV

Aside from the sign that says "15 minutes", I've never been rushed. But there's definitely an area that water pools in, so be VERY careful about leaving bags/clothes/etc. on the floor.

But other than that, it's extremely convenient for a UA-UA connection.

Being Canadian myself, I felt rushed by the sign, because if I would have taken my time in the shower, I would then feel guilty at having broken the rules.

For those who prefer a "Hollywood shower" to a "Navy shower", the Centurion Lounge at SFO just doesn't do it.

Is "Freshen Up" the privater operation on the land side side of security by the international TSA area (as you approach it to the right)? I haven't used them as this is home for me. It would seem like a better option than the single shower in the Centurion lounge. Just expensive??

Yes, thats the place! IIRC it used to be a salon called the "hairport".

It's overall not a pleasant experience. Very basic, including concrete floor and cheap motel bar soap, and a very strong ammonia smell. Cashier/attendant was flat-out rude. At $25, I felt it was totally not worth it. And I usually have no problem spending money.

I used it once - it wasn't clean because everyone is in such a rush, and they really push the 15 minute limit and it made for an overall unpleasant experience. I actually never use the SFO Amex Lounge anymore because the entire environment at that location is a complete turn-off with over-entitled pompous techie-millennials entering with corporate cards they never paid for, chaotic over-crowding, multiple people yapping loudly on conference calls, etc - I found the UA Clubs a better experience in comparison, and since I generally only go through SFO for intl trips, I can use the Polaris Lounge which is so much better than any other option at SFO.

That paid facility sounds like the horrible paid shower lounge they used to have at TPE - that was a scary place.

Depending on the OP's layover time, they could look into a day-rate at a nearby hotel for a shower and nap before connecting.

I do have Centurion Lounge access now. Since only 1 shower, does it need to be reserved in advance?

I can't speak for SFO, but when I have used the Centurion lounge shower at LAS and PHL (although it could have been IAH), It was first come first serve.

Damn it!

Any long-term plans to have showers at SFO?

Reputedly, UA wants to bring showers back into the UA Clubs. The new EWR club has them, and the renovated DEN club is supposed to have them too. I believe the SFO rotunda club was due to be renovated along with the rest of the F concourse, but that project's been put off indefinitely.