Lounge Frog guide
Cathay Pacific Lounge vs Emirates Lounge
Cathay Pacific Lounge (4.6/5) and Emirates Lounge (4.5/5) rate about the same overall on Lounge Frog's editorial scores. Cathay Pacific Lounge is ahead on quiet, food, workspace and staff & service; Emirates Lounge is ahead on seating & comfort and cleanliness. Both are in International Terminal A at SFO. No program on Lounge Frog's record gets you into both.
Details checked as recently as September 2026. Comparison updated October 2026. Scores are Lounge Frog's editorial ratings, explained in how we rate.
Side by side
| Detail | Cathay Pacific Lounge | Emirates Lounge |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Seating & comfort | 4.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Quiet | 5.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Space | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Food | 5.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Drinks & bar | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Coffee | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Wi-Fi | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Power outlets | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Workspace | 5.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Showers | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Restrooms | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Cleanliness | 4.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Staff & service | 5.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Views & light | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Terminal | International Terminal A | International Terminal A |
| Nearest gate | A1 | A2 |
| Hours | 9:40 AM – 1:25 PM, 8:05 PM – 12:50 AM daily | 1:05 PM – 5:05 PM daily |
| Bar | Self-serve drinks | Full bar |
| Shower rooms | 6 | 2 |
| Guests | Cathay first/business passengers; Cathay Diamond: 2 guests, Gold: 1 guest, on a oneworld flight the same day. | Emirates first/business passengers; Skywards Gold/Platinum: 1 guest. Paid entry sold to economy passengers on the day. |
Who gets in
- Both lounges
- None
- Only Cathay Pacific Lounge
- Cathay Pacific Lounge, oneworld Sapphire/Emerald Lounge Access
- Only Emirates Lounge
- Emirates Lounge
Quick answers
Which is better, Cathay Pacific Lounge or Emirates Lounge?
Cathay Pacific Lounge (4.6/5) and Emirates Lounge (4.5/5) rate about the same overall on Lounge Frog's editorial scores. Cathay Pacific Lounge is ahead on quiet, food, workspace and staff & service; Emirates Lounge is ahead on seating & comfort and cleanliness.
Can one membership get me into both Cathay Pacific Lounge and Emirates Lounge?
Not according to Lounge Frog's record: Cathay Pacific Lounge admits through Cathay Pacific Lounge and oneworld Sapphire/Emerald Lounge Access, and Emirates Lounge through Emirates Lounge.
Are Cathay Pacific Lounge and Emirates Lounge in the same terminal?
Yes. Both are in International Terminal A at San Francisco International.
Which has showers, Cathay Pacific Lounge or Emirates Lounge?
Cathay Pacific Lounge has 6 showers; Emirates Lounge has 2 showers.