The 10 best lounges at San Francisco International in 2026

San Francisco spreads its lounges across five secure areas, and that geography matters more than any ranking. Terminal 1 shares an airside connector with International Terminal A, and Terminal 3 links to International Terminal G. Terminal 2 sits between them. United flyers will usually be in Terminal 3 or the G gates. Delta, American, Alaska and most Priority Pass members live in Harvey Milk Terminal 1. The long-haul carriers from Asia, Europe and the Gulf use International A.

Ratings below are Lounge Frog overall scores out of 5. Ties are listed alphabetically.

1. British Airways Terraces Lounge

The British Airways Terraces Lounge scores 4.8, the joint-highest mark at SFO. It sits one level above the departures concourse in International Terminal A, near gate A5. Expect a full bar, two showers and room for about 100 people. The lounge opens from 8:30 in the morning until 9 at night. Business class passengers get in without guests. Executive Club Silver and Gold members, and oneworld Sapphire and Emerald elites, can bring one guest on a same-day oneworld flight.

2. Delta Sky Club

The Delta Sky Club also scores 4.8 and is the best reason to arrive early in Harvey Milk Terminal 1. It is upstairs in Boarding Area C near gate C3, with a full bar, four showers and space for about 250 guests. Hours run from 4:30 in the morning to midnight. Members and eligible cardholders can bring two guests at $50 each. Entry opens three hours before a same-day Delta or partner flight, and Basic fares are excluded.

3. United Club (E)

The United Club (E) rounds out the 4.8 tier. It is the smaller of the two Terminal 3 clubs, near gate E4, and reviewers rate its food, coffee and service at the top of the scale. There are no showers. It opens from 5 in the morning until 11 at night. United Club members and Star Alliance Gold travelers get in with a same-day United or Star Alliance ticket. One-time passes cost $59.

4. The Centurion Lounge

The Centurion Lounge scores 4.7 even in its temporary home. The permanent Terminal 3 lounge above the F gates is closed for the Terminal 3 West modernization project, and reopening is expected in 2027. Until then, Amex has set up in Terminal 2, Boarding Area D, just past security on the left near gate D12. There are no showers, but the craft cocktail bar and the kitchen made the move. Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders enter within three hours of departure.

5. Cathay Pacific Lounge

The Cathay Pacific Lounge scores 4.6 and has six showers, the most of any lounge in International A. It is on level 4 near gate A1. The bar is self-serve. Hours follow the Hong Kong flights: 9:40 to 1:25 in the afternoon, then 8:05 in the evening to 12:50 at night. Cathay first and business passengers get in, as do oneworld Sapphire and Emerald elites. Diamond members can bring two guests and Gold members one.

6. United Polaris Lounge

The United Polaris Lounge scores 4.6, with 12 showers and a craft cocktail bar. Turn right after the G security checkpoint near gate G1 and the entrance is on the left, one level up. It opens from 7 in the morning until 11 at night. Access is strict. Polaris business passengers get in with no guests, along with Star Alliance long-haul business and first class passengers.

7. Emirates Lounge

The Emirates Lounge scores 4.5 but keeps unusual hours. It opens only from 1:05 to 5:05 in the afternoon, around the daily departure to Dubai. The lounge is between gates A2 and A6 in International A, one level up, with a full bar and two showers. Emirates first and business passengers get in, and Skywards Gold and Platinum members can bring one guest.

8. United Club (F)

The United Club (F) scores 4.5 and is the larger Terminal 3 club, in the rotunda near gate F11. Hours run from 5 in the morning to midnight. There are no showers, but food, drinks and seating all score five. It is a sensible choice when the E club is full.

9. United Club (G)

The United Club (G) also scores 4.5 and is the fallback for international United flyers who do not qualify for Polaris. It sits on the upper level between gates G6 and G9, with two showers and a full bar. It stays open until 1:15 in the morning.

10. The Club SFO

The Club SFO scores 4.3 and is the best option for Priority Pass and LoungeKey members. It opened in 2024 in Terminal 1, just before gate B4 on the right after security. There are three showers and a full bar, and it opens from 4:30 in the morning to 11:30 at night. Guests usually cost $35, and walk-up day passes are sold when there is room. It is not worth a terminal change if you are flying United. Delta and Alaska flyers without a club membership should head here.

Where to look next

The full list of SFO lounges ranked by score is at the best lounges at SFO, and the San Francisco International airport page covers every terminal. Our scoring is explained on the methodology page. Every lounge above has at least one photo in our directory. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse and the Terminal 1 Admirals Club both score 3.8 and missed the cut on rating alone.