Guide to San Francisco Airport (SFO) Paid Access Lounges

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) serves the San Francisco Bay Area in the U.S. state of California.

It is the 2nd-busiest airport in California (after Los Angeles International Airport) and ranked the 13th-busiest airport in the United States by passenger traffic (in 2025).

More than 50 airlines serve SFO, including United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. It has nonstop flights to 148 destinations across 36 countries

There are 12 paid-access lounges at San Francisco International Airport. This guide covers all pay-to-enter lounges, so you can discover the right space for your budget and travel plans.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) consists of 4 terminals: Terminals 1, 2, and 3, plus the International Terminal.

• Harvey Milk Terminal 1: This terminal largely serves domestic carriers such as Delta, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest.

• Terminal 2: Primarily serves domestic airlines, including Alaska Airlines.

• Terminal 3: Mainly serves United Airlines domestic flights. The western half of Terminal 3 is currently undergoing renovations (as of 2026), including expanded security checkpoints and new passenger amenities. The expanded section is expected to open in fall 2027.  

• International Terminal: This terminal handles all international flights and is split into Concourses A and G.

Terminal 1 is also called the Harvey Milk Terminal, named in honor of the civil rights pioneer and the first openly gay person elected to public office in California.

There are 3 paid access lounges available in this terminal.

The Alaska Lounge is an airside domestic lounge.

It is most useful for Alaska Airlines passengers and eligible oneworld travelers departing from Terminal 1. However, it also has single-use day passes available for purchase.

Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Retail Street, Level 2, airside after security.

05:00-00:00 (5am-midnight) daily

Generally, guests can stay at this lounge for up to 4 hours. Access duration depends on how you enter the lounge.

• Food

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Wi-Fi

• TVs

• Workspaces

• Memberships:

  • Alaska Lounge members can access the lounge.

    • A standard Alaska Lounge membership includes entry to the Alaska Lounge.

    • Access for yourself and up to 2 guests when traveling together.

    • Lounge members will need to provide a valid boarding pass at the time of entry for a flight that day on Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines, a fellow oneworld member airline, or one of their additional global airline partners.

  • Priority Pass members can access the Alaska Lounge by using their standard membership access and also paying a mandatory additional fee of US$15 per person.

    • Access is limited to passengers traveling with Alaska Airlines or an eligible partner and is subject to availability.

    • Access is limited to a maximum stay of 4 hours.

• Airline Status or Travel Class:

  • If you are a business/first class passenger or a Sapphire/Emerald oneworld status member and flying on a oneworld member airline (e.g., Alaska Airlines or Qatar Airways), you have access to this lounge.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available to cardholders with Priority Pass memberships. Examples include:

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum.

• Walk-Up Access:

  • You can purchase access directly at the reception desk, subject to capacity. Day Passes are typically sold for around US$65 per person.

  • Single-entry lounge passes are valid only in the location where purchased.

  • You must have a same-day boarding pass for Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, a oneworld airline, or another eligible Alaska partner.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

This is a standard airline lounge for passengers who want snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a quieter space before boarding.

Day passes are available for purchase online or in person. This lounge is also best for American Airlines passengers and eligible oneworld travelers.

Check out this short video tour below by Take Off & Wander to get a feel for the lounge:

Harvey Milk Terminal 1, near Gate B13, Level 2, airside after security.

04:30-23:30 (4:30am-11:30pm) daily

Access duration depends on your Admirals Club membership, day pass, or eligible itinerary.

• Complimentary snacks

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Shower facilities (complimentary and subject to availability)

• Kids room

• Conference room (subject to booking)

• Workspaces

• Wi-Fi

• Advance Purchase Options:

  • A one-day pass is available for purchase online for US$79 per person.

  • If you’re an AAdvantage member, you can pay for lounge access with 7,900 AAdvantage miles.

  • You must be flying with American Airlines.

  • Up to 3 children under 18 have guest access. Children must be accompanied by an adult day-pass holder and present a boarding pass for same-day travel on an American Airlines flight.

• Membership:

  • Admirals Club members can access the lounge.

    • You can purchase an annual membership or a one-day pass online or in person.

• Airline Status or Travel Class:

  • If you are a business/first class passenger or a Sapphire/Emerald oneworld status member and flying on a oneworld member airline (American Airlines), you have access to this lounge.

• Walk-Up Access: You can purchase access directly at the reception desk. This is typically priced around US$79 per person.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

This lounge is inspired by California's redwood forests and local art. It has stronger family facilities than most SFO lounges, including a forest-themed children's room. It also features spa-style showers and a full-service bar.

Harvey Milk Terminal 1, near Gate B4, Level 3, airside after security.

04:30-23:30 (4:30am-11:30pm) daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 3 hours.

• Buffet

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Shower facilities (US$25 for a 30-minute session, subject to availability)

• Kids play area

• Wellness room

• Wi-Fi

• TVs

• Quiet area

• Advance Purchase Options:

  • Purchase via The Club website for US$80 per person for a 3-hour stay.

  • Lounge Pass offers 3-hour access for US$80 per person.

  • These options require you to book a time and date in advance.

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass members can access this lounge in accordance with their membership benefits. Lounge access is restricted to 2.5 hours for Priority Pass members.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements depend on your membership provider and plan.

• Cardholders

  • Access is available to cardholders with Priority Pass or LoungeKey memberships. Examples include:

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk-Up Access: You can purchase access directly at the reception desk.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Guests under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.

Terminal 2 handles domestic and select international flights and connects airside to Terminals 1 and 3. This can help if your flight departs from a nearby terminal, but you should allow extra time.

This lounge is a practical option for Air Canada passengers, with several access routes available to those flying with Air Canada or an eligible partner airline. The Maple Leaf lounge is also available as a paid access option.

Airside, Terminal 2, after security, on Level 4.

05:00-22:00 (5am-10pm) daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 3 hours.

• Buffet

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Shower facilities (complimentary)

• Outdoor terrace/patio

• Wi-Fi

• Nursing/baby care room

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Purchase Maple Leaf Lounge access as a travel option during your flight booking, or at least 24 hours ahead of your trip by updating your reservation.

  • Maple Leaf Lounge access cannot be purchased at the airport on your day of travel.

• Memberships:

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for US$55, without a membership.

  • Virgin Australia's Velocity Frequent Flyer Gold, Platinum, and Beyond VIP members have access to all Maple Leaf Lounges when departing on any flight operated by Air Canada or Virgin Australia in any class of service. Virgin Australia's business class customers also have access to all Maple Leaf Lounges.

  • Note that the purchases of Maple Leaf Club memberships are currently suspended.

• Airline Status or Travel Class:

  • Business class ticket holders, Star Alliance Gold members, and Aeroplan Super Elite, 75K, and 50K members flying Air Canada or a Star Alliance partner airline.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available to cardholders with Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

  • Aeroplan premium credit cardholders have access when flying Air Canada.

  • Aeroplan Business and Corporate Credit Cardholders can purchase a One-Time Guest Pass.

  • Primary Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business, and J.P. Morgan Reserve cardholders can enjoy the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge and invite 1 guest at no charge.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Terminal 3 is United's main domestic terminal at SFO. It connects International Terminal G after security, where United's Polaris Lounge is located.

There are 2 United Club lounges in Terminal 3. These are different from the United Polaris Lounge and have broader access rules.

This is a standard United Club, with light food, drinks, workspaces, and seating.

Terminal 3, near Gate E4, Level 3, airside after security.

05:00-23:00 (5am-11pm) daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 3 hours.

• Light food

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Wi-Fi

• Workspaces

• Memberships:

  • A United Club membership and a same-day boarding pass for United, a Star Alliance airline, or an eligible contracted partner are required.

    • Individual membership: Access for the member only. Guests are not included.

    • All Access membership: Access for the member plus either 2 adult guests, or 1 adult guest and the member’s dependent children under 18.

    • United Club credit card membership: Includes 1 adult guest and dependent children under 18. Cardholders unlock the broader All Access benefits by holding Premier Gold status or higher, or spending US$50,000 on the card during a calendar year.

• One-Time Purchase:

  • Passes cost US$59 per person and can be bought through the United app.

• Walk-Up Access: You can purchase access directly at the reception desk, subject to capacity restrictions.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

This is a standard United Club, with light food, drinks, workspaces, and seating.

Terminal 3, F Gates rotunda, Level 3, airside after security.

05:00-00:00 (5am-midnight) daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 3 hours.

• Light food

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Wi-Fi

• Workspaces

• Memberships:

  • A United Club membership and a same-day boarding pass for United, a Star Alliance airline, or an eligible contracted partner are required.

    • Individual membership: Access for the member only. Guests are not included.

    • All Access membership: Access for the member plus either 2 adult guests, or 1 adult guest and the member’s dependent children under 18.

    • United Club credit card membership: Includes 1 adult guest and dependent children under 18. Cardholders unlock the broader All Access benefits by holding Premier Gold status or higher, or spending US$50,000 on the card during a calendar year.

• One-Time Purchase:

  • Passes cost US$59 per person and can be bought through the United app.

• Walk-Up Access: You can purchase access directly at the reception desk, subject to capacity restrictions.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The International Terminal is also called the Dianne Feinstein International Terminal, named to honor the former San Francisco mayor and long-serving U.S. senator.

The International Terminal is one terminal building with two separate concourses: A and G. They sit on opposite sides of the terminal’s check-in hall:

• A Gates: beside Harvey Milk Terminal 1

• G Gates: beside Terminal 3

The International Terminal A has SFO's largest lounge roster, with 5 paid access lounges to choose from.

The Air France-KLM Lounge is a stylish space that was refurbished in 2023. The 117-seat lounge features comfortable seating and work areas, a self-service buffet, a staffed bar serving French wines, champagne, and cocktails, and shower facilities.

It is primarily for eligible Air France, KLM, SkyTeam, and partner passengers, but is also available to pay for a walk-up pass.

International Terminal A, near Gate A1, Level 3, airside after Security Checkpoint A.

10:00-20:30 (10am-8:30pm) daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 3 hours.

• Hot and cold buffet

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Shower facilities (complimentary, subject to availability)

• Wi-Fi

• TVs

• Advance Purchase Option:

  • You can purchase access online when booking your ticket.

• Airline Status or Travel Class:

  • Access is complimentary for you and 1 guest when traveling in the La Première cabin on Air France.

  • If you are traveling in the business class cabin on a Standard or Flex fare, no additional guests are permitted.

  • If you are a SkyTeam Elite Plus Frequent Flyer or a first/business class ticket holder and traveling on a same-day international flight operated by the following airlines:

    • Air France

    • KLM

    • SAS

  • You may also enjoy complimentary access:

    • For yourself and up to 8 guests, if you have Flying Blue Ultimate status.

    • For yourself and 1 guest, if you have Flying Blue Platinum or Gold status.

  • Although this is a SkyTeam lounge, EVA Air also uses it as a partner lounge at SFO. Some eligible EVA Air passengers, such as premium cabin travelers or Star Alliance Gold members, may be invited inside. It is best to check with your airline before trying to access this lounge.

• Walk-Up Access: You can purchase access directly at the reception desk or at an Air France-KLM kiosk.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Air India Maharaja Lounge opened in 2026, so it is one of SFO's newest lounge options. It has seating for 80 guests and a strong focus on dining.

This is a paid-access lounge but is also accessible to Air India passengers and selected Star Alliance travelers.

International Terminal A, near Gate A1, Level 4, after security.

6:00-23:55 (6:00am-11:55pm) daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 3 hours.

• Hot and cold buffet

• Live cooking station

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Wi-Fi

• Nursing/baby care room

• Private zone

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Plaza Premium offers 3 hours of access for US$75 per person.

  • This option requires you to book a time and date in advance.

• Memberships:

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge for a maximum of 2 hours.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements depend on your membership provider and plan.

• Airline Status or Travel Class:

  • Air India Passengers: First and business class ticket holders, as well as Maharaja Club Gold and Platinum tier members.

  • Star Alliance: First and business class passengers, as well as those holding Star Alliance Gold status, departing on a same-day Star Alliance flight (e.g., Air India).

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available to cardholders with Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

• Walk-Up Access: You can purchase access directly at the reception desk.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The China Airlines Dynasty Lounge is best for travelers seeking a simple place for snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi before their international flight.

International Terminal A. Airside after passport control and security, the lounge is located in Concourse A on Level 4.

08:30-18:00 (8:30am-6pm) daily for Priority Pass, DragonPass, and LoungeKey members

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 3 hours.

• Buffet

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Wi-Fi

• TVs

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Lounge Pass offers 3-hour access for US$50 per person.

  • This option requires you to book a time and date in advance.

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass members can access this lounge in accordance with their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for US$55, without a membership.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements depend on your membership provider and plan.

• Airline Status or Travel Class:

  • Eligible Asiana business class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members traveling on an Asiana-operated flight may enter.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available to members with Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk-Up Access: You can purchase access directly at the reception desk.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The Emirates Lounge offers an extensive buffet of international and Middle Eastern dishes, comfortable dining and relaxation areas, a business center, and private shower suites.

International Terminal A, between Gates A2 and A6, Level 3, airside after security.

12:45-16:45 (12:45-4:45pm) daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 4 hours.

• Buffet

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Shower facilities (complimentary)

• Wi-Fi

• Workspaces

• Memberships:

  • Entry to the Emirates Lounge is complimentary for Emirates Skywards Platinum, Gold and Silver members who are traveling in any cabin class on Emirates flights. They can also pay for guests to enter these lounges with them, provided the guests are traveling on the same Emirates flight.

  • Emirates Skywards Silver and Blue members can pay for lounge access.

• Airline Status or Travel Class:

  • Passengers departing on an Emirates flight receive complimentary access when holding a:

    • Emirates first class ticket

    • Emirates Business Class Saver, Flex, or Flex Plus ticket

• Walk-Up Access: Passengers in Economy, Premium Economy, or Business Special traveling on an Emirates flight, and Skywards Blue members can pay to enter, subject to capacity.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The Golden Gate Lounge is an airside contract lounge that is one of the most useful SFO lounges for Priority Pass and Dragonpass members, as well as those looking to pay for entry.

It features all the essential amenities. Expect light refreshments and standard alcoholic drinks. This is a practical contract lounge rather than a full dining lounge.

International Terminal A, Level 4, airside after Security Checkpoint A.

07:00-20:00 (7am-8pm) daily

Guests can stay in this lounge for up to 3 hours.

• Buffet

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Wi-Fi

• TVs

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass members can access this lounge in accordance with their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for US$55, without a membership.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements depend on your membership provider and plan.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available to members with Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk-Up Access: You can purchase access directly at the reception desk.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

International Terminal G is used by United international and selected Star Alliance operations. It connects airside to Terminal 3.

There is 1 paid-entry United Club lounge in this area.

This is a standard United Club. It is better for a quick snack or workspace than for a full meal.

International Terminal G, between Gates G6 and G9, Level 3, airside after security.

07:00-01:15 (7am-1:15am) daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 3 hours.

• Snacks

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Workspaces

• Wi-Fi

• Memberships:

  • A United Club membership and a same-day boarding pass for United, a Star Alliance airline, or an eligible contracted partner are required.

    • Individual membership: Access for the member only. Guests are not included.

    • All Access membership: Access for the member plus either 2 adult guests, or 1 adult guest and the member’s dependent children under 18.

    • United Club credit card membership: Includes 1 adult guest and dependent children under 18. Cardholders unlock the broader All Access benefits by holding Premier Gold status or higher, or spending US$50,000 on the card during a calendar year.

• One-Time Passes:

  • Passes cost US$59 per person and can be bought through the United app.

• Walk-Up Access: You can purchase access directly at the reception desk, subject to capacity restrictions.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

• Best paid access lounge for most travelers: The Club SFO. It offers broad access options, long opening hours, and showers (for an additional fee).

• Best for families: The Club SFO. It has stronger family facilities than most SFO lounges, including a forest-themed children's room.

• Best paid-access option in International Terminal A: Golden Gate Lounge. It has LoungePair and Priority Pass access, as well as airline contract use.

• Cheapest on LoungePair: The Air India Maharaja Lounge (International Terminal A)

San Francisco International Airport offers a wide range of paid options, with 12 lounges across its domestic and international terminals.

Harvey Milk Terminal 1 offers the greatest variety outside the international terminal, with the Alaska Lounge, American Airlines Admirals Club, and The Club SFO. The Club SFO may be the strongest all-around option here, especially for guests with families.

Terminal 2 has the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, while Terminal 3 contains United Clubs serving the E and F gates. A further United Club is located in International Terminal G.

International Terminal A offers the widest selection of lounges: the Air France-KLM Lounge, Air India Maharaja Lounge, China Airlines Dynasty Lounge, Emirates Lounge, and Golden Gate Lounge. These range from premium airline lounges primarily intended for eligible passengers with additional walk-up access to more flexible lounges that accept memberships or prepaid passes.

So whether you're seeking a wide range of amenities, the cheapest option, or simply a comfortable place to unwind, San Francisco Airport has a lounge to suit most travelers.

Ultimately, the best choice of lounge depends on your terminal, airline, access method, and which lounge facilities matter most to you.