Access – United Club Membership, Star Alliance Gold flying a Star Alliance Carrier
Some lounges come with high expectations (e.g., Polaris Lounges, Senator Lounges). Others come as a surprise even after hearing good reviews. Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge in San Francisco is the latter. It’s a stunning lounge that passes expectations. It far surpasses the United Club lounges (excluding the Polaris Lounge) at SFO. The décor rates as some of the finest I have seen in the USA. The lounge features a shower suites, a beautiful bar, an outdoor patio, extensive buffet and private work cubicles. This is nicer than any Maple Leaf Lounge I have visited in Canada.
The lounge is upstairs in terminal 2 and is easily walkable from terminal 3 and the international pier where most of the United flights operate. Once I entered the lounge (it was early morning) I was struck by the elegant décor, the patios and a bar with a glass wall behind it that gradually let in the sunlight. The staff was just putting out the breakfast buffet as I was there. I had a lot of work to do, so I availed myself of one of the private work cubicles, a feature that many lounges leave out these days.
By the time I was ready to eat, there were too many people by the buffet to take pictures. I had some scrambled eggs and some hot cereal. As a bonus, there was barista made coffee at the bar. Then I decided to grab a shower in one of the shower suites.
After my shower, I availed myself of the incredible outdoor patio. San Francisco is known for its changeable weather, but when the sun came out, it was extremely comfortable in the sun and even though I was at an airport, a breeze coming in from the Pacific made the air seem extra fresh.
If there is a downside – it could be crowding…once eligible United flyers that do not have Polaris lounge access find out about this lounge. The lounge does not feature sleep rooms or a sit down a la carte restaurant…but neither does any non-international lounge in North America (excluding United Polaris Lounges, Delta One Lounges, American Flagship Lounges, or Air Canada Signature Suite Lounges). The pictures of this lounge really tell the story.
I rate this lounge 8.5/10. Best features: The bar, décor, shower suites, terraces. Flaws: Potential crowding – but none really.
Avid traveler/lounge aficionado, who looks to maximize the fun while traveling. The journey can be as fun as the destination!
Also on BoardingArea
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
British Airways Airbus A350 Makes Two Emergency Diversions in Just Two Days As ‘Technical Issue’ Reportedly Knocked Out Power Across Plane
A British Airways flight from Cape Town to London Heathrow was forced to make an emergency diversion back to the Mother City just an hour after takeoff on Wednesday evening after a ‘technical issue’ reportedly knocked out power across the plane. The aircraft involved in the incident was a four-and-a-half-year-old...
ATX Jetsetter
American Airlines Flight Diverts After Service Dog Bites Passenger
An American Airlines flight between Provo and Dallas-Ft. Worth was forced to divert after a service dog bit a passenger.
The post American Airlines Flight Diverts After Service Dog Bites Passenger appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
ATX Jetsetter
United Airlines Flight Suffers Engine Failure due to Rabbit Strike
A rabbit was sucked into the engine of a United Airlines flight Departing Denver, causing a fire and forcing the aircraft to return.
The post United Airlines Flight Suffers Engine Failure due to Rabbit Strike appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
You Are Travel
More Luxury Near the House of Mouse: Evermore Orlando Now Bookable With Hilton Free Night Certificates
Tl;dr – A popular upscale resort less than 3 miles from Disney World is now fully integrated into…
Live from a Lounge
HSBC Credit Cards Summer 2025′ forex charges cashback offer across its’ credit card range
HSBC Credit Cards has launched a new promotion, where if you are spending on Foreign Exchange, you get a nice cashback on your foreign exchange fee. Here are the details of the promotion.
The post HSBC Credit Cards Summer 2025′ forex charges cashback offer across its’ credit card range appeared...
Frequent Miler
Got in on that 100K offer? Here’s what to do next…
Thanks to its current 100,000 point welcome bonus offer, you or someone close to you probably has (or will soon get) a new Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Obviously, the first thing you should do is use the card enough to meet the spend required to earn the welcome bonus. Beyond...
Points With a Crew
No Fee American Express Hilton vs. Amex Hilton Surpass – which is better?
If you're looking to score a bunch of Hilton points, the American Express Hilton Surpass and Amex Hilton are two cards to consider. But which is best? Let's take a deep dive into ...
The Bulkhead Seat
Taste Test: Cheese Plate On United Airlines
Today, I flew from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Tampa International Airport (TPA).…
The post Taste Test: Cheese Plate On United Airlines appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
View from the Wing
Qatar Airways Passenger Stabbed Mid-Flight—Child Roamed Aisle With Fork While Mother Slept
A young child reportedly stabbed another passenger with a fork on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to New York JFK, while her mother slept. The girl roamed the aisle. Already disruptive during the flight, her behavior escalated when she approached a passenger holding a metal fork and jabbed...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Bill Introduced to Abolish the Transportation Security Administration
A bill was introduced to abolish the Transportation Security Administration of the United States by two senators who propose a new Office of Aviation Security Oversight to replace the agency.
“The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is not equipped to manage the fast-evolving threats posed to aviation transportation”, according to...
The post Bill...
Frequent Miler
Earn double points on Choice Hotels stays (Extended)
Update: Choice Privileges has extended this promo and it’s now valid for stays through 5/14/25. ~~~ Choice Privileges has launched a new promotion offering double points on all stays through April 7, 2025 May 14th, 2025. This’ll probably be disappointing for people who have two cheap one night stays during the...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Judge Throws Out ‘Toxic Uniform’ Lawsuit Against American Airlines After Nearly Eight Years Of Litigation
A federal judge has thrown out a class action lawsuit against American Airlines and former uniform manufacturer Twin Hill after nearly eight years of litigation stemming from allegations that a uniform given to pilots, flight attendants, and other front-line employees caused horrific reactions, including rashes, hives, breathing difficulties, and headaches....
View from the Wing
Hard Landing, Flaming Engine—San Juan Shuts Runways As Frontier A321neo Nails Second Touchdown
On Tuesday evening, Frontier Airlines Flight 3506 from Orlando was coming in to land in San Juan when the Airbus A321neo touched down hard on runway 10. Passengers described it as "shocking" and "horrible."
Continue reading Hard Landing, Flaming Engine—San Juan Shuts Runways As Frontier A321neo Nails Second Touchdown...
One Mile at a Time
Savannah Airport Graves: Why People Are Buried Under The Runway
Here’s something that I’ve known about for years, but it occurred to me that I’ve never actually written about it, and there’s no time like the present. File this under ”random aviation geek facts,” so if that doesn’t interest you, by all means skip this post.
Your Mileage May Vary
Another One Bites the Dust: Citi Rewards+ Joins the Legacy Club
Citi has quietly pulled the plug on new applications for the Rewards+® Card, a quirky no-annual-fee offering in its ThankYou lineup. What started as a Reddit thread quickly spread across…
Eye of the Flyer
Earn 750,000 Miles with a Huge Capital One Promotion
Capital One added a major kicker to a card’s early spend bonus — and it can earn you a whopping 350,000 bonus Miles.But you’ll probably need some pretty deep pockets to get there. Capital One Venture X Business Early Spend Bonus The offers a two-pronged approach for earning 350k bonus...
View from the Wing
‘Would You Really Want Needles Flying In An Emergency?’ Flight Attendant Shut Down Her Knitting Mid-Sock With Made-Up Safety Rule
An airline passenger is going viral after a flight attendant asked her to stop knitting during a flight. The crewmember suggested that having needles during an emergency could be risky.
The woman shows the moment she had to stow her knitting project after the flight attendant urged her to consider whether...
One Mile at a Time
United 737 Suffers Engine Failure & Fire Due To… Rabbit Strike?!
While the concept of an aircraft suffering a bird strike is nothing new, here’s a strange variation of that, as reported by The Aviation Herald.
Points With a Crew
Groupon Deal: Travel Passport Wallet and Document Holder for $2.49 plus shipping
Snag a durable Travel Passport Wallet and Document Holder on Groupon for just $2.49, a whopping 85% off the list price! Keep your travel essentials organized and secure with its compact design, multiple pockets, and secure zipper. Available in various colors. Don't miss out on this travel must-have! Plus, discover...
ATX Jetsetter
United Airlines Posts Strong Q1 Results But Plans to Cut Capacity
United Airlines just posted its strongest Q1 results in five years, but still plans to cut capacity due to market uncertainty.
The post United Airlines Posts Strong Q1 Results But Plans to Cut Capacity appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
The Bulkhead Seat
Rabbit Strike Causes Flight to Divert at Denver International Airport
I’ve heard of small birds and ducks damaging engines, but this is the first…
The post Rabbit Strike Causes Flight to Divert at Denver International Airport appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Your Mileage May Vary
Mystery of the Plane Seats Washed Up on The Beach Has Been Solved
When you walk on the beach, you expect to see certain things—seaweed, sand, maybe a few seashells (though you might want to think twice before pocketing them. It’s illegal to…
You Are Travel
Frontier Airlines Shoots A Golden Arrow at Southwest: How to Make the Most of $40 Frontier Gold Elite Status
💡 tl;dr – Frontier Airlines recently launched a status match that allows all Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Members,…
Frequent Miler
Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport (Choice): Bottom Line Review
After spending three nights at Villa Copenhagen, my wife and I spent a night at the Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport before flying out the next day. Situated the other side of the road from the airport and connected by an enclosed walkway, it’s a convenient place to stay after arriving...
“My Soul is in the Sky”. Aviation and Travel is my life. I simply love flying and love sharing that experience from riding cargo hold in remote Siberia to flying Ultra luxury Private Jet, everything in between with you!
