Review: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge San Francisco Int’l Airport (SFO), Terminal 2, D Gates

One of the finest Maple Leaf Lounges, anywhere

This lounge remains one of the best at San Francisco International with a beautiful heated outdoor terrace, elegant decor, lovely bar, showers and a substantial buffet.

The summary

Located the upper level of Terminal 2, by the D gates, Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge at SFO far outshines the neighboring United Clubs in nearby Terminal 3. I can’t think of a reason why United Club members with Star Alliance Gold status would not visit this lounge. It’s worth the 10 minute walk.

After ascending to the lounge via an elevator, near the entrance to the D gates, travelers will scan their boarding passes to gain entry. Lounge staff man reception desks in case their are questions or difficulties. The entry is marked by a familiar wood slated wall with the Maple Leaf logo – a familiar MLL feature. Take a left after entry, and you arrive at the large main seating area, with large windows to the left. A mural of San Francisco marks the end of this room. In fact, interest paintings hang throughout the lounge.

On the right hand side are two additional attractive semi-large rooms with TVs that can accommodate several people each. There are also three private small offices that are perfect for phone calls and virtual meetings.

Past this area is the small hallway that leads to the washrooms and the two shower suites. The shower suites are a welcome surprise as none of the United Clubs (other than the Polaris Lounge) have showers. The showers are nicely appointed, if not the most luxurious I have seen.

Lounge guests next come across the extensive dining area. Eggs, biscuits, fruit, sausages are among the items on offer. The highlight has to be the french toast.

Breads and a toaster are across from the buffet and can be found next to the beverage station. The beverage area offers coffees, teas and soft drinks.

The bar itself is lovely, backed by a glass wall. There are no charges for alcoholic beverages. There is also an attractive wine wall, which acts as a divider between the dining area and another seating area and the beautiful outdoor terrace.

This terrace has heaters and an outdoor fire pit – perfect for the cooler Bay Area climate. There is a fantastic mural on one side of the terrace. Most of the terrace has amazing tarmac views.

Internet access was quick, outlets were everywhere, and the staff was wonderful throughout. This lounge is the nicest MLL I have visited in North America (both in the US and Canada).

The wrap:

…The details. Date – June 23 2025. Rating: Outstanding Access: Star Alliance Gold (could have used Chase sapphire reserve)

…What I like: The terrace, the food, the bar.

…What I don’t like: Maybe crowded with Star Alliance Gold travelers at certain hours.