Review: The Club at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Terminal 1

by Adam Stuart | May 8, 2025 | 0 Comments

…a wonderful Priority Pass lounge

Easily the best “The Club” lounge in the USA. This lounge features a stellar buffet, standout bar, great amenities, a cheerful staff, and a very modern décor. One of the best Priority Pass Lounges in the USA.

The summary

I have visited three “The Club” airport lounges via my Priority Pass in Atlanta, Dallas, and Orlando. Suffice to say, none of those lounges ever impressed me for a variety of reasons – odd layouts, crowds, tired décor, etc. When I read glowing reviews about the newest iteration in San Francisco, I had to check it out. My expectation were met. The Club at SFO is wonderful.

The lounge is located near gate B4 in Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport. You cannot miss the sleek entry. There is a cool illuminated “THE CLUB” sign that marks the entrance. By the reception desk, there is a nice green sofa with some attractive shelving above. Visitors must ascend one level to enter the main part of the lounge. Although there is an attractive staircase, I chose the elevator.

When you arrive on the main lounge floor, a customer service desk is on the right. To the left is a wood-paneled alcove with a sofa, some seating, and a cool circular fire pit. To the immediate right are one of this lounge’s special features: a group of private individual luminescence rooms (really just small offices with cool lighting), which can be reserved via a QR code from where you sit (anywhere in the lounge). You can apparently adjust the lighting and ambiance depending on your mood or need.

To the right from these rooms are the washrooms and showers, the latter of which you can also reserve via QR code. This is my one complaint. There is a $25 charge for the showers. I am not sure why they wanted to monetize the showers – since I have never seen that before. But what was worse is that when I reserved the shower – there was no mention of the fee. That said – for the good of my readers – I bit the bullet and took a shower. And it was wonderful.

To the left of the luminescence rooms is the buffet and adjacent seating area. The buffet is huge! Sandwiches, chicken curry salad, rice, quinoa, a chicken sausage dish, salad fixings, fruits, desserts and more. The highlight is the “Action Station” which operates evenings from 5 to 8 PM. Choices from this live cooking station were: Seafood Cioppino (clams, scallops, and mussels in a broth with a piece of sourdough bread); Roasted Eggplant; and a Sourdough Pretzel. I had the pretzel. Past the buffet was the large beverage station. There is another beverage station behind and facing the main dining area.

The large seating area by the buffet consisted of a series of tables – some very large and some smaller. This section is bracketed by a lot of greenery. Kudos to the very cool lit ceiling above the dining room. Just past the dining area are a series of private rooms and a family room for larger groups.

To the left of the main dining area is the stylish bar an adjacent seating area. You can order drinks from your phone and have them brought to your seat (again via QR code). Interestingly, you cannot order food to your seat. I loved the variety of seating in the bar area. Thanks to a neighbor for letting take a picture of his cocktail.

Outlets were everywhere – charging up will not be a problem! Internet service was speedy. The staff seemed super helpful and enthusiastic, cleaning, restocking, and engaging customers. Personally, I have seen that when a new beautiful lounge opens, the staff seems (at least at first) to enjoy themselves.

The wrap

…The details. Date – April 26, 2025. Rating: Very awesome! Access: Priority Pass

..What I like: The décor, the food “action station”, the staff

..What I don’t like: The shower fee

Also on BoardingArea
View from the Wing
Confirmed: No New Delta SkyMiles Status Hurdles In 2026—‘$35K To Diamond’ Plan Not Returning
Delta SkyMiles members are breathing a sigh of relief because the airline just confirmed that they will not change the requirements for earning elite status in 2026. The Atlanta-based carrier announced huge changes two years ago that would have meant a requirement to spend $35,000 qualifying dollars to hit Diamond status...
Your Mileage May Vary
Priority Pass Access: Aruba Airport’s VIP Lounge
When flying out of Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport, I had the chance to stop into the VIP Lounge near Gate 8. My visit was short, but long enough to see what the lounge offers and snap some photos. Entrance Rules The Aruba Airport has 2 VIP Lounges (located near Gate 2...
The Bulkhead Seat
United Airlines Confirms that Greenland Will See More Flights in Summer 2026
In October 2024, United Airlines announced some far-flung destinations. One of those was Greenland’s Nuuk Airport (GOH). Flights began on June 14th from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The route ends for the season on September 23rd, but the good news is that it’s coming back next summer. United’s Senior Vice...
The Bulkhead Seat
Southwest Airlines Adds New EVA Air Interline Agreement
Southwest Airlines has had a turbulent start to 2025, but the carrier continues to expand its international partnerships. Just months after signing deals with Icelandair and China Airlines, Southwest today announced a new interline agreement with Taiwan-based EVA Air. Beginning today, August 25th, travelers can book single-ticket itineraries that combine EVA...
Frequent Miler
Get temporary Southwest Companion Pass with one round trip flight (Book 8/25-8/28)
Southwest Airlines has brought back its popular temporary Companion Pass offer whereby you can book a qualifying round trip or two one-way flights between 8/25/25 and 8/28/25, travel by 11/15, and earn a temporary companion pass that’s valid from 1/6-3/6/26.   The Deal Southwest Airlines is offering a promotion to earn a temporary...
Monkey Miles
Citi adds more cards that can transfer to American Airlines Advantage
Citi has added a few more cards that have the ability to transfer to American Airlines now albeit at a lower rate. Citi Thank You Preferred® Citi Strata SM Citi Double Cash® Citi Custom Cash® Pretty cool to see that Citi Double Cash is listed. Meaning if you carried this...
ATX Jetsetter
Act Fast: Southwest is Back With Another Companion Pass Promotion
Southwest Airlines is once again offering passengers the opportunity to snag a promotional Companion Pass. This is the third promotional companion pass offer we’ve seen in 2025 with the airline previously offering them in February and June. How to Earn a Promotional Companion Pass Southwest Airlines sent an email to customers...
Eye of the Flyer
Delta Will Not Raise MQD Levels for 2027 Medallion Year! (#KeepClimbing!)
I expected Delta Air Lines to raise the Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) thresholds to qualify for 2027 SkyMiles Medallion elite status. I’m delighted to tell you that I was wrong! A Delta spokesperson confirmed to me today that MQD levels are staying put for the 2027 year: Silver: $5,000 Gold:...
The Bulkhead Seat
Delta SkyMiles MQD Thresholds are Remaining the Same for 2027 Medallion Status
Delta Air Lines announced today that the thresholds needed to qualify for Medallion status in 2027 are not going to change. This is great news for those who have been fearing that Delta would jack up the already high levels to attain elite status with the airline. Delta currently requires: Silver Medallion:...
View from the Wing
Flight Attendant On American Airlines Flight Breaks Policy To Wear Forbidden Palestinian Flag Pin
A flight attendant on American Airlines flight 4907 from Aspen to Dallas was photographed by a passenger while wearing a Palestinian flag pin. This is quickly spreading across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Reddit. Hamas did not just murder Jews on October 7, they took Americans hostages as well. Short...
Your Mileage May Vary
The Different Ways Airlines Decide Who Gets Bumped
Years ago, I worked for a non-profit organization that, among other things, used the skills of volunteers to do activities in the community. Part of my job was gathering these volunteers, so over the years I got a decent handle on what percentage of people who said they would show...
Points With a Crew
Kickstarter – Gravix 4-in-1 Power Bank
I often see interesting travel related products that I think you guys might be interested in.  We’ve talked recently we talked about Gravel Toiletry Bags and blankets, the Evolutionary travel backpack, the RetraStrap luggage strap and the Uphold travel cutlery set, among others. Travel related Kickstarters: Radiant II Sling Bag ($188,448 funded;...
Frequent Miler
Singapore Krisflyer now offering award chart for Scoot
Award Wallet recently reported that Singapore Airlines is now publishing an award chart for Scoot, a low-cost carrier that is a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines. While many Scoot routes can be purchased at relatively low prices, some of the mileage values can be very good if you don’t mind the...
Economy Class & Beyond
Japan Airlines adds additional capacity for International and Domestic routes 
Japan Airlines is adding extra capacity for the winter timetable, with some routes getting some useful capacity changes. Let’s dive in For those heading between Tokyo-Narita and Melbourne (Australia), there’s good news as the service will see an uplift from three flights a week to a daily service. Meanwhile, the ...
One Mile at a Time
Southwest Airlines & EVA Air Launch Partnership: What Are The Implications?
Southwest Airlines is currently undergoing a major transformation, which includes charging for checked bags, introducing assigned and extra legroom seating, etc. It goes beyond that, though, as Southwest is also increasingly launching airline partnerships.Earlier this year, we saw Southwest launch its first partnership with Icelandair, and the expectation is that...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Overlander Falls in Canada is Ideal For a Quick Tranquil Break
When one is enveloped by an abundance of extraordinary natural beauty in the Rocky Mountains of Canada, overlooking sites which would otherwise be worthy of a visit in many other places is not uncommon... ...so after staying overnight at Mount Robson Lodge and hiking 21 kilometers round trip on Berg Lake...
PointsMath
Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Miles Modest Devaluation Starting 1st November 2025
Singapore Airlines Krisflyer is a popular frequent flyer program among us for varied reasons. The Krisflyer miles are easier to earn thanks to several earning and transfer partners. At the same time, the good redemption options for premium cabins and the Spontaneous Escapes make it one of the most sought-after...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Best Western Rewards: Earn 2,500 bonus points per night this fall (Book by Aug 31)
Best Western Rewards has come out with their typical “short booking window” bonus points offers that bridges the gap between their primary member offers. The great thing is this offer can be stacked with their upcoming fall promotion of earning 2x points on all stays!  This offer provides 2,500 bonus...
Your Mileage May Vary
The Trick Frequent Flyers Use When Taking Rideshares to JFK
If you’ve ever booked a rideshare to JFK, you’ve seen how the app asks you to pick an airline or terminal. Most people just tap the right one and get dropped off where they’re flying from. Easy enough, right? But here’s the thing: dropping off right at the terminal isn’t always...
View from the Wing
Citi Strata Elite: Instant Approval And $2,400 First Year Value, Readers Confirm Success
Valuing the points at 1.5 cents apiece and realizing the hotel credit and splurge credits twice in the first cardmember year (because the benefits are timed to calendar year) that's at least $2,400 in year one value... without putting a price on the Admirals Club passes or Priority Pass benefit. Continue...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Best Western Rewards Fall Promo: Earn 2x points on all stays worldwide
Best Western Rewards has brought back their 2x points on all stays Worldwide for the fall! It’s nice to see them offer one singular global promotion again. This is only the second time that they have done a global promo like this! The 2x Rewards Points offer: Earn 2x Rewards...
Travel Points Playbook
4 Days Only: Southwest Promotional Companion Pass Offer
Southwest is out with another offer this week to earn a promotional Companion Pass good from January 6th…
One Mile at a Time
Intra-Europe Business Class: Why Aren’t The Seats Different?
In a previous post, I compared short haul business class in Europe vs. the United States. Within Europe, you’ll typically find that short haul business class simply consists of economy seats with a blocked adjacent seat, plus priority services and improved inflight service. Often when people fly business class within Europe...
The Bulkhead Seat
Promo: Delta Brings Back 12Status and Free Miles for Seattle Seahawks Fans
Football is back. As players prepare to take the field, fans across Washington are gearing up for another season of cheering on the Seattle Seahawks. For the ninth consecutive year, Delta Air Lines is bringing back its fan-favorite 12Status program. This promo rewards Seahawks fans with free SkyMiles tied directly...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

Our Bloggers