Review: United Club at San Francisco Int’l Airport (SFO), Terminal 3, E Gates

by Adam Stuart | August 2, 2025 | 1 Comment

United’s smaller overflow club at SFO sports the mid-2010s design

A satisfactory lounge that is highlighted by large windows that face the tarmac, a decent buffet, and plenty of places to plug in to get work done.

The summary

This rather small (for a hub lounge) is located by the entry to the E concourse in Terminal 3. The entry is clearly marked. Given the size of the SFO hub, there was a short line to get it. I was shocked by the sign directing folks to the Maple Leaf Lounge. To the right of the reception desk was a couple of nice looking chairs, a small infused water station, and some trail mix.

From there, guests enter the main room. Frequent travelers will recognize the design: beiges, faux white marble, clean lines, etc. Hi-top counters line two of the walls, beige seating occupies the center of the room, and the bar is on the far right. One of the hi-top counters is backed by a large photograph of a vintage United plane – a common feature in this iteration of United Clubs. I did like the interesting lighting fixture above the one sofa. I actually find the bar rather nice, mainly because it fronts a glass wall, allowing in plenty of light. There is a charge for premium drinks as per usual. Frequent United travelers with notice the familiar chandeliers over the bar.

Behind the main room is a second room, which houses the buffet. The buffet is identical to what I saw the previous day in the G gates lounge: A cooked taco station, minestrone soup, tarragon chicken salad sandwiches, a spinach-feta-tomato wrap, cheeses, fruit, sales, cookies and lemon bars. I found it odd that there were no dining tables in the room. Guests has to mainly have the plates on side tables or on their laps. The few tables were in the first room

Next to the buffet was the beverage station, with the typical soda machine, coffee and teas.

As in all United Clubs, the internet worked very fast. The staff worked hard to keep this crowded club clean. However, the acoustics in this lounge were not good. Voices from the reception desk area seemed very loud and seeped into the main room. This lounge covers the basics, but I would not go out of my way to spend any time here.

The wrap:

The details. Date – June 23, 2025. Rating: Gets the job done. Access: United club member

What I like: The windows, outlet availability, decent buffet

What I don’t like: The noise from the reception area and the lack of tables in the dining area.

Also on BoardingArea
Your Mileage May Vary
Starbucks Has a New Secret Drink Inspired by a Delta In-Flight Favorite
You’ve got to hand it to Starbucks. They took something that started as an internet rumor and turned it into an actual marketing strategy. For years, “secret menu” drinks were…
Frequent Miler
Current Amex Offers
This post is designed to show current Amex Offers. If you have any Amex cards, even authorized user cards, then you’re eligible to sign up for offers when you log into your Amex account. If you’re planning to shop or book travel, check this page to see if an Amex...
One Mile at a Time
Citi AAdvantage Globe Card 90K Bonus Miles Limited Time Offer
Link: Learn more about the Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard
View from the Wing
Government Shutdown Forces TSA To Suspend Delta Air Lines Business Class Security Lanes at JFK and LAX
The government shutdown is now hitting premium travelers. TSA has suspended Delta Air Lines’ private business-class security lanes at JFK and LAX as unpaid screeners thin out, limiting access even for Delta One flyers. Continue reading Government Shutdown Forces TSA To Suspend Delta Air Lines Business Class Security Lanes at JFK...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Air France KLM Flying Blue: Earn up to 35,000 bonus miles on flights out of Mexico & 10,000 miles out of Brazil
Hot on the heels of our post yesterday covering the new up to 35,000 bonus miles offer on Air France and KLM flights out of Canada and the U.S. we have uncovered a bonus offer for travellers out of Mexico and a targeted bonus offer for those flying out of...
Points With a Crew
Kickstarter: NOMADE 58 Daily Travel Hoodie (Back By Thursday)
The NOMADE 58 travel hoodie has 28 smart pockets with 58 built-in solutions. It's on Kickstarter, but only for a few more ...
Your Mileage May Vary
Pacific NW Airport Takes Next Steps Towards Building Another Terminal
Air travel continues to grow. Airports do what they can to have as many flights as possible, in order to keep up with the flow of passengers who want to…
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Frequent Flyers Warned to Pay Attention to Flight Numbers As Major Change Takes Effect
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines frequent flyers have been warned to pay extra attention to their flight numbers in the coming weeks after the two carriers started operating under the same operating certificate. Under the control of the Alaska Airlines Group following a $1.9 billion merger that cleared the last...
Frequent Miler
Avianca LifeMiles on sale with a 165% Bonus (1.25 cents each)
Update 10/29/25: This sale has been extended to October 30. ~ Avianca has another bonus available on LifeMiles purchases; this time it’s up to a maximum of 165%. That brings the cost per mile down to 1.25 cents, which is just below our reasonable redemption value for LifeMiles of 1.3...
One Mile at a Time
The World Of One&Only Resorts: Unique Collection Of One-Off Properties
In recent times, Ive been writing a series about some of the worlds small luxury hotel groups, including Airelles, Aman, BVLGARI, Cheval Blanc, Oetker, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, etc. One brand that I haven’t covered much is One&Only Resorts.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
As Low as $316.70 to India With Air India
From the United States, you can pay as low as $316.70 to India with Air India, which is offering deals that are worthy of your consideration for seats in the economy class cabin aboard airplanes operated by Air India for one way transatlantic flights — and return itineraries are available...
The Bulkhead Seat
Alaska Airlines Website and App Down Due to Microsoft Azure Outage
Alaska Airlines is having a busy day. Earlier today, I wrote about how its… The post Alaska Airlines Website and App Down Due to Microsoft Azure Outage appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
View from the Wing
You Can Get 75% Back Booking Hotels—But If You Miss the Hidden 100% Markup, You’ll Lose It All
Rove’s 75% hotel rebates are buzzworthy. But I finally understand how it's sometimes funded - one booking carried a 100 percent markup that wipes out your gains. Here’s what’s really going on—and how to spot when a “too-good-to-be-true” travel deal actually is. Continue reading You Can Get 75% Back Booking Hotels—But...
Monkey Miles
Amex Offers – Spend $1800 with Virgin Atlantic get $250 or 25k Membership Rewards
Triggering an Amex Offer is a great way to “earn back” your annual fee on purchases you’d make anyways. This one in particular is targeting Virgin Atlantic, specifically those who are booking more than $1800+ worth of tickets. You could trigger this on a single flight, or I’d guess if...
Your Mileage May Vary
Cash-Like Sign-Up Bonus: $250 Off Your Statement After $500 Spend
Seemingly every type of business has a co-branded credit card these days. But for a surprisingly long time, one of the largest theme park operators didn’t. That changed in 2024,…
Travel Points Playbook
Bilt – Venmo Partnership: Rewards for Mortgage Payments Coming in 2026
Bilt and Venmo were out with exciting news this week, announcing their partnership that will enable rent and… The post Bilt – Venmo Partnership: Rewards for Mortgage Payments Coming in 2026 appeared first on Travel Points Playbook.
Miles To Memories
Wells Fargo Adds New 1:1 Transfer Partner, JetBlue TrueBlue
Wells Fargo Rewards has added JetBlue’s TrueBlue loyalty program as its newest transfer partner. The post Wells Fargo Adds New 1:1 Transfer Partner, JetBlue TrueBlue appeared first on Miles to Memories.
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
October 29 Bonus Offer Highlight: Qatar Airways Privilege Club – Earn 2x Avios on Europcar car rentals
Today's bonus offer highlight is a great little bonus from Qatar Airways where you can 2x Avios on car rentals from Europcar. Check out all of the new bonuses added today: The post October 29 Bonus Offer Highlight: Qatar Airways Privilege Club – Earn 2x Avios on Europcar car rentals appeared...
Frequent Miler
Cambria/Radisson Blu Amex Offer giving $100 back on $300 spend
Hyatt Regency and Small Luxury Hotels of the World are two new hotel-related Amex Offers giving $100 back on $300 spend. There’s a third hotel Amex Offer requiring the same level of spend and giving the same statement credit, although it’s valid on two different hotel brands – Cambria and...
The Bulkhead Seat
Delta Celebrates 100 Days to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 with Team USA Livery
With just 100 days to go until the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano… The post Delta Celebrates 100 Days to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 with Team USA Livery appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
ATX Jetsetter
Alaska and Hawaiian Receive Single Operating Certificate
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have combined their brands under a single operating certificate as of October 29, 2025. The post Alaska and Hawaiian Receive Single Operating Certificate appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
The Bulkhead Seat
60-Minute Space Flights Between Tokyo and New York Are Reportedly Coming
A new era of ultra-fast intercontinental travel may soon be on the horizon. Nippon… The post 60-Minute Space Flights Between Tokyo and New York Are Reportedly Coming appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Miles To Memories
Earn 3,000 Bonus Points per Night at Hyatt Vacation Club Properties
Hyatt has launched a new promotion, offering bonus points for stays at at participating Hyatt Vacation Club properties. The post Earn 3,000 Bonus Points per Night at Hyatt Vacation Club Properties appeared first on Miles to Memories.
Economy Class & Beyond
Lufthansa rolls out food pre-ordering in all classes. Welcome “Culinary Journey”
Lufthansa Group has launched a new concept – “Culinary Journey” – the airline’s attempt at a personalised premium menu plan. Lufthansa Group’s new “Culinary Journey” allows guests flying with Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines to pre-order and enjoy their favourite meals and snacks. The “Culinary Journey” bundles all food and...

One thought on “Review: United Club at San Francisco Int’l Airport (SFO), Terminal 3, E Gates

  1. I visited this club in May 2025. Coming off a UA Polaris flight from Amsterdam and connecting to San Diego. By the time I made it to this location it was pretty full. There was a line to get in. What upset me the most and I made it known later is that they were allowing people to enter even though they KNEW there were no seats available anymore. Instead of just stopping entries they keep people coming in. So now there were about a dozen people standing in the lounge. WRONG. If it’s full it’s full and no entry. They had a sign up saying no day passes accepted today. I had access due to my Polaris ticket. I told the lobby agent and he just shrugged and said I could use his office area and directed me there. But there was already someone else he had let in (and presumably forgot about) so she could pump her breast. Imagine my and her surprise when I walked in.
    If the club is full just stop the entrance of more people.
    Otherwise the club is a typical domestic renovated/new Club offering the usual things one would expect.

Leave a Reply

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

Categories

Our Bloggers