Review: United Club at San Francisco (SFO), F Gates:

…Elegant but past its prime

The flagship United Club at San Francisco International Airport sort of reminds me of the city it serves: it’s incredibly elegant but getting a bit shabby and could use a refresh. Nevertheless, so glad it did not fall victim to the 2010s United Club remodel. This lounge resembles no other in the network. Highlights include the magnificent entry hall, the largest business/work center I have seen in a lounge, and the wonderful nautically-themed models and pictures that adorn the lounge.

The summary

The large United Club at the F Gates in Terminal 3 at SFO is the primary lounge for domestic and connecting travelers at the airline’s large hub at the airport (unless the travelers have access to the Polaris Lounge). Given the importance of San Francisco to the airline, this lounge should be a showstopper for United. The airline is in the midst of a huge construction/modernization project to enhance the hub – improving the lounges I hope is on the menu.

That said, the entry is most impressive. After passing the elegant “San Francisco” lettering on entry, passengers walk down a hallway (with pictures of old San Francisco) to the reception desk. Once you credentials are approved, you arrive at the magnificent entry hall, with a beautiful clock and ceiling mural, marble floor, and model boats, the last of which celebrates the city’s nautical history. In addition, there is an attractive alcove just off the entry hall (love the blue chairs!).

At this point most passengers veer to the buffet, bar, and seating area to the left. I stayed right and came upon the very large business area, with multiple work stations and even private offices. I rarely see such a large work area – perfect for business travelers. The hallway leading to this area also had nautical-themed pictures. Several vintage United airplane photos (a common feature in United Clubs) also grace the business area.

After the business center, I turned left toward the bar but first came upon a small coffee bar, a water station, and a small buffet with crackers, cheese and cookies. Then I arrived at the bar. As usual, there is a charge for premium drinks. The bar is actually very understated and elegant. There are several tables in front of the bar for patrons to sit at.

Past the bar, you enter the main seating area. This section has large windows overlooking the tarmac. One thing I noticed was the presence of large cubicles for travelers to place their small luggage. This is a great idea since it prevents people tripping over carry-ons and clears up space by the tables.

I next arrived at the buffet. On the left was another coffee station and a soft drink machine. To the right was the buffet: salad fixings, sandwiches, crackers, cookies, and cheese. The highlight here was the noodle bar – given all the flights to Asia that makes sense. However, the food on offer pales in comparison to the new lounges in Newark, Denver and the C Concourse at O’Hare. Even a smaller United Club at the G gates in SFO had chicken alfredo! My guess is that since the lounge is older – the kitchen is not that big.

I turned back into the main seating area. It was not too exciting: some tables, sofas, and the blue egg chairs that I have seen in another United Clubs. I also came across some additional vintage airline photos.

It will be interesting to see what happens with this lounge as the United terminal is undergoing a major construction and renovation project. Let’s hope United keeps what makes this lounge so special – but significantly upgrades the lounge’s food and amenities.

The wrap

…The details. Date – April 26, 2025. Rating: Enjoyable. Access: United Club membership

..What I like: The entry hall, nautical theme, overall elegance, work center, cubicles for luggage

..What I don’t like: It’s dated, the lounge could benefit from showers, the buffet could be more substantial.