Review: British Airways Lounge San Francisco Airport (SFO)

Interesting, how come EVA doesn't use the Polaris Lounge?

I know a lot of their late night departures depart after the UA Polaris is closed, but still, seems like the daytime flight would be fine to use it?

@ yoloswag420 -- Presumably it's because the Polaris Lounge is in Terminal G, while EVA departs from Terminal A. While all terminals are connected airside, it's potentially quite a hike.

I personally hate the British Airways USA lounges even this newer San Francisco ones. They are always crowded and the food is just underwhelming. I even rather go to Alaska lounge now. Yes the food is not as fancy but the view is better. It is more spacious and the staffs are nicer.

Ok that does make sense why they redirect their customers now, although I'd imagine they could still use the Polaris lounge.

I was still able to access it on a TAP ticket, during the SFO construction period, where A and G were not even connected airside. TAP had A gate departures and was using the China Airlines lounge.

@ yoloswag420 -- Indeed, you can use the Polaris Lounge without issue, and it's definitely the better option. Just requires knowing about it, and being willing to go out of your way.

I agree that most BA lounges in the US are not great, but have you been to the new BA lounge in SEA? It's very solid, especially if you're using it for the JAL departures in the midday, before all the BA pax arrive. Stays totally empty, great bar service and views.

Of the lounges I've been to at SFO, I'd say it's Polaris > Air France >> British airways > Amex >> Eva (back when it was open) > Virgin

Interestingly, upgrading to business class once you're past security is done at the lounge check in, rather than at the gate. Boarding BA flights straight from the lounge is a really nice perk, the waiting area at the gate is your standard run off the mill 20 year old seating and architecture.

Good order, except I would put AMEX Centurion right after Polaris. Yeah it gets crowded all the time, but it's a great lounge. Then the new Alaska T1 lounge after AMEX, and then The Club SFO after that. I really think The Club is better than Air France.

Flew TAP Portugal business last year. They also fly out of Concourse A. We got to the airport early enough to go enjoy the Polaris lounge for 45 minutes or so, leave G, walk across the international terminal check-in area, re-clear security in concourse A, and board our flight almost immediately. Having Pre-Check helps tremendously. My wife and I also did this with our two kids (2.5y and 4m at the time).

Even though all terminals and concourses are now connected airside, walking all the way around the airport would take much much longer than just re-clearing security (unless lines are really long). Probably 30 minutes for the walk all the way around walking fast; maybe longer with the T3-F construction.

Angus, you do not get direct boarding from the BA lounge if it is a BA flight operated by a A380, as a A380 cannot get to that side of the A gates. So you have to join the main scrum which is not fun.

For a 777 or 787 flight, you get direct access.

Flew BA Premium Economy in February. BA had OW Sapphire on my boarding pass even though my Alaska MVP Gold expired at the end of last year. Still decided to go to The Club lounge in T1 first. It was definitely the right decision. As you say Lucky, there isn't anything wrong with the BA lounge, but there's nothing spectacular either. Had a snack and a drink in The Club, then came to BA lounge just for another drink and direct boarding. Other than that boarding, best thing about BA lounge might be the local Bay Area beers.

Last time I used the BA SFO lounge was when I was connecting from PSP to LHR. The BA 777-200 flight was delayed and the lounge got really busy. At the upper reception entrance, I was asked if I wanted to switch to the earlier A380 (Which was also delayed). The first-class/emerald dining section felt extremely claustrophobic, with both A380 and 772 passengers. We did board directly from the gate onto an really ancient 777 ("Festival of Creativity" livery, with the new Club seats) Seats are new..but everything else seemed so battered and bruised. The flight was further delayed because if a faulty navigation light...apparently. Ended-up being a longggg , tiring journey!

I have to say my personal experience is that unless you have access to that F dining area, the BA lounge is pretty sad. The food is wholly unremarkable and the overall 2 small room atmosphere of the place seems a bit dull, at least the 2 times I've been there. I went to the Alaska Lounge instead, and that at least feels like a much more stylish, open air space where you're not crowded in with 30 other people looking at the same few food/drink offerings.

The lounge manager there is a big fan of wine. The wines used to be incredible (e.g., Chateau Margaux 2008, massive and exclusive collection of spirits), but last year BA forced major cutbacks (limiting bottles to $45 max). Unfortunately, it’s just not that premium anymore. The staff know it, but there isn’t much they can do.

Two words, Lounge sucks! Too many Indians and not enough ..... Staff delivers ordered food wrong 50 percent of the time.
Looks more like a cheap Buffet at a local Buffet restaurant.

Nice to finally see inside this lounge. Got denied when I tried last year. Was flying eligible oneworld (not BA) business class. Was denied by lounge agent. Cathay lounge was closed at the time but opened a few hours later (our Qatar flight was delayed 5 hours), the Cathay lounge was excellent.

The tables with the QR codes also have delivered burgers orderable from them which are the same as the ones in the F section.

The funniest part is the table thats next to the staff door tho.

I personally won't call that Chateau Margaux outright. Still a very good wine.

Didn't realize the cut back.
And they're still denying eligible GGL not flying BA. You would think with new qualifications they would make it more premium.

I like that selection of beers and ciders. Too many lounges only have one or two brands.

Always opt for Cathay Pacific Lounge instead when flying oneworld.

I used the CX lounge a few weeks ago. Didn't find it too impressive, though better than QR's one.

Never mind Pol Roger when there is a can of Boddingtons Pub Ale in the fridge. My favourite British beer - its awesome.

first class dining should address their bright/office lighting situation...would be a lot sleeker with warm light. Light up brightly just highlights a somewhat mid aesthetic.

SFO is circular. A and G are contiguous.

In my view this lounge at SFO is vastly superior to the much hyped new lounge at MIA, which has terrible small plate food and bartenders who have no idea what they’re doing. Also a lot of space is wasted at MIA due to trying to look trendy and different.