Upon arrival at the international terminal I proceeded to check-in, where I queued in the Upper Class line. Both of the Upper Class agents were helping others, so an agent from the economy line called me over, which I appreciated. Check-in was prompt and I was given my boarding pass and lounge invitation for the…
Continue reading: Five Star Virgin: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse San Francisco
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Have you ever checked out the Museum and Library next to the entrance to The Clubhouse? Currently there is a great display of PanAm "artifacts". Be sure to wander through the Library in the upstairs part of the Museum.
It seems strange, to me, that the lounge is located landside. I always prefer to clear the lottery of security before settling down.
I want some of that that lovely cobbler. Mmmmm...almost as delicious as this trip report? 😉
The new Canon S95 is doing its job really well. BTW-I think the "bartenders" at the IAD RCC are outsourced from some generic airport personnel company. Which might explain their "skills" and attitude (although some can smile).
Wow, who else can access the lounge other than VS pax ? Since VX is moving to T2 in a few weeks, so even paying cannot even get inside the lounge, am I right ?
Is tipping required in the lounges where you are served a sit down meal? I'm going utilize my first class privileges in BA Concord lounge in a couple of months. What about if you visit the complimentary spa facilities?
@ jmd001 -- I don't think I've actually ever been. I'll be sure to check it out next time I'm at SFO and have time.
@ Colin -- It was very, very good.
@ Biggles209 -- Totally agree, it's pretty frustrating, but then again it's a great lounge, so I'm not complaining too much. The difference between the Clubhouse and the BA Terraces lounge that's airside is truly night and day.
@ 1K -- It was easily one of the best desserts I've had.
@ JetAway -- Right, they're definitely outsourced, though that's no excuse for their general disdain for customers, IMO. Thanks for the kind words on the pictures, have been quite happy with it.
@ ordogg -- Yes, just one flight a day.
@ ORDnHKG -- As far as I know, no other airline uses the lounge, which is surprising to me. Seems awfully expensive to keep a lounge like this open for just one flight. While Virgin America passengers can buy passes now, no clue what will happen with the terminal change. I mean, technically the lounge is landside so is still accessible in theory, but it's rather inconvenient.
@ N -- While some people will, absolutely, positively not required. I don't remember the last time I've tipped at an airport, possibly with the exception of the Thai Airways first class spa in Bangkok. While tipping isn't required there either, they do offer hour-long complimentary massages that are amazing, and I know $5 goes a VERY long way for the people working there, and it's certainly worth it to me for an hour-long massage.
"it’s tough to get good help nowadays in the US". Seriously? You're going to go down that road?
i do tip when i get a facial or massage at the elemis spa in london - probably should have tipped at the TG F lounge in BKK but neglected to - i was sad to learn that the LH F lounge at FRA, which is quite wonderful in several ways, does not offer free spa services!
So how does this lounge compare to the Virgin lounge in IAD? FYI, that's the lounge Qatar Airways passengers use when they fly out of there...
Did you go through separate security for Upper Class like @ LHR?
I've been to the LHR Clubhouse 8 or more times and the experience is always a highlight of my trip.
@ Backdoc -- There's a premium security line shared by all airlines, which isn't quite as "special" as the Virgin Atlantic one at Heathrow.
At JFK, TAM First Class pax have access to Virgin´s Atlantic Clubhouse. And that´s one of the nicest lounges I´ve been to.
In the Virgin Clubhouse @ SFO, do they also provide spa treatments, haircuts, showers etc? It's not fully clear on their own website.
@ Kailash -- No, they don't have a spa there, but it's a nice lounge otherwise.
Thanks for the quick response. I guess I have to pay for my haircut to get it to look like Richard Bransons 🙂
I'll be arriving at SFO via VS Upper Class (Delta codeshare); would I be eligible to visit this lounge upon my return, or just on the outbound? And even if both... would the Delta or Centurion lounges be a better bet on the return?