- Introduction: Birthday In The Seychelles
- The Club At SJC Review
- Review: British Airways First Class 787 San Jose To London
- Review: British Airways Concorde Room London Heathrow Airport
- Review: Park Hyatt Paris Vendome
- Review: Etihad Lounge Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport
- Review: Etihad Business Class A330 Paris To Seychelles
- Review: Four Seasons Seychelles
- Flying To Desroches Island
- Review: Four Seasons Desroches Island
- Review: Air Seychelles Lounge Mahe Airport Seychelles
- Review: Turkish Business Class A330 Seychelles To Istanbul
- Review: Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul Airport
- Review: Turkish Airlines Business Class 777 Istanbul To Los Angeles
I had plenty of time at San Jose Airport, given that I arrived at the airport at around 3PM off my connecting flight, and my flight to London was only shortly after 8PM.
I’m not sure I’ve ever been to San Jose Airport, though I was impressed by the terminal. It’s airy and modern. The one downside is that all the gates are along a single corridor, so walking from one end of the terminal to the other (as I was doing) was quite a haul, and there were no moving sidewalks. Most people aren’t making such connections in San Jose, since most people are connecting onto and off of the same airline, with gates near one another.
San Jose Airport terminal
San Jose Airport has just one lounge — The Club at SJC — and I knew that was located near gate 15, so that’s where I headed. As I arrived at the lounge, the Lufthansa flight to Frankfurt was just in the final stages of boarding. Nick has reviewed The Club at SJC before, so I’ll keep my review fairly short.
San Jose Airport terminal
The Club at SJC is located one level up from the main concourse, and you can access it either by stairs or elevator.
The Club at SJC exterior
The Club at SJC entrance
The Club at SJC elevator
The lounge is open daily from 5AM until 10PM. In addition to being a Priority Pass lounge, it also serves premium passengers on all the longhaul flights out of the airport, including on Air China, ANA, British Airways, Hainan, and Lufthansa.
The Club at SJC signage
The following are some of the popular premium US credit cards that come with Priority Pass memberships (along with their respective guesting privileges):
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
At reception I was welcomed by a friendly representative who familiarized me with the lounge’s facilities after I indicated it was my first visit.
The Club at SJC entryway
“The Club” has a few locations at US airports, and in general they haven’t impressed me much. This was by far the nicest one I’ve been to. I suspect that’s because several international airlines use the lounge, which means that they probably require the lounge to offer better food and drinks for their passengers.
The lounge has two main seating areas. Inside the entrance and to the left is the smaller of two rooms, which has chairs arranged in rows facing one another, as well as a few dining tables, and then also a communal workstation.
The Club at SJC seating
The Club at SJC seating
The Club at SJC seating
This area of the lounge has views in the direction of the gates and runway, though unfortunately you end up seeing more of the airport’s roof than anything. Still, there was a good amount of natural light, and it was a sunny day.
The Club at SJC view
Then the larger room of the lounge was inside the entrance and to the right. A majority of that consisted of a seating area with rows of chairs facing one another, with some TVs on the wall.
The Club at SJC seating
There was also a small business center with two PCs and a printer.
The Club at SJC business center
Then there was the buffet area, which had more tables as well as some high-top seating.
The Club at SJC bar area
The Club at SJC bar area
There was a selection of beer and wine on display in the lounge, as well as bottled water.
San Jose Airport Lounge wine & bottled water
There was a sign asking guests to take just one bottle of water. On one hand that seems really cheap, since these cost maybe 15 cents each. On the other hand, people are ridiculous, and I could totally see people pocketing a dozen of these. I guess I just appreciate that they have bottles of water at all, because most airline lounges don’t.
San Jose Airport Lounge bottled water
Next to the bar was a self serve drink area, which had a Coca-Cola soda fountain, and then one of those damn coffee machines that I’m not intelligent enough to operate.
San Jose Airport Lounge drinks
San Jose Airport Lounge soda fountain
San Jose Airport Lounge coffee machine
To the side of that was the buffet area. While not an impressive food spread for an international premium cabin lounge, I thought the selection was impressive for a Priority Pass lounge, and even superior to what you’d find in most US airline lounges.
San Jose Airport Lounge buffet
There was a selection of veggies, two types of pasta salads, hummus, pita bread, olives, cheese and crackers, finger sandwiches, popcorn, trail mix, pretzels, and jelly beans.
San Jose Airport Lounge buffet
San Jose Airport Lounge buffet
San Jose Airport Lounge buffet
San Jose Airport Lounge buffet
San Jose Airport Lounge buffet
San Jose Airport Lounge buffet
Then there were a variety of packaged snacks, including granola bars, cookies, chips, and ramen noodles.
San Jose Airport Lounge buffet
San Jose Airport Lounge buffet
I spent most of my layover connected to the (fast) Wi-Fi, and then ran into a friend, so that made the layover pass by quickly.
The one other thing I’d note about my stay in the lounge is that there was this ridiculously adorable older couple seated across from me. Sometimes observing other people makes me cringe, while in this case it put the biggest smile on my face. I’ve never seen anyone so thrilled with a contract lounge.
“Mort, this wine is so good. Have you tried this wine? You should try it.”
“The cheese… this is incredible! I’m going to have to go back for a second plate.”
“Mort, I got us some of each of the popcorns. You have to try all of them. Can you believe they have dill pepper flavored popcorn?”
“I need to find out what this merlot is, it’s so good.”
All the while Mort was using voice to text, and ended every text with “xx.” Then the lady decided to download an audio book to her iPad. She started to listen to it, but then every 30 seconds it would stop. This puzzled her, so then Mort provided tech support to figure it out. He couldn’t figure it out either. When you’re eavesdropping I’m not sure what the correct protocol is about providing useful advice, so I didn’t tell her that it probably just hadn’t downloaded yet.
Mainly watching them was such a joy because they were just so kind to one another, talking to one another constantly, and seemed genuinely happen. I hope I can be half as cool as them in 50 years.
The lounge also had a couple of shower rooms, though I didn’t have the chance to check them out. As boarding time approached the lounge filled up with British Airways passengers, as it was otherwise pretty quiet.
Boarding for my flight was scheduled for 7:25PM, so I headed to my departure gate (#18) at around 7PM.
British Airways departure gate San Jose Airport
I didn’t yet have a boarding pass, so I approached the agent and asked for one. I know gate agents have really hard jobs, but all too often I find they don’t have great attitudes (which isn’t surprising, because what kind of talent can you really retain with such a high pressure and low paying job?). Don’t get me wrong, I think if I were a gate agent I’d probably get a bad attitude quickly as well, given the time pressure they’re under, that they’re asked the same questions over and over, etc.
The British Airways gate agent working this flight was the most delightfully bubbly gate agent I’ve ever seen. Not just to me, but also to all the other people, including those asking really dumb questions. She had a big smile on her face as she helped everyone, took her time to share complete info, and was just generally delightful. What an asset she is for British Airways.
With my boarding pass in hand, I spent a bit of time observing the beautiful 787 that would be taking me to London. The 787 looks gorgeous in British Airways’ livery, in my opinion.
British Airways 787 San Jose Airport
British Airways 787-9 San Jose Airport
Even though boarding was scheduled for 7:25PM, the crew only showed up at 7:35PM. It amazes me how often crews show up late. I know it’s not their fault (it comes down to the scheduled pick-up time, traffic, etc.), but I’ve had three flights in the past few weeks that were late due to crews arriving late (and it wasn’t because they were coming from another flight).
Based on what I observed, the captain had his young son along on the trip, and arrived to a surprise when he found out the flight was completely full. The flight was wide open before, but apparently the Oakland flight that day had canceled, and they transferred over nearly 100 passengers from that flight. So I’m not sure how it ended, though I suspect they found his son a seat somehow, or else we may have had a canceled flight as well. 😉
At 7:45PM boarding started. First pre-boards were allowed onboard (which there dozens of them), and then first class and oneworld Emerald passengers were invited to board.
British Airways departure gate San Jose Airport
The Club at SJC bottom line
While not the world’s greatest lounge, The Club at SJC exceeded my expectations, at least compared to the other “The Club” locations I’ve been to. The lounge was spacious and had plenty of natural light, and had a significantly better food selection than its sister lounges. Clearly that’s due to the number of international airlines using the lounge for their premium cabin passengers. Priority Pass members benefit from that, since it’s not like they restrict the food to only certain guests.
So while I wouldn’t make a point of arriving early to spend time in the lounge, it’s a nice place to pass time. I’ve heard The Club at SJC regarded as one of the best airport lounges in the US, and while I wouldn’t give it perfect reviews, I can see why it’s well-liked.
The following links will direct you to the rates and fees for mentioned American Express Cards. These include: The Business Platinum® Card from American Express (Rates & Fees), and The Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees).
Sat in this lounge now for the second time this month, and the food is an absolute disgrace, cold pasta salad, again, cheese with no fresh bread, just cheap crackers, a macaroni cheese with terribly thin sauce and a vegetable soup. Again, a couple of different small cut up wraps if u like that sort of thing, with chicken in one I think, again. Don't expect chicken legs, strips of sirloin or anything else with...
Sat in this lounge now for the second time this month, and the food is an absolute disgrace, cold pasta salad, again, cheese with no fresh bread, just cheap crackers, a macaroni cheese with terribly thin sauce and a vegetable soup. Again, a couple of different small cut up wraps if u like that sort of thing, with chicken in one I think, again. Don't expect chicken legs, strips of sirloin or anything else with meat in, this lounge is done on the cheap food wise, you'll get better on the plane. Staff are friendly enough but you have to wait a while to get served at the bar at times, particularly when cocktails are being ordered. I prefer to help myself to a bottle of beer or mix my own liquor. For one of the richest cities in the world this place, overall, is a joke!
I have been turned away 3 times when BA or other airlines were in. I wish I knew the hours this happens . Does anyone know this information?
@andrew SJC. Where is the news hat they will take over the former SJC Admirals Club near A7? Been trying to find his.
That would be great news and I assume they will finally decalcify that shower in the former club.
@AJ The terminals are connected airside.
I believe the club is in Terminal A, can you still access it if you are flying out from Terminal B?
First time traveller to SJC
I recently visited The Club at the Cincinnati (CVG) airport. Very similar spread. I was pleasantly surprised. The staff there was very friendly.
@bsp Always travel with some Immodium. Easy, fast fix. My husband loves ramen and was please to find it when we were waiting for our departure. This is our home airport and we were very pleased with this lounge. When we fly internationally from SFO, we have often found that no lounges were open while we waited for our departure.
I love sjc. Though the commute there is not a pleasant as sfo for me. Driving down 101s to sjc will give you road rage and caltrain is not great. But I frequently breeze through sjc especially on evening flights. In more than 1 occasion there were literally nobody in line through tsa. An average lounge is still good enough to me here.
@Ever I don't think it matters as long as you have a same day boarding pass, but I can't recall if I've ever tried. And it is certainly accessible on arrival.
Can I use this lounge on arrival?
I’m arriving really early and have a whole day to transfer to SFO. I would like to stop in for breakfast.
@ Ever -- If you have Priority Pass you can.
@Lucky, welcome to my home airport! I live basically equidistant between SFO, SJC & OAK. SFO is too big and has too many delays due to low ceiling given their bayfront location. OAK is too small. So you're in trouble when there are irrops. But SJC is just right. A long taxi at SJC is 3 minutes and there's usually a reroute if there is a problem (unless it's at your final, of course).
The...
@Lucky, welcome to my home airport! I live basically equidistant between SFO, SJC & OAK. SFO is too big and has too many delays due to low ceiling given their bayfront location. OAK is too small. So you're in trouble when there are irrops. But SJC is just right. A long taxi at SJC is 3 minutes and there's usually a reroute if there is a problem (unless it's at your final, of course).
The 'one bottle per person' sign in front of the water is new, but understandable. I often come in after a particular long haul leaves and only then do they bring out the water and packaged snacks because they have problems with people stuffing their bags with snacks. I'm not above walking out with a single pack of cookies for the plane. But I've been told people were leaving with dozens.
Is the Club at SJC the world's best lounge? No. But it does the trick and the food is better than many big 3 lounges. As @JetAgain says they have hot food at breakfast, including both American and Japanese selections.
I haven't run into the capacity issue. Maybe that's in the evenings? I usually fly in the morning or early afternoon.
My husband and I fly in and out of SJC about 5 times a year as we have grandchildren in the area. We are "regulars" at The Club although we usually only use it in the mornings. The hot breakfast is extremely good - scrambled eggs, bacon, etc. The pastries are passable. I'm glad to know that we aren't the only ones who are mystified by their coffee machine.
I have been to some...
My husband and I fly in and out of SJC about 5 times a year as we have grandchildren in the area. We are "regulars" at The Club although we usually only use it in the mornings. The hot breakfast is extremely good - scrambled eggs, bacon, etc. The pastries are passable. I'm glad to know that we aren't the only ones who are mystified by their coffee machine.
I have been to some better lounges but this one is still a pleasure. It is so much nicer than--for example--the United Lounge at SFO or the Air France Lounge at ORD.
There's only one shower there, but it's got great water pressure, which is very welcome after a few days of camping around Santa Cruz. They have big bottles of regular brand shampoo/conditioner and shower gel (e.g., head and shoulders, Dove, etc) too.
I was there last week and a couple was fulling flasks with alcohol...lol
It looks nice, like the nicest house in your childhood neighborhood, esp wrt the amount of packaged snacks and "healthy" fresh snack food
@Lucky I know I may be in the minority, but I think a post about airline employee travel policies & their families would be interesting. What's the protocol for a gate agent to deal with the situation you described above? How do the benefits vary by airline? etc.
@Donald， do not try the Ramen, I ended up being in restroom after eating it last time...
"Maruchan® Ramen Noodle Soup Mix with Chicken Flavor - 2.25oz" -- $0.29 at Target.
It must be important to travellers to Asia though...
It's the duty and responsibility of millennials to provide free , even unsolicited , advice to 'older' people on matters of technology. I'm quite shameless in asking for it , even from complete strangers, and pleased to say that the success rate to date is 100%. Most of them seem delighted to be asked and to be of help.
So no hot food except ramen you make yourself?
I couldn't help but notice the coffee machine and much of the food look identical to what I used at The Club at BWI. Admittedly though, the selection of food (and more importantly, the amount of space) appears to far exceed those at BWI, so I look forward to visiting this lounge at SJC next time. Thanks for the review, Lucky. I'll be sure to budget out extra time to make the long walk next time I'm at SJC (the only reason I've never been to the lounge yet).
a good enough lounge for me as it's my home airport lounge, although they do limit PP entrance during one the long haul flight departures and capacity is constrained. Many times I see people forming a between the desk and the elevator hallway waiting to get in.
btw, its not a few showers, its only one shower.
Outside of the Ramen, the food choices are exactly the same as the choices in the ATL Club Lounge.
They beef up their offerings for NH, BA and CA. And the hand crafted bloody marys are the best around. (Maybe best airport offering ever)
Good news for SJC, Club@ is opening a second location in the defunct Delta Sky Club in Terminal A. This will make the walk for A Term pax much nicer.
(Additionally SJC is expanding with 4 more gates while terminal C design begins)