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Guide to accessing SFO airport lounges with Priority Pass

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    Quick insights

    • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has three lounges in the Priority Pass™ network.
    • Priority Pass membership allows travelers to access over 1,300 participating airport lounges worldwide.
    • Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardmembers are eligible for complimentary Priority Pass Select membership.

    Once in a while you may end up with a delayed flight, but at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), you may not even be mad about it. Not only does this airport have tons of ways to stay entertained, but it has multiple airport lounges in the Priority Pass network — a perfect respite from your travels.

    In this article, we'll share how to access the SFO lounges in the Priority Pass network.

    SFO Airport overview

    SFO is located 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco. To navigate the various terminals, you can take the AirTrain that runs 24/7 with stops at each terminal. If you're leaving the airport and heading downtown, you can use the BART station.

    If you'd like to explore the airport, there are many ways to pass the time. A museum features more than 60 pieces of art with rotating exhibits including paintings, sculptures and more. Enjoy live music? The airport pays homage to Bay Area legends such as Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin with live musical performances featuring local artists.

    And if that's not enough, SFO's famed Wag Brigade is available to offer some stress-reducing cuddles before your flight. This adorable group of over 20 dogs and a therapy pig named LiLou stroll the airport with the important job of cheering up weary passengers. A much needed rush of oxytocin before your flight!

    Does SFO have Priority Pass lounges?

    There are three lounges in the Priority Pass network at SFO, each of which are in International Terminal A. Here’s where you can find each one:

    • China Airlines Lounge: Turn left after security; near gate A1 on level four.
    • Golden Gate Lounge: Take the first left after security on level four; the lounge is on the right-hand side.
    • Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse: Turn left after security; take the elevator to level five.

    Amenities may vary between lounges, but typically include: Wi-Fi, snack and food options, non-alcoholic refreshments and alcoholic drinks. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse also offers a shower facility.

    Lounge access may be restricted at certain times of day based on capacity constraints. Guests are welcome for a maximum of three hours and children under two can enter for free.

    How to access Priority Pass lounges at SFO?

    There are several ways to access lounges in the Priority Pass network, including: purchasing a membership and enrolling in complimentary membership through certain travel credit cards.

    Purchase a membership

    When you sign up for a membership with Priority Pass, you can choose between three different annual plans to meet your travel needs. For example, if you want unlimited access to lounges without paying a fee per visit, consider the Prestige membership plan.

    In addition to airport lounge access, a Priority Pass membership also grants members additional airport and hotel benefits.

    Purchase a day pass

    Many airport lounges also offer day passes. This can be a great option for those who don’t travel often but want a quiet place to relax before a flight or during a layover.

    Visit the website of the lounge you plan to visit in advance to book a pass and reservation time.

    Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with Chase Sapphire Reserve

    Some travel credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, provide complimentary Priority Pass Select membership (annual credit card fees may apply).  This membership level is not available for purchase; it’s specifically for customers of a U.S. bank or financial institution.

    To activate your Priority Pass Select membership, log into Chase Ultimate Rewards®. After the one-time activation, you will receive your membership card. Or if you don’t already have a Chase Sapphire Reserve card, learn about its travel-related benefits.

    In summary

    Have a long layover at SFO? The airport is just 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, so you may have enough time to take an iconic cable car ride, get lunch in Chinatown or even pick up some souvenirs at Fisherman’s Wharf before heading back for your flight.

    If you’d rather spend time relaxing before boarding, there are three airport lounges in the Priority Pass network that offer a range of amenities.

    Discover other lounges in the Priority Pass network across the United States:

    This article contains the most up-to-date information at the time of publication. Details since publication are subject to change. Visit Priority Pass' official website for the most up-to-date benefits information.

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