Lounge Review: American Airlines San Francisco (SFO) Admirals Club Lounge
Main lounge area at the San Francisco American Airlines Admirals Club.
NOTEWORTHY DETAILS
Located at terminal 1 near gate B13
Open daily from 4:30am to 11:30pm, bar open from 6:00am.
Improved variety of food and drinks
Light-filled and contemporary open-plan lounge.
Dedicated rooms for kids to play and watch TV.
Quiet and private zone with comfortable reclined lounges - perfect for a quick nap or relax.
San Francisco airport (SFO) in my experience over the last few years has always been a pleasure to transit through. The concourses are massive, both in width and height, security and immigration has always been efficient and the facilities always clean and well functioning.
SFO as at June 2024 completed the final stage of a $2.5 billion USD renovation at Harvey Milk T1, and I think many similarly sized airports could take a leaf out of the book of this development as a basis for renovations or new builds elsewhere. All this has been achieved with a focus on sustainable building practices, with some very interesting information available here.
As part of my travel through SFO I visited the reasonably new American Airlines Admirals Club lounge, and despite the Admirals Club not being at the same standard as American Airlines Flagship lounges, this was still an excellent place to relax prior to my next journey.
Note that if travelling with American or Oneworld from T1, there is this Admirals club, and the Alaska Airlines lounges available, along with third party options. There is no American Airlines Flagship Lounge at SFO T1.
Please read on for my independent, detailed and personal review of SFO’s Admirals Club lounge.
Lounge Access and General Information
The Admirals Club is in Harvey Milk T1 near gate B13 as mentioned, as is easy to find from the concourse with signage guiding you easily through. It’s approximately a 3 minute walk after clearing through security. Access eligibility is a little tricky, though not as strict as Flagship lounge entry rules, it will still pay to make sure you meet entry requirements prior to heading here.
From Flying
On board American Airlines (AA) on Oneworld airline (plus AerLingus operated by American) in First or Business class flying internationally between the USA and; Asia, Australia/NZ, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Mexico, Middle-East and South America (with some exclusions).
Flying Flagship transcontinental between SFO and New York JFK.
International First flyers are permitted 1 guest arriving or departing on a Oneworld flight.
Through AAdvantage
Qualifying AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum Pro® and AAdvantage Platinum® members. This includes people flying on American, Oneworld and Aer Lingus operated by American.
Your flight must be between the USA and Asia, Australia, Canada, Caribbean, Central America, Europe,Mexico,Middle-East and South America.
International First flyers are permitted 1 guest arriving or departing on a Oneworld flight.
Oneworld alliance access
If you are departing, arriving on connecting on a same day flight and hold emerald or sapphire Oneworld status, you’ll be able to access if flying AA or any Oneworld airline, regardless of travel class.
1 guest (children over 2 count). Guests must be with the eligible customer on a departing or arriving oneworld® flight.
Guest Pass access
Can be purchased online for $79USD. Note access will be dependent on capacity constraints at your time of entry and your departing flight must be with American or Oneworld airlines.
Admirals Club Members
Includes annual and lifetime members, primary cardholders of the Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, ConciergeKey® members, and AirPass℠ members with access to the Admirals Club®.
Immediate family can be guested in, or up to 2 non-family guests flying on American or Oneworld airlines same day.
Please note American Airlines access rules can change and you may check up to date rules at the official website.
Lounge Atmosphere and layout
The space has abundant natural light with floor to ceiling glass lining the exterior of the lounge with a vista of aircraft at gates, the runway, and off into the distance. The mid-grey floor tiling combined with light timber paneling throughout, which is very common across lounges these days, creates a contemporary and calm feel.
Its quite a long lounge and somewhat narrow lounge, but very spacious. I think the lounge utilises its outdoor facing aspect very well, with seating located almost the entire length of the room.
Expansive views run the length of the Admirals Club, SFO.
A view towards the main bar and dining area of the lounge from near the entrance point. Note the seating facing the outwards view, which is very smart seating in my opinion.
After entering the lounge upstairs, or via the elevator, you can turn right to head toward the bar/dining area above, along with the bathrooms and help desk. The buffet is located here also.
The spacious bar and dining area, with abundant natural light throughout.
Note the window seating runs beyond the bar area - this is an often overlooked area to sit if you’re looking for a space close to dining, without the added noise and distractions. Also note that showers are available here.
If you head left from the entrance, you’ll find a spacious general lounge area featuring some TV’s and plenty of seating all with charging.
Additionally, some very clever aspects are some spaces for kids to play inside a glass room with gaming consoles and TV’s, so parents can see their kids - but without as much noise for the rest of the lounge.
Towards the opposite end of the lounge from the bar area. There is more seating than what’s shown here also, along with coffee machines, fresh water and snacks.
A kids room to keep the youngens entertained!
Following on with the noise reduction concept, there are multiple private rooms you can utilise for taking important business or personal calls without having people around you hear your conversation, and vice-versa.
Private phone rooms, another excellent idea.
A highly valued feature of this lounge however, is right towards the end of the lounge area heading left from the main entrance. There are 5 or 6 very comfortable reclined lounges with shear curtains and charging tables, facing away from the main lounge.
These are highly private spaces where you absolutely can get a quick nap or relax in before your next journey. This area is very quiet, comfortable and well thought-out.
Fantastic idea, and no doubt one thing all travelers value is having a quiet space to relax, particularly if you’ve had a longer journey or an early start.
Food and Beverage
There is both complimentary food and beverage, and premium paid menu offerings here at the Admirals Club, which is the standard offered across all American Airlines Admirals Clubs. The difference here though is the standard of complimentary food on offer here is actually of good quality.
Years ago, the food and drink offerings across Admirals Club’s was very poor - you’d have two drink tickets, beyond that everything was paid for. Food was limited to snacks, everything else had to be paid for. Thankfully the hospitality has vastly improved, and you can definitely have a quality meal here without having to pay for anything.
Firstly, when you walk in you’re presented with a person tending a cart, which, depending on the time of entry will be serving either avocado on toast, or corn chips with guacamole. This is made to order fresh, and is a great added offering from American.
There are multiple buffet options also, the empanadas were fresh and very tasty. There’s a variety of salad items, soups and desserts also.
Draught beers are available from the bar and are complimentary, along with some wines. As mentioned, premium food and drink options are available for purchase from the bar, but unless you really are craving something I don’t see the need.
I will say however, someone did order a pizza which looked excellent, and the waiter taking the order took personal pride in saying he makes the best pizzas - and he seemed to walk the walk!.
The Bottom Line
While this Admirals Club is not at the same standard as American Airlines Flagship lounges, this particular club is a wonderful place to spend time. I’m not sure if its just luck, but it’s always been quiet and not particularly busy when transiting through here.
The staff were very kind and always happy to help. I think the smart design of having dedicated phone and kids rooms contributes to maintain the calm feel in here, and the relaxing semi-private lounges are a huge plus.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps in your future travel plans!.
