Although EVA Airways belongs to Star Alliance, it departs from the International Terminal A gates, instead of the G gates. Unfortunately, that means the United Polaris Lounge is inaccessible, short of clearing security twice. EVA does provide a decent consolation prize, though, the Air France Lounge San Francisco. I generally find Air France’s business lounges pretty solid, and this one is no exception.
Note: this is part of my trip report series covering my around-the-world trip to Taiwan in January, 2024. Click here for the trip report index and introductory post.
Air France Lounge San Francisco
Location
In International Terminal A; turn left just past the security checkpoint.
Access
The following passengers may access the Air France Lounge:
- Air France Business Class passengers (Standard and Flex fares only)
- Air France La Première passengers (plus one guest)
- Flying Blue Gold, Platinum, and SkyTeam Elite Plus status card holders (plus one guest)
Note that although the Air France Lounge previously offered access to Priority Pass cardholders, that is no longer the case. Posted hours of operation are 10 am – 8:30 pm daily. However, the day I visited, I arrived a little after 9 am, and the lounge was already open.
Review
Date of visit: January 25, 2024
Air France recently refurbished this lounge, as it reopened in June, 2023 following an 8-month closure. The renovated lounge measures 6,080 square feet, with seats for 117 guests. If you visited the lounge prior to the renovation, it actually has 18 fewer seats. However, it’s roughly 1,000 square feet larger, so there’s more space per passenger. After entering the lounge, the vast majority of the lounge is to your left. The only seating to the right is a small area reserved for Flying Blue Ultimate members along the back wall. I was literally the only person in the lounge when I entered, with maybe a dozen when I left around 11:30.
First impressions: it’s remarkable how consistent Air France lounges are in terms of design. They feel very modern yet French chic, with the typical French flag colors furniture throughout. At just 7 months old, this lounge still felt brand new, and the expansion made it feel quite spacious. A variety of seating options are provided along the window, from couches, to traditional lounge seats, to swiveling recliners. There is also a common TV near the entrance, though it’s kept on low volume (thankfully).
In the center of the lounge is a large dining area, again with a variety of seating options.
The centerpiece, of course, is a 10-person communal dining table in front of the buffet. Large groups might enjoy this space, or if you fancy socializing with other guests over a meal.
Other smaller tables are found on either side of the larger table.
At one end of the dining area, closest to the entrance, are a couple of posters highlighting Air France destinations.
Continue towards the back, and you’ll find a second spacious room behind the dining area. This area features a long table the length of the room along the window. Note that if you want actual views out the window, you’ll want to choose the side seating, either on the table or in the window seats in the dining room. Although there are window seats in the back of the second room, they face an airport building with no view.
Speaking of which, after returning to my seat, I spied an Air India 777 heading to the runway.
There is another TV at the front of this room.
The center of this area features mostly traditional lounge seating, though there is a VERY high-backed booth seating as well.
As mentioned, the back wall here features some “fake” window seating. Yes, you can enjoy some sun if it isn’t foggy, but your view consists of an airport building.
At the very back of the lounge is a cool bar area. I think it vaguely resembles the bar in the La Première lounge in Paris, though without the dark mood lighting. The private La Première seating area offers direct access to the bar, if you’re lucky enough to be flying in First. (You can see the room to the right of the bar.)
One thing you probably did notice is the abundance of plugs throughout the lounge. No matter where you sit, each seating pair includes a table with both USB and 110v plugs.
Food & Beverage
The Air France Lounge San Francisco food and beverage selection is a high point, with pretty decent French cuisine. Moving back to the main seating/dining area, the buffet is behind the dining table. Technically, the lounge isn’t open for breakfast, and so I found the selection a little heavy for 9:30 am. Nevertheless, I found the offerings of good quality, and had my fill of delicious breads, cold cuts, and French butter and cheeses. As a bread and cheese lover, I certainly found this more than acceptable.
The lunch selection included both hot and cold items. Cold items included three different salads, while hot items included soup, beef, fish, grilled vegetables, and croque monsieur sandwiches. I did try a croque monsieur closer to lunch time, and it was quite tasty.
Next to the buffet is a selection of French wines, along with a coffee machine. If there’s one missed opportunity here, it’s the lack of hand-made coffee. The rest of the lounge feels pretty high-end, so that would feel more fitting. Also next to the coffee machine is a tap with still and sparkling water, and a drinks refrigerator with soft drinks and juices.
Air France Lounge San Francisco – Final Thoughts
While I intended to lounge hop to the Priority Pass options in the A gates, I ended up staying in this lounge the entire time. Granted, an empty lounge certainly makes any lounge feel more premium than it actually is. But I do think this is a very good domestic Business Class lounge, with a stylish interior and quality food and beverage offerings. I’m curious to see if my opinion changes at peak times when the lounge is more crowded.
