Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
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The Maple Leaf Lounge San Francisco welcomes Air Canada Business class passengers, Maple Leaf Lounge members, and Air Canada Altitude Elite 35K members and above departing on any Star Alliance flight.
Terminal 2 (where Air Canada gates are located) and Terminal 3 (where United domestic gates are situated) are connected airside, offering interesting arbitrage opportunities. Specifically, United Premier Gold members can visit the Maple Leaf Lounge even while traveling within the US, even though they do not have access to the United Club lounges. In addition, United Club members can visit the Maple Leaf Lounge when flying with any Star Alliance carrier.
The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge SFO is located immediately after the Terminal 2 security checkpoint, on the left side, on the upper floor, a 2-3 minute walk from Air Canada’s boarding gates. Passengers coming from Terminal 3/Concourse E will find the club immediately after the hallway between Terminals 2 and 3.
The Maple Leaf Lounge features subway-style access gates—just scan your boarding pass and the gate will swing open.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – San Francisco, CA (SFO)
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge SFO design
Spanning 8,168 square feet (761 square meters), the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at San Francisco International airport occupies prime real estate on the upper level of Terminal 2. Interestingly, the space was initially slated to become an Alaska Airlines lounge, but the Seattle-based carrier ended up settling for a more modest outpost left vacant by American Airlines.
The Maple Leaf Lounge San Francisco features a modern and elegant design that celebrates the city by the bay with a Canadian flair. The homely décor incorporates the airline’s signature furnishings from Canada, such as natural wood coffee tables and luxurious marble finishes, while the prominent artwork collection adds a local touch. Of note are the two murals; one by San Amos Goldbaum depicting the San Francisco cityscape and coastline; the second blends Air Canada’s logo and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The L-shaped club features several areas with distinct vibes. Beyond the intimate lobby is a large seating area, flanked by a business center and two secluded rooms behind glass walls. The business center boasts an elegant bookcase displaying memorabilia inspired by Air Canada and the city of San Francisco. Three spacious, fully private individual workspaces welcome business travelers and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tabletop seating runs along the windows, offering additional options for laptop users.
Seating area at the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge San Francisco
The main seating area flows into the dining room, where visitors will find the bar, the buffet, and a variety of dining tables.
Further in the rear of the lounge, a striking wine wall delineates another seating area which is furnished with cozy armchairs and (somewhat uncomfortable) fixed seats along the walls.
Power outlets and USB-A ports are located at arm’s length throughout the lounge, but Air Canada has missed the opportunity to install more contemporary USB-C ports.
Deck-side seating area at the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge SFO
Deck-side seating area at the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge SFO
The lounge sports floor-to-ceiling windows and is bathed in daylight, though the main seating area overlooks the terminal roof and lacks tarmac views.
Yet, aviation lovers are in for a treat. The Air Canada Maple Lounge boasts San Francisco airport’s only open-air terrace within a lounge. The deck overlooks the tarmac and the control tower, and is exquisitely furnished with plush armchairs, rocking chairs, couches, a communal table, greenery, a rock garden, and firepits. In Canadian fashion, there are even blankets for those chilly nights. During the day, the Maple Leaf Lounge deck offers one of the best vantage points over the runways, while at dusk, the terrace turns cozy and intimate, with soft ambient music and mood lighting.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge San Francisco open-air terrace
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge San Francisco open-air terrace
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge SFO amenities
The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at San Francisco International airport features a complete array of international-grade amenities, with a wealth of options and services for short-haul and transcontinental travelers alike.
The food and beverage offerings are typical of Maple Leaf Lounges. Guests will find a variety of snacks, a salad bar, and a hot buffet. The menu rotates, but when we visited the spread included shrimp po boy, roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, enchiladas, and chicken and andouille gumbo, which were all filling and tasty. The dessert selection was the most underwhelming part, with cookies as the sole option. In any case, patrons will find plenty of choices for a full meal on the ground, with both healthy fare and comfort foods.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge SFO buffet area
The club has a soda fountain, which feels somewhat anachronistic when most modern airport lounges sport Coca-Cola Freestyle machines. Also, unlike at other Maple Leaf Lounge outposts, there is no self-service alcohol in San Francisco, but guests can choose from a variety of wines, beers, and cocktails at the bar. Many options are complimentary.
The Maple Leaf Lounge SFO also features barista service, a much-appreciated luxurious touch.
The bar at the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge San Francisco
Guests who wish to freshen up will find two spacious and accessible marble-clad shower suites stocked with posh Molton Brown bath and body products. The facilities are outfitted with a rain shower, a toilet, and a desginer sink. The bathrooms are equally gorgeous and are among the nicer facilities at San Francisco airport.
Other amenities include fast Wi-Fi, a printer/copier, and complimentary access to an online selection of newspapers and magazines.
The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge SFO has two elegant shower suites
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge SFO bottom line
The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at San Francisco International airport is a true gem. Featuring the airport’s only open-air deck within a lounge, a wealth of seating options, elegant shower suites, a generous hot buffet, and handcrafted coffee, the Maple Leaf Lounge is an excellent club all-around. The Maple Leaf Lounge is a breath of fresh air, literally—the deck is one of the most exciting features.
Air Canada essentially beats United Airlines on their own turf. The difference between the remarkably well-appointed Maple Leaf Lounge and the uninspired, cramped, and chronically crowded United Club in Concourse E a couple hundreds of yards away is striking.
Incidentally, the Maple Leaf Lounge welcomes most United elites as well as international premium passengers and is well worth a detour (though it’s a long walk from Concourse F and a minor trek from International Terminal G). But, shhh, don’t tell anyone. So far, the Maple Leaf Lounge San Francisco remains relatively quiet and peaceful, and we like it that way.
- The elegant décor and designer furniture.
- The superb open-air terrace.
- The shower suites.
- The elevator-only access.
- The limited dessert selection.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at San Francisco, CA (SFO) welcomes:
- Air Canada Business class passengers departing on a same-day flight (+1 guest)
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members departing on a same-day Star Alliance flight (no guests)
- Air Canada Altitude Super Elite 100K, Elite 75K, Elite 50K and Elite 35K members departing on any Air Canada flight or a Star Alliance flight (+spouse or domestic partner, dependent children, and one guest). These members can also visit domestic Maple Leaf Lounges when arriving at airports in Canada.
- Business Class passengers departing on a same-day international Star Alliance flight (no guests)
- First Class passengers departing on a same-day international Star Alliance flight (+1 guest)
- Star Alliance Gold Members departing on a same-day Star Alliance flight (+1 guest)
- One-time pass holders, whether acquired through a Latitude or Flex fare travel option or through mileage redemption.
- American Express AeroplanPlus Platinum and Corporate Platinum card holders.
- United Club members departing on a same-day Star Alliance flight (+1 guest)
- TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege Card holders departing on a same-day Air Canada flight.
Access to Maple Leaf Lounges, Air Canada Cafés, and Signature Suites is limited to three hours prior to scheduled departure time. This policy does not apply during flight connections or flight delays.
Additional guests may accompany qualifying passengers for $20 CAD per person before 11 a.m. and for $30 CAD per person after 11 a.m.
Cards accepted
Air Canada Maple Leaf Club Worldwide
When flying a Star Alliance member airline.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
When flying a Star Alliance member airline.
United Club
When flying a Star Alliance member airline.
You may have access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge as a premium customer of one of the following airlines, or as an elite member of their frequent flyer program. Check the Access rules tab for more details, or use our lounge access wizard to find out if you have access.
Star Alliance
Access for eligible customers traveling on any Star Alliance member airline.
 | ANA (NH) |  | Aegean (A3) |  | Air Canada (AC) |
 | Air China (CA) |  | Air India (AI) |  | Air New Zealand (NZ) |
 | Asiana (OZ) |  | Austrian (OS) |  | Avianca (AV) |
 | Brussels Airlines (SN) |  | Copa Airlines (CM) |  | Croatia Airlines (OU) |
 | EGYPTAIR (MS) |  | EVA Air (BR) |  | Ethiopian Airlines (ET) |
 | LOT Polish Airlines (LO) |  | Lufthansa (LH) |  | SWISS (LX) |
 | Shenzhen Airlines (ZH) |  | Singapore Airlines (SQ) |  | South African Airways (SA) |
 | TAP Air Portugal (TP) |  | Thai Airways (TG) |  | Turkish Airlines (TK) |
 | United (UA) |
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Overall ratings
Open until 30 mins before the last Air Canada departure of the day.
If you’re entering from Terminal 3, the entrance is to the right, right before you hit Terminal 2 security. If you see the Alaska Airlines lounge you’ve gone too far.
Beautiful space. Delicious mezcal Negroni made with care. Seems like United Gold is eligible to use it even for domestic United flights, which is pretty incredible.
Newly opened in 2023. I was informed this is the AC lounge design standard going forward, given it’s the first location piloting the new aesthetic. Bartender service, curated cocktail menu, heated outdoor patio, and curated locally inspired bites. There was plenty of seating & it was not crowded on a weekday night. It’s a great visit if you’re *G, and worth a detour from Terminal 3 if you’re flying domestic J.