American Airlines Admirals Club

The American Airlines Admirals Club at San Francisco International airport stands out as a pretty unique lounge within the carrier’s network. While American Airlines is a second rate player in the Bay Area market that’s heavily dominated by United, the airline nevertheless operates key flights in competitive markets including transcontinental flights to New York City, Philadelphia and Miami. As such, American Airlines invested back in 2011 in a well-appointed club with a design that departs from the standard cookie cutter décor.

American Airlines Admirals Club SFO design

The spacious lobby with its elegant marble floor sets the tone, but eyes are immediately drawn to the rotunda that is the heart and highlight of the lounge. Trees (which are fake, but realistic) and coffee tables adorn a cobblestone plaza, in an open yet intimate and relaxing setting. According to the designers, the décor is supposed to evoke San Francisco. To be frank, we couldn’t quite make the connection with the city by the bay, and thought that the design was more reminiscent of a European plaza with a cafe — not that this would be a bad thing.

The space benefits from plenty of day light, thanks to a window wall that runs along the entire length of the lounge and also offers exciting tarmac views.

To the left of the rotunda when entering is a seating area with a cozy vibe. The leather chairs, cushy sofas with old fashioned upholstery, and mirror running along the wall give the place the intimate feel of a private club. The design isn’t exactly trendy, but it’s genuinely warm and comfortable. Power outlets are conveniently available at every seat.

American Airlines Admirals Club SFO amenities

Across the rotunda is the bar and buffet area, where a high work table with power outlets flanks a small dining area. Adjacent to the window is another seating area. As expected from an Admirals Club, the complimentary food selection fails to impress: snacks, hummus, veggies, soup and cookies are available but nothing comes close to a real meal. On the flip side, American Airlines offers a substantial selection of quality food items for a fee, including fresh salads and quesadillas. Soft drinks, espressso and house wine and liquor are complimentary while premium beverages may be purchased.

Business travelers will find a small business center by the rotunda with a few work carousels, self-service computers, and a printer. It’s bright — unlike many airline business centers that are located away from the windows — but cramped. Conference rooms are also available and may be booked for a fee.

The Admirals Club offers shower suites which may be reserved at the concierge desk and come with towels and bath products. Other amenities include newspapers and magazines and a small bag storage area.

American Airlines Admirals Club SFO bottom line

Overall, the American Airlines Admirals Club at San Francisco International airport is an elegant and well-appointed facility. It’s not especially large and the design might feel a bit dated already but it’s pretty unique and creative, and while complimentary food and drinks are limited, a substantial premium menu is available. The club delivers on all the basics including comfortable, private seating and relaxing shower suites. In fact, American Airlines’ offer is substantially better than United‘s, its main competitor.

Note that American Airlines does not operate a Flagship Lounge in San Francisco. International First Class passengers and top elites don’t have a realistic alternative to the Admirals Club (the British Airways First Class lounge is located in the remote International Terminal A and is not worth the hassle of getting there.)

For information on possible alternatives, other lounges at SFO and rankings, check out our Definitive Guide to the SFO Lounge Scene.