The Emirates Lounge

The Emirates Lounge – San Francisco, CA (SFO)

The Emirates Lounge at San Francisco Airport at International Terminal A exclusively serves Emirate’s single daily flight to Dubai. The fact that Emirates operates a lounge of this caliber for a single flight underscores the carrier’s standards and desire to control the passenger experience end-to-end.

The Emirates Lounge SFO design

While the entrance to the Emirates Lounge is near gate A3, the club itself is located on the ground level, below the concourse. The lower level location makes for unremarkable views, but the space receives ample daylight.

The Emirates Lounge – San Francisco, CA (SFO)

The lounge is quite spacious for a single daily flight, but given that an A380 plies the route between San Francisco and Dubai, it does fill up close to departure time. The club accommodates all premium customers; there is no dedicated space for First Class passengers, as is the norm outside Dubai.

From the lobby, a staircase and elevator lead to a large open seating area and an adjacent dining room flanked by more seating. Turn around at the bottom of the stairs, and you’ll find the business center, bathrooms and showers.

While the Emirates San Francisco lounge still features the airline’s original design, the facility is immaculate. Every element of the traditional Emirates décor is there: the Italian marble floor, the Rolex clocks, and golden hues. It’s a bit heavy handed, yet never excessive due to pleasant touches such as a soothing water feature, numerous indoor plants which double as privacy dividers, and gorgeous flower arrangements. The design is posh without screaming excess.

The Emirates Lounge – San Francisco, CA (SFO)

The open seating area includes a variety of seating arrangements. Chaises with ottomans by the window offer privacy and a glimpse at the tarmac. In the back is a quiet zone, albeit a rather symbolic one since it’s not physically separated from the rest of the lounge and faces the TV zone (the volume is kept very low, though.) Power outlets are widely available, however unfortunately not at every seat: look for the signs indicating a “recharge point.”

Flights typically conveniently board directly from the lounge. The boarding gate is located at the rear of the small seating area opposite the dining room.

The Emirates Lounge SFO amenities

The Emirates Lounge – San Francisco, CA (SFO)

Emirates is consistent to a fault, and the Emirates Lounge at San Francisco airport boasts all the amenities we’ve come to expect from Emirates: a high-end buffet, a self-serve bar, business facilities, and showers.

The elegant dining area features traditional dining tables as well as counter-style seating by the windows. The buffet puts any airport restaurant to shame, with an exquisite range of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, all beautifully presented. There is something for every taste, and all dishes are Halal. Drinks wise, a wide selection of soda and alcoholic beverages is available, including Veuve Clicquot Champagne, although the spirits are the middle shelf category. All food and drinks are self-serve, but servers roam the room and clear tables discreetly and efficiently. If you’re not in a mood for a full meal, you’ll find the same drink selection in the adjacent seating area.

The Emirates Lounge – San Francisco, CA (SFO)

The bathrooms are luxuriously decorated, with fresh orchids, and sport cloth towels and Babor Timeless spa lotions.

The four showers (two on the male side and two on the female side) are convenient but surprisingly basic overall. The rooms are appointed with a small shower stall, a sink and a changing area, but no toilet. Water pressure is weak, and the towel package lacks a washcloth. On the brighter side, Timeless spa bath products are provided, along with toothbrushes and shaving kits upon request. The showers are available on a first come, first serve basis without a reservation. The staff is admirable at cleaning and replenishing amenities promptly and discreetly.

Other amenities include a business center with computers and work cubicles, newspapers and magazines, and prayer rooms.

The Emirates Lounge SFO bottom line

The Emirates Lounge – San Francisco, CA (SFO)

The Emirates Lounge SFO is hands down one of the best clubs at San Francisco Airport. With a comfortable and intimate seating area, delectable meals, essentials such as shower suites, and polished service, Emirates delivers their signature curated experience with flying colors.

The Centurion Lounge by American Express and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse boasts a swankier design, the United Polaris Lounge sports more impressive views and a-la-carte dining, but the Emirates Lounge is an oasis of comfort, privacy, and service.

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