United Polaris Lounge

United Polaris Lounge – San Francisco, CA (SFO)

The widely-anticipated United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco airport opened on April 30th, 2018. An exclusive haven for passengers traveling on the United’s long-haul transcontinental premium service, the lounge also welcomes Business and First Class customers departing on flights operated by Star Alliance partners, such as Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, and ANA.

The Polaris Lounge is located in International Terminal G near gate G1, steps away from the security checkpoint, and immediately adjacent to the airside connector to Domestic Terminal 3.

United Polaris Lounge SFO design

United Polaris Lounge – San Francisco, CA (SFO)

At 28,128 square feet, featuring 440 seats, and spanning across two stories, the lounge is almost three times larger than the former United Club it replaced, twice as large as the Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare, and sports some of the airport’s best views.

The design draws its inspiration from the United Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare with soothing blue, gray, and white tones, and high-end finishes such as designer light fixtures and marble partitions. Travelers have their choice of custom seating with 19 types of seats including dining tables, solo seats, couches, and productivity pods outfitted with a table, lamp, coat hook, and power outlets. All seats offer convenient access to power and USB plugs.

The Polaris metaphor is present throughout the space. The lobby greets visitors with a “meteor shower” lighting sculpture above the escalators, while the hallways are outfitted with LED twinkling stars.

United Polaris Lounge – San Francisco, CA (SFO)

On the lower level is a spacious library designated as a quiet area. The space benefits from ample daylight and is gorgeously appointed with productivity pods and private seats. The bookcases display various books, as well as amusing memorabilia in nod to United and the aviation industry.

The upper floor boasts several expansive seating areas, a bar, a full-service restaurant, a customer service desk, private phone rooms and work spaces, and expansive windows with terrific views on the tarmac, runway, bay, and city in the distance. In the rear of the lounge is The Studio, a space equipped for demonstration cooking and wine tastings.

United Polaris Lounge SFO amenities

The United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco airport boasts a breadth of services and amenities unparalleled at San Francisco airport, and with few contenders in the US.

United Polaris Lounge – San Francisco, CA (SFO)

For the lighter appetite and passengers in a rush, the buffet features an assortment of snacks, nimbles, salads, small plates, and desserts, elegantly presented on skillets and fine china. United also offers a noodle bar with a selection of accoutrements, as well as a sushi station.

A highlight of the Polaris Lounge is the complimentary full-service restaurant, where guests may enjoy a full a-la-carte meal in serene surroundings. Situated in a stunning dining room with two large window walls and posh booths, the restaurant uses an exclusive set of china and silverware inspired by the Polaris business class seat. Highlights of the menu include shrimp cake, a chicken katsu bento box, cioppino, the popular Polaris burger (also available at Chicago O’Hare), and an indulgent tiramisu espresso cup.

Soda, juices, infused and bottled water, tea, and espresso are available for self-service in coolers in the buffet area.

The bar offers a wide array of creative cocktails—including the Airplane Cocktail, served with a clipped-on paper airplane on a Polaris-branded coaster—a generous wine selection showcasing Californian vintages, and handcrafted espresso drinks.

United Polaris Lounge – San Francisco, CA (SFO)

Eight spacious and exquisitely designed shower suites await Polaris customers. Reminiscent of a five-star hotel, the rooms are appointed with a heavenly memory foam bath mat, over-sized Saks Fifth Avenue-branded towels, a pair of slippers, and Cowshed Spa bath products in wall-mounted dispensers. Convenient power outlets allows guests to top off their devices, and essentials such as combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower caps, and shaving kits are available upon request.

United also offers laundry and clothes pressing service: hang your clothes through the double door, ring the bell, and your items will be promptly returned to you while you freshen up.

In lieu of traditional public bathrooms, the Polaris Lounge sports generously-sized individual all-gender stalls equipped with a toilet, a sink, a bench, and plenty of room to change or freshen up.

United Polaris Lounge – San Francisco, CA (SFO)

Five napping rooms offer a private refuge to weary travelers. The sleeping suites feature day beds with Saks Fifth Avenue-branded pillows and blankets, slippers, eye masks, as well as a bottle of water, ear plugs, and Sleepy Cow Calming Pillow Mist from Cowshed Spa.

The slumber rooms offer a touch of genuine luxury, though the design subtly aims at discouraging long stays: the suites lack a door, the curvature of the beds is not especially welcoming to side or stomach sleepers, and the abundant daylight may not be conducive to sleep, even with an eye mask.

United Polaris Lounge SFO bottom line

United Polaris Lounge – San Francisco, CA (SFO)

After a grueling wait, United has finally delivered on its promise: the United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco is not an evolution, but a revolution.

With a complimentary full-service restaurant, a full bar, highly private work and relaxation spaces, luxurious showers, an inspired design, and some of the airport’s best views, the Polaris Lounge is a destination in itself. However, time will tell how the space copes with crowds, as demand is bound to be high.

For more information, read our blog post: FIRST LOOK: United’s stunning new Polaris Lounge at San Francisco airport