United Polaris Lounge
COVID-19 service adjustments: United Polaris Lounge is open with special service provisions.






- Complimentary hot buffet
- Complimentary full service restaurant
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Complimentary full bar
- Accessible
- Air conditioning
- Barista coffee
- Clothes pressing
- Flight information monitors
- Newspapers and magazines
- Private rooms
- TV
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, in the footprint of the former United Club, Singapore Airlines Lounge, and EVA Air Lounge.
United Polaris Lounge SFO design
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 replaces, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
- The expansive space bathed in daylight.
- The excellent privacy and comfort.
- The complimentary full-service restaurant.
- The shower suites.
- The curved beds in the slumber rooms.
United Polaris Lounge is open and operating with several special measures and protocols to keep you safe.
- Electrostatic spraying at select hub airports to disinfect high-touch surfaces.
- High-touch service areas disinfected on a regular basis.
- Seats disinfected upon request.
- Hand sanitizer stations located throughout the Club.
- Club operating at reduced capacity.
- Blocked and/or removed seats to give guests more space.
- All customers are required to wear face coverings except when eating and drinking.
- Complimentary masks available.
- Customers scan their own boarding pass.
- Pre-packaged food offerings in accordance with local policies.
- Full bar service available; single-use glassware provided upon request.
- While Polaris Lounges remain closed, United Polaris business class customers are eligible for complimentary premium beverages at the bar. Inquire at the reception desk. The offer applies at all connection points on a journey including at least one Polaris business class segment.
- Plexiglass shields at reception, bar, and service areas.
A la carte dining: Breakfast
Light bites
- Tropical mango pudding with fruit and coconut granola
- Fresh hot cinnamon roll with pecan streusel and berries
- Steel-cut brulee oats with a caramelized layer and fresh berries
- Deconstructed lox and bagel with cream cheese. smoked salmon, capers, red onions and cucumbers
Entrees
- Traditional Chinese congee with tea egg. dried shrimp, green onions, cilantro, wonton, soy sauce and sambal
- Three-egg omelet with choice of tomatoes, asparagus, spinach, onions, peppers, ham, bacon, cheddar and Swiss
- Silver dollar pancakes Plain or blueberry – served with Vermont maple syrup
A la carte dining: Lunch and dinner menu
Small plates
- Crispy shrimp cake with sweet’n sour sauce
- Wedge Cobb salad with bacon, blue cheese and herbed dressing
- Chef’s daily soup seasonally inspired, classically prepared
Entrees
- Chicken katsu bento box vegetable egg roll, jasmine rice and a sunomono salad
- Hand-cut pappardelle pasta with mushroom ragout and shaved Parmesan cheese
- Cioppino with traditional seafood
- United Polaris Burger with cheddar. lettuce. tomato, pickled vegetables, garlic aioli, bacon. fried egg and house-made chips
Dessert
- Tiramisu espresso cup made with illy coffee
- Cheese plate with grapes and crackers
- Profiteroles with vanilla ice cream and Ghirardelli Chocolate sauce
Cocktails
- United Polaris Star, Star anise-infused vodka, Dolin Blanc and Dolin Dry garnished with a single star anise
- The Paper Plane, Oolong-steeped bourbon, jasmine honey Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, Aperol, chamomile honey arid lemon garnished with a paper plane
- Cloud Cover, Aviation Gin, grapefruit liqueur and fresh lime juice with lemon twist
- United Polaris Old Fashioned, Rieger’ss Kansas City Whiskey, house simple syrup. San Francisco Bitters, Company Reception Bitters with a fresh orange wheel and Luxardo cherry
- High Altitude Bloody Mary, Star anise-infused and house made bloody mary mix with fresh pepper, sea salt, olive and celery garnish
- Ginger Scotsman, This playful version of the classic Penicillin combines Balvenie DoubleWood, ginger beer, chamomile honey, lemon and a mist of Ardbeg 10 Year
- Lavender Lift, Riondo Blu Prosecco, Belvedere Vodka, lavender and lemon essence with a lavender garnish
- Smokey Negroni, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Carnpari house made vermouth and orange bitters with a dehydrated orange garnish
- Mai Tai, Cana White Rum. Crusoe Spiced Rum, fresh orange and pineapple juice, and Amaro Nonino with a dehydrated orange wheel and a cherry
- Pisco Punch, Pisco Porton, pnieapple juice and lime garnished with a pineapple spear.
Wines
- Swanson Vineyards, Pinot Grigio, Sonoma Mountain, California 2014, Well balanced with notes of white peach, guava. Asian pear, honey and Meyer lemon zest
- The Crossings, Sauvignon Blanc, Awatere Valley, New Zealand 2015, Grassy, herbal notes accent pink grapefruit on the nose and a silky feel to the wine that lingers on the finish
- Hahn SLH, Chardonnay, St. Lucia Highlands, California 2014, Rich and layered with silky notes of peach, nectarine, ripe pear and vanilla
- Schloss Johannisberg, Riesling, Rheingau, Germany, crisp, firm and fresh on the palate with notes of white flowers, lemon and pear
- Rosé in the Air, Rosé, Cotes de Provence, France, Light pink color with peach and lychee highlights, a floral nose with notes of exotic and citrus fruits
- Riondo Blu, Prosecco, Veneto, Italy, Fresh and velvety with scents of Golden Delicious near and acacia blossom
- Piper-Heidsieck “1785” Cuvée Brut, Champagne, France, A classic full-bodied champagne bursting with juicy pear and bright citrus with toasty notes
- Migration by Duckhorn, Pinot Noir, Russian River, California 2014, Complex aromas of rich earth and rose petals with abundant cherry pie, strawberry and a touch of sweet oak
- The Prisoner, Red Blend, Napa Valley, California, Bold aromas of black cherry and plum with hints of oak and vanilla. softened with cocoa for a dense finish
- Bodega Norton, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina 2013, Intense and complex with notes of ripe fruit and a fine touch of smoke and coffee
- Noble Vines 181, Merlot, Lodi, California 2013, Classic style with soft tannins followed by the flavors of ripe plum, black cherry and toasty oak
- Tenet the Pundit, Syrah, Columbia Valley, Washington, Ripe cherry and plum aromas are complemented by earthy undercurrents of smoky cocoa and cola, and highlighted by traces of citrus blossom and lemon
- Rodney Strong, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, California 2013, Elegantly structured and loaded with juicy black cherry, cedar. créme de cassis and ripe, mature tannins
- Rabble Mossfire Ranch, Tempranillo, Paso Robles, California, 2016, Subtle Tobaccco and black fruit with wild red berries. rich cherry, licorice and black pepper, and a complex finish
Spirits
- ABSOLUT ELYX
- Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka
- Hangar 1
- TY KU Soju
- Aviation American Gin
- Bombay Sapphire
- Sipsmith London Dry
- Banks 5 Island
- Cana Brava 3yr
- Crusoe Organic Spiced Rum
- Casa Noble Anejo
- Del Maguet VIDA Single Village Mezcal
- El Silencio Joven Mezcal
- Olmeca Altos Reposado
- Patron Silver
- Angel’s Envy Rye
- Ragtime Rye
- Rieger’s Kansas City Whiskey
- Templeton Rye
- WhistlePig Straight Rye
- Booker’s
- Bulleit 10
- Four Roses Yellow Label
- Maker’s 46m W.L. Weller 12 Year
- Auchentoshan 12 Year
- Balvenie DoubleWood
- Johnnie Walker Black Label
- Bushmills 16 Year
- Jameson
- Crown Royal XR
- Hibiki 12
Amari, Liqueurs & Cognac
- Aperol
- Bailey’s Original Irish Cream
- Campari
- Chartreuse
- Courvoisier VS Cognac
- Fernet-Branca
- Grand Marnier
- Pimm’s No. 1
Beer
- Guinness
- Heineken
- Hoegaarden
- Revolution Brewing Anti-Hero IPA
- Allagash White
- Anchor Steam
- Lagunitas IPA
- Miller Lite
- Modelo Negra
- Sapporo
Non-alcoholic
- Coca-Cola
- Coke Zero
- Daily selection of Rishi hot and iced tea
- Daily selection of smoothies
- Diet Coke
- Fresh juices
- illy coffee
- Seagram’s Club Soda
- Sprite
- Sprite Zero
You may have access to United Polaris 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.
COVID-19 service adjustments: United Polaris Lounge is open with special service provisions.
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) | ![]() | SAS (SK) |
![]() | SWISS (LX) | ![]() | Shenzhen Airlines (ZH) | ![]() | Singapore Airlines (SQ) |
![]() | South African Airways (SA) | ![]() | TAP Air Portugal (TP) | ![]() | Thai Airways (TG) |
![]() | Turkish Airlines (TK) | ![]() | United (UA) |
COVID-19 service adjustments: United Polaris Lounge is open with special service provisions.
United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco, CA (SFO) welcomes:
- United Polaris first class passengers, within 24 hours of their international flight, at the departing, connecting and destination airports (+1 guest)
- United Polaris business class passengers, within 24 hours of their international flight, at the departing, connecting and destination airports (no guests)
- First Class passengers departing on an international flight operated by a Star Alliance member airline (+1 guest)
- Business Class passengers departing on an international operated by a Star Alliance member airline (Canada and Mexico excluded) (no guests)
Note: A same-day boarding pass for an international flight in a premium cabin is required. United Club members, United Club one-time pass holders, and MileagePlus elite members traveling in economy may not use Polaris lounges unless they meet one of the access conditions.
4.5 / 5, based on 115 reviews
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Overall ratings
United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco airport is an excellent lounge, with a beautiful space, plenty of power outlets and privacy, and a range of amenities unmatched at SFO and most US airports. It may be the best lounge by a domestic US carrier anywhere.