American Express has opened its fourth U.S. Centurion Lounge today, this one at San Francisco International – I intend to visit it later today and post pictures tomorrow, but for now here is some helpful info on the new lounge–
Q: Who has access to the lounge?
A: All American Express cardholders can use the lounge. If you have a Platinum or Centurion (Black) card, access is free. All other cardmembers may purchase a one-day pass for $50.
Q: May I bring a guest?
A: If you are entering with your Platinum or Centurion card, you are allowed two free guests or all of your immediate family traveling with you. If you are entering with a day pass, you can bring your children in with you if they are under 18, but all others must purchase their own day pass.
Q: What are the lounge hours?
A: The lounge is open daily from 5am to 11pm.
Q: Where is the lounge located?
A: The lounge is located adjacent to Gates 74/75 in Terminal 3, United’s terminal. The International Terminal is also connected by an airside bridge.
Q: Can I access the lounge if I am flying out of other terminals?
A: Yes, but you will have to re-clear security in Terminal 3 and then again in your departing terminal.
Q: Must my American Express card be U.S.-issued?
A: No.
Q: Are food and beverages available?
Yes, full meals are available as well as a fully-stocked bar. Shower facilities are also available.
Q: What if I forgot my card?
A: No problem, AMEX can look up your info. You will have to verify a few security questions.
Free Uber Rides
To celebrate the opening of the new lounge, AMEX is offering free Uber rides to SFO–
Free Rides to SFO! To celebrate the opening of The Centurion Lounge at SFO, American Express is working with Uber to give Amex card holders a complimentary Black Car ride to the airport. On November 6 Amex cardhholders who have any Amex card as their selected method of payment can enter the promo code CENTURIONSFO in the Uber app to receive a complimentary Black Car ride from San Francisco to SFO.
I can’t wait to check it out!
First visit to the new SFO Centurion Lounge today. The upsides were the food and wine quality (certainly a plus compared to the United Club). But there were some unpleasant surprises, too. First, the lounge is surprisingly small, and as a result, it was more crowded feeling and chaotic than the terminal. Second, they refuse to provide any to-go cups for coffee. They claimed that it was an airport requirement that airline and credit card clubs don’t allow any food/bev to exit the club to avoid competing with terminal food operators, but this clearly isn’t true since the airline clubs do allow coffee to be carried out. I know this is a small issue, and I understand that they don’t want folks boxing up food to carry out onto planes, but to disallow a cup of coffee to be carried out of the club onto a plane is ridiculous!