Flying in Style: A Review of the Luxurious United Polaris Lounge at SFO
My recent business class flight to Tokyo granted me access to the United Polaris lounge at the San Francisco airport (SFO). You can read more about this $8165 flight and how I got it for $291 here. This article will review the superb SFO Polaris lounge.
This is the type of lounge that is an attraction on its own. I actually chose the earliest flight into SFO to spend as much time as I could there.
Simply put, this lounge is an all inclusive premium haven. Equipped with shower suites, a buffet, a la carte dining, and a full bar, it has everything you’d want at an airport.
THE ONE ISSUE: FINDING QUIET SPOTS
At 28,000 square feet, this is one of the biggest airport lounges in the US. Regardless, due to high traffic, the hotspots can get uncomfortably crowded.
Having spent 20 hours there, I’ve found two spots that are quiet even at the busiest of times. There is one spot on the first floor, and one on the second.
On the second floor, proceed away from the dining area to the opposite side of the lounge. The area past the escalators will be less crowded and has seating with both privacy dividers and power outlets. If you continue all the way to the opposite end of the lounge, you’ll also find a secret snack bar.
The quietest spot in the entire lounge is on the first floor. This area is just outside of the shower area, near the entrance to the lounge.
DINING HIGHLIGHTS
Unlike the food provided for Polaris passengers in the sky, the food in the Polaris lounge is excellent. Two options are provided, a buffet, and a la carte dining.
A LA CARTE
Nestled at the far end on the second floor sits a modestly sized dining area. Despite its size, the staff does a great job at minimizing wait times. That being said, you should put your name on the list before you actually want a table. Even if there are open tables, there will always be a wait. In my experience, the wait time is usually half of what they say.
Outside of being refused a cocktail in the dining area, the staff have been excellent. I found this odd as the dining staff in the LAX Polaris lounge were happy to provide cocktails. To be fair, the LAX lounge was much less crowded.
Despite the cocktail refusal, my champagne flute was kept filled to the brim. I can’t complain!
I took the waiter’s recommendations for all 3 courses and was not disappointed.
BUFFET
The buffet is a great option for those with limited time. There are a wide selection of dishes to choose from, and the staff did a great job at keeping the dishes full. Both hot and cold food is provided, and there are plenty of options for vegetarians.
Hot dishes:
- Seafood adobo
- Hainan chicken
- Roasted broccoli and cauliflower
- Red pepper rice
- Ramen
- Ginger lemongrass broth bowl
- Winter squash bisque
THE EXCELLENT POLARIS BAR
This is the best open bar I’ve ever been to. I am still on my quest to find green chartreuse in an airport lounge, but they had everything else I asked for.
Tipping is not required or expected anywhere in the lounge, but a $5 tip went a long way. My bartender was friendly and talented. He gave great recommendations based on my previous orders. If you’re a fan of bourbon, ask for an Inside Job.
The problem with the bar in the past is that it was way too small. A bar that seats about 8 people in a lounge the size of multiple mansions never made sense. I am happy to say that they addressed this and made the bar roughly 3 times bigger.
Over the course of the day, I had a French 75, Espresso Martini, Sazerac, and Inside Job. They were all well balanced and delicious.
PRIVATE SHOWER SUITE
The lounge is equipped with 8 high quality shower suites. I was 3rd in line when I went for my shower at 8pm. I waited only 5 minutes.
The towels provided are made by Saks Fifth Avenue, and the soaps are from Therabody. Suffice it to say, the amenities are excellent.
My airport shower pet peeve is a suite that quickly steams up due to lack of ventilation. For a reason I don’t understand, most airport showers suffer from this problem.
It is quite annoying to step out of the shower and have the mirror be completely unusable due to condensation. Not to mention the uncomfortably hot room.
I’m very happy to say that the ventilation in these private suites is excellent.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Unlike most lounges, you can’t buy an entry pass. However, I would gladly pay a pretty penny to spend a day there with friends. If your ticket grants you entry, treat yourself and start your vacation off in luxury.
