I was particularly eager to explore new airline products during my recent mini around-the-world tour, especially as my route included experiencing several new business class offerings. However, none excited me more than the SFO Air Canada Lounge in San Francisco. As Air Canada’s latest addition to its International Maple Leaf brand, it truly stands out.
While I strive for impartiality in my reviews, as a Canadian, I feel a sense of pride when our national carrier delivers something exceptional—and the SFO Air Canada Lounge does just that.
Here’s my comprehensive review of the Air Canada lounge in San Francisco, and why it left me eagerly anticipating a similar experience back home.
Compare prices on Air Canada flights to San Francisco with SkyscannerAir Canada Lounge SFO Location & Access
My journey to the San Francisco Maple Leaf Lounge began with a flight from Vancouver (YVR) to SFO. I started my day at the Plaza Premium Lounge in YVR, as I typically prefer it over the Maple Leaf lounges for U.S. destinations. However, considering I was about to experience one of Air Canada’s newest offerings, I checked out their YVR lounge for comparison.
Upon entering, I encountered the expected dated furniture, the familiar menu, and, unfortunately, a broken Guinness tap. Surprisingly, the lounge was unusually quiet, a departure from the norm.
The dated aesthetic persisted as I boarded an uneventful A320 business-class flight to San Francisco.
SFO Air Canada Lounge Location
The Air Canada lounge at San Francisco International Airport is conveniently located in Terminal 2. After clearing security, you’ll see signs directing you toward the secure corridor connecting Terminal 3. The lounge is just off this corridor, down a hall with an elevator. Head up to the terminal’s 4th level to find the lounge’s entrance.
The lounge is also accessible from International Terminal G, where United flies out. I was connecting to Sydney with United Airlines 777-300er, so this was a great place to stop. If you are coming from Terminal 3, follow signs for Terminal 2; you’ll find the lounge entrance on the left before entering Terminal 2’s main concourse.
Similar to the Air Canada Cafe in Toronto, the entrance to the SFO Maple Leaf lounge is controlled by e-gates.
As of this posting, the Air Canada lounge at SFO operates daily from 4:15 am to 10:15 pm.
Air Canada Lounge SFO Access
The Air Canada Lounge SFO offers extensive access options for travelers, making it one of the most inclusive lounges at the airport. Star Alliance Gold members on any Star Alliance flight, Star Alliance business class travelers, and United Gold members, even on domestic economy flights, can all access the lounge. Additionally, business class passengers on United domestic flights are welcome, setting this lounge apart from the more restrictive United Clubs, which limit access for certain status holders.
Beyond these broad access options, the lounge is also available to Air Canada passengers with Aeroplan 50K, 75K, or Super Elite status, as well as Star Alliance Gold status holders flying within the network. Other ways to access include redeeming Maple Leaf Lounge one-time guest passes for Air Canada flights and complimentary access for premium Aeroplan co-branded credit cardholders on Air Canada flights.
On my visit, I accessed the lounge using a United Business class ticket to Sydney, Australia.
Maple Leaf Lounge San Francisco Restrictions
Unlike other Maple Leaf lounges, the SFO lounge surprised me with a three-hour time limit before departure. While I appreciate a policy for maintaining a serene atmosphere, I was disappointed when turned away for exceeding the limit. Despite the lounge being noticeably quiet, with only about 10 guests, the agent couldn’t make an exception.
My frustration peaked because I had landed during a break in the Edmonton Oilers’ conference finals game and was eager to find a cozy spot to catch the third period. Instead, I found myself waiting out my “jail time” just outside the lounge, missing crucial game moments. This experience left me wishing for more flexibility in lounge policies during quieter times, as the rigid enforcement of the time limit felt unnecessary and detracted from the otherwise excellent lounge experience.
Inside the Air Canada Lounge San Francisco
Once I hit the three-hour time limit, I scanned my boarding pass at the turnstile and made my way inside. On first impression, it was worth the wait.
Seating Areas
Upon entering the SFO Maple Leaf Lounge, the first thing that stands out is the variety of seating arrangements and the beautiful artwork, including depictions of the San Francisco skyline. The lounge is designed with a contemporary ambiance, enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows that provide stunning airfield views and flood the space with natural light. The decor features darker stone and wood tones, creating a sophisticated, appealing contrast that adds to the lounge’s modern feel.
The seating options are diverse, catering to different preferences and needs. The lounge will feature leather armchairs, dining tables, and bench-style seating. Almost every seat has built-in power outlets and USB charging ports, making it convenient for travelers to charge their devices. Along the windows, there’s a long row of individual chairs and counter-style seating, perfect for those who want to enjoy the view while working or relaxing. Additionally, two private rooms with televisions and cozy seats provide a more secluded space for larger groups or families.
The lounge offers several amenities for business travelers, including private enclosed workspaces and a copy/fax machine. Towards the rear of the lounge, you’ll find the buffet area and bar, with eight dining tables adjacent to the self-serve buffet. This thoughtful layout ensures that travelers can find a comfortable spot to relax, work, or dine, making the SFO Maple Leaf Lounge a welcoming and functional space for all passengers.
The seating options are diverse, catering to different preferences and needs. The lounge will feature leather armchairs, dining tables, and bench-style seating. Almost every seat has built-in power outlets and USB charging ports, making it convenient for travelers to charge their devices. Along the windows, there’s a long row of individual chairs and counter-style seating, perfect for those who want to enjoy the view while working or relaxing. Additionally, two private rooms with televisions and cozy seats provide a more secluded space for larger groups or families.
The lounge offers several amenities for business travelers, including private enclosed workspaces and a copy/fax machine. Towards the rear of the lounge, you’ll find the buffet area and bar, with eight dining tables adjacent to the self-serve buffet. This thoughtful layout ensures that travelers can find a comfortable spot to relax, work, or dine, making the SFO Maple Leaf Lounge a welcoming and functional space for all passengers.
Bar and Kitchen
Speaking of the bar and kitchen, one of the standout features of the San Francisco Maple Leaf Lounge is its exquisite bar, complete with a skilled bartender crafting signature cocktails—a highlight I’ll delve into further shortly.
This area was bustling with guests during my visit, and for good reason. The bartender was skilled and engaging, offering personalized drink recommendations and creating a lively atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
The self-serve kitchen at the San Francisco Maple Leaf Lounge resembles those found in other Maple Leaf lounges, offering a variety of hot and cold dishes. However, what sets this area apart is its refined ambiance, aligning more closely with the standards of the Maple Leaf Café, a distinction I greatly appreciate.
Now, let’s talk about the terrace.
SFO Air Canada Lounge Terrace
Undoubtedly, the outdoor terrace is the highlight of the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at SFO. This gem of a space offers ample seating, including patio and deck chairs, couches, and a dining table. The on-brand red Muskoka chairs, a symbol of Canada found in every national park, add a distinctive touch to the terrace.
The terrace’s best feature is the stunning views of the tarmac, elevating the lounge experience above the standard airport offering.
A couple of fire pits are scattered throughout the area, adding to the inviting atmosphere. That said, the weather was a bit too chilly to sit outside comfortably on my visit, as the fire pits are largely decorative. However, the bartender informed me that the lounge provides patio heaters and blankets for guests, ensuring a cozy experience even in cooler weather.
This thoughtful design and amenities make the outdoor terrace a standout feature, providing a serene and inviting space to relax while watching the bustling activity on the tarmac.
To reach this outdoor haven, walk past the bar and through the glass doors.
Showers at the Maple Lounge SFO
The Maple Leaf Lounge at SFO offers two shower rooms; however, during my visit, they were locked, so I couldn’t explore them. Nonetheless, the restrooms were modern and clean, suggesting that the showers maintain the same high standard of cleanliness and modern amenities.
Maple Leaf Lounge San Francisco Food and Drink
After enjoying the terrace views,I made my way to the bar, ready to place my order. The menu is filled with intriguing options, but as a returning visitor to the States, I was craving a good Bloody Mary. Surprisingly, the bartender suggested a Caesar, Canada’s official cocktail. This slight Canadian nod is a nice touch and one I also enjoyed when feeling homesick at the London Heathrow Maple Leaf Lounge.
Interestingly, I noticed no Canadian beer on the menu, which was unusual considering Molson Canadian is a staple at Maple Leaf lounges from Winnipeg to Ottawa and beyond. On the bright side, a couple of excellent California beers were available.
On the positive, the drink menu features some great local craft beer and California wines. With names like “Sunset Negorini” and “Golden Gate,” the California theme also blends into the signature cocktails.
The lounge’s food offerings provided an impressive and enjoyable experience. The Jambalaya and buffalo chicken sliders were the standout dishes, boasting perfectly balanced flavors. The well-stocked salad bar offered a refreshing complement. However, the true highlight was the impressive array of hot sauces available. Each bite was flavorful, showcasing the lounge’s meticulous attention to detail in crafting their dishes.
While standard coffee machines were available, they also offered cold drinks, a refreshing addition. Enjoying an iced coffee on a hot day while watching planes come and go from the terrace is a perfect way to spend a layover.
Additional amenities included a filtered water station and infused water, complementing the sparkling water options—a thoughtful addition typically found in Maple Leaf lounges.
SFO Air Canada Lounge = The Best Maple Leaf Lounge
As I left the SFO Maple Leaf lounge, I couldn’t help but feel a bit down. Air Canada has created something truly special, and I was jealous that we don’t have similar standards back home.
The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge San Francisco showcases the airline’s latest premium interior design, providing an insightful glimpse into the future of Air Canada’s lounge experiences. The lounge’s food and beverage offerings set a new standard, exemplifying the elevated quality and variety passengers can anticipate during the forthcoming renovations planned for major Canadian hubs like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.
While the full lounge refreshes at these destinations are still a few years away, they will mirror the captivating interior theme and exceptional culinary offerings currently featured at the San Francisco lounge. This strategic approach demonstrates Air Canada’s commitment to enhancing the overall lounge experience for its passengers, aligning with the airline’s vision for premium travel.
On my around-the-world tour, this lounge sits on top, with Air New Zealand’s lounge in Sydney as a close second. Both of these spots beat out my time in the Thai Airways first-class lounge in Bangkok before taking my first-class flight to London. That is saying a lot.
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