Lounge Review: The Centurion Lounge by American Express San Francisco (SFO) Airport

Located in Terminal 3, adjacent Gate F1 & F2 (formerly Gate 73 & 74), next to Hudson News, the Centurion Lounge by American Express is accessible airside (after security). The lounge is also easily accessible to passengers flying out of International Terminal G. Although passengers in both Terminal 1 and 2 can also access this lounge, but you will be required to pass through TSA security at each terminal. Meaning that, you will have to come out of Terminal 2, then walk to Terminal 3, pass through TSA security, then walk to the lounge, and do the same as you go back to your terminal of departure. You may also take the Air Train from one terminal to the other.

I have actually done this time without number and since I pretty much fly on Alaska Airlines which is located in Terminal 2 (domestic flights only). Most of the times it takes just a few minutes to get from one terminal to the other, especially if you have TSA PreCheck. But sometimes the lines can be pretty too long especially if you have limited time before your flight departs. You’ll need to allow sufficient time to be able to do this.

Lounge Access:

There are several ways to access the AmEx Centurion Lounge. The Centurion Lounge is accessible to those with The Platinum card from American Express, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, The Centurion Card, and  AmEx Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card by American Express cardholders.

The Centurion card is the American Express black card, which comes with a heavy Initiation and Annual Fee. American Express guarantees access to its black card members no matter what. Even if the lounge is full to its maximum capacity. This kind of makes sense, since you’ll find 2 or 3 tables with a reserved for Centurion members sign on them.

The abovementioned cardmembers can also bring in 2 guests to enjoy unlimited complimentary access. 

As of March 2019, American Express has restricted access to 3 hours before departure, and card members can no longer access the lounge on arrival. Although if you are in transit, the lounge will admit you even if your layover is more than 3 hours.

To gain access to the lounge, you’ll be required to present your Platinum card, same day boarding pass, and a government-issued ID.

One thing that is becoming typical of American Express Lounges lately is being overcrowded. And most of the time, it doesn’t matter what time of day you visit the lounge. In my own experience, the following locations seems to be always crowded: San Francisco (SFO), Dallas Forth-Worth (DFW), Seattle (SEA), Las Vegas (LAS), Houston (HOU).

The Centurion Lounge at SFO is open from 5am to 11pm. 

Food and Drinks:

Like every other AmEx Lounge, the menu is locally inspired, and you can enjoy a selection of freshly made hot and cold food which is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Centurion Lounge is known to provide good quality food compared to many airline lounges. All food and drinks and other amenities / services at the lounge are complimentary.

Amenities:

The seating areas featured comfortable seats and loungers. You’ll find a few cubicle daybeds which are kind of my favorite spot since they provide a little privacy and are more comfortable. On the right side of the lounge (across the bar area), you’ll find a long communal table where people seats to eat, work, and chit chat. 

There’s also another seating area where you can watch TV, or lounge while reading some daily-provided newspapers. On one side of this seating area is the coffee station which has an espresso machine (which was out of service during this my visit), coffee canister, water filtration machine (which offers both still and sparkling options), iced tea, and freshly baked chocolate cookies. There is also a selection of teas which you can make by yourself. You’ll also find more coffee canisters by the far end of the wall next to the buffet station.

There’s a business center with 2 computers and 1 printer at the lounge. This can be very useful for some last minute printing especially. This lounge does not have a view of the tarmac. So, you may be disappointed if you’re hoping to enjoy some air traffic from the aprons and the runways before your flight.

Bathroom and Shower:

One of the things that sets American Express Lounges apart is the showers at most of their locations. Being able to take a quick shower before your next flight can come very handy. Especially if you are on a layover for a long-haul flight. While many may see it as something they’ll never do, the thing is it actually does come as a necessity as you never know when you might need it. 

Depending on the time of day and is based on availability. You might have to put your name in the waiting lists in order to access the shower. It is advisable to enquire about the shower during check in, as this will speed up the process and save you some time. Although there’s a sign in the shower that says, “be considerate of others by limiting shower time to 15 minutes”, but the shower time is typically restricted to about half an hour which is more than enough time for anyone to take a quick shower at an airport lounge.

The restroom and the shower are both in different areas. The restroom is next to the bar area. And I must say that the restroom at the SFO location is usually spotlessly clean since I’ve visited this lounge. I have actually visited this lounge more than ten times and can attest that both the shower and the restroom are always taken care of.

You’ll find L’Occitane bathroom amenities in both the shower and the restroom, and there is also hairdryer that you can make use of in the shower. And remember, smoking of any kind (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited at SFO.

Final Thoughts:

As I have mentioned earlier, I have been to this lounge more than 10 times in the past, and I must say my experience here has been good. The food is always great at any time of the day, and so is the drinks on offer. The staff is always friendly, and very attentive. The design in and around the lounge feels welcoming, and the amenities are okay.

But one of the problems American Express is currently facing at most of their lounges is being able to keep up with the level of service they’ve known for in the past.

If you are going to the AmEx Lounge with the aim of getting some privacy, this may not be the right lounge for you. Especially since majority of their locations are usually crowded these days. And if you are an aviation geek, or a plane spotter you might be disappointed since this San Francisco location does not have any view of the tarmac / runway.

But all in all, this lounge does provide some level of comfort before departure or during a layover.