The Centurion Lounge
★4.1(5,447 reviews)SFO
SFO's flagship Amex card lounge — doubled in size in 2022, with a hot buffet, full bar and dedicated workspaces.
The Centurion Lounge is the flagship credit-card lounge at San Francisco International, open to American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders. It's in Terminal 3, airside after security, close to United's main SFO operation. The lounge was expanded in December 2022 and is now roughly twice its former size, with a second dining and bar area, additional restrooms and new workspaces; the original room received a facelift, with furnishings replaced or reupholstered. The result is a spacious, design-led space that handles both relaxing and working well. Food and drink are a strength: a complimentary hot and cold buffet alongside a full bar with soft drinks and cocktails. With its size, dining and dedicated workspaces, it's the best card-access lounge at SFO for eligible Amex cardholders.
Crowding · busy at peak
A strong spot to work before a flight, with dedicated workspaces added in the 2022 expansion, Wi-Fi and power at many seats. The extra space helps you find a quiet corner even when it's busy.
A complimentary hot and cold buffet in the Centurion style, paired with a full bar serving soft drinks and cocktails. The 2022 expansion added a second dining and bar area, easing pressure at busy times.
After clearing security in Terminal 3, follow signs for The Centurion Lounge in the airside departures area.
- 01Check in at Terminal 3
- 02Clear Terminal 3 security
- 03Follow airside lounge signage
- 04Arrive at The Centurion Lounge
Landmarks: Terminal 3 airside · United Club area
American ExpressIncluded: Complimentary cold buffet · Complimentary hot buffet · Complimentary soft drinks · Complimentary full bar
American Express Platinum or Centurion Card
Flying from SFO without status? These lounges sell day passes:
See bookable lounges at SFOMake the most of it.
Access needs an eligible American Express Platinum or Centurion card — bring it and your same-day boarding pass.
The 2022 expansion added a second dining and bar area, so it copes better with crowds than before.
It's in Terminal 3, near United's operation — make sure that's your departure terminal.
Check current Amex guest and access rules before relying on entry at the door.
Dedicated workspaces make it one of the better SFO lounges for getting work done.
Quick answers.
It's open to eligible American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders. Present your card and same-day boarding pass; check current Amex terms and guest rules before you travel.
Yes — it was expanded in December 2022 to nearly twice its previous size, adding a second dining and bar area, more restrooms and new workspaces, with a facelift to the original room.
It's in Terminal 3, airside after security, close to United's main SFO operation.
