Introduction

United’s Polaris Lounge in SFO is widely regarded as one of the finest airport lounges in the United States, and in this short snippet you’re about to see exactly why. At just over 28,000 square feet, this lounge is vast — the largest Polaris Lounge in United’s network. There’s a clear reason for its scale. The space isn’t designed solely for United’s own long-haul passengers; it also serves many Star Alliance travelers departing from the G gates. Where there were once several separate lounges, United has consolidated the area into a single, expansive retreat. My review consists of the two flights that occurred during my work trips, one to London Heathrow, and the other to Changi Airport in Singapore.

Location

Located in SFO’s International Terminal, this surprising business class lounge appears to punch way above its weight class, demonstrating superb service and a really viable hard product all around. The United Polaris lounge currently houses close to 400+ passengers across two floors, with a staircase and escalator connecting the upper and lower levels. Upstairs is where the food and beverages are at, while downstairs provides a more private space for work or a place to shower and rest.

The lounge is open from 6.30 a.m to 10.30 p.m daily, and access is available to:

United Polaris Business Class passengers
Long-haul* First Class passengers on a Star Alliance airline (+1 guest)
Long-haul* Business Class passengers on a Star Alliance airline

If there’s anything to call out, premium airline lounges like this particular Polaris Lounges exist to enhance the premium travel experience for those flyers who have already paid thousands of dollars to fly United or their Star Alliance partner's business or first class products. I really appreciate this as it helps elevate those that have actually spent money to get a great travel experience.

Access Rules

To access the Polaris Lounge at San Francisco, you’ll need to meet one of the specific eligibility rules below. Keep these key points in mind so you can plan travel that gains entry.

As of 2025, Eligible passengers are:

Star Alliance business-class passengers departing on eligible intercontinental flights (see United’s route definitions for eligible long-haul destinations).
Star Alliance first-class passengers departing on eligible intercontinental flights; first-class passengers may bring one guest.
Passengers ticketed on United-marketed Polaris Business fares (Polaris Business Class) for the departure flight listed on your boarding pass.
Passengers who arrive on a United Polaris Business flight and are connecting the same day to another United flight — you may access the lounge during your connection even if your onward flight is in a different cabin.

The Business Class Lounge

Downstairs, as I mentioned, is intended primarily for the private traveler. For those who want an added degree of seclusion, United has created a special “signature seat” with a wide leather chair, side table and a personal reading lamp. I truly enjoyed this downstairs arrangement— it provides extra space to work undisturbed, without being inconvenienced by passing guests.

Upstairs, the design shifts to a more lavish aesthetic: a vast slab of quartz and other high-end materials flows into a dining buffet, a dedicated dining room and multiple zones for working and relaxing. Dramatic light fixtures punctuate the space, and the Polaris emblem appears subtly across several areas of the lounge. The large facility offers abundant seating both levels, plus a number of micro-kitchens serving coffee and snacks, which is a thoughtful and convenient touch.

The internet here is impressively fast — I recorded roughly 120 Mbps up and over 200 Mbps down — a real benefit in an era when reliable, high-speed connectivity is essential for many business and leisure travelers.

Dining | United Polaris Lounge

Like everyone else who’s visited this lounge, this was probably the absolute highlight of the entire space. If you find yourself in the Polaris Lounge with a little time to spare, skip the buffet and make a beeline for The Dining Room. It’s a full-service, sit-down restaurant where you can order from a menu — everything is complimentary and you’re welcome to keep ordering as long as you like. I definitely lost count of how many bowls of chowder and ice-cream cookies I had, haha.

Dining close to the 7–8 p.m. window meant the room wasn’t crowded, and I had a great time chatting with the attentive waitstaff as they kept the champagne and chardonnay flowing. Don’t mind if I do! Do note that The Dining Room’s opening hours are shorter than the main Polaris lounge, so check your flight time to avoid missing this excellent experience.

The Dining Room features a full-course set menu with rotating choices for light bites, entrees, drinks, and desserts that change by season and time of day. I mean, who can say no to a cioppino followed by a burger? (My stomach had differing opinions.) It was superb. The lounge also offers a full buffet and a well-appointed bar, both complimentary and serving some very good cocktails. I was sadly a little too champagne-full to sample much from the buffet, but even from a distance it looked tempting, and word of mouth suggests other guests enjoyed it thoroughly. This isn’t your typical American lounge anymore — well done, United Airlines.

Shower Room | United Polaris Lounge

Prior to boarding, I ventured to the Shower Room - I was quickly greeted and with a quick scan of my boarding pass and passport, got a lovely room to shower and dress up. The quality of amenities is top notch, ranging from Saks Fifth Avenue towels and slippers to an boutique shower/shampoo brand, Sunday Riley.

Once I arrived, the attendant asked for my boarding pass to ensure I had adequate time for a shower. Then, the kind lady showed me to my suite, guiding me through an impressive hallway design featuring shimmering LED lights simulating a starry night. This homage to the namesake of United's premium travel experience "Polaris" continues to showcase a premium product across this lounge, which I loved.

Shower pressure was great and I was easily impressed with the waterfall shower and handle combo. The bathroom is incredibly luxurious and all touch points just exude expensive materials. Kudos to you United Airlines for making everything so fantastic here! If you need anything like extra toothbrushes, combs, deodorant, simply ask the front desk attendant!

Curated for Class?

Absolutely.

The Polaris Lounge at SFO is vast and built to handle the heavy passenger flow of a Star Alliance hub serving Asia and Europe. Seating — private and open — stretches across a large footprint, with abundant power and USB outlets, multiple shower suites, nap rooms, and extensive food-and-drink options from buffet to sit-down dining and a full bar. Large windows and generous circulation keep the space feeling airy, but peak-hour crowding is inevitable given the sheer volume of connecting flights — expect waits for showers and restaurant seating and add your name to waitlists on arrival.

Ultimately, the United Polaris Lounge at SFO is a standout: elegantly designed with abundant, comfortable seating, reliable fast Wi‑Fi, an excellent Dining Room complemented by a well‑stocked buffet and bar, and attentive staff whose professional service consistently lifts the experience toward first‑class standards — plus convenient, well‑appointed shower suites for business‑class travellers. It represents a genuine turnaround by United, and remains a very welcome, tranquil haven for Star Alliance and Polaris passengers.

Curated for Class Final Score | 32.5/40

Probably the best international business class lounge in the West Coast for Star Alliance travelers - highly recommended and recommend folks get there early to enjoy the lounge at its best. Elegant and modern, with all the right services.

Food & Drinks: 8.5/10

Ambiance & Crowd Levelsl: 8/10

Staff Service: 7.5/10

Amenities: 8.5/10

Lounge Review: United POLARIS Lounge in San Francisco International Airport