Introduction | Amex Centurion Lounge at SFO

Centurion Lounges have become one of my favorite lounges to visit. These comfortable and uniquely positioned platforms have been expanding globally with more sprouting up year over year. SFO’s Amex Centurion Lounge recently underwent a massive renovation that saw it expand its footprint by nearly double, as previously, they were having trouble with overcrowding issues and lack of space. I had a chance this weekend to visit and see how the changes were applied.

Location & Hours | Amex Centurion Lounge at SFO

The Amex Centurion Lounge resides in Terminal 3, and is directly opposite to F Gates 1 & 2. Those flying internationally will have no problem taking a corridor from their respective terminal over to Terminal 3 and have access to the lounge. Similar to Terminal 2, you can easily connect across to Terminal 3 via a corridor link after passing security.

Some tips for those traveling to SFO: If you are departing from another terminal, you can still enter Terminal 3 through security, pending TSA agent approval. Agents may let you know you’re entering security for the wrong terminal, so just politely acknowledge that fact and let them know why you’d like to go through. If asked, be honest and say you’re going to the Centurion Lounge.

If you are departing from another terminal, keep in mind that you’ll need to exit Terminal 3, and reenter security through your departing terminal once you’ve visited the lounge. Ensure that you allow enough time to exit security, walk or AirTrain to your terminal, reenter security, and get to your gate.

The lounge is open from 5:00am to 11:00pm, with peak hours usually around the morning rush and the late afternoon arrivals.

Food & Beverage | Amex Centurion Lounge at SFO

A strong advantage that the Amex Centurion Lounge has over all its competitors is its unique offerings of food and beverage across their portfolio. Like the Amex Centurion Lounge at SEA, the lounge here offers buffet styled food service. However, what makes this place different is that it offers not one, but TWO main bar and main buffet stations. Talk about making sure all your customers are fed and welcomed!

Food is first class all the way. For most travelers, breakfast plays huge a part in lounge selections and the lounge doesn’t disappoint, with variations of offerings such as scrambled cage-free eggs, egg frittata, pancakes banana foster, and home-fried potatoes.Amex partners with local award-winning chefs at each of its location. The SFO Centurion Lounge features Liholiho Yacht Club celebrity chef and owner Ravi Kapur's dishes.For me, I had a selection of mid-afternoon entrees such as gochujang-marinated chicken, baby carrots baked with honey, roasted broccoli and cauliflower medley, and more. There’s also an extensive salad bar with self-toppings and unique dressings. Cookies and desserts are plentiful here.

On the other half of the buffet, you can find wood fired pizza, cheese and meat selections and various bar bites. The charcuterie section was a hit amongst those that were waiting for the Super Bowl to begin.

In addition to all of those delicious meals and pleasing drink fare, an assortment of snacks, including cookies, fresh fruit, popcorn, and sandwiches are also available in the Centurion Lounge. I was there around the afternoon on a Sunday, and there was still an abundance of choices for me to snack on.

The amount of drinks here is insane. The selection of alcohol is one of the best domestically and features a wide variety of wines featured from the famed Napa Valley and Sonoma regions. There is a wine sampling machine that you can simply try out with the help of an attendant. The bar menu centers across wine flights across the regional areas of NorCal, and is easily accessible with a bar code that the bar attendant can give you. A refreshed wine list is available courtesy of Centurion Lounge wine director, Anthony Giglio. These wine flights include four pours from bottles that are local to the region, a “Sonoma Chardonnay Flight” and a “Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Flight.” The selection will rotate seasonally.

Of course, there are also self-serve coffee and drinks, such as strawberry infused water, iced tea and your typical coffee selections.

The Lounge | Amex Centurion Lounge at SFO

Walking further down, you will find expanded lounge space, featuring a second (smaller) buffet, a second bar area, as well as tons of additional seating. The food selection is more limited, but it is really nice to have the expansive windows and natural lighting. At the end of the hallway you will find even more seating. This area is a lot quieter as it is the furthest from the main entrance and from the food.

The Centurion Lounge at SFO offers complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a computer bar, and semi-private workspaces that can really prove productive if you’re on a business trip or just happen to be a workaholic. You’ll notice even more seating thanks to the lounge doubling in size to over 16,000 square feet. American Express realizes its lounges are overcrowded, so it has recently renovated this lounge to add more space.

I do think while the seating in this lounge is plentiful, I can see that this place is still going to be overcrowded on a busy weekday, as SFO is a primary hub for many global travelers, and thus the lounge can get extremely crowded, no matter the time of day. The restrictions on not entering after a flight, or earlier than 3 hours before a flight should help reduce overcrowding issues.

Some design styles that were hot in 2014 have been refreshed for the new decade. Neon green pops of color have been replaced with muted, darker tones. American Express said the new interior design “takes cues from the local vineyards, landscape and the iconic San Francisco fog to give guests a sense of relaxation.” A ton of seating has plenty of power outlets, including some built directly into tables to cut back on rogue cords everywhere.

Internet is plentiful and extremely fast. No problem with any streaming or downloading for upcoming flights!

The bathroom area has been massively expanded with more stalls. In the past, wait times for the loo were common. The new bathrooms offer pleasant touches like elegant tiling and L'Occitane amenities. Other upgrades include a custom baby-changing table, an improvement over the generic plastic one.

In addition, there’s a shower suite that is an oasis when you need to freshen up a bit. This is especially welcoming if you’re waiting for a long-haul connecting flight. To reserve the shower facilities, you need to make a reservation at the front desk.

Depending on the wait, you may be placed on a waiting list, and as folks finish up and the shower rooms are cleaned, you’ll be called. You’re asked not to take longer than a half-hour in the shower rooms, so the wait doesn’t seem to take too long.

Conclusion | Amex Centurion Lounge at SFO

The American Express Centurion Lounge at SFO is an airport lounge that offers some of the best food, wine, and drinks available around for improving your departure or layover. You’re sure to love everything from the wine-tasting and cocktail selection to the local food and free Wi-Fi. This was a much-needed update to one of the original Amex Centurion lounges, and I believe the addition of the wine flight is a great local touch. Perhaps in the future, they’ll continue to invest and input new amenities into this lounge, as SFO continues to grow in popularity over time.