Review: Delta SkyClub San Francisco Airport

Review: Delta SkyClub San Francisco Airport

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After spending some time in the Centurion Lounge, I headed over to Terminal 1 for my Delta Shuttle flight to Los Angeles. My flight was scheduled to depart at 8PM, so I headed over at around 6:15PM, to leave plenty of time to check out the Delta SkyClub before my flight.

However, when I arrived at Terminal 1 I found out that my 8PM flight was delayed by 40 minutes, so the kiosk offered to book me on the 7PM flight instead. After a long day of travel, that seemed like a good option.

By the time I got past security it was 6:30PM, which was when my flight was supposed to board. That being said, it was delayed by a few minutes, which allowed me to check out the Delta SkyClub at SFO, which is quite new.

The SkyClub is located just past the security checkpoint for Terminal 1, on the left side.

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San Francisco Airport Terminal 1

The exterior is sleek, and matches the new SkyClub branding, which I suppose goes without saying, given that this is a new club.

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Delta SkyClub entrance San Francisco Airport

The associate at the front desk was friendly, and upon presenting The Platinum Card® from American Express, I was promptly admitted. Anyone with The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express can access the SkyClub same day as long as they’re flying on Delta, a great benefit of a premium credit card with lounge access.

I took the elevator up a level to the actual SkyClub, and my jaw nearly hit the floor when I saw the design. Holy cow, aesthetically this is by far the most gorgeous US airline lounge I’ve ever seen by. By far.

There was a second desk in the actual lounge with agents who can help with any reservations. As I walked in I started snapping pictures of the lounge, and one of the associates commented “take all the pictures you want, this lounge is photo-worthy.” And she was right.

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Delta SkyClub seating San Francisco Airport

There were four chairs underneath a light fixture right by the stairs, and then also near the elevator was a stylish (but not especially comfortable looking) couch. Then again, I’m not sure why anyone would actually ever sit there.

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Delta SkyClub entryway San Francisco Airport

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Delta SkyClub seating San Francisco Airport

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Delta SkyClub entryway San Francisco Airport

The lounge was huge, especially given that San Francisco isn’t a hub for Delta. The ceilings were super high, and the lounge was nicely separated into different spaces using partitions and unique furniture.

Closest to the entrance there were mostly couches and plush lounge chairs.

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Delta SkyClub seating San Francisco Airport

Then as you walked further into the lounge there were some dining tables, which had a partition from the seating near the entrance for added privacy.

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Delta SkyClub seating San Francisco Airport

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Delta SkyClub dining area San Francisco Airport

Across from the dining area was the bar, which had dozens of liquor bottles on display.

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Delta SkyClub bar San Francisco Airport

There were also some unique couch-style chairs, which were stylish. As you can see in the picture below, the seats had plenty of outlets, which was true throughout the entire lounge.

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Delta SkyClub seating San Francisco Airport

Then in the back of the lounge were a ton more seats, including some more dining tables with booths.

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Delta SkyClub seating San Francisco Airport

The lounge sort of has an “L” shape, so towards the back there’s a business center in the corner, which features both cubicles and some high-top communal tables.

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Delta SkyClub business center San Francisco Airport

The food spread is located where the lounge bends.

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Delta SkyClub buffet San Francisco Airport

On the left side is Starbucks drip coffee, a Starbucks espresso machine (my favorite type of airport espresso machine), iced tea, etc.

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Delta SkyClub espresso machine San Francisco Airport

Then there are whole fruit and cookies.

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Delta SkyClub SFO food spread

While the SkyClub food spread isn’t to the level you’d get at a non-US lounge or an Amex Centurion Lounge, it is quite solid.

There were several types of spreads, cheese (both packages and cubed), a fruit salad, and mushrooms.

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Delta SkyClub SFO food spread

Then there were fresh veggies and salad, with packaged dressing.

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Delta SkyClub SFO food spread

Then there were two types of pasta and a chicken salad.

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Delta SkyClub SFO food spread

Next to that were croutons, rolls, crackers, etc.

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Delta SkyClub SFO food spread

There were two pots of soup next to that.

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Delta SkyClub SFO food spread

And then there were a selection of tasty looking sweets.

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Delta SkyClub SFO food spread

At the very end of the buffet were two snack towers. Unlike at Admirals Clubs, these snacks are actually quite good, and don’t taste like they’re past their expiration date.

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Delta SkyClub SFO food spread

In the very back of the lounge are the bathrooms and showers.

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Delta SkyClub SFO hallway to toilets and showers

The bathrooms are gorgeous, with red tile, orchids, and a backlit wall.

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Delta SkyClub SFO toilets

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Delta SkyClub SFO towels

The other thing worth noting is that the lounge boasts fantastic views. Because it’s a level up from the rest of the concourse, you have views of both the tarmac and the runways, which are pretty awesome.

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Delta SkyClub SFO view

During my brief visit I saw the Virgin Atlantic A340 taxiing in, which was a bit funny since I had arrived on the other Virgin Atlantic flight earlier.

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Delta SkyClub SFO view

I only had about 15 minutes in the lounge before it was time to head to my departure gate.

Delta SkyClub San Francisco bottom line

As far as US airline lounges go, SkyClubs take the prize for being the all around best. While the SkyClubs in San Diego and Los Angeles were nice, this one was stunning.

This lounge’s design, views, spaciousness, etc., were all unparalleled by anything I’ve seen from a US airline otherwise.

The food spread was quite good as well, certainly better than what you’d get in an American or United lounge. That being said, it’s still not to the level of Amex Centurion Lounges.

But goodness, this was by far the nicest SkyClub I’ve been to. To think this is just an outstation for Delta…

What do you think of the Delta SkyClub’s design?

Conversations (21)
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  1. Adam Guest

    I'll be arriving on a Delta-ticketed (but VS metal) flight that day; would I be able to use my Amex Platinum card to get into this lounge, or is that only when one has a boarding pass for a flight later that day?

  2. Jason Guest

    Old thread, but I was just at SFO and due to United being terrible, visited the AMEX lounge (twice) and this Delta lounge in the same day. While the food and alcohol at the Centurion lounge are better, the food at the Sky Club was not too far behind (and you don't have to fight for it),and it was so much bigger, brighter, and less crowded. If I had a choice between the two, I'd take the Sky Club every time.

  3. Carlos Guest

    I was there last month. This lounge is much better than any AMEX lounge that I have been in the US, when you consider the "crowding" factor ( I was also early in the morning with plenty of space to relax and a very good breakfast. I also like it more than the Atlanta F, better light and ambiance.

  4. Erikjan Franssen New Member

    About to go back to that lounge in a couple of hours for a flight SFO- AMS via Seattle. I think this is one of the best Delta lounges I have seen. Especially the full menu service is great, allowing you to have a proper meal before boarding.

  5. PHIL Guest

    i went there after centurion and did not want to admit the delta lounge was nicer...

    only bec of spaciousness and so much less crowded

    nothing like amex FREE everything, top shelf alcohol, hot food, more upscale royal, thats what i like!!

  6. Mitch Cumstein Gold

    A travel blogger reviewing a SkyClub is like a food critic reviewing the Olive Garden. Marilyn Hagerty anyone?

  7. Luis Diamond

    Are all the booze free unlike UA/AA?

    Any champagne?

  8. James Guest

    Wow, that sounds fantastic. I was there last year and quite underwhelmed. Hopefully I'll get a layover there and get a chance to enjoy it soon!

  9. Ryan Guest

    I visited the SFO Sky Club yesterday and I was hugely impressed. It was miles above any other lounge I've seen in the USA. I visited shortly after it opened at 5AM, and they had a decent breakfast offering, good coffee, and the bar was already open. The only problem was that it was terribly bright for 5AM—I still wasn't too awake, so I would have preferred some more ambient lighting. Still, congrats to Delta on building a fantastic domestic lounge.

  10. alec Guest

    On an unrelated note, I noticed the award chart for ANA has two versions - before and after Oct 14, 2015. Some routes went up, some went down. Care to take a look and see how bad it is? Do they still have the cheapest awards?

  11. Marc Member

    Very nice lounge! I would gladly spend a few hours there!

  12. mowogo Member

    You really need to go visit the Atlanta Skyclub on Concourse F. Lot of what you love about this one, but some bonus areas that act more like the Clubhouse, plus the outdoor sky deck that faces most of the international gates.

  13. Alex Gold

    Too bad the Delta terminal at SFO is ugly, crowded and outdated. The only domestic airport I really dont like Delta for.

    That said, Lucky you seemed to really be enjoying Delta on this trip so why all the hate?? Clearly a much better operation than AA/UA, or is it just that Skymiles is a joke?

  14. Anthony Diamond

    Ben,

    Admit it - this lounge looks multiple times more appealing than the Centurion Lounge you just reviewed. You can actually relax in there.

  15. Cal New Member

    @Gene I think he's specifically talking about the food offerings compared to the Amex Lounge and not the lounge overall.

  16. Santastico Diamond

    Based on the terrible experiences people are having with Amex Centurion lounges been totally overcrowded there is no doubt Delta lounges are much better.

  17. Gene Diamond

    @ Ben -- "it’s still not to the level of Amex Centurion Lounges" Really? How are the AMEX lounges better than the SFO SkyClub, except perhaps the spa treatments offered at DFW? Plus, it really doesn't matter how nice the AMEX lounges are since they are always overcrowded. At SFO, I even much prefer the old United Club over the AMEX lounge.

  18. Nick OMAAT

    Too bad you didn't get a chance to try the food from the menu-- I believe SFO and JFK are the only SkyClubs with a full kitchen, and it's SFO that has the innovative Vietnamese fusion menu.

    Just gives me a reason to review it for you guys next time!

  19. jmd001 Member

    Wow! The last time I had access to the Delta lounge at SFO, it was called the Crown Room, and it was on the land side of security. What an incredible improvement.

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

Adam Guest

I'll be arriving on a Delta-ticketed (but VS metal) flight that day; would I be able to use my Amex Platinum card to get into this lounge, or is that only when one has a boarding pass for a flight later that day?

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Jason Guest

Old thread, but I was just at SFO and due to United being terrible, visited the AMEX lounge (twice) and this Delta lounge in the same day. While the food and alcohol at the Centurion lounge are better, the food at the Sky Club was not too far behind (and you don't have to fight for it),and it was so much bigger, brighter, and less crowded. If I had a choice between the two, I'd take the Sky Club every time.

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Carlos Guest

I was there last month. This lounge is much better than any AMEX lounge that I have been in the US, when you consider the "crowding" factor ( I was also early in the morning with plenty of space to relax and a very good breakfast. I also like it more than the Atlanta F, better light and ambiance.

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