1

I would post this question on flyertalk. People there know the lounges inside and out. I can tell you that for United, there is no way to buy a pass at the door. You generally need to buy a pass in advance (sometimes requiring the purchase of multi-packs) which runs $50/pass, or convince someone with membership to let you in as a guest.

(edited for clarity)

2

Your selection can be limited by what terminals you have a boarding pass to enter, unless the club is outside security. I'd certainly feel more relaxed in a club if I didn't still have to go through security to board. United appears to ahve a club in the international terminal, from which Air New Zealand leaves. $50 for one time pass (no pack seems to be required and the UA Web site says specifically that it's for purchase at club locations). http://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/airport/lounge/rates.aspx There are some clubs you can enter if you have an Am Ex Platinum Card, but United's are not among those. The club appears to be open 5 a.m.-11 p.m. each day. Couldn't tell if they have showers (important for my wife but maybe not to you). The UA club in the international terminal at IAH does (it's a former Continental Presidents Club), but I couldn't tell if SFO does. In general, the few UA clubs I've used have been nice, with a decent selection of snacks, drinks and comfortable seating.

Singapore Airlines also seems to have a lounge in the SFO international terminal, but I don't know details on entrance.

3

There are showers available right where the International Terminal & Terminal 3 meet. Open daily, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. There is also luggage storage in the same area. Passenger services at SFO

ANZ doesn't have a lounge. Their VIP customers can use the United Red Carpet Club int he International Terminal.

4

8 hours? Have you thought about taking the train into the city for a few hours of sight-seeing?

5

Thanks for the advice so far. I looked around a few other forums (skytrax, lounge guide) and no one seems to like the United lounge. We will be arriving at the international terminal and flying out of terminal 3 home to Calgary. I will probably just do the showers as #3 suggests, especially since the terminals seem to be linked. I have some friends that live in San Francisco and my first option is to hang out with them for the day and take in some sights as my wife has never been there and it is truly one of the worlds most beautiful cities. Otherwise it will be an afternoon of Gordon Biersch and Garlic Fries.

6

Checked into the Singapore Airlines lounge?

7

Hi All, I did not end up having as long in SFO as originally told due to delays caused by a tornado hitting Auckland while I was on my way there from Brisbane.