CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) is preparing to open a brand-new United Club at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and the lounge will feature the largest outdoor terrace the carrier has ever built. The 4,000-square-foot space will overlook the airfield and is expected to debut by the end of 2026.
The new lounge will sit in Terminal 2 at San Francisco (SFO), directly below the Maple Leaf Lounge operated by Star Alliance partner Air Canada (AC).
It will become United’s fourth and largest club at the airport, surpassing the observation deck the airline currently offers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), TPG reported exclusively.
Inside United’s New San Francisco Lounge
The new United Club will span 25,000 square feet, making it larger than the carrier’s three existing outposts at the airport. It will be slightly smaller than United’s higher-end Polaris Lounge at SFO, which serves long-haul premium passengers and top-tier elite members.
The standout feature is the open-air terrace overlooking the tarmac. The space will offer seating for both solo travelers and groups, along with a “pass-through bar” that lets flyers grab drinks without stepping back inside the lounge.
United also plans a partially covered section fitted with heaters. Combined with the Bay Area’s mild winters, the airline hopes the design will keep the terrace usable throughout the year. The same covered area will provide shade during warmer months.
A San Francisco-Inspired Design
The airline has teased a “San Francisco eclectic” theme for the lounge. The design will include subtle nods to the city’s outdoor parks and local art scene, giving the space a strong regional identity rather than a generic club layout.
United has not confirmed an exact opening date and has only stated that the lounge will debut by the end of 2026.
Part of a Major 2026 Lounge Expansion
The San Francisco lounge is one of three new United Clubs the carrier plans to open across the United States in 2026.
United will also unveil a nearly 40,000-square-foot club at Dulles International Airport (IAD), opening alongside a brand-new terminal. In addition, the airline is preparing a 54,000-square-foot club at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Like San Francisco, the Houston lounge will include its own outdoor terrace for members.
Outdoor Lounge Spaces Gain Popularity
Outdoor terraces are quickly becoming a sought-after amenity as airlines and credit card issuers compete on lounge experiences.
American Airlines (AA) has announced outdoor decks at two of its newest Admirals Clubs, located in Austin (AUS) and Nashville (BNA). Delta Air Lines (DL) offers terraces at its Delta One Lounges in Los Angeles (LAX) and Seattle (SEA), the latter of which won a TPG Award this year for best new airline lounge in America.
Travelers can also enjoy open-air seating at the American Express Centurion Lounge in Atlanta (ATL), one of the highest-rated clubs in the Amex network.
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