A United Dreamliner taxis by bright new space at SFO’s Terminal 3 East Concourse (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
There’s a lot happening at United’s sprawling Terminal 3 at San Francisco International Airport this week.
First off, the airport unveiled its big bright Terminal 3 East Concourse, which connects the recently renovated T3E space with the rest of the terminal. Until this week, passengers walked to T3E via a narrow corridor fronted by a big construction wall.
The Terminal 3 East Concourse appears in green (Image SFO)
The $253 million, 53,000 square foot expansion is comprised of a concourse connecting Boarding Areas E and F, a consolidated central security checkpoint, three additional gates, and a new United Club location. There are eight new retail and dining outlets, 230 power outlets, and 200 USB outlets.
Big bathrooms include private changing rooms– a unique new addition to the space I’ve not seen before. There are also four new art installations, along with mod lounge-style seating areas including the now ubiquitous egg chairs (seen in silhouette above) coffee tables and big communal tables. New retailers include Aveda, Jo Malone and Tom Ford.
New United Club
Entry to the new United Club at SFO (Chris McGinnis)
At just over 6,000 square feet, the newest United Club offers a panoramic view of airport operations through giant floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s space for 130 members in the new Club, and when it’s crowded, it will feel that way since there is not a lot of empty space between chairs. Nonetheless, the space feels light and airy due to the big view out to the ramp and a pale color palette. Plus, there are two small rooms with desks and glass doors that close if you need privacy.
Main room in new United Club at SFO packs em in- seating for 130 flyers (Chris McGinnis)
There is one main room adjacent to the bar, which backs up to the windows, and a smaller space where the buffet is set up with items such as fresh zucchini, yellow squash and cherry tomatoes; butternut squash soup; spinach salad; and a variety of fresh meats and cheeses, and the standard hummus and mediterranean salad available at other United Clubs.
The new Terminal 3 East club will operate in addition to the larger, but relatively dated United Club location in Boarding Area F and in International Terminal G. There are some long range plans to get this old club up to new standards, but it will be part of an overall revamp of the rest of Terminal three that is still several years off. But eventually all of Terminal 3 should be as hip and bright as the new T3E boarding area.
The temporary, windowless United Club on the mezzanine level that opened last year is now closed.
Main room & bar at the new United Club SFO (Chris McGinnis)
Dramatic tarmac views from the new 6,000 sq ft United Club at SFO (Chris McGinnis
The “look” of this club is nearly identical to recently remodeled United Club locations in Atlanta, Chicago, San Diego, Seattle, Boston and London.
Related: Feast your eyes on United’s new London lounges
Have you been inside a new United Club recently? What did you think? Please leave your comments below.
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Chris McGinnis says
November 24, 2015 at 4:04 pmYou need to check in and get boarding pass online or from kiosk. If you have bags to check, you’d do that at the First Class or Premier line. Then go through security. Club is located in Terminal 3 near entrance to new T3E space.
Shanao Zen says
November 24, 2015 at 12:12 pmActually I have a free pass from my United credit card, so I can get in. Do I check in before going to the club, or can it be done once inside? Also, where is the newest/best club located at SFO?
Chris McGinnis says
November 24, 2015 at 12:07 pmRegrettably that first class ticket does not get you in the United Club, but you can pay to get in: If flying United, you should definitely check out this new club- pay the $50 one time visit fee at the door. OR If you have American Express Platinum card, then you should use the nearby Centurion Club. If you carry another AMEX you can pay $50 fee to enter.
Shanao Zen says
November 24, 2015 at 11:54 amSeeking some advice on SFO: I’m flying to Hawaii on 11/28 in First Class: what are my best options for using a Club Lounge, easiest check-in, Global lounge, etc,? I know the new club lounge just opened last week. Thanks, Michelle.
Chris McGinnis says
November 18, 2015 at 5:58 pmYep, that London Club is the nicest one I’ve ever been in. And such a step up from the older one.
Hugo Traeger says
November 18, 2015 at 3:18 pmSeems like I always wind up in the old Chicago club. The new one in Boston is very nice and Heathrow is excellent. I hope that SFO is at least comparable. Heathrow food and space is far superior to any of the US clubs.
ptahcha says
November 18, 2015 at 12:32 pmAt other lounges, the mythical salami platter is available only between 4-6pm.
Dan Leifker says
November 18, 2015 at 10:22 amI have lukewarm feelings about United lounges, but their Mediterranean salad has to be the most fantastically scream-out-loud delicious thing I’ve ever eaten. I eat so much of it on my visits that I’m surprised United hasn’t expelled me from their lounges.
Not sure I like the tables in the new lounge. Reminds me of a Manhattan restaurant. If you’re seated next to loudmouths it can be hard to concentrate on whatever you’re doing. Maybe United could install personal Cones of Silence like the one on Get Smart.
Chris McGinnis says
November 18, 2015 at 8:47 amThanks, Barry. We were told that what we saw on the buffet will be the standard offering. Let us know if you see something different! The terminal connects BEFORE security to T2– not inside security. No current plans for a post security connector like there is between Terminals 1 & 2.
Barry Chaffin says
November 18, 2015 at 8:43 amWill the meat and cheeses stay? Or was that for a grand opening?
Does or will the terminal connect with the terminals to the south post security? (i.e. AA WN)
Tim_Dick says
November 18, 2015 at 7:56 amExcellent. Hope the Concourse F Club gets a bit of a refresh! United is making progress despite its executive challenges. Domestic first service & food upgrade is terrific. (Now will someone please halt installing the “Smisek’s revenge” vinyl thin back seats on the 737s.)