
The at one time very busy entrance to the United Club at SFO’s International Terminal is now shut (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
United Club members or MileagePlus Gold+ members accustomed to using the United Club just past security in SFO’s International Terminal G will have to change their plans for a while. Unless of course they are flying on a paid business or first class ticket.
That lounge, near Gate G92, has been closed as United proceeds with construction that will convert that space into a new Polaris Club for premium-class international travelers. The adjacent Singapore Air Silver Kris lounge, which will become part of the newer, larger Polaris lounge, has closed as well. United says that the new facility should be ready by next summer (2018).

Singapore Air’s Silver Kris lounge is now shut, too. (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
In the meantime, the old Global First Lounge in the International Terminal (way out near gate G98) is serving as a temporary lounge for United Polaris first and business class departing customers and Star Alliance international first and business class departing customers (including United).
However, be aware that this temporary lounge will not be able to accommodate Star Gold customers, United Club members, one-time pass holders, military, etc. (Customers holding Star Gold status who visit the temporary lounge will not receive their +1 guest privileges at the temporary Global First Lounge as this is not a Star Gold lounge with Star Gold benefits. Customers bringing a guest who would not otherwise be eligible for the temporary lounge will need to visit one of the United Club locations in domestic Terminal 3.)
For the time being, Star Alliance Gold and United Club members will have to schlep back to any of the three United Club locations in Terminal 3 via the post-security walkway that connects the International Terminal and Terminal 3. To handle the increased traffic, United has re-opened another club across from Gate 71A on the mezzanine level (take elevator) above the main concourse. Customers should plan on a 5-10 minute walk in each direction.
Here’s a look at the mezzanine United Club when it opened in 2014-2016.

Entrance to the United First lounge, which is now used by United and Star Alliance first, business flyers (Photo: Chris McGinnis)

Editor Chris McGinnis checking out the dated Chinoiserie in the United First lounge

The United First lounge on a Tuesday evening in October- busy, but not overcrowded (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
The SFO construction is just one of several United Club improvement projects around United’s system. At Newark, part of the United Club near Gate C120 in Terminal C is being converted to a new Polaris Lounge, so seating in that lounge is “significantly limited” for now. At Houston Bush Intercontinental, the United Club in Terminal E is due to reopen this month after a renovation project.

Big blue glass doors at the entry to United’s brand new Club (Chris McGinnis)
At Chicago O’Hare, the Club near Gate C16 in Terminal 1 is closed for renovations until sometime this winter. And the United Club at Ft. Lauderdale is closed for an overhaul, although United has opened a temporary location in Terminal 1 between Gates C1-C3.
Here’s United’s latest list of United Club locations.
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