The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
News
First look: Inside Air India’s new Maharaja Lounge at SFO
Featured image by STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
May 22, 2026 • 7 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Related stories
Quick summary
Air India has opened its first signature lounge outside India at San Francisco International Airport, offering a premium preflight experience for eligible travelers.
The Maharaja Lounge features contemporary design with Indian cultural elements, a dedicated cocktail bar, and a rotating buffet with Indian and international cuisine.
A private area is reserved for first-class passengers, providing a more exclusive and personalized experience with a la carte dining and select beverages.
Amenities include fast Wi-Fi, ample charging points and accessible facilities, though showers are not available.
What to consider
Access is limited to Air India first and business class passengers, eligible Star Alliance premium travelers and select elite members on qualifying flights.
The lounge operates daily but hours may vary based on flight schedules, so travelers should confirm availability before visiting.
The Private Zone is exclusively for first-class guests and has limited capacity.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed look at the lounge’s design inspiration, unique food and beverage offerings and how the space reflects Air India’s heritage.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Air India is bringing its premium overhaul to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with the opening of its first signature lounge outside India.
Officially opening on May 23, the new Maharaja Lounge marks another major investment in the airline’s ongoing transformation, bringing its updated premium experience to one of its key international gateways.
Located near the A Gates in SFO’s International Terminal, the lounge spans roughly 3,300 square feet and blends contemporary luxury with design elements inspired by Indian culture and crafts.
TPG got an early look inside ahead of the official opening. Here’s what travelers can expect.
Where is Air India’s Maharaja Lounge at SFO?
The Maharaja Lounge is located postsecurity near the A gates in SFO’s International Terminal.
After clearing security, travelers should turn left and walk past the Air France lounge before taking the escalators up one level. At the top, signage directs guests toward the lounge; from there, a short walk with a couple of right turns leads directly to the entrance on the right-hand side.
1 of 3
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 3
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
3 of 3
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
The lounge is expected to operate daily from approximately 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., though hours may vary based on flight schedules.
A lounge designed to feel like a gateway to India
Designed by hospitality firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the Maharaja Lounge reflects the airline's updated design philosophy, with a contemporary look that also pays homage to its founding back in 1932.
Warm champagne tones, ivory-hued accents and deep red accent furniture reflect Air India’s refreshed branding, while subtle motifs alluding to the airline's “Vista” logo appear throughout the walls and furniture. Works by local artists and installations crafted from upcycled aircraft components add texture and points of visual interest throughout the lounge.
1 of 4
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 4
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
3 of 4
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
4 of 4
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
Several art installations near the dining area were sourced from India, including one piece created with pigments derived from Indian spices and botanicals rather than traditional paint. According to the airline, the artwork incorporates colors derived from ingredients such as turmeric, roses and cinnamon — a fitting complement to the lounge’s culinary focus (more on that below).
Even smaller details, including branded glassware and tableware featuring Maharaja motifs, reinforce the airline’s effort to create what it describes as a more immersive “gateway to India” experience before boarding.
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
Large windows and abundant natural light help the lounge feel open and relaxing, while comfortable seating and plentiful power outlets make it easy to settle in before a long-haul flight. At times, it is easy to forget you are inside an airport lounge at all — until aircraft taxi past the tarmac-facing windows.
The Aviator’s Bar
One of the lounge’s focal points is the Aviator’s Bar, a separate speakeasy-inspired cocktail space distinct from the main dining and buffet area.
This separation helps create a more intimate atmosphere, giving the lounge multiple zones for dining, socializing and relaxing.
1 of 2
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 2
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
The space was designed to reflect Air India's history. The bar stools were inspired by seating used on some of the carrier’s earliest aircraft dating back to the 1930s, incorporating similar stitching patterns, materials and color palettes.
Even the ceiling installation carries an aviation reference: Lighting elements were modeled after the propeller shafts of early planes, intended to evoke the motion and energy of flight before the jet age.
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
The walls of the bar also function as a historical canvas, featuring archival imagery, vintage postcards, aircraft drawings and model aircraft that trace Air India’s evolution over time.
The bar features a curated selection of wines and whiskies alongside signature cocktails, including the Maharaja Manhattan — a twist on the classic cocktail featuring black pepper — and the Limitless, a gin-based drink infused with rose, hibiscus and saffron.
1 of 2
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 2
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
During my visit, I sampled the Mixed Emotions mocktail, a refreshing drink made with cranberry juice, passion fruit, lime juice, simple syrup and soda water, then finished with fresh mint. I also tried the Maharaja Mule, an Indian-inspired take on the classic Moscow Mule that blends lime, muddled mint and ginger.
The beverage program feels carefully considered, balancing classic cocktails with drinks inspired by Indian flavors and ingredients.
And with views from the bar overlooking the tarmac, it makes for an especially appealing spot for aviation enthusiasts and travelers hoping to unwind before a long-haul flight.
Dining and food offerings
The Maharaja Lounge includes both Indian and international dining options with a self-serve buffet.
Menus will rotate on a recurring cycle that varies by mealtime in an effort to keep the experience interesting for passengers who regularly fly between San Francisco and India.
During my visit, the buffet leaned heavily into Indian cuisine, with dishes including dal Bukhara, chicken tikka masala, vegetable biryani, paneer moringa and beet-and-fig sham savera kofta alongside grilled salmon and vegetables.
1 of 4
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 4
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
3 of 4
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
4 of 4
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
A cold spread featured fresh fruit, crackers, cheeses and house specialty dips, including tikka achari and mango habanero.
1 of 2
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 2
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
Smaller bites included fish croquettes, paneer tossed in Szechuan sauce and a modernized take on gajar ka halwa — a traditional North Indian carrot dessert slow-cooked with butter, milk and nuts — served in a tart-like bite-sized presentation.
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
The food felt flavorful and thoughtfully prepared, with dishes that leaned into bold spices and comforting regional flavors. Most items hovered around a mild-to-moderate heat level, though additional accompaniments were available for travelers looking to dial up the spice.
1 of 2
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 2
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
A self-serve beverage station offers juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea, while the Aviator’s Bar handles cocktails, wine and spirits separately from the buffet area.
Private first-class area
Tucked into a quieter corner of the lounge is a dedicated Private Zone reserved exclusively for Air India first-class passengers.
1 of 4
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
2 of 4
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
3 of 4
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
4 of 4
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
This space accommodates just eight guests at a time and offers a noticeably more serene and elevated experience compared to the main lounge, which seats roughly 75 travelers.
First-class passengers also have access to an a la carte dining menu and a reserved selection of cognac and whiskey, providing a more personalized experience beyond the buffet.
Amenities and practical touches
The lounge includes fast and free Wi-Fi, ample charging points and accessible facilities throughout.
AC outlets and USB-A and USB-C ports are available across seating areas, and seating itself is both modern and comfortable, making it easy to work or relax before departure.
STEPHANIE STEVENS/THE POINTS GUY
One notable omission, however, is showers — something many premium international lounges typically offer for long-haul passengers.
Still, the lounge’s design, natural light and thoughtful layout help create a calm and polished preflight environment despite its relatively compact footprint.
Who can access Air India’s Maharaja Lounge at SFO?
Access is available to:
Air India First Class passengers
Air India Business Class passengers
Eligible Star Alliance premium passengers
Maharaja Club Gold and Platinum members traveling on eligible flights
The Private Zone is reserved exclusively for first-class passengers.
Bottom line
Rather than aiming for scale or flash, Air India has created a space that feels polished and intentional. The lounge leans into the airline’s Indian heritage through its design, food and cocktail program, while still offering the comfort and functionality travelers expect before a long-haul flight.
Between the spice-inspired artwork, aviation heritage details, tarmac-facing bar and Indian-focused dining program, the lounge feels cohesive and thoughtfully designed.
And for travelers flying Air India’s long-haul routes to India, it’s a noticeable upgrade to the airline’s preflight experience in San Francisco.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
