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Sneak peek: United is planning large outdoor terrace for its new SFO lounge
Sean Cudahy is an aviation reporter covering news about airlines, frequent flyer programs and consumer travel issues.
June 16, 2026 • 7 min read
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Quick summary
United Airlines is set to open its largest West Coast lounge at San Francisco International Airport, featuring a 4,000-square-foot outdoor terrace.
The new lounge, located in Terminal 2, will offer expansive seating, a pass-through bar and year-round outdoor access with heaters and shaded areas.
This space will be the fourth and largest United Club at SFO, spanning 25,000 square feet and incorporating design elements inspired by San Francisco's parks and art scene.
Similar large lounges with outdoor terraces are planned for Houston and Dulles, reflecting a broader trend toward outdoor amenities in airport lounges.
What to consider
The San Francisco lounge is expected to open by the end of 2026, with no specific date announced yet.
Outdoor spaces are designed for year-round use, thanks to partial coverings and heaters, but weather conditions may still impact comfort.
Access policies and eligibility for the new lounge will follow standard United Club guidelines.
What you'll miss from the article
Details on how the new lounge compares to other major airport clubs and what unique features travelers can expect at SFO.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
By the end of this year, United Airlines expects to welcome travelers to a brand-new lounge at its biggest West Coast hub — and it will come with a strong dose of California sunshine.
As part of United’s new United Club at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the carrier is planning a standout feature: a 4,000-square-foot outdoor terrace overlooking the airfield.
It’ll be the largest outdoor space United has ever offered in one of its lounges, and it should be bigger and nicer than the lone observation deck it currently sports in its United Club in Los Angeles.
TPG just got a look at the space, which at the moment is more of a construction zone than any place you’d want to sit with a glass of Champagne.
But if you can tune out the drilling and hammering, you can start to get a sense of what this setup will look like.
TPG senior aviation reporter Sean Cudahy tours the future United Club at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
United's new San Francisco lounge
This new United Club will be the carrier’s fourth — and largest — in San Francisco. It'll be located in Terminal 2, situated right below the Maple Leaf Lounge operated by its Star Alliance partner, Air Canada.
The terrace itself will sport an expansive open area with seating for solo and group travelers.
There will be a “pass-through bar” that’ll let travelers grab drinks without stepping inside.
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United Club terrace under construction at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
And, the airline hopes a partially covered area with heaters — combined with the Bay Area’s mild winters — will allow flyers to use the outdoor section of this lounge year-round. (It’ll also offer shade during the warmer months.)
SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
The entire United Club will span 25,000 square feet — larger than the carrier’s three standard outposts at SFO. It’ll be slightly smaller than the airline's higher-end Polaris Lounge at the airport, which serves long-haul premium flyers.
Expect the space to offer subtle odes to the Bay Area: The airline teased a “San Francisco eclectic” vibe with nods to the city’s outdoor parks and art scene.
A big 2026 for United lounges
United hasn’t offered a formal timeline for the opening of its new SFO United Club, only that it’s expected to debut by the end of 2026.
It’s one of three outposts, nationwide, that the carrier is planning to unveil in 2026.
Like San Francisco, Houston's lounge will also feature an outdoor terrace for members.
Outdoor lounge spaces grow in popularity
Outdoor lounge spaces are quickly becoming a popular go-to amenity for airlines and credit card issuers as they add new clubs. Two of American Airlines' most recently announced Admirals Clubs (in Austin and Nashville) will have outdoor decks as well.
Terrace at the Delta One Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
Plus, you can also catch some rays at American Express' Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which ranks among the nicest clubs in Amex's lineup.
American Express Centurion Lounge in Atlanta. ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Looking ahead
We’re hoping to get a closer look at the United Club's design soon as the airline finalizes the plans for the space. And, of course, stay tuned to TPG this year for updates on when the new SFO lounge will open — and for our first look at the space once it does.
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.
