Star Alliance-based travellers flying through San Francisco will notice a touch of Canadian flair as Air Canada opens its new Maple Leaf Lounge in SFO Terminal 2. The opening marks Air Canada’s 28th Maple Leaf lounge worldwide and the carrier’s 3rd in the USA. But apart from the usual premium amenities that passengers can expect from a shiny new lounge, the outdoor terrace will undoubtedly stand out.

Jacqueline Harkness, Air Canada’s Managing Director, Products and Services, says it’s another way the airline is investing to become San Francisco’s favourite way to travel internationally.

We’re thrilled to bring our Maple Leaf Lounge experience to San Francisco International Airport, giving our Bay Area customers a way to enjoy Air Canada’s award-winning product and glowing hearted hospitality from the moment they arrive.

– Jacqueline Harkness, Air Canada’s Managing Director, Products and Services, 13 July 2023
Air Canada San Francisco lounge staff
Air Canada brand ambassadors flank (L-R) Scott O’Leary (Vice President, Loyalty and Product), Mark Nasr (Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital) and Jacqueline Harkness (Managing Director – Product & Services).
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What to expect at the Air Canada SFO lounge

The 761 sqm lounge comfortably seats 165 passengers – 135 inside, 30 on the terrace – who are jetting off to Air Canada’s hubs of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver and beyond. The door list includes:

  • Star Alliance Gold members
  • Aeroplan 50K, 75K, and Aeroplan Super Elite Status members
  • Aeroplan premium co-brand cardholders
  • Customers departing on a Business Class ticket with Air Canada or a Star Alliance carrier

Eligible passengers flying United domestically from Terminal 3 can drop in for a visit as there is a connection airside. Additionally, Velocity Gold and Platinum members can also enjoy access when departing from San Francisco on Air Canada. But the 1-guest limit per member includes children, so keep that in mind.

Crafted in partnership with local architectural firm Gensler, Air Canada pays homage to California through its design and offerings. Two vapour fireplaces (produced by Canadian company, CF + D) will keep you from feeling the chill during the colder winter months.

Expect unique seafood offerings such as San Francisco fish stew cioppino alongside a collection of Californian wines – and beers from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and Anchor Brewing. The tended bar will also offer up tempting cocktails and espresso coffee.

From the get-go, you’ll notice high-tech twists such as e-Gates and biometric identification for seamless lounge entry. But even smaller touches such as heated towel racks in the showers will be appreciated.

Air Canada’s growing US lounge network

Elsewhere, Air Canada has lounges in Los Angeles and New York LaGuardia. At Newark, Air Canada bunks in with partner United at the new United Club in Terminal A. Although it’s a United lounge by name, Air Canada maintains a dedicated customer desk in the lounge and welcomes the same guests who would normally enjoy Maple Leaf lounge access.

In Toronto and Vancouver, the airline also operates its exclusive Air Canada Signature Suites space which is solely the domain of the airline’s fare-paying international Business Class passengers.

Fly on Air Canada sooner with Velocity Points.


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All photos courtesy of Air Canada.

Air Canada opens new Maple Leaf Lounge in San Francisco was last modified: August 24th, 2023 by Brandon Loo