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SFO Centurion Lounge : Re clear security?

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Anonymous
Not applicable

SFO Centurion Lounge : Re clear security?

Is this the only amex lounge that requires you to reclear security to go through each terminal? So if the SFO centurion lounge is in Terminal 3, if youre departing or arriving from Terminal 1 or 2, you basically gotta exit your terminal and go through security to Terimal 3 to get to the lounge, exit, then reclear security again if you want to transfer back to T1 or 2, etc? 

 

That sounds painful. Anyone know if thats the only way to get around? I also hope this is the only airport that does this for the centurion lounge. I know in las vegas once you clear secuirty you can just walk throuhg all the terminals inside. 

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wasCB14
Super Contributor

Re: SFO Centurion Lounge : Re clear security?


@Anonymous wrote:

Is this the only amex lounge that requires you to reclear security to go through each terminal? So if the SFO centurion lounge is in Terminal 3, if youre departing or arriving from Terminal 1 or 2, you basically gotta exit your terminal and go through security to Terimal 3 to get to the lounge, exit, then reclear security again if you want to transfer back to T1 or 2, etc? 

 

That sounds painful. Anyone know if thats the only way to get around? I also hope this is the only airport that does this for the centurion lounge. I know in las vegas once you clear secuirty you can just walk throuhg all the terminals inside. 


SFO has limited airside connectivity between terminals. I'm not sure how easy it is to access T3 airside from International Area G, but some sort of connection exists. There is no airside connection between T3 and T1/T2. So, yes, you'd have to go through security again...assuming security even permits you into T3 despite the fact you don't have a T3 boarding pass.

In other words, if you're flying domestic on American, Southwest, Delta, or Virgin America then you won't have access to Centurion (at least with only one trip through security). There is a nice Delta club in T1, though, when you're flying them. Free with Amex Platinum, $29 per guest.

If you're flying United domestically you will definitely have access to Centurion on most flights (which are in and out of T3) and possibly have access on all flights if getting from the part of I-G where United has some gates to T3 is easy, something I'm not sure about).

If you're flying another airline out of I-G you may possibly have Cent access. I don't know the layout and security setup of I-G very well.

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Message 2 of 7
K-in-Boston
Credit Mentor

Re: SFO Centurion Lounge : Re clear security?

I run into that issue with lounges not being connected airside with other terminals.  Actually, even here in Boston the Alaska and Virgin America gates aren't even accessible to the rest of Terminal C where there's a Priority Pass lounge.  The best suggestion I can give you is to get Global Entry or NEXUS (which both include TSA PreCheck) and try to make sure you are flying on an airline that does TSA PreCheck.  Yes you will have to enter security at each area, but it shouldn't really add much time.

 

ETA: wasCB14, no issues at SFO going to the lounge as long as you have a valid boarding pass for that day - if TSA even asks, just tell them you are going to the American Express lounge.

Message 3 of 7
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: SFO Centurion Lounge : Re clear security?

I had to do it for exactly that lounge. Wasn't bad at all honestly, and that Centurion lounge is so much nicer than the Delta Sky clubs I've been in (which would have been my other option at the time).
Message 4 of 7
wasCB14
Super Contributor

Re: SFO Centurion Lounge : Re clear security?


@Anonymous wrote:
I had to do it for exactly that lounge. Wasn't bad at all honestly, and that Centurion lounge is so much nicer than the Delta Sky clubs I've been in (which would have been my other option at the time).

SFO T1 Sky Club doesn't have the food and drink quality of Centurion, but if you're short on time, it's actually not bad. Lots of space, too.

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NRB525
Super Contributor

Re: SFO Centurion Lounge : Re clear security?

In SEA, the new Delta lounge is ten times better than the cramped AMEX Cent Studio, and right around the corner in the main terminal. 

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wasCB14
Super Contributor

Re: SFO Centurion Lounge : Re clear security?

While I've drunk wine there, I've not done the wine tasting. I know they track what a person has had as part of that.

 

Is that because there's a fee for it? Or the receipts are so minors don't drink? Or they just don't want adults getting sloshed?

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