The Guide to Oakland Airport Lounges

While flying can at times be stressful, visiting an airport lounge before your flight can be a relaxing experience, often offering visitors food, drinks, Wi-Fi and other amenities.

Flyers out of San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport have only one airport lounge to provide such respite. Below we’ll dive into all you need to know about Oakland airport's lounge.

About Oakland airport lounges

San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport is a roughly 30-minute drive east of San Francisco and offers flights from over a dozen airlines, including Southwest, Alaska, Hawaiian, Volaris and Delta.

Despite serving several major carriers, you might be surprised to learn it only has one airport lounge — the Escape Lounge OAK - The Centurion Studio Partner.

» Learn more: The guide to Escape Lounges

The Escape Lounge OAK hours and location

The Escape Lounge OAK is open every day from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Oakland Airport has two terminals, and the Escape Lounge OAK is in Terminal 1, across from Gate 9 and between Gates 8 and 8a. Both terminals at Oakland Airport are connected by a walkway, so if you’re flying out of Terminal 2, you can still easily access Terminal 1 and the Escape Lounge OAK.

Who can access the Escape Lounge OAK?

The Escape Lounge OAK is open to all travelers, though the cost of entry depends on whether you pay in advance, pay at the lounge or if you have a premium American Express card.

Below is an overview of how much it costs to enter the Escape Lounge OAK at Oakland Airport:

• $45 for travelers who pay for entry at the lounge.

• $40 for travelers who pre-book at least 24 hours before their visit.

• Complimentary access for The Platinum Card® from American Express and American Express Centurion® Card holders and up to two guests. 

• Complimentary access for Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card holders who are traveling on a Delta-marketed flight on the same day, with a $30 charge for each additional guest.

Terms apply.

The Escape Lounge OAK also offers AAA and military discounts, and children younger than 24 months receive free entry.

» Learn more: 7 awesome credit cards with airport lounge access

Pre-book your visit

To pre-book your visit to the Escape Lounge OAK, visit https://escapelounges.com/us/locations/oakland/ at least 24 hours before your flight and click “Book Now” at the top of the site.

Amenities

Once you’re inside the Escape Lounge OAK, you can take advantage of the following amenities:

• Premium Wi-Fi.

• Complimentary food and drinks (including alcoholic beverages).

• Charging ports at every seat.

• Print, scan and copy services.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card holders have access to an exclusive menu of complimentary snacks, wine and liquors, while American Express Centurion Card holders receive a premium complimentary sparkling wine in addition to the full food and bar menu available to all guests.

Terms apply.

While the exact food and drink offerings may vary based on the day you visit, below is a sample menu at the Escape Lounge OAK.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Is it worth getting a premium American Express card to access the lounge?

Since The Platinum Card® from American Express, American Express Centurion® and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card holders receive complimentary access to the Escape Lounge OAK, you may be wondering if it’s worth applying for any of those cards to access the Escape Lounge OAK.

Given the high annual fees of the American Express premium cards that get you complimentary access to the Escape Lounge OAK, we wouldn’t recommend applying for any of these cards solely for the complimentary lounge access.

That said, it may be worth applying for the cards if you frequently fly out of this airport and can take advantage of other benefits offered.

Terms apply,

» Learn more: The best benefits of The Platinum Card by American Express

Final thoughts on lounges at Oakland airport

While the Oakland airport has only one lounge, it is accessible to all passengers, and select American Express premium cardholders have complimentary access.

If you don’t qualify for free entry to the Escape Lounge OAK, we recommend reserving your spot at least 24 hours before your flight so you can take advantage of a lower price for your visit and reserve your spot.

Once inside the Escape Lounge OAK, you’ll have access to free food and drinks, premium Wi-Fi and charging ports at every seat, making the Escape Lounge OAK a great place to spend your time before your flight.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.