Inside the Temporary Centurion Lounge at SFO

Due to construction in Terminal 3, San Francisco International Airport’s Centurion Lounge has shifted to a temporary home in Terminal 2 — specifically, in Concourse D near Gate D12. While the new location doesn’t quite match the size or sophistication of its permanent predecessor, it manages to carve out its own charm — including some advantages the original didn’t offer.

I visited the temporary SFO Centurion Lounge in June 2025 — the second day it had been open to the general public — to check it out.

I’d been a regular at the original AmEx SFO lounge, which I access through The Platinum Card® from American Express. You can still see my review of that lounge for context, though you likely won’t be able to access it for a while. AmEx says it’s not expected to reopen until 2027. Terms apply.

Here’s what travelers can expect from this stopgap Centurion Lounge.

Housed in a former Alaska Lounge space (Alaska Airlines has since moved to a newer, larger lounge in Terminal 1), this temporary lounge has inherited a few design quirks from its former tenant. Notably, the iconic fire pit feature — once a cozy centerpiece — now plays a decorative role, filled in with stones and plants.

Despite the reduced square footage compared to the previous Centurion Lounge, the space doesn’t feel cramped. In fact, it feels more open in some ways, thanks to large, exterior-facing windows that offer expansive airfield views. These windows allow natural light to pour in, bringing a calming vibe that’s often missing in busy airport lounges.

The dining setup has been streamlined into one central food and drink area.

During a recent Saturday morning visit, breakfast offerings were almost entirely vegetarian-friendly, including:

• Egg and cheese omelettes.

• A potato and veggie hash.

• Vegan breakfast patties.

• Bacon (non-vegetarian).

• Oatmeal with mix-ins.

• Greek yogurt and fruit.

• Assorted pastries.

While serviceable, the food didn’t quite rise to the culinary standards set by the Ravi Kapur-designed menu of the Terminal 3 lounge. Still, the variety and vegetarian options should satisfy most travelers grabbing a quick bite before takeoff.

To drink, self-serve options included coffee pots, an espresso machine (for more custom drinks like lattes), juice and water.

The beverage station was notable for its nostalgic touch: American Express carried over the flavored water enhancers from the old lounge.

The temporary space has a full-service bar, too.

Right at the front, a departures board keeps you up-to-date with flight times.

Much of the furniture will feel familiar to frequent guests. The plush blue oversized chairs have made the journey to the new space.

The lounge offers many different types of seating. Closer to the buffet, there are standard tables and chairs, while farther away from the food you get more cozy couches, armchairs and booths with smaller cafe tables.

Another highlight? Outlets are everywhere, so you won’t have to fight for a charging spot. Even seats in the middle of floor have outlets propped up nearby.

Its efficient use of space and abundant natural light lend it a peaceful, modern feel.

The restrooms are small but adequate.

The women’s bathroom had three stalls with ground to ceiling walls and doors, as well as two sinks. The bathroom also retained some of the pampering touches of other lounges like L’Occitane hand soap.

There are also showers available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A tablet near the front of the lounge makes it easy to join the waitlist for a shower reservation.

I visited on a Saturday and I found it easy to select my choice of seat, but Saturdays are generally one of the less busy air travel days. During this visit, there was more than enough space to sit down and relax without being shoulder-to-shoulder with other guests.

As with most Centurion Lounges, there’s an area roped off for Centurion members (an invitation-only membership for high spenders), which might be necessary on crowded days when it’s tough to find a seat.

What did strike me a bit odd was how the Centurion member area was situated front and center. If I was rich enough to have my own private space, I think I’d prefer it tucked away rather than in the spotlight.

This lounge is located in Terminal 2, which is actually a small hike from the original AmEx lounge location in Terminal 3. Terminal 2 serves Air Canada, Breeze Airways and Southwest Airlines.

SFO is fully-connected post-security, so you can access this lounge from any gate without having to clear security again. Just give yourself extra time to walk if you're not flying out of Termnal 2.

Like its original counterpart, the temporary Centurion Lounge is accessible to eligible cardholders, which includes people who hold The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (only when flying Delta). Terms apply.

Remember, the standard AmEx lounge entry rules apply — including access only within three hours of a departing flight. Guests cost an additional $50 per person.

As part of the broader American Express Global Lounge Collection, cardholders with The Platinum Card® from American Express have other options at SFO as well, including:

• Delta Sky Club SFO (though note that passengers with Delta basic economy fares are not eligible for entry).

• Other SFO Priority Pass lounges, which include Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, China Airlines Dynasty Lounge, Golden Gate Lounge and The Club SFO.

» Learn more: Which cards get me into AmEx Centurion Lounges?

While the temporary Centurion Lounge doesn't match the size of its predecessor, it offers a surprisingly comfortable and calm respite for travelers with access. The natural lighting, well-spaced seating and thoughtful touches — like familiar furnishings and flavored water — help it punch above its weight.

If you’re flying out of Terminal 2, the lounge’s location right past security makes it especially convenient. For travelers originating in other terminals, it may still be worth the trek if you’ve got time and curiosity to spare.