Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse San Francisco: probably the ugliest of all

If you start from San Francisco, from the international terminal with Air France, KLM, Emirates or Delta, just to name a few, you have several lounge options.

You have several options in the Skyteam world, but there are also British Airways and Emirates lounges, but of course in the former case you have to fly oneworld and in the latter only Emirates and several Priority Pass options.

Location

Skyteam lounges are all located in the same area: Air France lounge is on the ground floor, China Airlines lounge and Global Lounge are on the upper floor, and this Clubhouse is on the top floor.

Access

Unfortunately, and I repeat, unfortunately, When Virgin Atlantic sealed its entry into SkyTeam. as a full member made it clear that access to its lounges would not be for everyone.

If initially the rules were strict for the SPECTACULAR London Heathrow Clubhouse, then slowly they became selective for all the others. And so, from New York LA, via San Francisco, doors have become very complicated to open.

You get in if you fly business class with Delta or Virgin Atlantic, if you hold status in the Flying Club and fly international. No access for those flying business with other SkyTeam carriers, No access to those with SkyTeam Élite Plus status.

However, and here's the kicker, outside of flight schedules. Virgin Atlantic doors open to passengers holding Priority Passes: obviously the level of service drops, but rather than nothing, better rather.

The lounge

I said so in the title: is probably the worst clubhouse in the world. London is off the charts, New York is beautiful, LA is new, and wow. This is ... mehh.

It is a long open space, with the main advantage of having a view of the runway and lots of light illuminating the lounge.

On one side is the relaxation area and on the other side is the food area, but contrary to what would be logical to expect, no buffet. Here, as in the other lounges of the company founded by Sir Richard Branson and of which Delta is a partner at 49%, there is never a buffet.

There is a huge bar counter, which is being stretched further, and an a la carte menu from which to choose what you want.

Otherwise, it does not offer much else: even in terms of decor, it is quite dismal.

Food & Beverage

Here the situation changes completely.

As soon as you enter, during Virgin Atlantic passenger access hours, you are handed the menu and wine list.

No self-service: here you order what you want, as many times as you want, without having to say anything to anyone.

It applies to both the food and alcohol offerings, which are absolutely above average and the bar that Air France provides two floors down.

In conclusion

It's not wow like in London, is not as new as it is in LA, Is not fancy like in NY, But it always manages to stand out, which is then the trademark of VS.

• flying club
• Priority Pass

The verdict

Boring, from Virgin we've come to expect something high-level or emotional, it's a little bit like flying in their sardine can: sure the service is the usual, but the product is really sad. Luckily, though, there is the bar to raise the final rating.

6

Rated Location

6

F&B

7

Services

5

Pro

• Gastronomic offerings
• The bar

Against

• Really basic