Of all the United Clubs that I’ve visited over the years, the one at the San Diego International Airport (SAN) is definitely the smallest. It’s far from being the ugliest though. It’s quite nice actually.
My full review of the SAN United Club (don’t get your hopes up)
You’ll find this lounge in Terminal 2 West directly above the food court (adjacent to the Delta Sky Club).
The first thing you’ll notice when walking in is how nice it is. It’s a very stylish hangout, and you’re probably going to think that you’ve found a total gem in the United Club collection (perhaps better than the United Club in Terminal 7 at LAX).
However, it’s not going to take you long to realize how small it is (and that you just might be more comfortable out in the main terminal instead). It’s actually one of the smallest airport lounges I’ve ever been in (very similar in size to the Edmonton Air Canada Lounge), which is unfortunate considering how many United flights filter in and out of SAN on a daily basis.
In comparison, the Delta Sky Club (located right next door) has a better layout which makes it feel larger – even though I am not able to officially confirm whether or not it actually is bigger. It just feels that way.
Are you the kind of person who thinks that sitting inside small spaces is claustrophobic, yet you shudder at the thought of mingling with the masses out in the main terminal? If so, the open air terrace is where you’ll want to hang out during your visit.
It overlooks the terminal 2 west food court, so sit back and relax as you sip on your gin and tonic with a raised pinky – and feel good knowing that you’ve successfully avoided the chaos below.
So that’s pretty much it! It’s a very small lounge by conventional standards, but perfectly comfortable if you come at a time when it isn’t so busy. That said, no matter how busy it is, it’ll always be better than the San Diego Aspire Lounge (the worst lounge in this entire airport).
Hi, Twice in the last couple of years I have flown SAN to PHL (Philadelphia) on AA Business for a change of planes, then on to LHR. Good in SAN, good at LHR, for horrible at PHL. Delayed at PHL, messy, dirty, under construction Terminals (including AA Lounge), and mostly (not all) rude people. Have things improved at PHL or should I just try harder to get a AA miles flight west coast to Europe? Thanks. Jerry
I haven’t flown through PHL in years, which funnily enough, is precisely because of what you said. I didn’t have a very good experience the last time I was there either, so I haven’t been in a rush to go back.
Maybe try connecting through JFK? It’s a lot nicer (and easier IMHO).
For such a cramped lounge where are all the people, you complain about noise yet hardly anyone is in the lounge per your photos.
There are only a few times a day when it’s as quiet as this. Most of the time it’s total chaos. I don’t even consider going in there in the early mornings and mid mornings (10-11am ish).
Just relaxing in this lounge. The cleanest, most comfortable and quiet lounge I’ve been in. Bravo to the crew here!
It’s very nice, isn’t it? I just wish they had better food, that’s all. Enjoy it!
LOLOLOLOL this review was funny, entertaining and informative! Maybe talk a little bit more about the layout of the lounge itself as it seems like the first pictures of the lounge are of the middle part and I’m not really clear about where the bar is, etc. Having an idea of the layout of the lounge along with pictures in “chronological order” helps 🙂
Thanks Bruno! Yes, I agree that my lounge reviews can be better. Thanks for the suggestions!