SAN FRANCISCO- Singapore Airlines (SQ) has designated the newly opened Air India (AI) Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) as its partner lounge for eligible passengers.

The arrangement follows SIA’s relocation from the G gates to Concourse A on 30 March 2026, which cut off convenient access to the United Polaris Lounge previously used by Business Class travellers at SFO.

Singapore Airlines Using Air India SFO Lounge

After shifting operations to Concourse A, Singapore Airlines temporarily issued food vouchers to Business Class passengers and PPS Club/KrisFlyer Elite Gold members, allowing them to dine at airport restaurants before departure. That interim solution has now ended, with the Air India Maharaja Lounge designated as the facility.

The Maharaja Lounge opened in late March 2026 and sits in the International Terminal at Concourse A, Level 4, positioned between the China Airlines Lounge and Golden Gate Lounge.

Passengers can reach it by taking the first left after the TSA checkpoint and heading up the escalators. The lounge operates daily from 6:00 AM to 11:59 PM.

Access is available to passengers departing on Singapore Airlines and other Star Alliance carriers who hold First Class or Business Class boarding passes, PPS Club membership, or KrisFlyer Elite Gold status, Mainly Miles flagged.

Maharaja Lounge Facilities and Limitations

The lounge spans approximately 3,400 square feet, placing it among the smaller lounges at San Francisco. Despite its compact size, the space features a modern design with varied seating options and a tended bar.

One notable gap is the absence of shower facilities. For passengers preparing for the long overnight flight to Singapore, this could be a drawback worth considering when planning pre-departure time at the airport.

United Polaris Lounge Remains an Option

The United Polaris Lounge at the G gates is no longer the designated partner lounge, but Singapore Airlines Business Class passengers can still access it. Elite status alone does not grant entry; a Business Class boarding pass is required.

SFO now offers full airside connectivity between the International Terminal’s A and G boarding areas and the domestic terminals. Passengers can walk from Concourse A to the Polaris Lounge without leaving the secure zone, though the journey takes roughly 20 minutes each way.

A faster alternative involves exiting landside from the A gates, walking to the G gates security checkpoint, and clearing TSA again. This route takes around 10 minutes, particularly for passengers with TSA PreCheck. However, travellers must also budget time for the return trip to Concourse A and a second security screening before boarding.

For passengers on the SQ33 9:30 PM departure to Singapore who check in three hours early, the detour to the Polaris Lounge could be worthwhile for its sit-down dining room and shower access.

Bottom Line

The Air India Maharaja Lounge offers a clear upgrade over the temporary food voucher arrangement.

While it lacks the size and shower facilities of the Polaris Lounge, its fresh interiors, convenient Concourse A location, and tended bar make it a practical option for most Singapore Airlines passengers transiting through SFO.

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