Passengers departing on a flight from San Diego can take advantage of multiple airport lounges, including paid access and airline lounges.

In this guide, we give you a quick tour of the lounges and explain how to gain access to them.

Aspire Lounge

The Aspire Lounge at San Diego Airport, located in Terminal 2, is open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

After the East Security Checkpoint, take an immediate left and proceed towards Gate 33. The lounge is located between Gates 33 and 23.

This renovated lounge (previously known as the ‘Airspace Lounge’) welcomes all travellers regardless of airline or class of travel and offers free Wi-Fi, complimentary showers, dedicated business areas, and an extensive food and beverage menu.

The lounge also offers complimentary soft drinks and light snacks, unlimited espresso, cappuccino and teas, and a full bar (with a legal drinking age of 21) where premium drinks can be purchased.

Access options

By credit card

Platinum and Centurion American Express cardholders can access the lounge for free with up to two guests. Select Diners Club cardholders can also get access, with an additional guest fee of $33.

By membership

Being a member of the global lounge networks Priority Pass, Dragon Pass and Lounge Key will get you entry into this lounge.

By cabin or elite class

Eligible Alaska Air, American Airlines, British Airways, Japan Airlines, and Edelweiss guests can access this lounge, dependent on cabin class or elite status.

One-time pass

Day passes to the lounge can be purchased for US$44 and can be used for up to 3 hours, with only card payments accepted.

Delta Air Lines Delta Sky Club

The Delta Sky Club at San Diego Airport is a good option for Delta customers looking for a comfortable lounge experience. The lounge is located in Terminal 2 West on the upper level and can be easily accessed by taking the escalators to the right after exiting the security checkpoint.

The lounge is open daily from 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM.

One thing to note is that the lounge is on the smaller side, so it can get a bit cramped during peak times. However, if you can visit when it's less busy, the Sky Club is definitely worth checking out. The seating options are fairly comfortable, and there's a good selection of food and drinks available. The terrace area with views of the tarmac is a nice touch too.

Just make sure to avoid the lounge during peak times, if possible, to make the most of your visit.

Access options

By credit card

Access to this lounge is complimentary for American Express Platinum and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Members, when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. These cardholders can bring in up to two guests also travelling on a Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight, however at a cost of $39 per person, increasing to $50 from 2 February 2023.

By membership

Delta Sky Club members can get access to this lounge, though this membership will only be available for purchase by Medallion members from 1 January 2023 onwards.

By cabin or elite class

International First or Business Class ticket holders or SkyTeam Elite Plus Frequent Flyers travelling on an international flight operated by Delta can access this lounge. Note that there have been extensive changes to Delta Sky Club access rules in 2023 to address overcrowding. This has begun to limit accessibility, particularly for those with status travelling in Economy. Delta also announced further changes in late 2023 to curtail access even further.

United Airlines United Club

The United Club at San Diego International Airport may be small, but it packs a punch with its stylish design and amenities.

The lounge is located on the upper level of Terminal 2 West, above the food court (Sunset Cove) between Gates 47 and 48. The lounge is easy to miss if you're not paying attention.

The lounge is open daily from 5:15 AM to 10:00 PM.

Once inside, you'll find a sleek and modern space with comfortable seating options. However, it's important to note that the lounge is quite small, so it may feel cramped during peak hours.

In terms of food and drink options, the United Club offers a decent selection of light snacks and beverages, but don't expect a gourmet feast.

Overall, the United Club at SAN is a nice option for those with access, but if you're looking for a larger, quieter space, you may be better off exploring other lounge options at the airport.

Access options

By membership

United Club members can get access to this lounge. You’ll need to provide a same-day boarding pass for travel on United, Star Alliance or a contracted partner for entry.

You can also access if you have Air Canada Maple Leaf Club membership. If you have North American-only Club membership, you won’t have a guest entitlement. Those with Maple Leaf Club Worldwide membership can bring in one guest.

By cabin or elite class

International First or Business Class ticket holders or Star Alliance Gold Frequent Flyers travelling on an international flight operated by Air Canada, Lufthansa and United (international only) can access this lounge. The websites for United and Star Alliance should be referred to further detail on access policy.

Virgin Australia Velocity Gold and Platinum status holders as well as Business Class passengers can also enter the United Club using that day’s boarding pass for an international United flight. They can also bring one guest who must be travelling on the same flight.

Active U.S. Military Personnel

Subject to seating availability, active-duty U.S. military members with a valid military ID, and boarding pass for travel within 24 hours on a departing United- or United Express-operated flight can get access, provided they are dressed in uniform, and have leave orders, or rest and recuperation papers.

One-time pass

One-time passes can be purchased via the United app when travelling with United Airlines.

Neil Ash USO Center

The Neil Ash USO Center is a military lounge and support center located at the San Diego International Airport. It provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for service members and their families as they travel.

The USO Center is located landside outside Terminal 2. The lounge is open daily from 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM.

The center is equipped with amenities such as comfortable seating, a full kitchen, and a play area for children. It also provides resources such as internet access and travel assistance.

The center was opened in 2018, and online reviews frequently cite it as one of the best USO lounges in the US.

Be Relax Spa

Be Relax Spa offers a variety of services to help travellers relax and rejuvenate before their flight at San Diego Airport. While they’re not an airport lounge, but they do offer benefits to Priority Pass and Lounge Key members and select Diners Club cardholders.

Note that if you have acquired your lounge membership via a credit card such as American Express, you likely won’t have access. So be sure to check with the source of your membership before visiting.

The Be Relax Spa located opposite Gate 27 in Terminal 2 East is open Monday through Sunday from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with the exception of Tuesday and Saturday when they close early at 8:00 PM.

The Be Relax Spa located between Gates 35 and 36 in Terminal 2 West has the same opening hours but opens an hour later each day at 07:00 AM.

These hours may vary further according to flight schedules.

Services include express massages, classic massages, facial treatments and nail services, which all help travellers unwind before their flight. They also offer a variety of retail products for purchase.

Benefits

Priority Pass and Lounge Key members and select Diners Club cardholders can use their lounge visit entitlement to enjoy one of four treatments at either of the Be Relax Spa locations:

• 30-minute Lounger Massage

• 15-minute Lounger Massage plus Aromatherapy and O2

• 10-minute Head Massage plus Aromatherapy and O2

• 10-minute Foot Massage plus Aromatherapy and O2

Each treatment counts as a single lounge visit within the cardholder's existing lounge visit allocation. There is no guest entitlement.

Cardholders must present a valid card and boarding pass for same-day travel in order to be eligible for the treatment. There is also a 20% discount off additional services, and complimentary luggage storage is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Priority Pass lounge in the San Diego Airport?

The Priority Pass lounge in the San Diego Airport is the Aspire Lounge, located in Terminal 2. After the East Security Checkpoint, take an immediate left and proceed towards Gate 33. The lounge is located between Gates 33 and 23. For those who have flown through San Diego Airport before, they will remember this lounge as the ‘Airspace Lounge’ before it was rebranded.

What lounges does San Diego Airport have?

San Diego Airport has three lounges available for passengers post-security, including the Aspire Lounge, the Delta Sky Club, and United Club. There is also a USO Center for service members and their families outside Terminal 2.

Does San Diego Airport have an Amex lounge?

San Diego Airport does not have a Centurion branded American Express lounge. However, American Express Platinum cardholders can access the Aspire Lounge with two guests, and they can also access the Delta lounge when travelling on a Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.

Does San Diego Airport have a BA lounge?

San Diego Airport does not have a British Airways branded lounge. However, BA passengers are entitled to access the Aspire Lounge in Terminal 2.

What time does the Delta Lounge open in San Diego Airport?

The Delta Sky Club opens at 5:00 AM each morning.

Where is the Admiral's lounge in the San Diego Airport?

There is no dedicated Admirals’ lounge at San Diego International Airport. Eligible American Airlines passengers are entitled to use the Aspire Lounge, which is the common-access lounge at the airport.

Is there an airport lounge in San Diego Airport Terminal 1?

No there are no airport lounges in Terminal 1, so if you’re flying with an airline departing from this terminal, you’re out of luck - for now, until this terminal is redeveloped over the coming years, when it is bound to have a few new lounges introduced into the mix!

Summing Up

In summary, San Diego International Airport offers a variety of lounge options for passengers, including the renovated Aspire Lounge.

This lounge welcomes all travellers regardless of airline or class of travel and offers a range of amenities such as free Wi-Fi, complimentary showers, dedicated business areas, and an extensive food and beverage menu. Access to the lounge can be obtained through credit card membership, global lounge networks, cabin or elite class with select airlines, or by purchasing a one-time pass.

Additionally, San Diego Airport also features the Delta Sky Club and the United Club, both offering comfortable lounge experiences for eligible passengers - subject to timing around peak hours!

Hopefully with this guide, you can make the most of your time at the airport by enjoying the comfort and convenience of a lounge experience before your flight.