Air India Opens Its First Overseas Maharaja Lounge at SFO:

For travelers booking Air India flights, searching for Air India ticket booking, or looking for flights from SFO to India, the journey now begins with dal makhani, chai & Parle-G!, runway views, and a lounge that's unmistakably Indian.

Air India has opened its first signature overseas Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), marking another milestone in the airline's premium transformation and a welcome addition for passengers flying between the U.S. and India.

Travelopod Gets a First Look

Travelopod was invited by Air India to preview the Maharaja Lounge.

After touring the space, one thing became clear. This is more than just another airport lounge. It's a thoughtful upgrade to the journey between the U.S. and India, blending modern luxury with unmistakably Indian hospitality.

The Essentials

Location: SFO International Terminal A, Level 4, near the A Gates
Size: 3,300 sq ft with seating for around 80 guests
Hours: 6:00 am to 11:55 pm daily

Whether you're flying Air India SFO to Delhi, SFO to Bangalore, SFO to Mumbai or connecting anywhere across India, this lounge is designed to make the wait enjoyable.

Four Spaces, One Journey

The Aviator's Bar

The journey begins at the beautifully designed Aviator's Bar.

A curated cellar of hand-picked wines, premium spirits, and signature cocktails sits alongside displays celebrating Air India's aviation heritage, including authentic aircraft models, archival blueprints, and vintage travel postcards. It's stylish and sets the tone for the experience ahead.

The Social Zone

Adjacent to the bar is a relaxed seating area designed for both conversations and quiet moments before boarding. Warm lighting, contemporary furniture, and tarmac views create an atmosphere that's calm rather than crowded.

The Dining Area

Food is undoubtedly one of the lounge's highlights.

Instead of serving a generic international buffet, Air India has leaned into authentic Indian comfort food. The spread includes dal makhani, chicken tikka masala, aloo palak, Malabar fish curry, freshly baked naan, salads, desserts, live cooking stations, and international options.

The standout detail is a dedicated chai station complete with Parle-G biscuits and rusk. It's a simple touch that instantly feels familiar to anyone who's grown up in an Indian home.

The Private Zone

Reserved for First Class guests, the Private Zone offers à la carte dining in a quieter setting overlooking the runway. Business Class passengers also enjoy excellent tarmac views, making the lounge an enjoyable place to spend time before departure.

Designed with India in Mind

The interiors combine champagne, ivory, and deep red tones with Air India's distinctive Vista design language.

Throughout the lounge you'll find commissioned artwork by Indian artists, installations created from upcycled aircraft components, and subtle references to aviation history. One particularly striking piece featuring the Golden Gate Bridge creates a fitting connection between San Francisco and India.

Why the Location Matters

Frequent travelers from SFO will appreciate this as much as the lounge itself.

Located in the International Terminal's A Gates cluster, the Maharaja Lounge sits alongside the China Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, and Air France lounges. Until now, many passengers had to walk 10 to 15 minutes to the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge or farther to United Clubs.

For travelers booking SFO to Delhi, SFO to Bangalore, or other SFO to India routes on Air India and eligible Star Alliance airlines, the lounge is finally where you need it most.

Part of Air India's Bigger Transformation

The SFO lounge is another milestone in Air India's transformation under the Tata Group.

Alongside factory-fresh Boeing 787-9 aircraft, retrofitted widebody cabins, refreshed onboard dining, and renewed investment in customer experience, the new lounge strengthens Air India's premium offering for travelers flying between the U.S. and India.

It's another sign that Air India isn't simply upgrading aircraft. It's rethinking the entire journey.

Good to Know

One feature that sets the Maharaja Lounge apart is that paid access is available regardless of airline or cabin class, subject to lounge capacity. Eligible Air India and Star Alliance premium passengers, Star Alliance Gold members, and DragonPass members enjoy complimentary access, while other travelers can purchase entry either at the lounge or in advance through the Plaza Premium Lounge website. 

Planning Your Trip?

If you're planning a trip from San Francisco to India, comparing Air India flight tickets, or considering Business or First Class, it's worth understanding the benefits that come with different fare types, including lounge access.

Travelopod's human travel experts can help you compare flight options, explain lounge eligibility, and explore premium fares that may not always be available through online booking sites. Whether you're flying to Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, or any other destination, our team is available 24/7 to help you plan your journey.

FAQs

Who can access the Air India Maharaja Lounge at SFO?

Complimentary access is available for Air India First and Business Class passengers, eligible Star Alliance First and Business Class passengers, Star Alliance Gold members travelling on eligible Star Alliance flights, and DragonPass members (subject to availability).

Paid access is also available regardless of airline or cabin class, subject to lounge capacity. You can purchase access at the lounge reception using a credit card or book it in advance through the Plaza Premium Lounge website.

Can economy passengers buy lounge access?

Yes. Paid entry is available regardless of airline or cabin, subject to capacity.

Adults: US$75 + tax

Under 21 years: US$52 + tax

Can Star Alliance Gold members bring a guest?

Yes. Eligible Star Alliance Gold members can generally bring one guest in accordance with Star Alliance lounge access policies.

Does the lounge serve complimentary alcohol?

Yes. Beer, wine, premium spirits, signature cocktails, coffee, tea, and soft drinks are included.

Does the lounge have showers?

No. The lounge has modern restrooms but does not currently offer shower facilities.

When is the best time to visit?

The lounge is generally quieter between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm, making it a great time to enjoy the dining area and seating before your flight.

Where is the Air India Maharaja Lounge?

The lounge is located on Level 4 of SFO's International Terminal A, near the A Gates.