Business Class from SFO

United (Polaris hub), ANA, JAL, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, Asiana, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, BA, Virgin Atlantic, Air India, plus seasonal carriers. SFO is the second-strongest US West Coast gateway for Business Class after LAX.

Through a consolidator in shoulder season: SFO-Frankfurt on Lufthansa at $3,000-$3,800 round-trip is the cheapest transatlantic Business from SFO. SFO-Tokyo on JAL or ANA at $3,400-$4,800 is the cheapest Asia. SFO-Singapore is similar at $3,400-$4,900 (the SFO-SIN non-stop on Singapore Airlines is excellent value). For absolute lowest fares, consider connecting through JFK on domestic premium-cabin transcon (~$300-$500 extra for 30%+ savings on European Business).

Terminal G (International). The Polaris Lounge at SFO is premium-only (Polaris passengers + United Premier 1K members). Features: a la carte dining, full bar, shower suites, quiet zones, and a separate dining room with table service. Considered one of the top 3 US Business Class lounges in 2026 alongside Polaris IAD and Polaris EWR.

Roughly equivalent. SFO is the United Polaris hub with the strongest Polaris Lounge in the country. LAX has more total international carriers (18+ vs 14+) but the lounges are spread across multiple terminals. For United loyalists or travelers who want the Polaris Lounge experience, SFO. For carrier choice and absolute lowest fares, LAX is slightly more competitive due to more total Business Class flights. Both are excellent gateways.

Not in 2026. Air India's SFO flights to Delhi and Mumbai (777-300ER) are scheduled with a stop en route, about 20 hours in total. The Business cabin is competent but a generation behind newer products. For travelers prioritizing cabin product, one-stop via Emirates (Dubai) or Qatar Airways (Doha) is the better experience.

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) connects directly from SFO to downtown San Francisco in 30 minutes. The station is in the International Terminal (G). Cost: $10 one-way to most downtown stops. Uber/Lyft is $35-55 to downtown depending on time of day. For premium-cabin arrivals, BART is faster than driving during peak traffic.