B Y R O N   C.

C O N T R I B U T I N G   W R I T E R

The hype is real.

If you happen to find yourself at SFO, the Centurion Lounge won’t disappoint. Terminal 3 is the gateway to tipsy and gluttony. On a Monday at 2:30 PM, my wife and I arrived 2.25 hours before our jetBlue boarding time. This was enough time to enjoy the Centurion Lounge while crossing 2 TSA bag checks. Yes, sadly the terminals do not connect, and our departure gate A11B was clear across the airport.

But anything for free food.

The surrounding terminal looked dated compared to the Centurion entrance. Lined with glass and natural shiplap (word to Joanna Gaines), I felt underdressed in my Nike sweats and flyknits.

Glass elevator to the 3rd floor, please.

Check-in was smooth. My wife, who isn’t a Platinum card holder, walked right in with me. All the amenities are immediately at your disposal:
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Shower? Check.
Delicious hot food? Check.
Booze? Check.
Private toilet stall? Outlets w/ USB ports? WiFi (OuiFi if you're French)? Check, check, and check.

Organic Ginger Peach Tea: not sweet, but has a sophisticated taste that was pleasantly refreshing. Do it.

Ask the barista for a wine card. You get 5 samples from this fancy wine dispensary.

Restrooms are clean as expected. Two private stalls are a welcomed sight. Privacy-wise, it’s almost like home.

Do you like soft, smooth, supple skin? Well, let me tell you about the hand soap-- excuse me, "Cleansing Hand Wash and Moisturizing Hand Lotion by L’Occitane." It’s fantastic. If my mother didn’t raise me proper, you bet your smooth babies ass I’d be taking the bottle home with me.

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