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We arrived at San Jose International Airport at 6:30am for our 8:55am flight. Susan has MVP status with Alaska Airlines, so check in and baggage drop went quickly. We have flown out of this airport a couple times and have never had much in the way of delays. This time security had long lines, which was understandable, as the attacks in Brussels had occurred the previous day. The TSA PreCheck line ended up taking about 20 minutes, which was better than I thought we would have fared.
Introduction: Honolulu for Spring Break
Review: Hyatt Regency Santa Clara
Review: The Club at SJC
Review: Alaska Airlines Hawaiian Islands Coach San Jose to Honolulu (and back)
Review: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa
Thoughts on Honolulu
Review: American Airlines Admirals Club / JAL Sakura Lounge – Honolulu
Review: Delta Sky Club Honolulu
Once though security we proceeded to The Club at SJC, the Priority Pass lounge at the airport. From Security (Terminal B checkpoint) you walk to your right towards Terminal A. Past the 20s gates and just before gate 15 you will find a staircase and elevator that leads to the third floor and location of the lounge. I really enjoy Terminal B at SJC, the high ceilings and natural light make for an inviting and bright space. After passing gate 15 and walking the stairs we proceeded through the glass doors and up to the reception desk. The associate checked us in and welcomed us to The Club at SJC.
Gate 16 which was also the gate our flight left from
The staircase up to The Club at SJC
Signage into the lounge
Reception checking us in
“The Club” airport lounges are a group of contract lounges owned by the Collinson Group out of the United Kingdom. As of date there are 11 “The Club” lounges operated at 7 different airports in the United States. Earlier in the year I reviewed The Club at SEA Terminal A, and this was my second The Club lounge that I have visited. The Lounge at SJC can be accessed with several membership’s including the Priority Pass and Lounge Club cards. Susan used her Priority Pass membership and I used my soon to expire Lounge Club membership for entry. Our daughter was guested under my card.
The associate at the reception desk quickly checked all 3 of us in, and invited us to enjoy The Club at SJC. The lounge is divided into 2 main spaces. The large space is an open rectangle with seating, a dining area and bar at one end. The smaller area is just seating and everything is connected by a long corridor the ends in the restroom shower area. The place is decorated well and looks relatively new (I think its been open for less than 2 years).
Main sating area as you enter
High arm chairs along right in same area
Reading material on the side
Small computer station also tucked away in another alcove
Dining area next to main open seating – love all the daylight
High top communal table next to dining
Bar at the end of master open space
Main space view looking back to entry and bar from far corner
The main area in the lounge looks great. There are a lot of seating options and different furniture styles are used to delineate the space. Being open with lots of daylight and a smart layout leaves an inviting and roomy space for visitors. It should be noted we had an early 8:55am departure out of SJC. In doing some research on this lounge there are a couple mid to late morning international flights that use the lounge for their elite / business class passengers. During those times it apparently can get very crowded.
Connected to the main space by a walkway-corridor is a secondary seating area which is also nicely appointed.
Smaller seating area
Far left corner
Back wall
Views out from the second space
Looking back through to front
Since the main rush of lounge business happens later in the morning the bartender explained to me that the main morning food service starts around 9:00am. That would be after departure of our flight to Honolulu, so I don’t have much to report on the later morning service. Regardless there were plenty of beverage items and some light snacks.
Water and adult beverages
Soft drinks
Caffeine
Juice at the bar
Snacks, hummmm Oreos
Jelly beans
The master corridor jogs to right in the back of the second room where the restrooms and a shower suite. This was the first time I noticed the shower suite so I asked the associate at the front reception desk if I could see it, and he was able to oblige my request. The shower suite was large and well appointed.
Right turn into the back area restrooms and shower suite
Restroom corridor
Men’s room space
Men’s room
Shower Suite
Shower room looking in
Sink area
Shower
This lounge also has a private conference room available for a fee. I wasn’t able to see the conference room.
In Summary:
I was pleasantly surprised by The Club at SJC. After visiting The Club at SEA I though it was an ok to good lounge. This lounge was a step above in most respects. The interiors looked great, the furniture was in good shape, and layout and design looked really appeared thought out. It is the only lounge option in SJC, which makes this quality more surprising (in a very good way). I do think management could put out a lite breakfast option for those guests on earlier flights. A few rolls and some hot oatmeal would have gone a long way. I would also be interested to see the lounge before one of the international flights to gauge how they handle a higher visitor count. Still, everything considered I think this a very good to great lounge and, with my new Priority Pass from Citibank, we will make it a standard stop when travelling out of SJC.
Nice write up and plenty of photos. Did you have to check in again with security at Terminal A for entering the lounge?
Hey Randy, Thanks for the comment. We were flying Alaska Airlines and checked into terminal B, and then did the walk over. Both terminals are connected. Have you had a chance to visit this lounge?