The redesigned 117-seat lounge is located in the International Terminal A just past the security checkpoint and on the left. It’s exclusive to first- and business-class customers along with Flying Blue Elite Plus members of Air France, KLM and SkyTeam partner airlines. 

During a recent Thursday evening, the lounge was abuzz with industry heads who gathered to celebrate, in both French and English, the inaugural opening of the lounge doors. 

The airline’s logo of Pegasus (with wings shaped a bit like the Wi-Fi symbol) adorns the wall behind the concierge, which then leads into two spacious and low-lying common areas. Height was sacrificed in the redesign, but there are a few design tricks, like several hovering, false ceilings, to add a sense of depth. 

Air France furniture is compact and carved into sharp shapes as though already seated in first class. The lounge chairs are modern and plush, with beige-colored companion charging ports within reach. A television screen played the French government-owned international news television network France 24.

You’re eye level with the B Gates across the tarmac, and in the early evening, there’s a constant twinkle of car lights flickering from Highway 101. In summer, a fog bank cascades over the nearby Santa Cruz mountain range, giving departing travelers a final glimpse into San Franciscan culture. 

A self-service buffet offered lamb chops, canapé duck paste and puff pastry with créme and mushrooms. 

The old Air France lounge had more seats — 135 in total — and the new one subtracted 18 of those chairs to a total of 117. But while there was a decrease in seat numbers, the floor plan was increased to nearly 1,000 square feet to provide extra space per person.

The other new features include a full bar and a “confidential area” that’s reserved for La Première first-class travelers. It’s hidden in the back corner behind a fake wall. Once inside, it is the size of a posh coat room. The sparse seating suggests that this a space for business card dealing and twee elbow rubbing. Conversations inside the confidential room are likely relaxed and fluid due to the dedicated bartender at hand. 

Showers are available for use, and the new Air France lounge offers the needed amenities to prepare for the near-11-hour flight between San Francisco and its cultural counterpart Paris.

The closest smoking section to the Air France lounge is outside the international terminal near door 5, where you’ll find a sitting area with a pole tray.