United Airlines has opened premium check-in facilities at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), available for international first class passengers as well as Global Services members. The premium check-in facilities, near Door 3 of Terminal 3, include a private reception lobby with five check-in podiums, a seating area and direct access to the priority security screening area. If you have a tight connection, you can enjoy a ride in a Mercedes to your next flight. United also recently opened a new lounge at SFO in Boarding Area E Terminal 3, with more than 5,000 square feet and featuring 100 seats. Another lounge is planned to open at Boarding Area F Terminal 3 in 2015. To read more about United Club airport lounges, visit http://insideflyerus.wpengine.com/link/?11799

Bottom line: If you are not a first class traveler or elite member of United MileagePlus, you can get a United Club membership with the $395 annual fee United MileagePlus Club Card. Or for two free lounge passes per year, you can opt for the United MileagePlus Explorer Card with a $95 annual fee (first year waived), and offering two, one-time United Club passes per year. American Express has also recently opened a Centurion Lounge at SFO, located on the mezzanine level at the far west end of Terminal 3.