The CLUB at SJC Airport Priority Pass Lounge Review 2019

A recent elite mileage run took me through San Jose, California, and presented an opportunity to visit The CLUB at SJC! 

Rene visited The CLUB at SJC many years ago during a mileage run of his own. I wanted to dive in depth, explore more of this lounge, and see what it’s like now in 2019.

I like the SJC airport. It offers Silicon Valley-area travelers more convenience and less hassle than SFO.

Delta flyers enjoy non-stops to Atlanta, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York (JFK), Salt Lake City, and Seattle.

Where is The CLUB at SJC? What Are Its Hours?

The CLUB at SJC sits across from gate 15 in Terminal A. Either walk the stairs (to the right in the picture below) or take the elevator (on the left) to get upstairs, where the lounge is located. 

The CLUB at SJC is open every day from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. (Alcohol isn’t served until 6:00 AM — plan accordingly :-))

Delta flyers: gates are about an 8-10 minute walk. Watch out for Southwest overflow spilling onto the walkway!

Gaining Entry to The CLUB at SJC

There are several ways to gain entry to The CLUB at SJC. One is by purchasing a $40 day pass at the registration desk.

The second — and one I suspect many Rene’s Points readers would use — is with the complimentary Priority Pass benefit that comes with a number of travel rewards credit cards such as the business (learn more) and personal American Express Platinum cards (learn more); the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Citi Prestige, Hilton Honors American Express cards, and several others).

Lounge Pass, LoungeKey, Diners Club International, and AAA Discounts Rewards also offer discounts or admission programs to The CLUB at SJC.

Finally, The CLUB at SJC also serves as the premium lounge for ANA, British Airways, and Hainan Airlines.

Inside The CLUB at SJC

There are two lounge areas inside The CLUB at SJC.

Business travelers will likely prefer the room behind the registration desk. It’s smaller and features several stalls, plenty of power outlets, and a number of individual seats. This room faces the runways and features some good plane spotting.

The larger, more group-oriented room is where you’ll find the buffet, full bar, and much more seating. There are not nearly as many power outlets in here — so snag a seat along a wall or the power strip below.

This room features four televisions (two at the bar), as well as departure and arrival boards. Plenty of natural light floods the room from the windows overlooking the departure level and parking garage.

Magazines and newspapers offered in several languages are available at a few different bookshelves. Reading materials are not to be removed from The CLUB.

Restrooms (the men’s, at least) aren’t as stylish as, say, Sky Clubs or Centurion Lounges. But they’re fine, nonetheless.

Food Offerings at The CLUB at SJC

Good news-bad news when it comes to The CLUB at SJC’s food.

The good news: a full breakfast — including scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, crepes, bagels, cereals, and danishes — is served.

The bad news: breakfast ends at 9:20 AM (at least, it did the day we were there).

Lunch is served at 9:30 AM. (Not sure when dinner is offered during this old folks home-like meal schedule. Probably early afternoon, right before backgammon and bridge 😉 )

A variety of sandwiches, wraps, and a salad bar are offered, along with coldcuts, cheeses, and leftover breakfast breads. White rice and miso soup were the hot options served when we visited.

The Bar at The CLUB at SJC

The bar (staffed) stocks a decent selection of complimentary beer, wine, and liquor.

The bottled beer selection includes Budweiser, Coors Light, Corona, Heineken, and Stella Artois. On tap are Anchor Steam, a Gordon Biersch brew, and Torpedo Extra IPA.

The “usual suspects” of airport lounge liquor are offered, including Bailey’s Irish Cream, Jack Daniel’s, Johnnie Walker Red, Tito’s vodka, plus several others. (Click the image to see the bar’s full selection.)

The CLUB at SJC – Airport Wonkaland?

My blood sugar spiked merely looking at this.

The CLUB lounges never fail when it comes to sweet and savory snacks — and its SJC location doesn’t disappoint.

Jelly beans, Skittles, chocolate candies, Greek yogurt pretzels, and yogurt raisins are just a few of the treats.

The CLUB at SJC – Wear and Tear

The CLUB at SJC must improve its upkeep. Many of the dining chairs were old, worn, and stained.

The power outlet next to the bar has seen better days.

The CLUB at SJC – Final Thoughts

While certainly not a Centurion Lounge or (nice) Sky Club, The CLUB at SJC certainly meets several expectations. (In fact, I think it’s on par with at least one Sky Club — looking at you, DFW) It’s a decent, fairly quiet space to work or kill time before a flight. The staff doesn’t exactly exude warmth — but they get the job done while keeping everything well stocked.

Your Experiences

Have you visited The CLUB at SJC? Share in the comment section below your experiences! – Chris