Inside Air India’s new Maharaja Lounge at SFO

air india is bringing his premium review to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with the opening of its first exclusive lounge outside India.

The new Maharaja Lounge, which will officially open on May 23, marks another significant investment in the airline’s ongoing transformation, bringing its updated premium experience to one of its key international gateways.

Located near Gate A at the SFO International Terminal, the lounge spans approximately 3,300 square feet and combines contemporary luxury with design elements inspired by Indian culture and craftsmanship.

TPG took a look inside ahead of the official opening. Here’s what travelers can expect.

Where is the Air India Maharaja Lounge in SFO?

The Maharaja Lounge is located after security near Gates A in the SFO International Terminal.

After passing through security, travelers should turn left and pass through the Air France lounge before going up one level on the escalators. At the top, signs direct guests to the lounge; From there, a short walk with a couple of right turns leads directly to the entrance on the right.

The lounge is expected to operate daily from approximately 6:30 am to 10 pm, although hours may vary depending on flight times.

A living room designed to feel like a gateway to India

Designed by hospitality firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the Maharaja Lounge reflects the airline’s updated design philosophy, with a contemporary look that also pays homage to its founding in 1932.

Warm champagne tones, ivory accents and deep red accented furniture reflect Air India’s refreshed branding, while subtle motifs alluding to the airline’s ‘Vista’ logo appear on the walls and furniture. Works by local artists and installations made from recycled airplane components add texture and points of visual interest throughout the room.

Several art installations near the dining room came from India, including a piece created with pigments derived from Indian spices and botanicals instead of traditional paint. According to the airline, the artwork incorporates colors derived from ingredients such as turmeric, roses and cinnamon, a fitting complement to the lounge’s culinary focus (more on this below).

Even the smallest details, including branded glassware and tableware with Maharaja motifs, reinforce the airline’s effort to create what it describes as a more immersive “gateway to India” experience before boarding.

Large windows and plenty of natural light help the lounge feel open and relaxing, while comfortable seating and plentiful outlets make it easy to settle in before a long-haul flight. Sometimes it’s easy to forget you’re inside an airport lounge until the plane passes by the windows that overlook the runway.

The aviator’s bar

One of the lounge’s focal points is the Aviator’s Bar, a separate speakeasy-inspired cocktail space distinct from the main dining room and buffet area.

This separation helps create a more intimate atmosphere, giving the room multiple areas for dining, socializing and relaxing.

The space was designed to reflect the history of Air India. The bar stools were inspired by seats used on some of the airline’s early aircraft dating back to the 1930s, incorporating similar stitching patterns, materials and color palettes.

Even the ceiling installation has a reference to aviation: the lighting elements were modeled after the propeller shafts of early airplanes, intended to evoke the movement and energy of flight before the jet age.

The walls of the bar also function as a historical canvas, with archival images, old postcards, aircraft drawings and model aircraft charting the evolution of Air India over time.

The bar offers a curated selection of wines and whiskeys along with signature cocktails, including the Maharaja Manhattan, a take on the classic black pepper cocktail, and the Limitless, a gin-based drink with rose, hibiscus and saffron.

During my visit, I tried the Mixed Emotions mocktail, a refreshing drink made with cranberry juice, passion fruit, lime juice, syrup, and sparkling water, then finished with fresh mint. I also tried the Maharaja Mule, an Indian-inspired version of the classic Moscow Mule that combines lime, crushed mint, and ginger.

The beverage program is carefully considered, balancing classic cocktails with drinks inspired by Indian flavors and ingredients.

And with views from the bar to the runway, it makes it a particularly attractive spot for aviation enthusiasts and travelers looking to relax before a long-haul flight.

Gastronomic and gastronomic offer.

The Maharaja Lounge includes Indian and international dining options with a self-service buffet.

Menus will rotate on a recurring cycle that varies by meal time in an effort to keep the experience interesting for passengers who fly regularly between San Francisco and India.

During my visit, the buffet leaned heavily toward Indian cuisine, with dishes including Bukhara dal, chicken tikka masala, vegetable biryani, moringa paneer, and beet and fig mock savera kofta along with salmon and grilled vegetables.

A cold spread included fresh fruit, crackers, cheeses and house special sauces, including tikka achari and mango habanero.

Smaller bites included fishcakes, paneer with Szechuan sauce and a modernized version of gajar ka halwa, a traditional North Indian carrot dessert slow-cooked with butter, milk and nuts, served in a bite-sized, pie-like presentation.

The food seemed tasty and carefully prepared, with dishes that leaned on bold spices and comforting regional flavors. Most items hovered around a mild to moderate level of spiciness, although additional sides were available for travelers looking to amp up the flavor.

A self-serve beverage station offers juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea, while the Aviator’s Bar serves cocktails, wine and spirits separate from the buffet area.

First class private area

Tucked away in a quieter corner of the lounge is a private area reserved exclusively for Air India first class passengers.

This space accommodates only eight guests at a time and offers a noticeably more serene and elevated experience compared to the main lounge, which can accommodate approximately 75 travelers.

First class passengers also have access to an a la carte menu and a reserved selection of cognac and whiskey, providing a more personalized experience beyond the buffet.

Conveniences and practical touches.

The lounge includes free fast Wi-Fi, ample charging points and accessible facilities throughout.

AC outlets and USB-A and USB-C ports are available in all seating areas, and the seats themselves are modern and comfortable, making it easy to work or relax before departure.

One notable omission, however, is showers, something many international lounges typically offer to long-haul passengers.

Still, the lounge’s design, natural light and careful layout help create a calm and refined pre-flight atmosphere despite its relatively compact size.

Who can access the Air India Maharaja Lounge at SFO?

Access is available for:

• Air India first class passengers
• Air India business class passengers
• Eligible Star Alliance premium passengers
• Maharaja Club Gold and Platinum members traveling on eligible flights

The Private Area is reserved exclusively for first class passengers.

In a nutshell

Instead of going for scale or flash, Air India has created a space that feels polished and intentional. The lounge draws on the airline’s Indian heritage through its design, food and cocktail program, while offering the comfort and functionality that travelers expect before a long-haul flight.

Between the spice-inspired artwork, aviation heritage details, tarmac-view bar, and Indian-focused food program, the lounge feels cohesive and thoughtfully designed.

And for travelers flying on Air India’s long-haul routes to India, it’s a notable improvement to the airline’s pre-flight experience in San Francisco.

Related: Air India Maharaja Club: How to earn and redeem points, get elite status and more