Talk to me about the lounge at SF

Hello, we'll be returning from SF in August and being in UC, we'll have use of the lounge before the flight. I've a couple of questions!
How early should we arrive, flight is around 5:30 and would like to make the most of it!

Is the lounge still the 'wrong' side of security and if so....

Will we get told when to leave?
Is there someone who walks you to the flight like they did with us last year in LA?
Can we use the priority lane?

Thanks in advance, so looking forward to it, any comments positive or negative are greatly welcomed

[Neil]

Yes, the lounge is pre-security, usually a staff member will escort the pax from the lounge through the priority security lane.
It's a small lounge and much smaller than the ones at LHR/LGW, and while it is a nice place to relax before the flight, it isn't somewhere I would personally want to spend much more than a couple of hours max. The staff are very good in the lounge and the do have good food and a full bar. Showers are also available.

Sorry to hijack this thread. We are also flying back from SF in July in UC but want to get some duty free, should we leave the lounge before the first call so we have enough time, or can we leave it a little bit longer?

Sorry to hijack this thread. We are also flying back from SF in July in UC but want to get some duty free, should we leave the lounge before the first call so we have enough time, or can we leave it a little bit longer?

Isn't SFO one of those airports where you collect duty free at the gate? Presumably therefore you can't leave it to the last minute..

Isn't there plans to move the UC Clubhouse in SFO to past security? Or did I imagine it.

It's a nice Clubhouse, but its placement is not great landside. Are any other UC lounges lanside?

JFK and Newark both used to be but AFAIK SFO is the only one now.

I have to say apart from the LHR clubhouse it's my favourite Virgin lounge.
It's full of natural light and I found it a cheerful place with great service. Has a great view of the airport and lots of seating - never seems busy.
I'd get there 3 hours before your flight - then gives you time to get through security and shop a bit as well if you need to.