Not the best lounge, but not the worst Can't complain because it gives me an escape from waiting at the gate. They're clean bathrooms. There are drinks that are complementary. The drink selection is not good so you do have the option of purchasing additional items. The food situation is definitely improved. There's a few snacks & bites to choose from. They have salad. They have hummus. They have veggie sticks. There's assorted bread that can be toasted. They have cheese. They have crackers. There's a coffee maker that makes you all the fancy fun drinks. And a few other soft drink options. Free Wi-Fi, which is pretty good and you'll always meet somebody cool at the bar read more

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Attendants were nice, place was reasonably clean, food options were sparse but adequate when you're starving. Bread and toasters are around a corner and easy to miss. Flavored syrups for coffee were an added bonus. There was a wait to get in, about 30 minutes around noon so plan accordingly. They also offer a to go option if you're in a rush which is nice. Even when 'at capacity' there were still tables open. I wish there were more lounge options in this terminal but if you can't get into the chase lounge, or afford it, this is a reasonable second option. read more

Aspire Lounge - Big open windows so the small area doesn't feel cramped. - Airport Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

If I could leave 0 stars, I would. The people are nice. The drinks are fine. That's the entire list of positives. Everything else feels like a lounge that's been given up on. Start with the room itself. Tables sit uncleared for 30 minutes to an hour--plates, glasses, trash just stacking up while people circle like it's musical chairs. The carpet is visibly stained, and the "wood" flooring is literally peeling up in places. Not worn--failing. Then you notice the details. Paint peeling. Fixtures beat up. Bathrooms that look like they haven't seen a proper wipe-down in a while--dirty counters, rough doors, zero sense of upkeep. It's not one thing--it's everything. And the food... if you can call it that. It looks exactly like this--(see photo)--a sad, picked-over spread that feels closer to a neglected motel breakfast than an airport lounge. Nothing looks fresh. Nothing looks intentional. It's just there. The coffee machines? Constantly broken. Not a fluke--consistently down. In an airport lounge. Let that sink in. The overarching theme is simple: everything technically exists, but nothing actually works. No attention to detail, no pride, no standard. I've been in crowded lounges. I've been in dated lounges. I've been in mediocre lounges. This is the first one that just feels poorly run at every level. read more

Aspire Lounge - Food bar - Airport Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Staff were nice and service was quick. I got a strong mimosa and was able to add orange juice. They had breakfast options available: bagels, cereal, oatmeal, and fruit. The hard boiled eggs were over boiled. There were plenty of seats but minimal table options. read more

Aspire Lounge - Mimosa - Airport Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

I did not have to wait long to enter this time and had no problem finding a seat. I was early but had to wait for clean coffee cups but once they were brought out I was able to get in a better mood. Both coffee machines were working! The small breakfast selection was ok but not as nice as the aspire lounge in SMF. The staff is working hard as this is a busy lounge. There is a Chase Sapphire lounge near gates 45 I might try out next. The big windows are fun to observe. read more

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It's better than sitting in the terminal but nonetheless a subpar choice in the morning. Only one of two coffee machines working. The only hot food option is oatmeal. Check-in for entry to the club is inefficient. read more

Aspire Lounge - Airport Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

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The aspire lounge is located in SAN San Diego international airport terminal 2 near Alaska gate 23. Certain credit card memberships can you get in (there were a dozen), but anyone can pay $50 to enter. They had a great bar, fast service, strong drinks. Some of the power outlets didn't work, but I think it was my equipment and not their fault. There is a variety of food, soup, veggies and fruit. I didn't see any coffee cups where you can take coffee to go onto the plane. I prefer chase sapphire lounge in terminal 2. But if I got one of the member cards, I would come again. read more

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Better than I thought! I had to wait around 20 min to get in, but had all my basic necessities fulfilled. Plenty of food, salads are nicely tossed, pasta salad good. Hummus and carrots good. Soup was good. The peach iced tea was not sweet so that was good. Seats were comfortable and clean, a lot of staff walking around clearing tables. The bathroom could use a little more work. The bar does not let you take bottled water for free unless you pay $2. The WiFi did not work. I was glad it was included with my priority pass program. read more

Aspire Lounge - Salad and more pasta salad and hummus. - Airport Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

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At 9:30am, there was a line about ten people deep. I waited for 20 minutes and finally was let inside. It's better to wait in here rather than in the gate areas because it is a little calmer & less hectic, but the food selection is really subpar compared to other lounges like the Delta Sky lounge or Centurion lounges. The bar was open. There's a fancy coffee machine & some iced tea & horchata on tap. There's basically continental breakfast offerings available like toast, bagels, cottage cheese, cold cuts, cheese, mini muffins, fruit & boiled eggs. I mean it's fine, but totally underwhelming. Service was okay. One good thing is that the place wasn't too crowded, so that's a plus. It's better than nothing, but a premium or luxury experience, it was not. Peace. read more

Worst lounge ever. They simply can not get their admissions figured out. They have a wait-list sign, I joined it, 30 minutes later got the text, and they said everyone got the text, get back in line and wait again. What a cluster, and every single time. Overcrowded with no functional line. Aspire to be replaced with a better lounge. read more

Meh, it was okay. I came here since there isn't an Admirals Club at SAN but American tells you to use this lounge. They were at capacity, so I joined what looked like a long line to see if I could get in. I think I ended up waiting about 15 minutes, so not too bad. When I got to the front the person working the counter asked if I was okay with bar seating since that's all they had at that time, which was okay with me. The bar servers were friendly and fine. The food offerings were a little light for my taste, but not awful. The greek pasta salad they had was pretty good. However, I had to try to eat it with a spoon, as there were no forks at the buffet, and no one stocked any for a good 15 minutes (and I couldn't find anyone to even ask)! The lounge does have good windows outside to look at the gates, which is always a favorite of mine. The decor was pretty plain, but I guess it's effective enough. It's not a huge lounge (hence the line to get in), but I did see several open seats as I was getting ready to leave. Not quite the experience I'm used to, but not a terrible lounge to get some free food and drink and have some quiet. Just be prepared to possibly wait to get in. read more

My second time here and today this place was packed. The disappointment was the food was closed down earlier than the lounge. The offerings were great but they seem to want to get rid of the food fast. They were throwing the food away. I do like this lounge. It would've been nice to keep the food around a bit longer. Staff were great though. read more

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Terminal 2 at SAN is so much better than Terminal 1. I used to take SW and there was never any place to sit or much food choices and no seating there either! So let's make that change and fly in and out of 2! Win #1 And just so happen to be where the Aspire Lounge is Win #2. We arrived 2.5 hrs before departure. Our gate was only 2 gates away from it. The line was fairly long but with a little patience, it does seem to move quickly. At first entrance, I felt the lounge was pretty sizable. They have a generous size bar facing the windows and view of planes landing/flying out. There was a plenty of various seating from single seats to couches or chairs and tables. And they are spread out so it's not crowded at all. Now the food selection isn't the best I've seen. We arrived at breakfast and it was the usual, mini muffins, toast, bagels, fruit, cottage cheese. There are fancy coffee machines for your choice or lattes, cappuccino, or hot water. Lunch arrival welcomed cold pasta, salads, soup and chips. I wish they had a water dispenser that was cold. They had stands of water and ice provided. I do like that there is a bathroom in the lounge and a separate exit- win #3. Service was great. I thought there were several clean ups and restock of cups, mugs, plates, etc. I'm not complaining and definitely glad there is a place I can now sit, relax and have a snack before flying out. Just feels like this place can give more. read more

Mia was our bartender yesterday and she was amazinggg. she was the only one really at the bar but she worked really fast. great alcohol options. the lounge was packed when we got in @7:00am we probably got the last seats at the bar. (thanks to a lady who switched seats for us). the breakfast food wasnt too great honestly. was hoping for some hot foods. read more

Aspire Lounge - nice selections. - Airport Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Decent priority pass lounge in terminal 2, San Diego airport. They have some nibbles and drink while waiting for flights. The staff is friendly and the place is clean. It can get very crowded during peak hours and there can be a waitlist. read more

Aspire Lounge - Airport Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

This lounge is the worst. Coffee maker is broken half the time. Same crappy cheese slices and old vegetables with nasty old ranch every time. Old thick as clay warm oatmeal. Front desk seems to never know how to check you in (except Valerie - she's fantastic). And they got rid of all to-go containers to reduce waste. I'm an environmentalist but for as much as I pay for the club that's crap. Use recycled materials. There's bins throughout the airport. Simple. It would be zero stars but Valerie and the bartenders are awesome and make mean Bloody Maria's! read more

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The aspire lounge at the San Diego. International Airport is amazing. I had a plate of mixed olives, bacon, bits, cheddar cheese, pepper, jack cheese, and large circular slices of avocado salami. I also washed it down with two tequila sunrise. I enjoyed it while watching the NBA playoffs on one of their mini flatscreen televisions. The person that had helped us out through all of this was SACHI! Sachi is so amazing. She greeted us with a lovely smile. Her friendly nature made me not want to leave the lounge. I am glad to have met her. read more

Got to the airport early because i was worried about check in lines for my morning flight. Had time to kill, so used my Priority Pass and came to the lounge right when it opened. After being in the Chase Sapphire Lounge multiple times, this just didn't measure up. It was better than sitting in the terminal and the coffee was definitely needed. Got crowded very quickly but thankfully i snagged a seat by a window. Quiet but kind of felt like a doctor's office waiting room. I wouldn't go out of my way to come back, but it was fine for this morning read more

It looks beat down. Fairly small lounge. Inside was not that clean too. Chairs and tables look very old. Food isn't good. And was very few selection. Soup was ok though. But it is quiet and you can charge your phone. Workers were nice. read more

Aspire Lounge - Airport Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

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I've only visited a few lounges, so my sample size isn't huge... But this place is awful. London had actual mice, and this was far worse. First. This was the first lounge I'd visited that charged for most alcoholic drinks. Even a draft beer. They did have cold brew, which is cool, but one of the options was tapped out the entire time I was there. Food options looked okay. I didn't eat, though. The biggest issue? The place was a dump. Floors filthy, old soda stains under the chairs. Paint peeling off the exit door. The bathroom waste bin was falling off the wall, held together with duct tape. It was free, and a couple cold brew coffees was nice before the flight, but if anybody actually paid to get in, they'd deserve to be upset. The rest of the airport is far cleaner and well kept. read more

I arrived at the airport to find my flight delayed, so I used my AA credit card to access the Aspire Lounge. First off, people who expect gourmet food and fully staffed airline-level service need to get a grip. Yes, the lounge could use some updates--new carpet, newer furniture--but it's still a much better option than sitting at the gate waiting around. The staff were friendly, dishes were cleared quickly, and the food stations were consistently stocked. I'm not sure what some travelers expect, but they offered soup, salad, deli meats, chips and salsa, bread, and vegetables. If you want a restaurant-level meal, there are plenty of actual restaurants in the airport. For what it is, the lounge does its job and provides a comfortable place to relax during a delay. read more

It's unfortunate that this is the only lounge option available for Amex holders in San Diego, since this is my home airport. I really hope the Amex Centurion Lounge opens here soon. I've been here many times, but only in the morning, and the food options are consistently disappointing. I mainly use the lounge as a place to sit and wait rather than waiting at the gate when I have extra time. The morning food is especially poor -- hard, overcooked boiled eggs, some cottage cheese, and sad fruit. The coffee isn't good either. Overall, it serves its purpose as a place to sit, but the food and beverage offerings leave a lot to be desired. read more

It was the worst lounge I've been in. Was there for over an hour they never refilled food. The cases were totally empty they are worried more about cleaning dishes. read more

Aspire Lounge - Absolutely nothing for over an hour - Airport Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Happy to find a lounge at the airport where I used my new Amex Platinum card for free. Place had okay food and a nice bathroom . Service was good and kind. read more

You can get access to this lounge if you have capitol one venture x, with the priority pass membership free. It's small but has a new corner room with big windows and a nice bar area. The food I'm not too impress with, just cold cut meats and some salads. Pretty lacking compared to chase sapphire/american/capitol one lounges. I'm also disappointed in the non alcoholic drink, where are they? I only see coffee and tea you make yourself. The service is great though, the guy at the door warned me on how packed it is, but still allowed me to come in as they're about to close in an hr for standing room. It's the closest to security when you first come through, the other lounge is a bit of a walk. read more

Aspire Lounge - Airport Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

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A good place to relax before your scheduled flight. Coffee and grub is always good depending on the time of the day. It has the necessary requirements before you hop on your destination. A good place to send that last minute email or check your connections and even plan your itinerary. The usual is the soup and bread and the cheese and salad so not bad at all and you can order your adult libations if you choose to do so. read more

This lounge was okay if it's your only option. The food selection was very minimal compared to other "Priority Pass" style lounges. There was no protein option, just bread, salad and snack type food such as Chex mix. The options of complimentary drinks from the bar were also very minimal in comparison to other lounges. I felt bad for the staff as there was only 1 bartender the majority of the time trying to take care of everything and they were certainly overwhelmed. Wouldn't go out of your way for this lounge, but if you arrive early and this is the only option then it will get the job done read more

Aspire Lounge - Photo of food area - Airport Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

We had first class tickets on Alaska Air from San Diego to Newark, and the woman at the front desk said we didn't qualify to enter. All first class tickets that are 2,000 miles or more are supposedly acceptable for entrance. So, not happy! read more

San Diego only has 2 terminals. We always fly Southwest in Terminal 1 which does not have any lounges. It's under construction and the new terminal in summer 2025 will have lounges. This time we flew Alaska out of Terminal 2. We checked out Aspire Lounge using his American Express business Platinum and he was able to get me in for free. This lounge reminded me of hotel continental food set up but without the hot foods. It was 5am in the morning and it was limited with just coffee, juice, ham, salami fruit and cold cuts. We soon left to go down the hall for Chase Saphire lounge by The Club. read more

Aspire Lounge - Cold cuts, fruit, cereal at 5am - Airport Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Came in on a Friday evening before the long weekend and there was a bit of a wait because the lounge was at full capacity. The wait was just 5 mins to be let in as there was a party of 3 in front of us. We were all let in together. We got in and the place was packed. There were wasn't really any place to sit. There was 1 vacant chair here and 1 there but none that could sit me, my son and mom together. We eventually found a seat next to an older gentleman. We put our stuff down and proceeded to get some snacks. My son got an apple, a tangerine and a hand full of oreos. I got some pasta, tortilla chips and salsa, pasta, cold cuts, cheese and brownie. The workers worked hard to keep place clean and food restocked. We eventually got an extra seat and the Filipino gentleman got a seat for my son. After 15 minutes, the place was half full as a lot of people left for their flight. I did get a chance to drink some cold brew coffee with horchata. It was great! Overall experience was mixed. I did enjoy the food and clean bathrooms but it was stressful trying to find a seat all together. If it weren't for the Filipino gentleman making sure we were all seated together, it would have sucked. I'd come back if it wasn't so busy. read more

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Aspire is an apt name for this lounge as it aspires to be better. from cold boiled eggs to broken coffee machines this lounge resembles a homeless encampment more than an airport lounge. the lounge opens at 5am and we came at 6am. the bathrooms were already unkept and the smelled permeated to the entrance. Nevertheless, the lounge is busy. there arent many options here at San Diego Airport. If thus was my home airport I would probably just eat at a restaurant and grab coffee at a shop. It isn't worth the price of entrance or even the credit card annual fee to visit this place. Here is a positive. the dropkick horchata cold brew is but only if it is working. Otherwise food is meh, drinks are meh, for beer it is miller or cools light, any ipa or craft beer is $6. same thing with cocktails or wine. And I cant stress enough that things are always broken here. I've been here on two separate occasions several months apart and things are still broken. read more

Priority Pass, it was crowded on Thursday seating if you find a spot in between other guests. Food mostly salads , veggies , cold cuts cheeses did not see crackers, one pot of soup , cookies and fruits. Teas and the Coffee machine was down so they had Carafe of coffee which was more like water down. I mean it's a good lounge to rest , charge your electronics, use the restroom and they do have a bar with premium drinks for purchase. read more

First time using the Aspire Lounge. Traveling with my wife and our 10yr old daughter, Bartender was either still drunk or high, loudly speaking, cussing, dropping F bombs, over-served a passenger who was stumbling around asking for "nicotine pouches" also using every expletive known to man. Bartender broke 4 wine glasses she dropped, was stumbling around and was bumping into carts and bar equipment, was making herself the center of attention like it was a nightclub. Whole place now knows she works 4 days a week, its her "Friday", hates working weekends and complaining tips suck some days. I had to hear her sigh and say "ugghh" about 25 times in between putting her head into her hands as she leaned onto the bar like she was physically exhausted. Yelling "Im Fucking Over It". On a positive note, The food was good and the tables were cleaned promptly. Aside from the bartender's unprofessionalism it was a decent stop before our flight out. The ambiance would have been way better had she just called in sick from her night of drinking before...yep she just loudly stated that too as I sit here and write this. Thank god it's "her Friday". On another side note which is positive, The big cross Tattoo on the top of her right hand was very well done. Great Job to her Tattoo Artist. read more

Very basic small and crowded longe. Food is limited but good for snacking, wait times are long as it is usually very crowded. Seating is limited. It's a dated airport lounge. Great views though. read more

Aspire Lounge - The buffet - Airport Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

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Nothing has changed since my last visit. This is just a spot to get a table and sit. It is not even quiet as it very crowded. They need to do better at this lounge specially if this is the lounge for business class travelers on international airlines. read more

Nice amenities. Good place for a pit stop before flying. Good service. One of the toasters was broken though. read more

Aspire Lounge - The breakfast spread - Airport Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

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Located at San Diego airport. You need a pass to enter. Large, spacious, nice art work. Good assortment of food. Came before our early morning flight and joined the line for its doors to open. Even has showers. read more

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Embarrassing excuse for a lounge--skip it. Visited: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Aspire Lounge at San Diego Airport is a joke--and not a funny one. For something marketed as a premium experience, this place is a complete letdown. The space is overcrowded, poorly maintained, and utterly devoid of comfort or class. Seating is limited and stained, the atmosphere is depressing, and it feels more like a neglected DMV waiting room than an airport lounge. The food? Barely edible. Stale sandwiches, limp salad, and what looked like canned soup left out way too long. Zero effort, zero freshness. The one-drink limit is fine in theory, but when the bartender clearly doesn't care, it adds insult to injury. Speaking of which--Lesley, the bartender on duty, was unprofessional and completely out of her depth. She moved at a glacial pace, botched simple orders, and acted like serving guests was a burden. If she's been trained, it doesn't show. If she hasn't, it's painfully obvious. Either way, management needs to step in. This place is a waste of time and money. Don't bother. You're better off at the terminal Starbucks--at least they know how to pour a drink and crack a smile. read more

Aspire Lounge - Airport Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California

Review completely on service 01/10/2026 at around 1330 Having never experienced an airport lounge before, I simply wanted to ask a single question - If I can enter the lounge with my priority card. The woman at the front desk was absolutely horrendous and kept asking for my boarding pass... saying things like "doesn't matter, I want your boarding pass" completely cutting me off mid question. No, I did not have the boarding pass on me as I simply passed by the lounge in search of a restroom but this lady needs to work on her manners. read more

The lounge is accessible through credit card or priority pass. I simply walked up to the host and asked if there was room for me. He checked me in. They have a salad bar with some cold salad option. They have coffee, tea and water. They do have a full bar with TV's. It is a small area so you might have to share a table. Not the best lounge but okay. read more

Aspire Lounge - Airport Lounges Near Me - San Diego, California