Need a Shower or to “Freshen Up” at San Francisco Airport (SFO)?

Great news! It is easy to take a shower or freshen up at SFO after a long haul flight or just a long day.  My daughter left Sunday morning from Oregon to San Francisco for her trip to study abroad in Rome.  While waiting for her SFO – Frankfurt flight she received notification via her phone that the flight had been cancelled!!  No attendants at the counter because her previous flight arrived earlier and it was still 2 hrs before the flight had to leave.  She finally found an agent who said she had to go outside of security to talk to someone.  In the meantime she also called United’s 1-800 number where she was promptly put on hold.  After waiting in an enormous line and being on hold for ever, she did eventually get rebooked on a Swiss Air flight but it was not leaving for another 6 hours.  Then she had to lug all her luggage on a cart (we estimated at least 100 lbs.) from the domestic terminal to the international terminal.

We are still not sure why they just left her luggage on the carousel in the domestic terminal, but I guess after the flight got cancelled that is what they do??

Anyway, after all this she called, and said “Mom, I’m drenched!!  Is there anywhere I can take a shower here?!”  I quickly googled and was happy to tell her that  yes, there is a place called Freshen Up located before security in the International Terminal, near the entrance for Gates 91-102.  For about $15 they provide you with soap, shampoo, conditioner, towel, and slippers.

Lauren said it was very nice and clean.  One of the reviews I had read about it said you could not lock the doors, but Lauren said her door definitely had a lock.  When she was done she said she felt 1000x times better and was now ready for the rest of her journey!!  There is also a place right next door where you can pay to store your luggage.

I tried to see if I could find out what other airports had a Freshen Up but they do not have a website.  Would love to hear if others know about places like this in other airports, in the US and abroad.

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