Got a couple of hours before your next flight? Spend it at one of our United Club locations. If you’ve never visited one of these airport lounges, you’re missing out on one of the best aspects of air travel.
If you’re not sure how airport clubs and lounges work or how you can access one, this post is for you. We’ll explain the entry requirements and what you’ll experience once inside.
What is the United Club?
If you’ve got some extra time at the airport before your next flight, enjoying one of our United ClubSM locations is a great way to spend it. Inside, you’ll be able to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the airport concourse or get some work done if you choose.
“Airport lounges can be an oasis from a busy, crowded or outdated terminal,” says Zach Griff of The Points Guy.
You can also enjoy complimentary snacks, beverages and bar service. If needed, you’ll be able to get travel assistance from United representatives or access one of our self-serve kiosks for guidance.
Where are clubs located?
United has an extensive network of clubs and lounges around the world including more than 45 United Club locations, six United Polaris® lounges, and select partner lounges worldwide.
United Club locations can be found at our busiest airports, including all seven of United’s U.S. hubs (ORD, DEN, EWR, IAD, IAH, LAX and SFO).
We also have six United Polaris lounges available exclusively for long-haul international premium cabin travelers. They’re located at Chicago O’Hare, Houston Intercontinental, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington Dulles. These lounges offer premium amenities such as spa-like showers and a private rest area with daybeds so customers can prepare for long flights.
Through United, you may also be able to access our partner airlines’ lounges around the world. If you’ve purchased a ticket through a Star Alliance™ member airline other than United, you should consult the specific airline’s policy or Star Alliance lounge policy to see if you’re able to access a lounge or club location.
You can find club and lounge locations on united.com or use the United app to locate one for an upcoming flight.
How do I get access?
Many travellers have questions about who can use the United Club. The answer is – you can!
There are a variety of ways you can get United Club access if you’re travelling United or one of our partner airlines. Here are some of the entry requirements :
United Club one-time pass
The best way to try out the United Club is to purchase a one-time pass for your next trip. You can buy one on united.com or on the United app for $59 (at the time of this writing). The price is well worth it since you’ll be able to enjoy complimentary snacks, beverages and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Just be sure to have your boarding pass, either printed or on your mobile device, ready to scan before you enter.
United Club membership
If you try it out and find you’re hooked, you can purchase a one-year United Club membership. Keep in mind you can also pay for the membership with your MileagePlus® miles.
Premium cabin customers
Eligible premium cabin customers travelling on an international itinerary or in United Business® on a premium transcontinental flight automatically have access with a same-day United boarding pass.
Star Alliance Gold status
If you’re a Star Alliance Gold member, you can present your membership card and a same-day boarding pass for access. Just note that access policies vary by airline, so if you purchased a ticket through a Star Alliance member airline other than United, you should consult the specific airline’s policy or Star Alliance lounge policy.
What’s it like inside?
At each United Club location, you’ll find spaces to relax and work as well as a wide range of amenities to make your experience more productive and enjoyable.
If you want to get some work done before your flight, you can access the free, high-speed Wi-Fi, and charging stations to keep your devices fully charged.
When it comes to the look of our United Club locations, our new spaces are designed to be “uniquely United and distinctly local.” The spaces are designed with elements reflective of the area in which they’re located.
For example, the new United Club at O’Hare International in Terminal 1 near Gate C10 features a Chicago-inspired design that bridges an industrial and modern look. There’s also Chicago-sourced furniture and décor as well as artwork from local artists and more than 400 seats, including recliners, couches and chairs across a variety of spaces that are meant for lounging, dining, relaxing, working and socializing.
At our United Club at Newark Liberty International in Terminal C3 near gate C123, you can enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline while sipping coffee from a barista-staffed coffee bar. There are also spa-inspired shower suites to elevate your travel experience.
At Denver International, our United Club location in the B-East concourse near Gate B44 is the largest club location in our network with 35,000 square feet across three levels and more than 600 seats. The space reflects Denver’s beer scene with brewery-inspired elements and a new beer tasting experience at the feature bar on the mezzanine level.
Also in Denver, the newly opened United Club in the A-West Concourse near Gate A26 is a two-story space with décor that’s reflective of Colorado’s outdoor landscapes and experiences. It’s designed to feel like a ski lodge with two fireplace lounges, stacked wood and vintage ski décor.
What about the food?
For hungry travelers, we offer complimentary snacks and beverages. Menus vary by location, and we try to offer something for everyone.
Many items are prepared fresh onsite and we feature many “do-it-yourself” offerings so you can mix and match to your desire.
Sticking with the “distinctly local” theme, we work to offer a variety of foods that celebrate the local community in our newer United Club spaces. This includes a coffee bar and deli-type sandwiches at the United Club in EWR’s Terminal C near Gate C123, or a beer tasting experience in DEN with a variety of local craft beers on tap.
There are also plenty of beverages to choose from, including waters, teas, coffee, juice and soda as well as complimentary drinks from the bar.
What else do I need to know?
Before you visit a United Club or lounge, just remember that location hours may vary. You can always check the United app for more information.
Enjoy your time before your next flight!
