Looking for a way to escape the hustle and bustle of airport terminals? United Club lounges offer a peaceful retreat for travelers looking to relax before their flight. But how can you access these exclusive lounges?
There are several ways to gain entry, from purchasing a membership to holding a certain credit card.
In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to access United Club lounges so you can make the most of your airport experience.
How to Get Access to United Club
There are different ways to get access to United Clubs – some are paid and some are free.
We’ll go into detail on what these options are below.
1. Purchase A United Club Membership
The easiest way to get United Club access is to purchase an annual United Club membership.
Prices typically start at $650 or 85,000 miles per year, but it can be cheaper for those who have a United Elite status.
You can also gift someone a United Club membership, but the special pricing based on MileagePlus Premier status doesn’t apply.
To gain access, you must present a same-day boarding pass for a United Airlines or a Star Alliance partner flight.
Guest Policy: You can bring guests. Choose between one adult and dependent children under 21 OR two adult guests.
2. Purchase A United Club Day Pass
Day passes are for occasional travelers who can’t commit to an annual membership.
You can buy a day pass for $59 per person at United Club locations or through the app.
Day passes only give you one-time access per United Club location.
Guest Policy: Guests aren’t allowed.
3. United Elite Status on International Flight
United Airlines MileagePlus elite status holders – Premier Gold, Platinum, and 1K members – will have access to United Clubs during departure, connections, and upon arrival when flying on a same-day international flight on a Star Alliance airline.
Guest Policy: You can bring one guest who is traveling on the same flight as you. Before, guests were only required fly a same-day Star alliance flight.
Star Alliance Airlines
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Aegean
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Air Canada
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Air China
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Air India
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Air New Zealand
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ANA
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Asiana Airlines
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Austrian Airlines
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Avianca
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Brussels Airlines
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Copa Airlines
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Croatia Airlines
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EgyptAir
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Ethiopian
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EVA Air
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LOT Polish
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Lufthansa
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SAS
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Shenzhen
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Singapore Airlines
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South African
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SWISS
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TAP Portugal
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Thai Airways
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Turkish Airlines
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United Airlines
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4. Star Alliance Gold Status Holder
Star Alliance Gold members have access to United Club Lounge when they are flying on a same-day international or domestic flight on a Star Alliance airline.
If your Star Alliance Gold status is from United, you will not have access on domestic flights.
Guest Policy: You can bring on guest with you who are also on the same flight as you.
5. Be A United Global Services Status Holder
United Global Services is an invite-only status that’s given to the most loyal United frequent flyers.
These members will gain complimentary access to all United Club locations.
Guest Policy: Guests aren’t allowed.
6. Get A Credit Card That Offers United Club Access
Some United co-branded cards offer lounge access. Here are some examples below:
- United Club℠ Infinite Card (review): Annual United Club Membership.
- United℠ Explorer Card (review): 2 United Club one-time passes on account opening and on each anniversary.
- United℠ Business Card (review): 2 United Club one-time passes on account opening and on each anniversary.
Another card that also offers a United Club membership is the JP Morgan Reserve Card. It’s an invite-only card that’s offered to select individuals.
Guest Policy: No Guests.
7. Book at United Polaris or Business Class International Flight
Passengers flying on a United Business or in United Polaris on an international flight will get same-day access at United Clubs during departure, connecting, and arrival airports.
Passengers traveling to and from Canada in United First will also have the same lounge access.
Just present your same-day boarding pass upon entry to get access.
Guest Policy: Guests aren’t allowed.
8. Fly On A United Business Class Premium Transcontinental Flight
Passengers flying on premium transcontinental flights will get same-day access to United Club locations during departure and arrival only.
Premium transcontinental flights are only between New York/Newark and Los Angeles and New York/Newark and San Francisco.
Guest Policy: Guests aren’t allowed.
9. Fly First or Business Class On A Star Alliance Airline
Passengers flying internationally on a First or Business Class flight on a Star Alliance member airline can access United Club locations, but only during departure.
This means that if you fly from Dallas to Los Angeles, then Los Angeles to Paris, you won’t be able to access United lounges on your LA to Paris leg.
To access the lounges, you need to present a same-day boarding pass upon entry.
Guest Policy: Only First Class passengers can bring guests along.
10. Be An Active Military Member
Active duty military members will have accesss to United Club lounges if they meet the following requirements:
- Must have a valid military ID
- Same-day boarding within 24 hours on a departing United- or United Express-operated flight
- Must satisfy one of the following: dressed in uniform, leave orders, or rest and recuperation papers
Keep in mind that lounge access isn’t guaranteed and depends on seating availability.
Guest Policy: Military members can bring their family members if they have gate passes or are traveling on the same departing flight as the military member.
11. Have An Air Canada Maple Leaf Club Membership
Maple Leaf Club members flying on a Star Alliance Member airline will have access to United Club lounges. Just present your membership card and same-day boarding pass.
Maple Leaf Club North America members can access United Club locations in the U.S. only. Meanwhile, Maple Leaf Club Worldwide members can access all United Club locations.
Guest Policy: Only Air Canada Maple Leaf Club Worldwide members can bring guests.
12. Have A Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer Membership
Velocity Gold, Platinum, and VIP members flying on an international same-day United or Virgin Australia-operated flight may enter United Club locations.
The flight must depart from the same airport where the lounge is located.
Guest Policy: One guest is allowed per eligible member if traveling on a United-operated flight.
United Club Lounges Vs United Polaris Lounges
The main difference between United Club lounges and Polaris lounges is the level of service and amenities provided.
United Club lounges typically offer standard amenities such as complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating.
Meanwhile, Polaris lounges offer more premium amenities like pre-flight dining, shower suites, private daybeds, and personalized service.
There are 6 Polaris Lounges located across the U.S.:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (IAH)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
You can access United Polaris lounges if you are traveling in United Polaris business class or a qualifying international first or business class ticket on a Star Alliance airline.
Bottomline
There are multiple ways to get access to United Club lounges. You can buy direct access through day passes or annual memberships.
Alternatively, you can also get complimentary access through elite status, credit card benefits, or flight tickets.
Currently, there are 40+ United Club locations worldwide in major airport hubs so it’s not that hard to find a lounge during your trips.
