Airport lounges act as serene retreats from the hustle and bustle of busy or outdated terminals. While some, like Priority Pass, operate on a membership network model, others are exclusive to specific airlines, such as the United Club lounges.
If you’re a frequent traveler with United Airlines or often find yourself at one of its major hubs, you’re likely familiar with the benefits of visiting a United Club lounge. However, recent changes to access rules may impact many travelers.
Read on to learn more about how to gain entry into United’s lounges.
Accessing United Club and Polaris Lounges
United, based in Chicago, has an extensive network of lounges known as United Club, along with upscale Polaris Lounges designed for international business travelers and Star Alliance premium cabin guests. Access to these lounges offers travelers complimentary snacks, beverages, and high-speed internet, with some locations featuring private relaxation zones, showers, and other amenities.
So, what are the ways to access United’s lounges?
Same-day Boarding Pass Requirement
While United has implemented several changes to its lounge access policy, one requirement remains unchanged: you must have a same-day boarding pass. This can also apply to a boarding pass from a Star Alliance partner airline, such as Lufthansa or Swiss.
Related: Top credit cards for flying United
Paid United Club Membership
United offers two tiers of paid membership for lounge access.
Individual United Club Membership:
Price: $750 or 94,000 miles
This membership allows the primary member unlimited access to over 45 United Club locations. United Premier members do not receive discounts, but they can pay to bring guests for $59 each. Note that access to Star Alliance partner lounges is not included for individual members.
United Club All Access Membership:
Price: Varies by Premier status
| MileagePlus Premier Status | All Access Annual Membership Cost |
|---|---|
| General Member | $1,400 or 175,000 miles |
| Premier Silver | $1,400 or 175,000 miles |
| Premier Gold | $1,400 or 175,000 miles |
| Premier Platinum | $1,300 or 163,000 miles |
| Premier 1K | $1,200 or 150,000 miles |
| Global Services | $1,000 or 125,000 miles |
All Access members can bring two guests or one adult and two dependents under 18 years old, and they have access to all Star Alliance lounges and select partner locations. Existing members from before March 24 won’t see changes until their membership year expires, at renewal, they will need to choose between an Individual or All Access plan, along with the associated fees.
Lifetime United Club members have been migrated to All Access plans. Flying Frugal estimates the value of United MileagePlus miles at 1.35 cents each, making it more beneficial to pay cash for membership rather than using miles.
Access United Club Lounges with a Credit Card
Having a qualifying cobranded United credit card can be one of the most economical methods to consistently access United Clubs.
The following cards provide lounge access (note that some may only grant one-time passes):
* Effective May 1, one-time passes can be used only by the primary cardholder, an authorized user, or a guest traveling with either. Additionally, passes are valid within three hours of scheduled flight departure.
** The United Club Business Card information was independently collected by The Points Guy and not reviewed by the card issuer.
Credit card membership provides a unique access policy allowing entry for primary cardholders, one guest, and dependents under 18 years old. Cardholders can upgrade to an All Access membership (allowing two guests and partner lounge access) by achieving Premier Gold status or spending at least $50,000 on eligible purchases within a year.
Given the $695 annual fee on the United Club Card and the United Club Business Card, leveraging a credit card for lounge access can often be more appealing than purchasing a standalone membership.
Both cards additionally offer four one-time passes annually if cardholders have an authorized user on their account and qualify for All Access Membership. Alternatively, travelers can use the United Explorer Card or the United Business Card, providing two single-use United Club passes per year. These passes do not allow guest access and cannot be transferred to friends or family members.
Access United Club Lounges with Elite Status
Certain Premier members can access United Clubs throughout their journeys. United Premier Gold (and above) members enjoy lounge access when flying internationally on any Star Alliance airline, regardless of the service class. They may bring one guest who is also flying on a Star Alliance carrier from the same airport.
Star Alliance Gold members with status from other partner airlines can access United Clubs with any same-day Star Alliance boarding pass, even during domestic United flights. Guests must travel on the same flight.
As of January 1, 2021, Global Services members have lounge access on all United-operated flights, including domestic routes. However, only Global Services members can enter the lounge unless they have a qualifying membership, eligible cobranded credit card, or are traveling internationally.
Access United Lounges According to Ticket Type
Premium cabin Star Alliance travelers can also enter United Clubs, although terms and guest privileges differ by ticket type:
United Club One-Time Pass
If you don’t travel enough to justify a yearly membership, consider purchasing a day pass for $59 at United Club locations or via the United mobile app. Keep in mind that day passes do not guarantee entry during peak hours.
Starting May 1, travelers with one-time passes can only access a United Club up to three hours before their flight. This rule applies exclusively to departing flights, with no time constraint for connecting flights.
One-time passes are not accepted at grab-and-go Club Fly locations.
Additionally, you can earn complimentary one-time passes through specific cobranded credit cards:
- United Explorer Card: Two single-use passes annually
- United Business Card: Two single-use passes annually
- United Club Card: Four one-time passes each year with authorized users qualifying for Club All Access Membership
- United Club Business Card: Four one-time passes each year with authorized users qualifying for Club All Access Membership
Other Access to United Clubs
United’s lounges are also open to certain travelers, including:
- Active U.S. military personnel: Valid military ID, a same-day United boarding pass, and either wearing a uniform or providing leave orders or rest/recuperation documents are required.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members: North America members can access domestic United Clubs, while Worldwide members can access all locations and bring a guest.
- Virgin Australia Velocity Gold, Platinum, and VIP members: Entry requires a same-day boarding pass for an international United or Virgin Australia flight from the same airport, allowing one guest when flying with United.
Accessing United Polaris Lounges
Star Alliance premium cabin passengers can access United’s Polaris lounges, known for their modern decor, luxurious spa-like shower suites, and gourmet dining experiences.
Eligibility for Polaris lounge access includes:
- Travelers in United Polaris business class: Access at departure, connecting, or arrival airports (no guests).
- Travelers in Star Alliance first class: Access only at the departure airport for a long-haul first-class flight (one guest allowed).
- Travelers in Star Alliance business class: Access only at the departure airport for a long-haul business-class flight (no guests).
United Club Fly Access
Beyond the standard United Clubs and Polaris Lounges, United has introduced a grab-and-go concept known as “Club Fly.” The first location opened in Denver in November 2022, followed by another in Houston in early 2025. Eligible travelers can access Club Fly by scanning their boarding passes at a self-serve entry gate.
Once inside, guests can enjoy a snack bar stocked with pre-packaged foods and can order coffee from a barista.
Given Club Fly’s emphasis on efficiency, access policies differ slightly. All travelers with eligibility to enter a United Club or Polaris Lounge may visit Club Fly, but guest access is not allowed (with exemptions for active military personnel, one-time pass holders, and Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members).
Locations of United Club Lounges
You’ll find numerous United Clubs at the airline’s major hubs, including:
- Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD): Five locations—three in Terminal 1 (near gates B6, B18, and C10) and two in Terminal 2 (across from Gates E7 and F9).
- Denver International Airport (DEN): Three locations—near Gate B32, near Gate B44, and near Gate A25. United Club Fly is located near Gate B60.
- Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): Five locations—one in Terminal A (across from Gate A9), one in Terminal B (south mezzanine), two in Terminal C (near Gate C1 and toward Gate C33), and one in Terminal E (between Gates E11 and E12). United Club Fly can be found near Gates B12-20.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): One location next to Gate 71A.
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Three locations—one in Terminal A near Gate A27, two in Terminal C near Gates C74 and C123.
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Three locations—two in Terminal 3 (near Gate E4 and Gate F11) and one in the international terminal (between gates G6 and G9).
- Washington, D.C. Dulles International Airport (IAD): Three locations in the Midfield Terminal (near gates C7, C17, and D8).
All mentioned airports, except for Denver, feature Polaris lounges. Numerous other clubs can be found throughout the U.S., including at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), among others. For a comprehensive list of lounge locations, visit United’s website.
Conclusion
United Airlines provides multiple options for accessing its lounges, catering to both premium cabin travelers and those seeking membership. If you frequently fly with United, consider which options provide the best value for your travel needs to enjoy a more relaxed airport experience.
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