Dec 7, 2014, 12:30 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is an archive of older posts, the active thread is Consolidated "United Club Access Questions" Thread
United operates United Clubs in the USA and many international locations -- see United Club and Other United Lounges for a detailed list.
UA's partners and the Star Alliance operates lounges in some of the same airports and many others. See the *A Lounge Finder and *A Lounge Access Policies . Additionally, some airports have "contract" lounges, admission is airport dependent.
United also operates International Global First Lounges and Arrival Lounges. These lounges have different access policy, see the linked threads for more.
To have access to the UCs, you will need to fit into one of the following
When BP/ticket is required, it can be either a paid or award ticket.
United Club T&Cs
Common questions
Children -- Are they counted as a guest?
Anyone with an individual ticket is counted as a guest. Lap children (below 2 years of age) are not counted as a guest. UC members can guest their dependent family at UCs (but this will not work at other *A lounges).
Is Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Puerto Rico (San Juan), .... international for UC access?
Yes
What about Domestic First Class?
Domestic First Class is not provided with UC access. Unless you qualify based on some other reason, there is no access for paid or award domestic FC.
Can my guest stay if I leave the lounge?
Strictly speaking, no. Guests only have access when the sponsor is in the lounge. You have "responsibility" for the guest when they are in the lounge. Realistically, however, there is usually no problem with leaving a guest behind.
Can access to the UC be further restricted?
UA reserves the right to limit access including the number of guests at times of crowding.
Can I bring food into the UC?
Strictly speaking no. There may be local health & safety codes against this.
Can I guest 3 co-workers by using multiple access methods? Such as 2 via UC membership and 1 as *G international?
No -- you cannot stack access methods.
Can I access the UC on arrival and no forward *A travel or if departing on a non-*A carrier?
Maybe if UC member or UA *G on international itinerary or arriving on UC operated Polaris cabin itinarary (Alsoyou qill need to able to access to the UC location)
Starting 18 Aug 2016: United Club Access (including members) Only w/ Same-Day BP
Partner lounges
Access / reviews for TK's IAD *A lounge
Consolidated "Access to Lufthansa Lounge at IAD" Thread [2014 forward]
Best IAD Lounge
Lufthansa Lounge Access in DTW/Detroit
Accessing the *A Lounge at LAX/TBIT as a UA flyer
United operates United Clubs in the USA and many international locations -- see United Club and Other United Lounges for a detailed list.
UA's partners and the Star Alliance operates lounges in some of the same airports and many others. See the *A Lounge Finder and *A Lounge Access Policies . Additionally, some airports have "contract" lounges, admission is airport dependent.
United also operates International Global First Lounges and Arrival Lounges. These lounges have different access policy, see the linked threads for more.
To have access to the UCs, you will need to fit into one of the following
- Be a UC member -- either directly purchased or combined with a credit card (such as Chase MP Club card)* UC members can have 2 guests or guest their spouse and dependent children under 21 years - Note at non-UA *A lounges UC members are allowed only 1 guest.
* The actual UC membership card @ UCs is generally not required if you have a UA BP -- since the UC membership is tied to the MP account
* Same day BP on ANY airline (arriving or departing)
* Spousal memberships are available as an extra cost option - Be traveling as *G member (see UA *G on domestic-only itinerary limitation) with departing *A BP showing your status while in any cabin* Can guest 1 traveler with a departing *A BP.
* UA *G cannot access domestic UCs unless traveling on a *A international itin (within 24 hours - can be different PNR)
* If non-UA *G but crediting to UA MP, you will need to present your non-UA *G card. There have been some reports of refused entry -- agents claiming you have to be crediting to the same program as you are requesting entry
- Be departing that airport in *A International Business or International First (with BP)* International First passengers can guest 1 traveler with a departing *A BP. No guests for International Business.
* UA has an expanded access policy that those traveling same day International Business or International First on UA operated flights can access UCs at any same day connecting airport
- Premium transcontinental non-stop (EWR-SFO/LAX & BOS-SFO) business class traveler* Limited to origin and destination airports of the premium transcontinental flight -- does not include connecting cities
* No guests - Have or purchase a UC one-time access pass* No guests
- Have Amtrak Select Plus or Select Executive status.* 1 guest
* Same day BP on ANY airline (arriving or departing)
When BP/ticket is required, it can be either a paid or award ticket.
United Club T&Cs
Common questions
Children -- Are they counted as a guest?
Anyone with an individual ticket is counted as a guest. Lap children (below 2 years of age) are not counted as a guest. UC members can guest their dependent family at UCs (but this will not work at other *A lounges).
Is Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Puerto Rico (San Juan), .... international for UC access?
Yes
Travel to or from Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Guam and Mexico are considered international itineraries for the purposes of United Club access.
Domestic First Class is not provided with UC access. Unless you qualify based on some other reason, there is no access for paid or award domestic FC.
Can my guest stay if I leave the lounge?
Strictly speaking, no. Guests only have access when the sponsor is in the lounge. You have "responsibility" for the guest when they are in the lounge. Realistically, however, there is usually no problem with leaving a guest behind.
Can access to the UC be further restricted?
UA reserves the right to limit access including the number of guests at times of crowding.
Can I bring food into the UC?
Strictly speaking no. There may be local health & safety codes against this.
Can I guest 3 co-workers by using multiple access methods? Such as 2 via UC membership and 1 as *G international?
No -- you cannot stack access methods.
Can I access the UC on arrival and no forward *A travel or if departing on a non-*A carrier?
Maybe if UC member or UA *G on international itinerary or arriving on UC operated Polaris cabin itinarary (Alsoyou qill need to able to access to the UC location)
Starting 18 Aug 2016: United Club Access (including members) Only w/ Same-Day BP
Partner lounges
Access / reviews for TK's IAD *A lounge
Consolidated "Access to Lufthansa Lounge at IAD" Thread [2014 forward]
Best IAD Lounge
Lufthansa Lounge Access in DTW/Detroit
Accessing the *A Lounge at LAX/TBIT as a UA flyer
Consolidated "United Club Access Questions" Thread [ARCHIVE]
Jan 9, 2012, 3:42 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: SAN/TIJ or under water.
Programs: Club interjet; Airbnb
Posts: 1,882
Consolidated "United Club Access Questions" Thread [ARCHIVE]
What is the actual definition of "Same Day," as relates to United Club access on an international itinerary?
I am 1P on UA, traveling in a few weeks CLD-LAX-IAH-CZM. I get into LAX @2030 and out @0030, four hours later. Will I get club access? It will feel like "same day" to me, but do they really go by calendar date, rather than a real-world flying day, which can include a connection to a red-eye that is technically "next day?"
I know I can expect access in IAH as it is the actual gateway airport and will be inarguably "same day.".
The Star Alliance site says (bolding mine):
Will that cut any ice with the club staff in LAX?
I am 1P on UA, traveling in a few weeks CLD-LAX-IAH-CZM. I get into LAX @2030 and out @0030, four hours later. Will I get club access? It will feel like "same day" to me, but do they really go by calendar date, rather than a real-world flying day, which can include a connection to a red-eye that is technically "next day?"
I know I can expect access in IAH as it is the actual gateway airport and will be inarguably "same day.".
The Star Alliance site says (bolding mine):
Star Alliance Gold Customers Travelling in Any Class: Customers have access to any Star Alliance member carriers' owned lounges with the Star Alliance Gold logo at the entrance.
Customer must present proof of Star Alliance Gold level status via a valid frequent flyer program Star Alliance Gold level card or other valid indication of Star Alliance Gold level status
Customer must also present a boarding pass for travel on a Star Alliance flight departing from the local airport
Customer is entitled to one guest
Continental, United and US Airways Star Alliance Gold customers may only access the United Clubs and US Airways Clubs within the U.S. when travelling in conjunction with a Star Alliance international flight.
Customer must present proof of Star Alliance Gold level status via a valid frequent flyer program Star Alliance Gold level card or other valid indication of Star Alliance Gold level status
Customer must also present a boarding pass for travel on a Star Alliance flight departing from the local airport
Customer is entitled to one guest
Continental, United and US Airways Star Alliance Gold customers may only access the United Clubs and US Airways Clubs within the U.S. when travelling in conjunction with a Star Alliance international flight.
Jan 23, 2012, 1:20 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: SAN/TIJ or under water.
Programs: Club interjet; Airbnb
Posts: 1,882
What is the actual definition of "Same Day," as relates to United Club access on an international itinerary?
I am 1P on UA, traveling in a few weeks CLD-LAX-IAH-CZM. I get into LAX @2030 and out @0030, four hours later. Will I get club access? It will feel like "same day" to me, but do they really go by calendar date, rather than a real-world flying day, which can include a connection to a red-eye that is technically "next day?"
I know I can expect access in IAH as it is the actual gateway airport and will be inarguably "same day.".
The Star Alliance site says (bolding mine):
Will that cut any ice with the club staff in LAX?
I am 1P on UA, traveling in a few weeks CLD-LAX-IAH-CZM. I get into LAX @2030 and out @0030, four hours later. Will I get club access? It will feel like "same day" to me, but do they really go by calendar date, rather than a real-world flying day, which can include a connection to a red-eye that is technically "next day?"
I know I can expect access in IAH as it is the actual gateway airport and will be inarguably "same day.".
The Star Alliance site says (bolding mine):
Star Alliance Gold Customers Travelling in Any Class: Customers have access to any Star Alliance member carriers' owned lounges with the Star Alliance Gold logo at the entrance.
Customer must present proof of Star Alliance Gold level status via a valid frequent flyer program Star Alliance Gold level card or other valid indication of Star Alliance Gold level status
Customer must also present a boarding pass for travel on a Star Alliance flight departing from the local airport
Customer is entitled to one guest
Continental, United and US Airways Star Alliance Gold customers may only access the United Clubs and US Airways Clubs within the U.S. when travelling in conjunction with a Star Alliance international flight.
Customer must present proof of Star Alliance Gold level status via a valid frequent flyer program Star Alliance Gold level card or other valid indication of Star Alliance Gold level status
Customer must also present a boarding pass for travel on a Star Alliance flight departing from the local airport
Customer is entitled to one guest
Continental, United and US Airways Star Alliance Gold customers may only access the United Clubs and US Airways Clubs within the U.S. when travelling in conjunction with a Star Alliance international flight.
Mar 16, 2012, 2:31 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,170
No-status parents are flying in BF PDX-EWR-MXP / FCO-EWR-PDX (domestic F / int'l BF)
I know they'll have lounge access before the BF flights each way - do they get it at PDX on outbound? I'm thinking not since not *G. What about in EWR on the return? Less clear on that.
Thanks.
I know they'll have lounge access before the BF flights each way - do they get it at PDX on outbound? I'm thinking not since not *G. What about in EWR on the return? Less clear on that.
Thanks.
Mar 16, 2012, 2:34 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond, UA 1K MM, SPG Plat For Life, Marriott Plat, Nexus/GlobalEntry
Posts: 9,198
No-status parents are flying in BF PDX-EWR-MXP / FCO-EWR-PDX (domestic F / int'l BF)
I know they'll have lounge access before the BF flights each way - do they get it at PDX on outbound? I'm thinking not since not *G. What about in EWR on the return? Less clear on that.
Thanks.
I know they'll have lounge access before the BF flights each way - do they get it at PDX on outbound? I'm thinking not since not *G. What about in EWR on the return? Less clear on that.
Thanks.
Mar 16, 2012, 2:39 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,170
Thanks - not entirely clear from this page:
http://pss.united.com/web/en-US/cont...ge/access.aspx
Especially this footer:
e. Travel within the U.S. (including Hawaii and Guam) in United First or United Business is not eligible.
I understood there's no club access on regular, non-BF/PS domestic flights, but doesn't say anything about domestic F connecting to int'l BF.
http://pss.united.com/web/en-US/cont...ge/access.aspx
Especially this footer:
e. Travel within the U.S. (including Hawaii and Guam) in United First or United Business is not eligible.
I understood there's no club access on regular, non-BF/PS domestic flights, but doesn't say anything about domestic F connecting to int'l BF.
Mar 16, 2012, 3:05 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: SAN/TIJ or under water.
Programs: Club interjet; Airbnb
Posts: 1,882
What is the actual definition of "Same Day," as relates to United Club access on an international itinerary?
I am 1P on UA, traveling in a few weeks CLD-LAX-IAH-CZM. I get into LAX @2030 and out @0030, four hours later. Will I get club access? It will feel like "same day" to me, but do they really go by calendar date, rather than a real-world flying day, which can include a connection to a red-eye that is technically "next day?"
I know I can expect access in IAH as it is the actual gateway airport and will be inarguably "same day.".
Will that cut any ice with the club staff in LAX?
I am 1P on UA, traveling in a few weeks CLD-LAX-IAH-CZM. I get into LAX @2030 and out @0030, four hours later. Will I get club access? It will feel like "same day" to me, but do they really go by calendar date, rather than a real-world flying day, which can include a connection to a red-eye that is technically "next day?"
I know I can expect access in IAH as it is the actual gateway airport and will be inarguably "same day.".
Will that cut any ice with the club staff in LAX?
Mar 16, 2012, 3:32 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA LAX
Programs: UA Gold, United Club, HHonors Diamond, Starwood Gold, Hertz 5 Star
Posts: 212
Apr 24, 2012, 9:03 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1P / *A Gold, SPG Plat, Club Carlson Concierge, Amtrak S+
Posts: 55
Would like some further clarification on this as I've a 12 hour layover (into the next morning) from DCA - IAH - MBJ. Would I be able to acess the lounge at DCA? 
Apr 24, 2012, 10:16 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: NJ
Programs: Avis Preferred, Hertz #1 Gold, National Exective, United Premier Silver
Posts: 1,363
I believe "same day" to United would mean same business day, meaning a flight leaving at midnight or 1am would qualify under the previous calendar day, but not a flight operating as part of the next day's operations. In your case, its also doubtful (if applicable) that you will be able to check your bag through from Washington to Montego Bay. You will probably have to claim it in Houston, and then recheck the bag the following morning.
I could be wrong, but back when airlines allowed you to standby for an earlier flight on the same day, Northwest denied me to move up to an 11:59pm flight the "day before" because it was not the same day as my 6:00am flight.
Back to your question, I would seriously believe it would be "business day" versus calendar day. And honestly, what difference will it make, if they let you in, great, if not, you will still be flying.
May 14, 2012, 6:26 pm
#10
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: EZE
Programs: AA PLATINUM
Posts: 252
United Lounge EWR, What do you need to get in?
What are the requirement for enter the lounge? My friend has no status and probably flying coach.
May 14, 2012, 6:31 pm
#11
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Moreland Hills (CLE)
Programs: Over-entitled UA 1.3MM Gold, AA Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott L-T Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 5,521
First reply...he's not getting in.
However, does anybody know if they still sell day passes?
However, does anybody know if they still sell day passes?
May 14, 2012, 6:34 pm
#12
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: EWR / PHL
Programs: UA 1P MM, HH G, Marriott G
Posts: 802
A $50 bill will do it.
May 14, 2012, 6:35 pm
#13
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Dubai / NYC
Programs: EK-IO, UA-1K2MM, ETIHAD-GOLD, SPG-PLAT LIFETIME, JUMEIRAH SERIUS GOLD
Posts: 5,220
May 21, 2012, 8:16 am
#14
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
Programs: UA 1K MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 67,138
I'm *G and also have UC membership, so the question is moot for myself. However, I did witness an incident at IAD yesterday which brought up an access question.
A pax had come in from Canada in Y and was flying onward to the west coast in domestic F. The club matron said that he couldn't get in with the domestic F BP.
Pax then argued he had an onward connection in C to Asia, but the matron (correctly) pointed out that that flight was on 5/23 and that it needed to be a flight for the current day (5/19). She asked if he had SQ *G credentials, which the guy would never answer.
He just kept insisting that on a "premium cabin" ticket, he should be allowed in. Matron kept insisting that domestic F didn't count. Eventually, not only did they call a supervisor, but they also had to call the cops (!!) to get rid of him.
My thought is that the matron was right, and that connecting from Canada in Y to domestic F does not grant a non-*G pax access to the club. However, I could see his point, too, particularly if his flight from Canada was on a CRJ or E145 and had no F seats, but he was on a paid C ticket from Canada.
My other thought is that the UC is not something to get arrested over! Some pre-wrapped cheese and crackers are simply not worth getting the cops involved. Oh, but it is ironic that a SQ flyer would be denied access to a UC, too...
A pax had come in from Canada in Y and was flying onward to the west coast in domestic F. The club matron said that he couldn't get in with the domestic F BP.
Pax then argued he had an onward connection in C to Asia, but the matron (correctly) pointed out that that flight was on 5/23 and that it needed to be a flight for the current day (5/19). She asked if he had SQ *G credentials, which the guy would never answer.
He just kept insisting that on a "premium cabin" ticket, he should be allowed in. Matron kept insisting that domestic F didn't count. Eventually, not only did they call a supervisor, but they also had to call the cops (!!) to get rid of him.
My thought is that the matron was right, and that connecting from Canada in Y to domestic F does not grant a non-*G pax access to the club. However, I could see his point, too, particularly if his flight from Canada was on a CRJ or E145 and had no F seats, but he was on a paid C ticket from Canada.
My other thought is that the UC is not something to get arrested over! Some pre-wrapped cheese and crackers are simply not worth getting the cops involved. Oh, but it is ironic that a SQ flyer would be denied access to a UC, too...
Jun 11, 2012, 7:33 pm
#15
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 233
I'm flying United out of San Diego tmrw . . I have Priority Pass membership which gives me access to the Red Carpet Club, but I left my card at home. Can I provide my Priority Pass Number and gain access to the club?