Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,441
Contract lounges are not necessarily *G lounges, which would provide access to UA*G pax in Y on international itineraries. For instance, at an airport like Shannon (SNN), UA has a contract lounge for J pax only, and does not provide access to Y pax of any status.
A bit frustrating but it's consistent with the Star Alliance lounge access policy. You probably won't get anywhere trying to fight this.