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]
Feb 2, 2015, 4:36 pm
#1501
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: SUV
Programs: UA *G MM
Posts: 7,018
Do UC gatekeepers typically demand a physical card for entrance. If I give them a non-UA *G number then they can enter it into their computer?
I can also show them my account form the app of the other airline, although it is not as clear as United's own app with a virtual card.
I can also show them my account form the app of the other airline, although it is not as clear as United's own app with a virtual card.
Feb 4, 2015, 11:35 pm
#1502
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Programs: UA 1K; Hilton: Diamond;Kimpton: ?? ; Omni: Black; Avis: First; Hertz: Five Star
Posts: 656
Do UC gatekeepers typically demand a physical card for entrance. If I give them a non-UA *G number then they can enter it into their computer?
I can also show them my account form the app of the other airline, although it is not as clear as United's own app with a virtual card.
I can also show them my account form the app of the other airline, although it is not as clear as United's own app with a virtual card.
No they do not care about a card with UC . But you need to meet the various entry rules. Most of the time, they are willing to do the research to admit you. You said "non-UA *G number". That will not do anything to get you admitted. It sounds like you are not *G? So you need to meet one of the alternative basis for admittance. Tell us more about your travel plans (i.e. are you in an international business or first class seat and to and from what airport) and your status with other airlines (if it matters).
Feb 4, 2015, 11:52 pm
#1503
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: SUV
Programs: UA *G MM
Posts: 7,018
Actually I am "double *G". I am 1K on United, which does not get me into their crappy lounges on domestic flights. I am now also *G (Elite) with Turkish Airlines. But I do not possess a physical card.
I know that one does not need to show a card as a United *G flying international, but I am curious how they treat *Gs from other airlines. I probably won't be crediting any UA travel to TK this year so it won't be on my BP.
I know that one does not need to show a card as a United *G flying international, but I am curious how they treat *Gs from other airlines. I probably won't be crediting any UA travel to TK this year so it won't be on my BP.
Confused with your post.
No they do not care about a card with UC . But you need to meet the various entry rules. Most of the time, they are willing to do the research to admit you. You said "non-UA *G number". That will not do anything to get you admitted. It sounds like you are not *G? So you need to meet one of the alternative basis for admittance. Tell us more about your travel plans (i.e. are you in an international business or first class seat and to and from what airport) and your status with other airlines (if it matters).
No they do not care about a card with UC . But you need to meet the various entry rules. Most of the time, they are willing to do the research to admit you. You said "non-UA *G number". That will not do anything to get you admitted. It sounds like you are not *G? So you need to meet one of the alternative basis for admittance. Tell us more about your travel plans (i.e. are you in an international business or first class seat and to and from what airport) and your status with other airlines (if it matters).
Feb 4, 2015, 11:56 pm
#1504
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Programs: UA 1K; Hilton: Diamond;Kimpton: ?? ; Omni: Black; Avis: First; Hertz: Five Star
Posts: 656
Actually I am "double *G". I am 1K on United, which does not get me into their crappy lounges on domestic flights. I am now also *G (Elite) with Turkish Airlines. But I do not possess a physical card.
I know that one does not need to show a card as a United *G flying international, but I am curious how they treat *Gs from other airlines. I probably won't be crediting any UA travel to TK this year so it won't be on my BP.
I know that one does not need to show a card as a United *G flying international, but I am curious how they treat *Gs from other airlines. I probably won't be crediting any UA travel to TK this year so it won't be on my BP.
Feb 5, 2015, 12:06 am
#1505
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: SUV
Programs: UA *G MM
Posts: 7,018
It appears that you do not realize that *Gs from all other airlines have access to United lounges when flying UA domestic.
If you are *G and flying internationally, you should get in. The UC are not about cards like the interanational clubs are. Your boarding pass may show your star gold status. If it does not, and you are not otherwise a on an international business or first itinerary, then you may need to be ready to show them, somehow, that you are *G. But yeah the domestic UC is not that great. But in many airports, it is still way better than the airport itself. Where are you flying into? What is your intinerary?
Feb 5, 2015, 12:12 am
#1506
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Programs: UA 1K; Hilton: Diamond;Kimpton: ?? ; Omni: Black; Avis: First; Hertz: Five Star
Posts: 656
No I do. But you are worried about not being able to get in one because you do not have a *G card right? So my point or advice is that the UC person will let you in if they can determine that you are *G from Turkish Airlines. But if your boarding pass does not show that, then you should have something else with you that does. But they are not focussed on having a card.
Feb 5, 2015, 1:01 am
#1507
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 134
I can tell you right now that many UC admission agents go by whatever the computer tells them.
If your BP has a *G number associated with it, they'll let you in no questions asked.
If you provide a *G physical card they can swipe, they'll let you in with a slight grumble.
Try and bring up the technicalities of *Alliance rules or use a virtual card that can't be swiped/scanned and be prepared for a totally-not-worth-it fight.
At least, in my experience in ORD (especially), DEN,and some of the IAH lounges.
In all these scenarios I assuming you're a non-UA *G travelling domestically.
If your BP has a *G number associated with it, they'll let you in no questions asked.
If you provide a *G physical card they can swipe, they'll let you in with a slight grumble.
Try and bring up the technicalities of *Alliance rules or use a virtual card that can't be swiped/scanned and be prepared for a totally-not-worth-it fight.
At least, in my experience in ORD (especially), DEN,and some of the IAH lounges.
In all these scenarios I assuming you're a non-UA *G travelling domestically.
Feb 5, 2015, 8:47 am
#1508
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,484
It's when the agents start freelancing with their own rules interpretations that pax get wrongly denied admission.
Feb 5, 2015, 9:20 am
#1509
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 134
*A rules say it's fine, but I've noticed that if they scan the BP first they get a denial from the computer before they even swipe the card. Some agents know to swipe the card and then the computer is happy.
Some don't swipe it and throw a fuss.
I don't even want to guess what hilarity will ensue if you present a non-swipable card printout or virtual card.
Feb 5, 2015, 9:20 am
#1510
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: SUV
Programs: UA *G MM
Posts: 7,018
However, what I hope to do instead is ask them to input my TK *G number, which would confirm my status. I suspect that some may balk at doing that and I don't even know if their computer has access to the requisite database.
LH Senator lounge gatekeepers have started to demand cards again after a 2 year hiatus and there was even a small placard from UA at the lounge in FRA stating that customers must have cards. (Thanks, UA. Especially since you do not even process my new card until February.) But instead I just tell them my UA number and they enter it into the computer.
Feb 7, 2015, 7:37 am
#1511
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: YYZ
Programs: UA1K MM, JL JMB SAPPHIRE, Marriott Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,267
Declined by United Club lounge dragon at EWR, is stacking of access beneifts allowed?
Hi FTers,
I am flying out of EWR with my wife and son today, I am United *G and holding a priority pass issued by Canadian AMEX PLAT, with which I can guest one guest for free at Priority Pass lounges, including UCs in the US.
Before today, I just ask the lounge attendant to put one guest on *G and the other one on Priority Pass, and they done it without any issue. But today, this attendant said I can't combine these two membership and bring two guests at the same time, I can either pay $27 (priority pass extra guest fee) or $50 (United Club one time pass). I tried to search for United Club admission rule but couldn't find any thing mention this kind of situation.
Is she right? Is there any written rule about this?
I am flying out of EWR with my wife and son today, I am United *G and holding a priority pass issued by Canadian AMEX PLAT, with which I can guest one guest for free at Priority Pass lounges, including UCs in the US.
Before today, I just ask the lounge attendant to put one guest on *G and the other one on Priority Pass, and they done it without any issue. But today, this attendant said I can't combine these two membership and bring two guests at the same time, I can either pay $27 (priority pass extra guest fee) or $50 (United Club one time pass). I tried to search for United Club admission rule but couldn't find any thing mention this kind of situation.
Is she right? Is there any written rule about this?
Feb 7, 2015, 8:00 am
#1512
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Houston Texas USA
Programs: UA Gold MM, SWA A-List
Posts: 150
I don't think these are additive. If I'm a UC member and get two guests and I'm also *G and get one guest (on international flights), that doesn't necessarily mean I can bring three guests into the lounge.
Feb 7, 2015, 8:07 am
#1513
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,861
Agree there is nothing specific in the rules on this, but in general stacking of benefits has not been allowed and I think you will find the "common wisdom" of this forum the agent was correct.
Benefits general are viewed are non-stacked and you get the best benefit if you have multiple benefit. Another common discussed example is bag waiver. As an elite you get a bag waiver but if you ticket includes a bag waiver, you only get the better benefit not the sum of the benefits.
Benefits general are viewed are non-stacked and you get the best benefit if you have multiple benefit. Another common discussed example is bag waiver. As an elite you get a bag waiver but if you ticket includes a bag waiver, you only get the better benefit not the sum of the benefits.
Feb 7, 2015, 8:31 am
#1514
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,029
Admittance is based on basis of one qualification - ie BusinessFirst customer or Club member or *G on int'l itinerary at departing airport, etc. Guest allocation be based on the one criterion that got you in. You don't get in because you're flying BF and you are *G and you have a Club Card and you have a Priority Pass. Pick one (and for the United methods, UA picks it for you) and that is the guest allocation you get.
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Feb 7, 2015 at 8:40 am
Feb 7, 2015, 10:32 am
#1515
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Programs: UA 1K; Hilton: Diamond;Kimpton: ?? ; Omni: Black; Avis: First; Hertz: Five Star
Posts: 656
Agree there is nothing specific in the rules on this, but in general stacking of benefits has not been allowed and I think you will find the "common wisdom" of this forum the agent was correct.
Benefits general are viewed are non-stacked and you get the best benefit if you have multiple benefit. Another common discussed example is bag waiver. As an elite you get a bag waiver but if you ticket includes a bag waiver, you only get the better benefit not the sum of the benefits.
Benefits general are viewed are non-stacked and you get the best benefit if you have multiple benefit. Another common discussed example is bag waiver. As an elite you get a bag waiver but if you ticket includes a bag waiver, you only get the better benefit not the sum of the benefits.
