Last edit by: pseudoswede
Chase in conjunction with UA, as a renewal benefit for certain UA MP-branded Chase credit cards, offer one-time United Club (UC) access passes. {Hyatt also offers similar passes for their top elites.} These passes offer one-time access to the UC (with any airline same day BP) on a space-available basis. No guest privileges. The pass is only for UA operated clubs, cannot be used at non-UA operated lounges.
Note: Club member/one-time pass access changes Nov 1, 2019 (same day BP on UA or partner) BP requirements change to just UA/*A
Use of passes at a particular UC / airport can be suspended due to capacity / crowding issues. This issue seems to be most common at DEN and EWR due to United Club closures/renovations going on right now; however, all United Clubs can and have denied entry to one-time pass holders due to capacity constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a boarding pass required to use a one-time pass at a United Club?
Yes, you must present a same-day United, Star Alliance, or contracted partner airline's boarding pass.
Can I use these one-time passes at partner/contract/*A lounges?
No. These one-time passes are only used at actual United Club lounges world-wide. Any lounge identified on this page as being operated by "United Club" are eligible for use with one-time passes.
Can I use one-time passes at the new United Club Fly in Denver?
Yes. Whether it's worth it to use it for a glorified grab-n-go food/drink stop is up to you.
Can I use a single one-time pass at multiple United Clubs on the same day?
No. You must surrender your day pass upon entering the club. If you plan to visit multiple United Clubs on the same day, you will need multiple day passes or purchase a United Club Day Pass which is sometimes offered through your reservation. There is anecdotal evidence of pass holders being able to use different UA Clubs at same airport -- inquire at the entry desk (it typically involves a stamp on your boarding pass and it will be very YMMV). However, no way to use the same pass at a different airports.
Are in/out privileges allowed when using the one-time pass?
Technically, no. However, it is not out of the realm of possibility if you ask the lounge attendant nicely. YMMV, though.
How many people can enter the United Club with one-time access pass?
One person per pass. Exception - UC policy is all children under 2 are not considered a formal guest.
Are minors allowed?
Yes, as long as they are accompanied by another person 18 or older (21 or older if the UA Club offers a self-service bar). Remember, one day pass per person (lap child excluded).
Can I be denied entry into the United Club?
Yes. If an United Club is near full capacity, it will no longer sell day passes. It will also deny entry to those with one-time passes initially and other eligible travelers ( UC member, *G, premier cabin,...) could be delayed on entering once capacity reaches local limits.
Are expired one-time passes still usable?
Expired one-time passes can be used for 50% off admission, up to 30 days after the expiration date.
Can I give my pass to a family member or friend? How?
Yes. Now you can e-mail passes (or generate a PDF) directly from the app to whomever you want. You can also take a screenshot of the pass in the United App and email/message that to your family member. Worst case scenario, you can also e-mail/text the 16-digit code to the one-time pass to your friend/family, and the United Club attendant should be able to key it in manually. The pass will remain in your United App until it is used by someone else at a club, so it remains available for your use (unlike a physical pass).
Can I upload/store the one-time pass in the United app?
As of Summer 2017, all new passes issued by the Chase United Explorer card are now loaded directly into the United app (or accessible on the website). You have the option of either e-mailing or generating a PDF of the pass to send to whomever you want. However, if you receive a pass from someone, you cannot save that to your United account.
I see these passes available for sell on eBay/Craigslist/etc? Are they valid? Is this safe?
It should be noted UA frowns on the third party trading, selling, or bartering of their coupons. As with any transaction of this type, it's always buyer beware; however, reports of issues are very rare.
The current going rate on eBay is $30-45 each for passes with a lengthy expiration date. Passes that expire in a few weeks can be had in the $20-30 range, sometimes even less, as the expiration date approaches.
I cancelled my Chase United Explorer card. Are my passes still valid?
Maybe? A user reported on 10/16/2019 that his passes remained on the United app after their UA Explorer credit card was cancelled weeks ago, and the passes worked without issue at the United Club at MCO. This goes against an earlier finding that... any unused one-time passes will be forfeited from your account--even if you printed out the barcode from the United app for later use. The time between card cancellation to pass invalidation is unknown; however, it is suggested that the passes aren't invalid until they disappear from your UA app. This is now an additional risk one needs to be wary about when buying one-time pass barcodes from eBay/Craigslist. Until there is additional proof, it's best to say: proceed with caution.
Entry is also available for $59 (as of 02/2016) at the UC itself or by purchasing within the United mobile app.
Club member/one-time pass access changes Nov 1, 2019 (same day BP on UA or partner)
Archive thread: Questions Regarding the United Club one-time pass {Archive}
Note: Club member/one-time pass access changes Nov 1, 2019 (same day BP on UA or partner) BP requirements change to just UA/*A
Use of passes at a particular UC / airport can be suspended due to capacity / crowding issues. This issue seems to be most common at DEN and EWR due to United Club closures/renovations going on right now; however, all United Clubs can and have denied entry to one-time pass holders due to capacity constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a boarding pass required to use a one-time pass at a United Club?
Yes, you must present a same-day United, Star Alliance, or contracted partner airline's boarding pass.
Can I use these one-time passes at partner/contract/*A lounges?
No. These one-time passes are only used at actual United Club lounges world-wide. Any lounge identified on this page as being operated by "United Club" are eligible for use with one-time passes.
Can I use one-time passes at the new United Club Fly in Denver?
Yes. Whether it's worth it to use it for a glorified grab-n-go food/drink stop is up to you.
Can I use a single one-time pass at multiple United Clubs on the same day?
No. You must surrender your day pass upon entering the club. If you plan to visit multiple United Clubs on the same day, you will need multiple day passes or purchase a United Club Day Pass which is sometimes offered through your reservation. There is anecdotal evidence of pass holders being able to use different UA Clubs at same airport -- inquire at the entry desk (it typically involves a stamp on your boarding pass and it will be very YMMV). However, no way to use the same pass at a different airports.
Are in/out privileges allowed when using the one-time pass?
Technically, no. However, it is not out of the realm of possibility if you ask the lounge attendant nicely. YMMV, though.
How many people can enter the United Club with one-time access pass?
One person per pass. Exception - UC policy is all children under 2 are not considered a formal guest.
A one-time pass admits one person, with no guests, to a United Club location. Exception: children under 2 years of age may accompany someone accessing a United Club location with a one-time pass.
Yes, as long as they are accompanied by another person 18 or older (21 or older if the UA Club offers a self-service bar). Remember, one day pass per person (lap child excluded).
Can I be denied entry into the United Club?
Yes. If an United Club is near full capacity, it will no longer sell day passes. It will also deny entry to those with one-time passes initially and other eligible travelers ( UC member, *G, premier cabin,...) could be delayed on entering once capacity reaches local limits.
Are expired one-time passes still usable?
Expired one-time passes can be used for 50% off admission, up to 30 days after the expiration date.
Can I give my pass to a family member or friend? How?
Yes. Now you can e-mail passes (or generate a PDF) directly from the app to whomever you want. You can also take a screenshot of the pass in the United App and email/message that to your family member. Worst case scenario, you can also e-mail/text the 16-digit code to the one-time pass to your friend/family, and the United Club attendant should be able to key it in manually. The pass will remain in your United App until it is used by someone else at a club, so it remains available for your use (unlike a physical pass).
Can I upload/store the one-time pass in the United app?
As of Summer 2017, all new passes issued by the Chase United Explorer card are now loaded directly into the United app (or accessible on the website). You have the option of either e-mailing or generating a PDF of the pass to send to whomever you want. However, if you receive a pass from someone, you cannot save that to your United account.
I see these passes available for sell on eBay/Craigslist/etc? Are they valid? Is this safe?
It should be noted UA frowns on the third party trading, selling, or bartering of their coupons. As with any transaction of this type, it's always buyer beware; however, reports of issues are very rare.
The current going rate on eBay is $30-45 each for passes with a lengthy expiration date. Passes that expire in a few weeks can be had in the $20-30 range, sometimes even less, as the expiration date approaches.
I cancelled my Chase United Explorer card. Are my passes still valid?
Maybe? A user reported on 10/16/2019 that his passes remained on the United app after their UA Explorer credit card was cancelled weeks ago, and the passes worked without issue at the United Club at MCO. This goes against an earlier finding that... any unused one-time passes will be forfeited from your account--even if you printed out the barcode from the United app for later use. The time between card cancellation to pass invalidation is unknown; however, it is suggested that the passes aren't invalid until they disappear from your UA app. This is now an additional risk one needs to be wary about when buying one-time pass barcodes from eBay/Craigslist. Until there is additional proof, it's best to say: proceed with caution.
Entry is also available for $59 (as of 02/2016) at the UC itself or by purchasing within the United mobile app.
Club member/one-time pass access changes Nov 1, 2019 (same day BP on UA or partner)
Archive thread: Questions Regarding the United Club one-time pass {Archive}
Questions Regarding the United Club one-time pass ( OTP )
#167
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 103
United Explorer Club Passes
[My apologies if this is not the right forum for this question]
My United Explorer Card is coming up for renewal in a few days. I intend to cancel it within 30 days of the renewal date
The Explorer Card includes 2 Club passes annually. Will I get them automatically on renewal date? And will they be clawed back if I cancel within 30 days?
My United Explorer Card is coming up for renewal in a few days. I intend to cancel it within 30 days of the renewal date
The Explorer Card includes 2 Club passes annually. Will I get them automatically on renewal date? And will they be clawed back if I cancel within 30 days?
#168
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: 66,859
#171
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 148
From my experience, you should have access at EWR without having to use the OTP.
#172
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K - 1 MM, Marriott LT-Plt, Hyatt Glb
Posts: 216
Both your gold status and your business class ticket on LH entitle you to visit the LH lounge at DTW. The Gold status gets you into the Senator side.
I have been turned down for club access on the first leg when the international business segment wasn't on UA metal. That is the official policy. So I would suspect you will need to use your one time pass. YMMV, but for the most part these days you have to scan to get in, the computer is pretty smart, and when the computer says no...
"Business class on a Star Alliance member airline A same-day boarding pass for an international flight. Access at departure airport2"
"If you belong to United’s frequent flyer program, a valid Star Alliance Gold membership card and a same-day boarding pass for travel on an international3 flight operated by a Star Alliance member airline, or a same-day boarding pass showing Star Alliance Gold status for travel on an international3 flight operated by a Star Alliance member airline, are needed to access United Club locations at the departure airport of their international itinerary"
I have been turned down for club access on the first leg when the international business segment wasn't on UA metal. That is the official policy. So I would suspect you will need to use your one time pass. YMMV, but for the most part these days you have to scan to get in, the computer is pretty smart, and when the computer says no...
"Business class on a Star Alliance member airline A same-day boarding pass for an international flight. Access at departure airport2"
"If you belong to United’s frequent flyer program, a valid Star Alliance Gold membership card and a same-day boarding pass for travel on an international3 flight operated by a Star Alliance member airline, or a same-day boarding pass showing Star Alliance Gold status for travel on an international3 flight operated by a Star Alliance member airline, are needed to access United Club locations at the departure airport of their international itinerary"
#173
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,417
I have been turned down for club access on the first leg when the international business segment wasn't on UA metal. That is the official policy. So I would suspect you will need to use your one time pass. YMMV, but for the most part these days you have to scan to get in, the computer is pretty smart, and when the computer says no...
ETA: Your profile says you’re 1K, so assuming that’s up-to-date, this is, indeed, the first indication that they’ve intentionally changed the policy and not just written some indecipherable text as they are wont to do.
#175
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 103
[My apologies if this is not the right forum for this question]
My United Explorer Card is coming up for renewal in a few days. I intend to cancel it within 30 days of the renewal date
The Explorer Card includes 2 Club passes annually. Will I get them automatically on renewal date? And will they be clawed back if I cancel within 30 days?
My United Explorer Card is coming up for renewal in a few days. I intend to cancel it within 30 days of the renewal date
The Explorer Card includes 2 Club passes annually. Will I get them automatically on renewal date? And will they be clawed back if I cancel within 30 days?
#176
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: California
Programs: American, SWA, United, IHG,Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,844
[My apologies if this is not the right forum for this question]
My United Explorer Card is coming up for renewal in a few days. I intend to cancel it within 30 days of the renewal date
The Explorer Card includes 2 Club passes annually. Will I get them automatically on renewal date? And will they be clawed back if I cancel within 30 days?
My United Explorer Card is coming up for renewal in a few days. I intend to cancel it within 30 days of the renewal date
The Explorer Card includes 2 Club passes annually. Will I get them automatically on renewal date? And will they be clawed back if I cancel within 30 days?
#177
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K - 1 MM, Marriott LT-Plt, Hyatt Glb
Posts: 216
I am 1K, I was 1K when this happened, but it was close to 8 years ago. Routing was SFO-SEA-FRA witth SEA-FRA on LH in business class. I was denied club access in SFO and granted it in SEA. Worth noting that I was with 3 family members on the same PNR. It is possible that I would have been allowed as a *A Gold but with only one guest, whereas in Seattle we were all let in based on LH business class. That's not what the agents said but it may have been why the computers did what they did.
I have since joined United Club, and I don't think I've flown a similar domestic connection to international on another airline.
I have since joined United Club, and I don't think I've flown a similar domestic connection to international on another airline.
#178
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,424
Worth noting that I was with 3 family members on the same PNR. It is possible that I would have been allowed as a *A Gold but with only one guest, whereas in Seattle we were all let in based on LH business class. That's not what the agents said but it may have been why the computers did what they did.
#179
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 51
We are considering traveling on UA next month. As we don't have status there (we usually fly FB) we would like to buy access at the United Club.
Based on your experience:
Based on your experience:
- Is it possible to buy access at the Club, directly? Or only pre-pay in the app?
- Would you say there is a chance we would be denied access because of capacity? We will be flying around lunch time from Los Angeles, but not sure yet if SNA or LAX — is there any airport with greater chance of being granted access?
Last edited by cwis; Jan 27, 2024 at 2:29 pm
#180
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 148
We are considering traveling on UA next month. As we don't have status there (we usually fly FB) we would like to buy access at the United Club.
Based on your experience:
Based on your experience:
- Is it possible to buy access at the Club, directly? Or only pre-pay in the app?
- Would you say there is a chance we would be denied access because of capacity? We will be flying around lunch time from LAX or SNA