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 )
#121
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: Northwest, United
Posts: 3,257
United Club access - only departure/arrival cities (no connections)?
Asking for a friend...
They're traveling in coach on an award ticket, USA-DEN-LHR-BKK. They have one-time United Club passes (they both hold a United card that comes with 2 passes annually). Other than holding United cards, they have no status.
They were hoping to use their one-time free passes to the United Club at their connecting airports (DEN and LHR), but looking over the United Club T&Cs on united dot com, it says this (emphasis mine):
That sounds pretty clear: United Club access is only available at their departure point or arrival airport - and there's no access to the United Club during connecting cities. Am I reading that right?
Thanks.
They're traveling in coach on an award ticket, USA-DEN-LHR-BKK. They have one-time United Club passes (they both hold a United card that comes with 2 passes annually). Other than holding United cards, they have no status.
They were hoping to use their one-time free passes to the United Club at their connecting airports (DEN and LHR), but looking over the United Club T&Cs on united dot com, it says this (emphasis mine):
Admittance to United Club locations is permitted only at the departure and arrival airports for United, Star Alliance or contracted partner operated flights.
Thanks.
#122
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,417
No -- the United Club would be pretty useless if you couldn't access it during a connection. A connecting city along a *A/UA itinerary is also an arrival and departure city for those flights. The verbiage you quoted only really applies to mixed-carrier itineraries. It's probably intended to keep people from buying a cheap refundable ticket to access the club when not flying UA. How well it works in practice, who can say? But both DEN and LHR will allow access if they happen to be accepting one-time passes that day. (LHR, I suspect they will; DEN, YMMV).
#123
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: Northwest, United
Posts: 3,257
They will probably not bother with the lounge in DEN, their layover in LHR is longer and they will want to refresh themselves a bit between the two long flights in coach. I was surprised to see that the United Club in LHR has showers (I assumed those were only in Polaris lounges). Hopefully they'll be able to refresh themselves a bit there.
Thanks as always for your helpful insights.
#124
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,027
Your friends have an arrival point at LHR to depart to BKK. In-air plane-to-plane commercial passenger transfers are not a thing yet .The language pertains to an airport like Honolulu, which is not on their itinerary.
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Mar 7, 2023 at 11:43 am
#125
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
Just to clarify their meaning: you must be departing or arriving that airport on a Star Alliance (or contracted partner) flight. It doesn't need to be the beginning or end of your journey, but you can't access the United Club when flying Delta or to take a meeting when you aren't even flying that day, even if you are a member or otherwise have access (you used to be able to do this, and some people did it often).
#126
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: HHonors Gold, Marriott Lifetime Gold, IHG Gold, OZ*G, AA Gold, AS MVP
Posts: 1,874
Question- is there any way to find out if a particular location is imposing capacity restrictions (specifically "no credit card one time passes") ahead of actually getting there? I'll be flying NH SEA-HND in a couple of weeks with some acquaintances and while I know I can bring one guest into the UC there with my OZ*G for sure, the other two of us will be using credit card passes, and I'd prefer to avoid an awkward situation happening in advance if possible.
#127
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
No, because during the day, the UC OneTimePass may be imposed just at peak hours and not at off peak. I think in general SEA should not be a problem most of the day. Your *G + 1 would not not be refused.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Mar 30, 2023 at 1:24 am
#128
Join Date: Apr 2023
Location: US
Posts: 22
Can I Still Use One-Time Passes After Downgrading United Explorer Card?
I previously applied for a United Explorer Card and received two United Club one-time passes via email a year later. However, I cannot find the passes in the app or on-line in my account. Later, I downgraded my United Explorer Card.
Can I still use these two United Club one-time passes? Since I cannot find the passes in the app or on-line in my account, only find in my email.
Can I still use these two United Club one-time passes? Since I cannot find the passes in the app or on-line in my account, only find in my email.
#130
Join Date: Apr 2023
Location: US
Posts: 22
#131
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA Silver, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 21,561
There is still no concrete proof whether they are valid/invalid if you cancel/product change the card. If you still have the e-mail, please be a guinea pig for us.
#132
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,167
In theory, from what I understand, a Premium Services agent (e.g. an agent working in a club among others) should be able to get pass info from Customer360 -- including issued/unused, issued/used, and presumably issued/withdrawn/revoked.
#133
Join Date: Apr 2023
Location: US
Posts: 22
Okay, maybe I can go and try it out.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 22, 2023 at 7:28 pm Reason: merged consecutive posts by same member
#134
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,513
#135
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Posts: 1,150
I am flying from Philadelphia to London Heathrow on AA and connecting to Europe on BA. My layover is all day-can I use the United Club lounge using my passes
from the Mileage Plus credit card? Thank you!
from the Mileage Plus credit card? Thank you!