Jan 4, 2015, 2:25 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
United operates its own United Clubs worldwide; for a detailed list, see this FT thread: United Club and Other United Lounges.
Official lounge access policy on UA's website: Club access policy
Older archived FT thread: Consolidated "United Club Access Questions" Thread [ARCHIVE]
For UA partner and Star Alliance lounges, reference the *A website: *A Lounge Finder and *A Lounge Access Policies. Note that some airports have "contract" lounges with varying access rules. Also see Non-UA Lounge Access Rules for United Club members?
United also operates Polaris Lounges and Arrival Lounges and previously operated International Global First Lounges (respective FT threads linked).
GS2021 news
resent GS status extended to Jan2022, domestic UC access, additional PP
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.
Why no United Lounge access with UA domestic first class tickets?
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 itinerary (Also you will need to able to access to the UC location)
As of 1 Nov 2019 - all will be required to will need to provide a same-day boarding pass for travel on United, Star Alliance™ or a contracted partner for entry into all United Club location. Other airline BPs will not qualify
Club member/one-time pass access changes Nov 1, 2019 (same day BP on UA or partner)
Partner lounges
USA Lounges with UA *G / UC membership Access When Flying Domestic
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 "Polaris Lounge Access Questions" Thread
Non-UA Lounge Access Rules for United Club members?
The United Club Meet-Up Thread
Official lounge access policy on UA's website: Club access policy
Older archived FT thread: Consolidated "United Club Access Questions" Thread [ARCHIVE]
For UA partner and Star Alliance lounges, reference the *A website: *A Lounge Finder and *A Lounge Access Policies. Note that some airports have "contract" lounges with varying access rules. Also see Non-UA Lounge Access Rules for United Club members?
United also operates Polaris Lounges and Arrival Lounges and previously operated International Global First Lounges (respective FT threads linked).
GS2021 news
resent GS status extended to Jan2022, domestic UC access, additional PPTo have access to the UCs, you will need to fit into one of the following:
- UC member with same-day UA, *A, or contracted partner BP* 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)
* Since 1 Nov 2019, a same-day BP on a UA, *A, or contracted partner flight is required for entry
* Actual UC membership card is generally not required at UCs if presenting a UA BP with member's UA FF# as the UC membership is tied to the MP account - UA *G member with international *A BP, for any class of travel, showing status
* 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 - some agents use same calendar day) - can be different PNR - non-UA *G member with same-day *A BP for a flight departing from the same airport, showing status
* Can guest 1 traveler with a departing *A BP from same airport.
* 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 - passenger with same-day *A BP for international travel in business or first class, departing same airport
* International First passengers can guest 1 traveler with a departing *A BP
* No guests for International Business. - 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 GS status with a same day BP (UA/partner carrier)
- No guests
- Have or purchase a UC one-time access pass with same day BP
* No guests Have Amtrak Select Plus or Select Executive status.
* 1 guest and/or dependent childern under 21
* Same day BP on ANY airline (arriving or departing)- Active U.S. military personnelActive duty military members with a valid military ID, boarding pass for travel within 24 hours on a United- or United Express-operated flight and one of the following:
Dressed in uniform
Leave orders
Rest and recuperation papers
Access is subject to United Club seating availability.
Allowed Guest -- Family members with gate passes or traveling on the same flight as the military member - Air Canada Maple Leaf™ Club membership with a departing *A BP from that airportMaple Leaf Club North America members can access United Club locations in the U.S. only. no Guest.
Maple Leaf Club Worldwide members can access all United Club locations. 1 guest.
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.
Why no United Lounge access with UA domestic first class tickets?
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 itinerary (Also you will need to able to access to the UC location)
As of 1 Nov 2019 - all will be required to will need to provide a same-day boarding pass for travel on United, Star Alliance™ or a contracted partner for entry into all United Club location. Other airline BPs will not qualify
Club member/one-time pass access changes Nov 1, 2019 (same day BP on UA or partner)
Partner lounges
USA Lounges with UA *G / UC membership Access When Flying Domestic
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 "Polaris Lounge Access Questions" Thread
Non-UA Lounge Access Rules for United Club members?
The United Club Meet-Up Thread
Consolidated "United Club Access Questions" Thread
Feb 23, 2024, 3:27 pm
#601
Join Date: May 2021
Location: KDSM, KFOD
Programs: UA GS, AA Platinum, Marriott Ambassador, Hilton Silver
Posts: 93
Entered the B6 ORD Club with a pizza box. Received a bit of backlash, but with the lack of meal service on ORD-DEN and a quick shower at the Polaris lounge after a quick transit from Europe I stood my ground to use the toilet and grabbed a coffee before making my way to ORD-DEN gate at B3.
This would not be an issue if DEN-ORD had meal service. I do not and will never eat outside food in a United Club. So I find it a bit insulting that I have to argue about grabbing some food and using my membership to use the facilities and grab some caffeine before a flight that ALWAYS had a MEAL Service.
And most terminal food at ORD is just OK. I only had time for a shower at the Polaris lounge. Terminal food to go was my best option before a 60 minute ride to my next work site in Colorado.
This would not be an issue if DEN-ORD had meal service. I do not and will never eat outside food in a United Club. So I find it a bit insulting that I have to argue about grabbing some food and using my membership to use the facilities and grab some caffeine before a flight that ALWAYS had a MEAL Service.
And most terminal food at ORD is just OK. I only had time for a shower at the Polaris lounge. Terminal food to go was my best option before a 60 minute ride to my next work site in Colorado.
Feb 23, 2024, 5:09 pm
#602
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
Food and alcoholic beverages may not be brought into any Lounge.
You could have purchased the pizza after visiting the UC or used the facilities while at the PL.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Feb 23, 2024 at 6:02 pm Reason: verb tense
Feb 23, 2024, 5:19 pm
#603
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,026
I understand the problem, but I think UA's issue is just one of enforcement. If they let customers in w/ food who agree not to eat it, then do, it causes a problem. Next time fold the pizza up and stick it in a bag and you'll avoid the issue. Pizza boxes are kind of an easy target because they're obvious. Unfortunately, food items from outside that are put in bags are not caught. I don't see it as often since UA's upgraded the UC food offerings, but I used to see a lot of food bought in and consumed.
Feb 23, 2024, 5:57 pm
#604
Join Date: May 2021
Location: KDSM, KFOD
Programs: UA GS, AA Platinum, Marriott Ambassador, Hilton Silver
Posts: 93
I understand the problem, but I think UA's issue is just one of enforcement. If they let customers in w/ food who agree not to eat it, then do, it causes a problem. Next time fold the pizza up and stick it in a bag and you'll avoid the issue. Pizza boxes are kind of an easy target because they're obvious. Unfortunately, food items from outside that are put in bags are not caught. I don't see it as often since UA's upgraded the UC food offerings, but I used to see a lot of food bought in and consumed.
Just landed in Denver with my now leftover pizza box. No way to fold up in a bag when traveling to Europe for less than 24 hours. Traveling with a small backpack to Europe and back for one night. Not sure where I would put the pizza. Also, for a $10K there and back I would like a bit more thank you for flying the friendly skies. Less risking my job for allowing you to use the restroom in the United Club next to your gate for a flight that has ALWAYS HAD A MEAL SERVICE.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Feb 23, 2024 at 6:00 pm Reason: Using symbols, spaces or other methods to mask vulgarities is not allowed.
Feb 23, 2024, 7:19 pm
#605
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 4,130
Just landed in Denver with my now leftover pizza box. No way to fold up in a bag when traveling to Europe for less than 24 hours. Traveling with a small backpack to Europe and back for one night. Not sure where I would put the pizza. Also, for a $10K there and back I would like a bit more thank you for flying the friendly skies. Less risking my job for allowing you to use the restroom in the United Club next to your gate for a flight that has ALWAYS HAD A MEAL SERVICE.
Feb 23, 2024, 9:08 pm
#607
Join Date: May 2021
Location: KDSM, KFOD
Programs: UA GS, AA Platinum, Marriott Ambassador, Hilton Silver
Posts: 93
I also have flown Swiss First around the globe twice in this year.
GS spend on United per year and paying for club access. I will make my little point about the lack of hot meals on ORD-DEN. It's supposed to be the world's best airline...a full service airline.
Also, could have connected in Frankfurt and gone direct to Denver but not taking that chance right now. Last few weeks has been a disaster in FRA and MUC.
Feb 23, 2024, 9:47 pm
#608
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
United made the point when they axed $4 hot meals on ORD-DEN.
I also have flown Swiss First around the globe twice in this year.
GS spend on United per year and paying for club access. I will make my little point about the lack of hot meals on ORD-DEN. It's supposed to be the world's best airline...a full service airline.
Also, could have connected in Frankfurt and gone direct to Denver but not taking that chance right now. Last few weeks has been a disaster in FRA and MUC.
I also have flown Swiss First around the globe twice in this year.
GS spend on United per year and paying for club access. I will make my little point about the lack of hot meals on ORD-DEN. It's supposed to be the world's best airline...a full service airline.
Also, could have connected in Frankfurt and gone direct to Denver but not taking that chance right now. Last few weeks has been a disaster in FRA and MUC.
Said no one. Ever.
Feb 23, 2024, 9:52 pm
#609
Join Date: May 2021
Location: KDSM, KFOD
Programs: UA GS, AA Platinum, Marriott Ambassador, Hilton Silver
Posts: 93
Feb 25, 2024, 1:16 pm
#612
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
2. More importantly, the mess left by those eating pizzas, hamburgers, ....
Mar 3, 2024, 4:48 pm
#614
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
Time Limit at United Clubs?
When I checked last summer, there was no time limit restrictions for UC access (like there now are for other airlines including AC and DL). Just wondering if that's still the case.
In case relevant, I'm AC*G flying UA in (normal) Economy from MEX to MCI via IAH.
TIA!
In case relevant, I'm AC*G flying UA in (normal) Economy from MEX to MCI via IAH.
TIA!
Mar 3, 2024, 5:07 pm
#615
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,026
When I checked last summer, there was no time limit restrictions for UC access (like there now are for other airlines including AC and DL). Just wondering if that's still the case.
In case relevant, I'm AC*G flying UA in (normal) Economy from MEX to MCI via IAH.
TIA!
In case relevant, I'm AC*G flying UA in (normal) Economy from MEX to MCI via IAH.
TIA!