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 newsresent 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 newsresent 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:
- 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
#91
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,461
#92
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .57 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,043
I nominate andrewk829 to go to airport a bit early and tell us if GUM UC admits with GUM-SPN forward cabin BP. We have so much discussion now, it is of great importance that the matter be settled.
#93
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: USA - Seattle area
Programs: DL Platinum, "alum" of high status with UA but not any more
Posts: 532
I nominate andrewk829 to go to airport a bit early and tell us if GUM UC admits with GUM-SPN forward cabin BP. We have so much discussion now, it is of great importance that the matter be settled.
Last edited by andrewk829; Apr 3, 2023 at 9:32 am
#94
Join Date: May 2006
Location: PMD
Programs: UA*G, NW, AA-G. WR-P, HH-G, IHG-S, ALL. TT-GE.
Posts: 2,910
GUM-HNL is regulatorily international because there are two USCBP checkpoints along the way. HNL-GUM? None. Only Guam customs, if you're not connecting.
GUM-SPN has no immigration checkpoints, only CNMI customs.
SPN-GUM, however, has USCBP pre-boarding doc check, then Guam customs.
GUM-SPN has no immigration checkpoints, only CNMI customs.
SPN-GUM, however, has USCBP pre-boarding doc check, then Guam customs.
#95
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,900
I apologize if this is asked in the wrong UC thread.
If I were to buy an annual UC membership, is it coded as a UA purchase, which means I get 5x on my AMEX Platinum?
If I decide to apply and be approved for a Chase UA Infinite card, will I get a prorated refund for my UC membership since the credit card comes with a complimentary membership?
Thank you!
If I were to buy an annual UC membership, is it coded as a UA purchase, which means I get 5x on my AMEX Platinum?
If I decide to apply and be approved for a Chase UA Infinite card, will I get a prorated refund for my UC membership since the credit card comes with a complimentary membership?
Thank you!
#96
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .57 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,043
After all, with the Chase Infinite™ Visa, you are getting all the other "wonderful" benefits of the card itself.
Edit: Apparently the credit card terms override any inconsistent United Club terms. See posts immediately below. I am a life member of the United Club, so I am not a suitable data point (DP) for this issue.
Last edited by SPN Lifer; Apr 6, 2023 at 7:38 pm
#97
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 2,279
Except I'm told in this exact situation the system is supposed to automatically cancel the paid membership and provides a prorated refund a couple weeks after the credit card sponsored membership kicks in to prevent having two concurrent UC memberships running in the account.
#98
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,900
Except I'm told in this exact situation the system is supposed to automatically cancel the paid membership and provides a prorated refund a couple weeks after the credit card sponsored membership kicks in to prevent having two concurrent UC memberships running in the account.
#99
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 2,279
I don't know about data points because the amount of times I'm told what a system is supposed to do vs. what it actually does are frequently two different things .
But it is in the offer details, so I don't need to refer to the ambiguous voices that tell me things.
But it is in the offer details, so I don't need to refer to the ambiguous voices that tell me things.
#100
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,900
If I were to buy an annual UC membership, is it coded as a UA purchase, which means I get 5x on my AMEX Platinum?
#101
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 2,257
trying to understand the rules of entering United Club
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...es/access.html
am i right that if you fly J on non-UA metal, arrive into ORD T5, and connect to a sub-2h UA domestic leg in F cabin (all single ticket), you cannot enter United Club?
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...es/access.html
am i right that if you fly J on non-UA metal, arrive into ORD T5, and connect to a sub-2h UA domestic leg in F cabin (all single ticket), you cannot enter United Club?
#102
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,851
trying to understand the rules of entering United Club
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...es/access.html
am i right that if you fly J on non-UA metal, arrive into ORD T5, and connect to a sub-2h UA domestic leg in F cabin (all single ticket), you cannot enter United Club?
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...es/access.html
am i right that if you fly J on non-UA metal, arrive into ORD T5, and connect to a sub-2h UA domestic leg in F cabin (all single ticket), you cannot enter United Club?
#103
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: USA - Seattle area
Programs: DL Platinum, "alum" of high status with UA but not any more
Posts: 532
Resolution to the matter of Guam club access for GUM-SPN flight
I posed a question recently about whether my itinerary below (all on one ticket) would, as a non-status flyer, merit me club access in Guam for leg 2 of my trip
(1) SEA-SFO-NRT-GUM in First/Polaris/First respectively
(2) GUM-SPN in First
(3) SPN-NRT-SFO-SEA in First/Polaris/First respectively
I am pleased to report that I WAS admitted to the Guam lounge, where I am sitting now. Interestingly, when I asked at the check-in counter at the front of the airport, the lady said no. But I tried anyway, and the lounge receptionist let me in with a hearty smile and welcome.
The Guam United Club seems surprisingly busy at 6:05 AM; I'd estimate 80% of the available seating is full. The departure board shows the following United departures in the next two hours:
6:55 AM: United 165 to Fukuoka
6:55 AM: United 200 to Honolulu
7:00 AM: United 828 to Tokyo Narita
7:10 AM: United 151 to Osaka Kansai
8:00 AM: United 174 to Saipan
Then there is a gap until two more flights to NRT at 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM.
As far as the lounge is concerned, there's nothing all that special about it. Morning food offerings are single-serving boxed cereals (Frosted Mini Wheats and Rice Krispies), bagels (surprisingly fresh and nice), some miscellaneous individually packaged pastries, cups of packaged diced fruit in sugary syrup, and yogurt. There's also a self-service soda fountain.
As I finish composing this post, the lounge has become much emptier . . . probably as passengers head off to those 6:55/ 7:00 AM flights.
I suppose I'd say that until this trip, I was really not aware of how extensive United's operation out of Guam is.
I'll attach a picture.
(1) SEA-SFO-NRT-GUM in First/Polaris/First respectively
(2) GUM-SPN in First
(3) SPN-NRT-SFO-SEA in First/Polaris/First respectively
I am pleased to report that I WAS admitted to the Guam lounge, where I am sitting now. Interestingly, when I asked at the check-in counter at the front of the airport, the lady said no. But I tried anyway, and the lounge receptionist let me in with a hearty smile and welcome.
The Guam United Club seems surprisingly busy at 6:05 AM; I'd estimate 80% of the available seating is full. The departure board shows the following United departures in the next two hours:
6:55 AM: United 165 to Fukuoka
6:55 AM: United 200 to Honolulu
7:00 AM: United 828 to Tokyo Narita
7:10 AM: United 151 to Osaka Kansai
8:00 AM: United 174 to Saipan
Then there is a gap until two more flights to NRT at 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM.
As far as the lounge is concerned, there's nothing all that special about it. Morning food offerings are single-serving boxed cereals (Frosted Mini Wheats and Rice Krispies), bagels (surprisingly fresh and nice), some miscellaneous individually packaged pastries, cups of packaged diced fruit in sugary syrup, and yogurt. There's also a self-service soda fountain.
As I finish composing this post, the lounge has become much emptier . . . probably as passengers head off to those 6:55/ 7:00 AM flights.
I suppose I'd say that until this trip, I was really not aware of how extensive United's operation out of Guam is.
I'll attach a picture.
#104
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,461
I posed a question recently about whether my itinerary below (all on one ticket) would, as a non-status flyer, merit me club access in Guam for leg 2 of my trip
(1) SEA-SFO-NRT-GUM in First/Polaris/First respectively
(2) GUM-SPN in First
(3) SPN-NRT-SFO-SEA in First/Polaris/First respectively
I am pleased to report that I WAS admitted to the Guam lounge, where I am sitting now. Interestingly, when I asked at the check-in counter at the front of the airport, the lady said no. But I tried anyway, and the lounge receptionist let me in with a hearty smile and welcome.
The Guam United Club seems surprisingly busy at 6:05 AM; I'd estimate 80% of the available seating is full. The departure board shows the following United departures in the next two hours:
6:55 AM: United 165 to Fukuoka
6:55 AM: United 200 to Honolulu
7:00 AM: United 828 to Tokyo Narita
7:10 AM: United 151 to Osaka Kansai
8:00 AM: United 174 to Saipan
Then there is a gap until two more flights to NRT at 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM.
As far as the lounge is concerned, there's nothing all that special about it. Morning food offerings are single-serving boxed cereals (Frosted Mini Wheats and Rice Krispies), bagels (surprisingly fresh and nice), some miscellaneous individually packaged pastries, cups of packaged diced fruit in sugary syrup, and yogurt. There's also a self-service soda fountain.
As I finish composing this post, the lounge has become much emptier . . . probably as passengers head off to those 6:55/ 7:00 AM flights.
I suppose I'd say that until this trip, I was really not aware of how extensive United's operation out of Guam is.
I'll attach a picture.
img
(1) SEA-SFO-NRT-GUM in First/Polaris/First respectively
(2) GUM-SPN in First
(3) SPN-NRT-SFO-SEA in First/Polaris/First respectively
I am pleased to report that I WAS admitted to the Guam lounge, where I am sitting now. Interestingly, when I asked at the check-in counter at the front of the airport, the lady said no. But I tried anyway, and the lounge receptionist let me in with a hearty smile and welcome.
The Guam United Club seems surprisingly busy at 6:05 AM; I'd estimate 80% of the available seating is full. The departure board shows the following United departures in the next two hours:
6:55 AM: United 165 to Fukuoka
6:55 AM: United 200 to Honolulu
7:00 AM: United 828 to Tokyo Narita
7:10 AM: United 151 to Osaka Kansai
8:00 AM: United 174 to Saipan
Then there is a gap until two more flights to NRT at 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM.
As far as the lounge is concerned, there's nothing all that special about it. Morning food offerings are single-serving boxed cereals (Frosted Mini Wheats and Rice Krispies), bagels (surprisingly fresh and nice), some miscellaneous individually packaged pastries, cups of packaged diced fruit in sugary syrup, and yogurt. There's also a self-service soda fountain.
As I finish composing this post, the lounge has become much emptier . . . probably as passengers head off to those 6:55/ 7:00 AM flights.
I suppose I'd say that until this trip, I was really not aware of how extensive United's operation out of Guam is.
I'll attach a picture.
img
Even if the foods are not much to write about, I enjoy that the staff are always very friendly, and the place is quite unique in the world.
#105
Join Date: Feb 2021
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 20
Any insight or current experiences with club access on First mainland US to SJU. The wiki here has a quote which is no longer the language on the United website and previous discussion on this thread relating to this is from 2020 or earlier. Class on the ticket reads United First not United Business.