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]
Oct 15, 2017, 10:34 am
#2896
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Left Coast
Programs: UA 1K & 1MM, HH Diamond, Marriott/SPG Gold (UA comp)
Posts: 1,353
Oct 15, 2017, 10:41 am
#2897
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,014
Oct 16, 2017, 2:33 am
#2898
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: EDI, CGN, NYC
Programs: LH-SEN, DL-Platinum
Posts: 973
*G Access
I am *G (on LH) and am flying FRA-ORD-MSP-LSE (FRA-ORD on LH, ORD-MSP on UA, MSP-LSE on AA).
I know I'll gain access to the UA lounge in ORD. Can I access the UA lounge in MSP? In the past I've often used the UA lounge in EWR upon arrival (on UA domestic). Has UA/*A changed the rules for accessing upon arrivals?
I know I'll gain access to the UA lounge in ORD. Can I access the UA lounge in MSP? In the past I've often used the UA lounge in EWR upon arrival (on UA domestic). Has UA/*A changed the rules for accessing upon arrivals?
Oct 16, 2017, 2:36 am
#2899
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: SFO/SJC/OAK
Programs: OZ Diamond (*G), KQ Asante Gold (ST+), Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,511
I am *G (on LH) and am flying FRA-ORD-MSP-LSE (FRA-ORD on LH, ORD-MSP on UA, MSP-LSE on AA).
I know I'll gain access to the UA lounge in ORD. Can I access the UA lounge in MSP? In the past I've often used the UA lounge in EWR upon arrival (on UA domestic). Has UA/*A changed the rules for accessing upon arrivals?
I know I'll gain access to the UA lounge in ORD. Can I access the UA lounge in MSP? In the past I've often used the UA lounge in EWR upon arrival (on UA domestic). Has UA/*A changed the rules for accessing upon arrivals?
Oct 16, 2017, 9:50 am
#2900
formerly 1984SW
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
Programs: UA
Posts: 1,058
Oct 16, 2017, 1:27 pm
#2901
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,404
I am *G (on LH) and am flying FRA-ORD-MSP-LSE (FRA-ORD on LH, ORD-MSP on UA, MSP-LSE on AA).
I know I'll gain access to the UA lounge in ORD. Can I access the UA lounge in MSP? In the past I've often used the UA lounge in EWR upon arrival (on UA domestic). Has UA/*A changed the rules for accessing upon arrivals?
I know I'll gain access to the UA lounge in ORD. Can I access the UA lounge in MSP? In the past I've often used the UA lounge in EWR upon arrival (on UA domestic). Has UA/*A changed the rules for accessing upon arrivals?
Not even if FRA-ORD is in J, since it's on LH metal.
Oct 17, 2017, 12:57 am
#2902
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: SFO/SJC/OAK
Programs: OZ Diamond (*G), KQ Asante Gold (ST+), Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,511
No, you do not have lounge access in MSP as you are not departing on *A. Arrival access is only granted if flying in int'l J or F on United metal, flying p.s. J on United metal (p.s. endpoint only), or if UA*G and flying internationally.
Not even if FRA-ORD is in J, since it's on LH metal.
Not even if FRA-ORD is in J, since it's on LH metal.
Oct 18, 2017, 6:30 pm
#2903
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: United Premier
Posts: 2
Can I bring a guest? - DEN to EWR to CDG; CDG to IAD to DEN
Hey all
This is my first post. I've looked through previous responses and I'm unsure of the answer so I apologize for asking something if you feel it has been answered.
I'm United Platinum, traveling DEN to EWR to CDG; CDG to IAD to DEN. I'll be flying Domestic First and United Polaris Business International. I know I have access to the UC in US and Star Alliance in Paris. I've flown this many times.
My husband, who's a mere plebeian with no status (kidding), is on a different booking code and booked in economy. I used miles to try and upgrade his economy ticket we paid cash for, but he's on 'upgrade requested' status and still set to fly in the way back. We don't leave until early November, so fingers crossed.
Anyhow, my question is, what clubs can I bring him into with me if things stay like they are? If he's upgraded, is he allowed in on his own? (That sounded weird ,))
Also I do have a few club passes, worst case. I like to be prepared with all options.
Thanks!
This is my first post. I've looked through previous responses and I'm unsure of the answer so I apologize for asking something if you feel it has been answered.
I'm United Platinum, traveling DEN to EWR to CDG; CDG to IAD to DEN. I'll be flying Domestic First and United Polaris Business International. I know I have access to the UC in US and Star Alliance in Paris. I've flown this many times.
My husband, who's a mere plebeian with no status (kidding), is on a different booking code and booked in economy. I used miles to try and upgrade his economy ticket we paid cash for, but he's on 'upgrade requested' status and still set to fly in the way back. We don't leave until early November, so fingers crossed.
Anyhow, my question is, what clubs can I bring him into with me if things stay like they are? If he's upgraded, is he allowed in on his own? (That sounded weird ,))
Also I do have a few club passes, worst case. I like to be prepared with all options.
Thanks!
Oct 18, 2017, 6:36 pm
#2904
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,404
Hey all
This is my first post. I've looked through previous responses and I'm unsure of the answer so I apologize for asking something if you feel it has been answered.
I'm United Platinum, traveling DEN to EWR to CDG; CDG to IAD to DEN. I'll be flying Domestic First and United Polaris Business International. I know I have access to the UC in US and Star Alliance in Paris. I've flown this many times.
My husband, who's a mere plebeian with no status (kidding), is on a different booking code and booked in economy. I used miles to try and upgrade his economy ticket we paid cash for, but he's on 'upgrade requested' status and still set to fly in the way back. We don't leave until early November, so fingers crossed.
Anyhow, my question is, what clubs can I bring him into with me if things stay like they are? If he's upgraded, is he allowed in on his own? (That sounded weird ,))
Also I do have a few club passes, worst case. I like to be prepared with all options.
Thanks!
This is my first post. I've looked through previous responses and I'm unsure of the answer so I apologize for asking something if you feel it has been answered.
I'm United Platinum, traveling DEN to EWR to CDG; CDG to IAD to DEN. I'll be flying Domestic First and United Polaris Business International. I know I have access to the UC in US and Star Alliance in Paris. I've flown this many times.
My husband, who's a mere plebeian with no status (kidding), is on a different booking code and booked in economy. I used miles to try and upgrade his economy ticket we paid cash for, but he's on 'upgrade requested' status and still set to fly in the way back. We don't leave until early November, so fingers crossed.
Anyhow, my question is, what clubs can I bring him into with me if things stay like they are? If he's upgraded, is he allowed in on his own? (That sounded weird ,))
Also I do have a few club passes, worst case. I like to be prepared with all options.
Thanks!
As a United Premier Platinum (UA*G) traveling on an international itinerary, you and one guest may access United Clubs at any point during your trip.
As a Star Alliance Gold (*G) you and one guest may access any Star Alliance Gold lounge at any airport* in which you are both departing on a Star Alliance flight (any class of service, and you guest needn't even be on your flight).
If your husband is upgraded, then as a pax ticketed in Polaris on United, he would be entitled to access United Clubs at all points on the journey, and any Star Alliance Business Class lounge at the departure airport of the UA Polaris segment only.
Hope this helps!
*excepting UA*G into a UA lounge on a domestic UA ticket (not applicable to you)
Oct 18, 2017, 7:22 pm
#2905
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: United Premier
Posts: 2
Hello JFADawson, welcome to FlyerTalk!
As a United Premier Platinum (UA*G) traveling on an international itinerary, you and one guest may access United Clubs at any point during your trip.
As a Star Alliance Gold (*G) you and one guest may access any Star Alliance Gold lounge at any airport* in which you are both departing on a Star Alliance flight (any class of service, and you guest needn't even be on your flight).
If your husband is upgraded, then as a pax ticketed in Polaris on United, he would be entitled to access United Clubs at all points on the journey, and any Star Alliance Business Class lounge at the departure airport of the UA Polaris segment only.
Hope this helps!
*excepting UA*G into a UA lounge on a domestic UA ticket (not applicable to you)
As a United Premier Platinum (UA*G) traveling on an international itinerary, you and one guest may access United Clubs at any point during your trip.
As a Star Alliance Gold (*G) you and one guest may access any Star Alliance Gold lounge at any airport* in which you are both departing on a Star Alliance flight (any class of service, and you guest needn't even be on your flight).
If your husband is upgraded, then as a pax ticketed in Polaris on United, he would be entitled to access United Clubs at all points on the journey, and any Star Alliance Business Class lounge at the departure airport of the UA Polaris segment only.
Hope this helps!
*excepting UA*G into a UA lounge on a domestic UA ticket (not applicable to you)
Very much! Thank you!
Oct 21, 2017, 10:43 am
#2906
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,342
I'm flying LGA-IAH-Central America with a forced overnight in IAH due to flight schedules for my destination. I have a 15+ hour layover in IAH (will be leaving the airport to see friends).
I thought I should get lounge access in LGA because I'm on an international ticket but I wasn't sure so I called GS. She wasn't sure either so she called the lounge at LGA directly. The lady at the lounge said they would normally not let me in because I'm not flying the international leg until tomorrow but that they will make an exception for me today and let me in.
Is there an official policy about lounge access when you're on a forced long layover and the first leg is domestic but the second/international leg doesn't actually happen until the next calendar day?
Thanks,
RM
PS - thank you GS status for them making the exception.
I thought I should get lounge access in LGA because I'm on an international ticket but I wasn't sure so I called GS. She wasn't sure either so she called the lounge at LGA directly. The lady at the lounge said they would normally not let me in because I'm not flying the international leg until tomorrow but that they will make an exception for me today and let me in.
Is there an official policy about lounge access when you're on a forced long layover and the first leg is domestic but the second/international leg doesn't actually happen until the next calendar day?
Thanks,
RM
PS - thank you GS status for them making the exception.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Oct 22, 2017 at 1:31 pm Reason: merge into this thread
Oct 21, 2017, 12:17 pm
#2907
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,404
I think the most reasonable interpretation is something with no fare breaks nor stopovers before the segment granting access, but this is something you may have to argue with each individual agent.
Oct 21, 2017, 12:23 pm
#2908
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,342
I just got to LGA. The check-in agent also was only able to print my LGA-IAH BP at first which is all I got when I checked in via the mobile app as well. After he typed a few more keys he was able to print a BP to my final destination for the flight departing tomorrow (which is under 24 hours from now).
The agent at the lounge scanned my LGA-IAH BP and let me in without any problems (even though she was expecting me, she said the computer gave her a "yes" for access). Note: my BP *does not* say INTL on it which is odd.
I'm on an award ticket so there are no fare breaks as I only paid the one-way US to C.A. award mileage.
Thanks,
RM
The agent at the lounge scanned my LGA-IAH BP and let me in without any problems (even though she was expecting me, she said the computer gave her a "yes" for access). Note: my BP *does not* say INTL on it which is odd.
I'm on an award ticket so there are no fare breaks as I only paid the one-way US to C.A. award mileage.
Thanks,
RM
Oct 21, 2017, 3:06 pm
#2909
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,597
If you have *G with United (Platinum), can you access the United Club if you arrived on a UA international flight the day before, but the next day you are leaving on a UA Domestic flight (which is part of the same international UA itinerary and within 24 hours of the international flight) ?
I ask because the wiki says "* UA *G can not access domestic UCs unless traveling on a *A international itin (within 24 hours - can be different PNR)" which would imply that the answer to the question is "yes", so I want to confirm
I ask because the wiki says "* UA *G can not access domestic UCs unless traveling on a *A international itin (within 24 hours - can be different PNR)" which would imply that the answer to the question is "yes", so I want to confirm
Oct 22, 2017, 1:36 pm
#2910
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: 66,827
If you have *G with United (Platinum), can you access the United Club if you arrived on a UA international flight the day before, but the next day you are leaving on a UA Domestic flight (which is part of the same international UA itinerary and within 24 hours of the international flight) ?
If *G, you will have access for your departing flight if within 24 hours of an international leg.
For *G, access is based on departure flight, so you will not have access on arrival only.