Jul 25, 2018, 12:08 pm

FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides

The Polaris Lounge is United's Business class lounge for passengers in premium cabins on long-haul flights only. It is separate from the United Club locations and the arrivals lounge in SFO.

Currently there are PLs in EWR, IAD, IAH, LAX, ORD, and SFO.

Quick Guide to "Do I get access?"

Are you in Polaris (Business) class on a long-haul United metal flight to/from Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, French Polynesia, or one of these South American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru?

You get access at all airports the same-day. It does not matter if your flights are on the same ticket or same cabin.
"Same-day" is ambiguous and is interpreted differently by different agents with respect to itineraries that include an overnight connection. YMMV and this thread has examples both ways.
No guests. Unless on F on a partner.
Though not stated by United, includes AKL (Auckland, New Zealand) when service begins.
Examples:
- EWR-SFO-NRT, if SFO-NRT is on UA you get access in EWR and SFO
- NRT-SFO-EWR, if NRT-SFO is on UA you get access in SFO and EWR, even if SFO-EWR is a separate Y ticket.

Are you in Business/First class on a long-haul *A partner metal flight to/from Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Africa, Middle East, or one of these South American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru?

You get access only at the airport where the long-haul flight departs.
At other airports along your route, you may have access to the United Club or other *A lounges. See here: Consolidated "United Club Access Questions" Thread
Though not on United's stated list, access includes long-haul partner flights to Africa, Middle East, New Zealand, etc.
Guests: First Class (on flights with both First and Business cabins) only: you can bring 1 guest. Business class 0 guests.
Examples:
- EWR-SFO-NRT, if SFO-NRT is on NH you get access only in SFO, not at EWR
- NRT-SFO-EWR, if NRT-SFO is on NH you don't get any Polaris Lounge access because there is no Polaris Lounge in NRT, and you aren't eligible for SFO or EWR.

Are you on a United or partner short-haul international flight to/from Guam, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, Colombia, or Ecuador?

You do not get access to the Polaris Lounge. However, you may qualify for access to the United Club. See here: Consolidated "United Club Access Questions" Thread

Are you in Premium Economy, Economy Plus, or Economy on any flight?

You do not get access, unless you are connecting to/from a flight that gets access as described above.

Are you on a United domestic flight, including P.S. flights EWR-LAX, EWR-SFO, BOS-SFO?

You do not get access to the Polaris Lounge, even if you're flying in First on a wide-body plane with lie-flat "Polaris" style seats, unless you are connecting to/from a flight that gets access as described above.

Can I get access through status, membership, one-time pass, or any other method?

What else do it need for access?

~~Reports indicate that most PL's require a passport in addition to boarding pass for access. Some~~ locations may accept other forms of ID (driver's license, etc.). This appears to be a response to possible fraudulent attempts at access (e.g., double printing BPs for friends).

If eligible for access, who can I guest?

Only those departing on a *A airline in long-haul Int'l First on a plane w/ First and Business classes has guesting privileges. One guest only, and that guest must be departing on same flight, in any class..
Those in Polaris or qualifying International Business cannot guest another passenger.
~~If you are in an old Global First seat in United Polaris class, you cannot guest another passenger.~~ No longer relevant

More info

UA website outlining access for Polaris Lounge access

Photo ID required?There have been numerous reports from all Polaris Lounges of a photo ID being requested upon entry. Apparently, there have been some attempts to enter the PL with another person's BP (such as a traveling companion's). Recently there are reports that only a passport (not driver's license) is accepted at some lounges. More recent reports are UA has dropped the passport id requirement

Related Threads:
~~Polaris Lounge Roadmap 2017-2018 (wiki) (thread)~~
ORD Polaris lounge -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ..
SFO Polaris Lounge -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ..
EWR Polaris lounge -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ..
IAH Polaris lounge (E11/12 - top fl) -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ...
LAX Polaris Lounge -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ..
IAD Polaris Lounge -- Reviews, Experiences, Q&A, ..
~~United Polaris-New Business Class seats & in-flight service and new Polaris Lounges(wiki) (thread)}~~

Consolidated "United Club Access Questions" Thread

Archive: Consolidated "Polaris Lounge Access Questions" Thread {Archive}

Consolidated "Polaris Lounge Access Questions" Thread

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Jan 7, 2024, 10:15 pm

#526

IAH-OIL-TRASH

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Sep 2003

Location: Honolulu Harbor

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Posts: 15,029

Quote:

Originally Posted by joelwgcpc

you mean biz or first, just checking

United front cabins are marketed United First, United Business, United Polaris Business. United Business applies to Premium Transcontinental routes and short-haul int'l. Polaris Business is long-haul int'l.

Jan 10, 2024, 1:52 am

#527

uatestflyer

Join Date: Nov 2021

Posts: 12

I'm pretty sure I have polaris lounge access on arrival at EWR, but want to confirm due to the same day language. I'm flying DEL-EWR-ORD all on UA J/F. DEL-EWR flight takes off at 1155PM local, and lands at EWR the next day. I'll still have access to the EWR polaris lounge on arrival, even though I took off from Delhi 1 day before my arrival at EWR, right?and I could even access the ORD Polaris lounge at arrival before I get my bags at ORD, right? Thanks!

Last edited by uatestflyer; Jan 10, 2024 at 2:42 am

Jan 10, 2024, 7:39 am

#528

hirohito888

Join Date: Jul 2005

Location: NYC

Programs: UA-1K MM, AA-Gold, DL-Silver, AS-MVP

Posts: 2,509

Quote:

Originally Posted by uatestflyer

Yes, access to EWR and ORD Polaris lounges.

Jan 14, 2024, 10:28 am

#529

bsb7140

Join Date: Sep 2018

Programs: UA Gold, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum Elite

Posts: 185

ORD-DEN-LHR (to avoid the unreliable 767) .. do I get access to the Polaris lounge in ORD prior to my ORD-DEN flight in F? I think yes, but honestly can't remember.

Jan 14, 2024, 10:41 am

#530

IAH-OIL-TRASH

FlyerTalk Evangelist

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bsb7140

ORD-DEN-LHR (to avoid the unreliable 767) .. do I get access to the Polaris lounge in ORD prior to my ORD-DEN flight in F? I think yes, but honestly can't remember.

Yes, if arriving from LHR in Polaris. You could be in coach ORD-DEN and still get access due to Polaris arrival. The only relevance of that flight is it gets you back airside. And since ORD-DEN doesn't get a meal anymore, you could stop at the DEN UC for a bite (or ClubFly), if desired.

Jan 14, 2024, 11:44 am

#531

WineCountryUA

Moderator: United Airlines

Join Date: Jun 2007

Location: SFO

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Posts: 66,861

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsb7140

ORD-DEN-LHR (to avoid the unreliable 767) .. do I get access to the Polaris lounge in ORD prior to my ORD-DEN flight in F? I think yes, but honestly can't remember.

Yes if DEN-LHR is UA-operated Polaris ticket, the cabin of ORD-DEN does not matter

Jan 16, 2024, 4:38 am

#532

leftysauce

Join Date: Dec 2019

Location: Chicago

Programs: AA Gold

Posts: 562

If I'm in Polaris landing at EWR at night, but my domestic connection is tomorrow morning, will I be able to access PL 1) day of Polaris arrival (if i can clear security) and/or 2) the following morning?

Jan 16, 2024, 9:17 pm

#533

fumje

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Join Date: Aug 2015

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Quote:

Originally Posted by leftysauce

On 1) yes; on 2) I am pretty sure I've done that, but it was several years ago, and I think they've recoded the admission scanners, i.e. I'm not sure now.

Jan 16, 2024, 9:50 pm

#534

JimInOhio

Join Date: Jun 2014

Programs: UA MM

Posts: 4,130

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftysauce

How do you plan on getting to the PL after arriving in Polaris class at EWR?

Also, is your connecting flight on the same ticket?

Jan 17, 2024, 6:54 am

#535

goodeats21

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Quote:

Originally Posted by leftysauce

Quote:

Originally Posted by fumje

On 1) yes; on 2) I am pretty sure I've done that, but it was several years ago, and I think they've recoded the admission scanners, i.e. I'm not sure now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimInOhio

How do you plan on getting to the PL after arriving in Polaris class at EWR?

Also, is your connecting flight on the same ticket?

I had this scenario late last year. Same ticket. Arrival at night on Polaris to domestic connection next morning.

When I went into the United Club, they scanned my BP and said I was welcome to stay or use the Polaris Lounge if I preferred.

SPN Lifer and JimInOhio like this.

Jan 18, 2024, 8:00 am

#536

leftysauce

Join Date: Dec 2019

Location: Chicago

Programs: AA Gold

Posts: 562

Quote:

Originally Posted by fumje

On 1) yes; on 2) I am pretty sure I've done that, but it was several years ago, and I think they've recoded the admission scanners, i.e. I'm not sure now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by goodeats21

okay yea it worked and no issues or explaining needed at all. On both the day of arrival and the following morning, the scanner just lighted green.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimInOhio

How do you plan on getting to the PL after arriving in Polaris class at EWR?

Also, is your connecting flight on the same ticket?

I did have issues getting through TSA after clearing customs. I did a same day change to push it back so I did have the same day BP but I presented the next day BP. CLEAR kiosk showed FUTURE FLIGHT so I went through the precheck line and the scanner, while lighted up green, rejected it. The officer said the rule is now 24 hours before departure (used to be after midnight on the day of departure for access) but not sure why the scanner rejected it. He called a lead officer over and I was let through.

basically you can access airside within 24 hours of departure

also i added a connection and SDC'd twice to two days later so I'll report back if it still works in the next few days lol (after 24 hours of Polaris arrival)

goodeats21 likes this.

Jan 25, 2024, 11:16 pm

#537

Weyland Yutani Corp

formerly wunderpit

Join Date: Dec 2009

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Posts: 1,342

OK, question...I am flying from CHC to SFO on UA 731.

I then, on a separate ticket, fly from SFO to ONT. Will I be allowed entry to the PL once I go back through security?

Jan 25, 2024, 11:21 pm

#538

jsloan

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Location: Austin, TX

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Weyland Yutani Corp

OK, question...I am flying from CHC to SFO on UA 731.

I then, on a separate ticket, fly from SFO to ONT. Will I be allowed entry to the PL once I go back through security?

Assuming you’re flying Polaris, yes.

Polaris passengers are eligible to access the Polaris Lounge on arrival. The SFO-ONT ticket isn’t relevant except inasmuch as it gets you past security. Your CHC to SFO boarding pass should get you in.

SPN Lifer and Weyland Yutani Corp like this.

Jan 25, 2024, 11:22 pm

#539

Weyland Yutani Corp

formerly wunderpit

Join Date: Dec 2009

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Posts: 1,342

Yes, Polaris is booked. Excellent.

jsloan likes this.

Feb 3, 2024, 5:01 pm

#540

ironmanjt

Join Date: Mar 2003

Location: anywhere and everywhere

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Posts: 5,528

Flying IAH-SFO in the evening of day 1
Flying SFO-SIN on the 10am flight on day 2

...will I have access on Day 1 for (1) Departure from IAH and (2) arrival in SFO

edited to clarify: this is all one ticket, all ticketed in business, just arriving SFO the night before to avoid the risky same-morning connection and an early start from IAH