Jan 8, 2024, 1:06 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
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?
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?
Are you on a United or partner short-haul international flight to/from Guam, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, Colombia, or Ecuador?
Are you in Premium Economy, Economy Plus, or Economy on any flight?
Are you on a United domestic flight, including P.S. flights EWR-LAX, EWR-SFO, BOS-SFO?
Can I get access through status, membership, one-time pass, or any other method?
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.
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}
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?
- No.
- 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).
- 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.
Related Threads:
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, ..
Consolidated "United Club Access Questions" Thread
Archive: Consolidated "Polaris Lounge Access Questions" Thread {Archive}
Consolidated "Polaris Lounge Access Questions" Thread {Archive}
Feb 18, 2019, 12:36 am
#361
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, Total Wine & More Reserve
Posts: 4,509
Is this a change in policy? Or perhaps I received incorrect information from an agent? I was denied entry into the EWR Polaris lounge even though I flew SIN-SFO earlier that day. The agent said to me you can only go into the lounge immediately following your long-haul flight in Polaris.
The policy has been the same since day one, but agents have been getting significantly stricter about their interpretation of "same day". You should have been allowed access at EWR, but the longer away from the Polaris flight you are the harder it is to pass the dragons.
It was interesting because I initially handed over the BP with the Polaris segment since I figured that's what would get me in. But whatever computer the agent looks at said that I didn't have access.
Then I asked to have the onward domestic BP scanned. In that case, the computer said yes.
The agent seemed very surprised by this, and even mentioned it to the other agents there. But I did my best to hurry things along before they could think up some other reason to not let me in.
Feb 18, 2019, 5:37 am
#362
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
A much less likely reason would be it adds an extra chance of ensuring passengers traveling internationally have a valid passport since United is obligated to deport you at their expense if you show up without one. Business class passengers are more expensive, but I don’t think they’re required to return you in the same class of service? Again this hardly seems reason enough to institute it as a manner of policy.
Feb 18, 2019, 6:23 am
#363
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,455
I was in similar situation a few months ago, although slightly different since I still had another onward domestic flight out of EWR. Flew in Polaris earlier the same day (not arriving EWR).
It was interesting because I initially handed over the BP with the Polaris segment since I figured that's what would get me in. But whatever computer the agent looks at said that I didn't have access.
Then I asked to have the onward domestic BP scanned. In that case, the computer said yes.
The agent seemed very surprised by this, and even mentioned it to the other agents there. But I did my best to hurry things along before they could think up some other reason to not let me in.
It was interesting because I initially handed over the BP with the Polaris segment since I figured that's what would get me in. But whatever computer the agent looks at said that I didn't have access.
Then I asked to have the onward domestic BP scanned. In that case, the computer said yes.
The agent seemed very surprised by this, and even mentioned it to the other agents there. But I did my best to hurry things along before they could think up some other reason to not let me in.
This could be the explanation for several reported lounge denials.
Feb 18, 2019, 3:18 pm
#364
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,203
Good evening. ORD-IAD-EZE; IAD-EZE in Polaris. Am I correct in assuming that I can access the PL at ORD? Thank you!
Feb 18, 2019, 3:41 pm
#365
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,414
Yes, assuming all same day.
Mar 17, 2019, 10:38 am
#366
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Houston, Texas
Programs: 1K Mileage Plus
Posts: 8
** Polaris Lounge **
This has been cross-posted on the Airport Lounges forum.
I am very familiar with Continental/United and the United Club. I have been in the Polaris Lounge in Houston several times. Here are my questions, and thanks in advance for your response.
1) I read elsewhere on Flyer Talk that there may be Polaris Lounge passes available. Are these out there somewhere, and if so, where? In addition, do guests not flying in Polaris class have any chance of accessing the lounge with me when I am in Polaris?
2) I am flying IAH - LAX - SYD soon. The first leg of the trip is in domestic first class, and the long haul flight is in Polaris. Can I access the Polaris Lounge at IAH even though I will be in domestic first for the segment leaving IAH?
Again, thanks!
I am very familiar with Continental/United and the United Club. I have been in the Polaris Lounge in Houston several times. Here are my questions, and thanks in advance for your response.
1) I read elsewhere on Flyer Talk that there may be Polaris Lounge passes available. Are these out there somewhere, and if so, where? In addition, do guests not flying in Polaris class have any chance of accessing the lounge with me when I am in Polaris?
2) I am flying IAH - LAX - SYD soon. The first leg of the trip is in domestic first class, and the long haul flight is in Polaris. Can I access the Polaris Lounge at IAH even though I will be in domestic first for the segment leaving IAH?
Again, thanks!
Mar 17, 2019, 10:47 am
#367
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: 66,854
Please do not cross post, it is a violation of the https://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules.php#crossposting]FT Rules.. Have requested the Airport Lounge Forum moderators close that thread.
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
Not true, no Polaris lounge passes
No guest if a Polaris passenger. Guests only if flying a true International First Class. Polaris is International Business Class.
Yes (if the subsequent long haul is UA operated Polaris cabin)
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
Yes (if the subsequent long haul is UA operated Polaris cabin)
Mar 18, 2019, 7:06 pm
#368
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: SEA
Programs: UA: 1k, Marriott / Bonvoy: Platinum
Posts: 46
Polaris SF access
Howdy! Quick question: I’m flying IST -> SFO -> SEA on a trip booked through united with points. IST SFO is in Turkish business, SFO SEA is in united coach.
Will I have access to the Polaris lounge or any lounge in SFO? Everything booked as one trip, with a 2 hour layover.
Will I have access to the Polaris lounge or any lounge in SFO? Everything booked as one trip, with a 2 hour layover.
Mar 18, 2019, 7:09 pm
#369
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: West
Programs: UA MP
Posts: 221
Since inbound flight to SFO isn't in Polaris, no access.
Mar 18, 2019, 7:10 pm
#370
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: 66,854
If flying *A business (or *G or UC membership) you will have access to the TK lounge in IST.
With a 2 hour connection, you will not have much time or a lounge anyways.
With a 2 hour connection, you will not have much time or a lounge anyways.
Mar 18, 2019, 7:38 pm
#371
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Bloomfield, NJ
Programs: UA Gold, Million Miler, Marriott platinum, lifetime platinum
Posts: 974
Last Wednesday, I flew LHR SFO in Polaris. Arrival approx. 330pm. I overnighted. Next day, Thursday, I was flying SFO EWR (new 787-10 in Polaris - I know that doesn't give access). This was a 2pm departure, making my "Lay over" under 24 hours. I tried to access Polaris. First agent said this is fine, but couldn't get boarding passes to accept. Second agent said it had to be "same day". I left and accepted that.
As I walked to the UA Club, I questioned what "Same day" meant, when many international flights arrive on different dates, etc. I went to UA Club, and they agreed that I was eligible for Polaris access lounge. They confirmed with a higher up. I went back and they apologized profusely. The term "Same Day" is vague with international travel. They concluded it meant a connection in under 24 hours of arrival or departure of a Polaris flight.
Anybody else have a similar experience?
As I walked to the UA Club, I questioned what "Same day" meant, when many international flights arrive on different dates, etc. I went to UA Club, and they agreed that I was eligible for Polaris access lounge. They confirmed with a higher up. I went back and they apologized profusely. The term "Same Day" is vague with international travel. They concluded it meant a connection in under 24 hours of arrival or departure of a Polaris flight.
Anybody else have a similar experience?
Mar 18, 2019, 7:50 pm
#372
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: 66,854
There have been numerous reports (in this thread and others) non-same day denials while within 24-hour period. Same day seems to mean the same day as arrival in the lounge airport. But a few have been successful with the 24-hour access. Note UCs do seem to consistently use 24-hour access rule.
Mar 18, 2019, 8:06 pm
#373
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,455
Note that they will accept BPs for flights departing within an hour or two of midnight the next day, e.g., SQ1 and BR17/27.
Mar 18, 2019, 10:02 pm
#374
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,023
It's a reasonable conclusion that the Polaris scanners have been programmed to reject prior day BPs, and that this reflects UA's interpretation of "same day" for purposes of Polaris lounge access. It's UA's rule, so they do get to interpret it as they wish (nor is that interpretation unreasonable).
Note that they will accept BPs for flights departing within an hour or two of midnight the next day, e.g., SQ1 and BR17/27.
Note that they will accept BPs for flights departing within an hour or two of midnight the next day, e.g., SQ1 and BR17/27.
"if the following conditions are met:
- Your flight departs on the same day of your visit or latest by 05:00 AM the next morning"
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Mar 18, 2019 at 10:23 pm
Mar 19, 2019, 4:40 pm
#375
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA 1K and PP, AA PPro (3MM, former CK), Marriott Ambassador and LTT, Uber One
Posts: 1,348
And I'm thinking UA now has some agents "making up rules" after beeper says "No", but now occasionally in favor of arriving Polaris passengers who show up the next day after spending the night in a hotel or whatever. I think one should be pleased they get in but a denial is actually UA's intended official policy.
Last edited by ikwia; Mar 19, 2019 at 6:02 pm