United Airlines is one of the major carriers in the United States that operate flights to various domestic and international destinations from 8 hubs located at different airports across the country.
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington–Dulles, Newark, Houston–Intercontinental, Guam, Denver, and Chicago–O’Hare are the primary hubs for United. The carrier operates a diverse fleet of over 850 aircraft, manufactured by Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, and Embraer.
Passengers flying on United Airlines benefit from services such as Loyalty Program, Frequent Flyer amenities, and more. One of the essential amenities you enjoy is United Lounge access.
The airline offers United Club, United Club Fly, and United Polaris Lounges at various airports where passengers can enjoy complimentary drinks, Wi-Fi, other services, and amenities. But, how do you qualify for United Lounge Access?
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How do you qualify for United Lounge Access?
There are some conditions to getting United Lounge access. We will discuss all details including the requirements, and amenities of the United Club, and United Polaris Lounge.
How to get United Club Access?
United Club can be found in more than 45 locations, especially at the busiest airports. A wide range of amenities is available to enhance your overall travel experience with which you can relax in a calm environment while waiting for your next flight.
The major benefits of United Club include:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Personalized Travel Assistance
- Complimentary Beverages including Select Beer, Wine, and Spirits
- Complimentary Breakfast, and Afternoon Snacks
So, who can access the United Club Locations?
Premium cabin customers, Start Alliance Gold status members, United Club Membership holders, One-time Pass holders, and other select members get access to the United Club locations.
Premium Cabin Customers traveling on an international flight or on United Business Premium Transcontinental flight can access United Club. Those passengers flying in United Polaris Business class can access United Club Locations at departure, connecting, and arrival airports.
Likewise, passengers traveling internationally in United Business fare class get access to United Club locations at departure, connecting, and arrival airports. Besides, passengers traveling to and from Canada in United First may also access United Club locations.
Premium Transcontinental passengers can only access United Club locations at the origin, and destination of their premium transcontinental flights which are only between New York/Newark–Los Angeles, and New York/Newark–San Francisco.
Customers flying international First Class on a Star Alliance member airline can also access the United Club location at the departure airport.
Star Alliance Gold Status members also get access to United Club locations under United Airlines Frequent Flyer Program. For that, members need to hold a valid Star Alliance Gold Membership Card, and a same-day boarding pass for travel on an international flight operated by a Star Alliance member airline. Gold members can enjoy United Club amenities during departure, connections, and upon arrival.
On the other hand, passengers flying on Star Alliance member airlines holding a valid Star Alliance Gold membership card, and a same-day boarding pass showing Star Alliance Gold Status, and departing from the same airport may also access United Club.
United Club Access Requirements Based on Class of Service
United Airlines Star Alliance Partners
- Aegean, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS, Shenzhen Airlines
- Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss, TAP Air Portugal, Thai Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
Customers can also access United Club locations by purchasing an annual membership (including a MileagePlus Credit Card membership), or a one-time pass.
Passengers with valid United Club membership can access United Club along with 2 adults, or 1 Adult, and dependent children under 21 years of age. Likewise, they can also purchase a one-time pass.
What is the annual cost of the United Club?
The annual membership cost for United Club depends on your current MileagePlus status level as shown in the table below. The one-time pass costs $59 per person and can be purchased in person or via online platforms including United’s mobile app.
| United MileagePlus Status | United Club Annual Membership Cost |
| General Member | $650 or 85,000 Miles |
| Premier Silver Member | $650 or 85,000 Miles |
| Premier Gold Member | $650 or 85,000 Miles |
| Premier Platinum Member | $650 or 85,000 Miles |
| Premier 1K Member | $550 or 75,000 Miles |
| United Club Infinite Card Holder | Included |
Other qualifying members listed below also get access to United Club.
- Active U.S. Military Personnel
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Club Membership
- Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer Members
Besides, you can also find United Club Fly in some airports that are specially introduced to facilitate customers on tight connections by offering elevated convenience. For instance, if you are in a hurry or have a strict connection time, you can enjoy a quick drink or snack at United Club Fly.
The requirements to access United Club Fly are almost the same as the requirements for the United Club. Premium Cabin Customers, Star Alliance Gold Status members, United Club Membership & one-time pass holders, and Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer members get amenities of United Club Fly.
How do I get access to United Polaris Lounge?
In addition to the United Club, United Airlines offers the United Polaris experience to its valuable customers. Polaris is known as reimagined Business Class. Premium Cabin Travelers on any long-haul international flight can enjoy the exclusive benefits of United Polaris on the ground and in the air.
Free Checked Baggage, Premier Access, and United Polaris Lounge access are the amenities offered on the ground. Likewise, luxury bedding, noise-reducing headphones, lie-flat seats, elevated service, and United Private Screening are offered in the air.
United Polaris Lounge is an exclusive amenity offered to international premium cabin travelers. Lots of amenities are provided to the customers such as signature seating, a relaxation area, and showers.
United Polaris Lounges can be found at Washington Dulles, San Francisco, New York/Newark, Los Angeles, Houston Intercontinental, and Chicago O’Hare. Customers get access to United Club locations, or partner lounges if a United Polaris Lounge is not available at the departure airport.
United Polaris Business Class passengers can access United Polaris Lounge at departure, connecting, and arrival airports. Likewise, passengers flying long-haul international first class on a Star Alliance member airline also get access to the United Polaris Lounge at the departure airport.
Furthermore, long-haul international business class passengers flying on a Star Alliance member airline can also access United Polaris Lounge at the departure airport.
United Polaris Lounge Requirements based on Class of Service
Does United have an arrivals lounge in Heathrow?
United Airlines also offers an exclusive arrivals lounge at London Heathrow Airport. This lounge can be found immediately after immigration, and customs. United Polaris Business Class travelers are only eligible for accessing the arrivals lounge.
Shared space with shower suites, and breakfast items are some of the amenities available at the arrivals lounge.
Conclusion on ‘How do you qualify for United Lounge Access?’
As we discussed above, United Airlines offers United Club Locations, United Club Fly, and United Polaris Lounge to its valuable customers. These services are provided to eligible passengers flying on United Airlines or Star Alliance partner airlines for an enhanced travel experience.
United Club, and United Club Fly can be accessed by Premium Cabin Customers, Star Alliance Gold status holders, United Club members, and one-time pass holders. United Polaris Lounge is specifically designed for United Polaris Business Class passengers traveling on a long-haul international flight.
If you want to access amenities offered by United Lounges, you need to meet the requirements mentioned above.
FAQs on United Lounge Access
Who gets access to the United Club Lounge?
United Club Lounge access is offered to Premium Cabin customers, Star Alliance Gold Status holders, United Club members, One-time pass holders, Active U.S. military personnel, Air Canada Maple Leaf Club membership holders, and Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer members.
Can anyone use the United Lounge?
United Lounge access is only available to eligible passengers flying in Premium Cabin class or holding a valid Star Alliance Gold Status. Likewise, passengers with an annual membership or a one-time pass can also use United Club.
What United Card gives you Lounge Access?
United Airlines MileagePlus Credit Card membership gives you access to United Club locations which are available at the busiest airports.
Can you pay to get into United Club Lounge?
Customers can purchase an annual membership or one-time pass to get into United Club Lounge. The annual membership costs start at $650 depending on the MileagePlus status. Likewise, the cost of a one-time United Club pass is $59 per person.
[…] If you want to explore eligibility requirements for United Club, you can go through this detailed guide. […]