Overview
The United Club is United Airlines' airport lounge brand, with over 45 locations worldwide. As the lounge network for the third-largest US airline, United Clubs serve millions of travellers annually at United's hub airports and key destinations across the globe.
United Clubs provide a reliable pre-flight experience with complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a comfortable atmosphere. The network has seen significant investment in recent years, with many locations undergoing renovations that have brought improved food offerings, modern design, and better amenities.
United also operates the Polaris Lounge, a separate premium tier for long-haul business class passengers that offers a dramatically elevated experience. We cover the differences between United Club and Polaris Lounge in detail below.
United Clubs require a same-day United or Star Alliance boarding pass for access. Even members must be flying United or a Star Alliance partner to enter.
United Club Locations
United operates clubs at most major US airports and several international destinations. Here's an overview of the network:
Major Hub Locations
- Chicago O'Hare (ORD) -- Multiple United Clubs across Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, plus a Polaris Lounge. ORD is United's largest hub.
- Newark (EWR) -- 3 United Clubs in Terminal C, plus a Polaris Lounge. A major hub for transatlantic flights.
- San Francisco (SFO) -- 2 United Clubs in the International Terminal and Terminal 3, plus a Polaris Lounge. The recently renovated clubs are among the best in the network.
- Houston (IAH) -- 2 United Clubs in Terminal C and Terminal E, plus a Polaris Lounge.
- Denver (DEN) -- 2 United Clubs in Concourse B, one of the busiest stations in the network.
- Los Angeles (LAX) -- United Club in Terminal 7, plus a Polaris Lounge.
- Washington Dulles (IAD) -- United Club in Concourse C, plus a Polaris Lounge.
Other US Locations
United Clubs are also found at airports including Atlanta (ATL), Austin (AUS), Baltimore (BWI), Boston (BOS), Charlotte (CLT), Cleveland (CLE), Columbus (CMH), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Honolulu (HNL), Indianapolis (IND), Las Vegas (LAS), Minneapolis (MSP), Nashville (BNA), New York LaGuardia (LGA), Orlando (MCO), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX), Portland (PDX), San Diego (SAN), Seattle (SEA), and Tampa (TPA).
International Locations
United operates clubs at select international airports including London Heathrow (LHR), Tokyo Narita (NRT), Hong Kong (HKG), and Sao Paulo (GRU). At many international destinations, United uses Star Alliance partner lounges.
Membership and Access
There are several ways to get into a United Club. All require a same-day United or Star Alliance boarding pass.
United Club Membership
A direct membership gives you unlimited access:
- $750/year for standard MileagePlus members
- $550/year for MileagePlus Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K members
- Two-year memberships offer a modest discount over the annual rate
- Members can bring 2 guests for free
- Add-on memberships for spouses/domestic partners available
United Club Infinite Card
The United Club Infinite Card ($525/year) is the most cost-effective way to get United Club access:
- Includes United Club membership with the card
- Access for the primary cardholder plus 2 guests
- No separate membership fee -- the membership is built into the card's annual fee
- Also includes useful travel benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding
At $525/year, this card is cheaper than even the discounted Premier member membership ($550/year), making it the clear winner for most travellers who want regular United Club access.
One-Day Pass
For occasional visitors:
- $59 per person at the door or through the United app
- Must be flying United or a Star Alliance partner
- Can be purchased up to 24 hours in advance through the app
- MileagePlus members can also purchase with miles (typically 12,000-15,000 miles)
United Polaris Business Class
Passengers flying United Polaris (long-haul business class) receive complimentary access to both United Clubs and the premium Polaris Lounges on the day of their flight.
Star Alliance Gold
Star Alliance Gold members (equivalent to United MileagePlus Premier Gold and above) can access United Clubs when flying internationally on United or Star Alliance partners. This does not apply to domestic flights.
Premium Cabin International Flights
Business and first class passengers on Star Alliance airlines can access the United Club when it's the designated partner lounge at that airport.
Learn more about lounge memberships →
Amenities and Food
United Clubs provide a solid set of amenities, with quality that has improved notably across recent renovations.
Food
The food programme at United Clubs has been upgraded in recent years:
- Hot soup -- A daily rotating soup is a United Club staple and generally well-regarded
- Salad bar -- Fresh salad ingredients available for self-service
- Hot snacks -- Rotating hot items that vary by location and time of day
- Cold snacks -- Cheese, crackers, hummus, fresh fruit, trail mix, and packaged snacks
- Breakfast items -- Pastries, oatmeal, yoghurt, and fruit during morning hours
- Premium food at renovated locations -- Newer and recently renovated United Clubs offer significantly better food, including made-to-order items at some locations
While the food won't rival the Centurion Lounge or Capital One Lounge, it's a solid offering that satisfies pre-flight hunger. The quality gap has narrowed considerably with United's renovation programme.
Drinks
- Full bar -- Complimentary beer, wine, and spirits
- Craft beer selection -- Many locations now feature local craft beer options
- Wine -- A rotating selection of red and white wines
- Premium spirits -- Standard premium brands are complimentary; some ultra-premium options may have a surcharge
- Coffee and soft drinks -- Self-service stations with coffee machines, tea, juice, and sodas
Wi-Fi and Work Facilities
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi -- Reliable connectivity across all locations
- Power outlets and USB ports -- Available at most seats
- Work-friendly seating -- Many clubs have dedicated work areas with desk-style seating
- Quiet zones -- Some renovated locations feature quieter sections
Shower Facilities
- Available at major hub locations including SFO, ORD, EWR, IAH, and DEN
- Not available at all locations -- Smaller and regional United Clubs may lack showers
- Shower suites include towels, basic toiletries, and a hair dryer
- First-come, first-served -- ask at the front desk upon arrival
Other Amenities
- Flight monitors throughout the club
- Customer service agents for rebooking and flight changes
- Newspaper and magazine access
- Phone rooms at some locations for private calls
United Polaris vs United Club
United operates two distinct lounge tiers, and the difference is substantial:
| Feature | United Club | Polaris Lounge |
|---|---|---|
| Locations | 45+ worldwide | 7 locations (ORD, EWR, SFO, IAH, LAX, IAD, HKG) |
| Food | Snacks, soups, light meals | Full restaurant-quality dining, a la carte menu |
| Drinks | Full bar | Premium open bar, craft cocktails |
| Showers | Some locations | All locations, premium amenities |
| Seating | Standard lounge seating | Premium seating, daybeds, quiet suites |
| Access | Membership, card, day pass | Polaris business class ticket on qualifying routes |
| Atmosphere | Comfortable, business-focused | Premium, hotel-lobby feel |
What Is the Polaris Lounge?
The Polaris Lounge is United's premium international business class lounge, and it's a dramatically different experience from the United Club:
- Full-service restaurant with a la carte menu and chef-prepared dishes
- Premium cocktail bar with craft cocktails and top-shelf spirits
- Luxurious shower suites with high-end amenities
- Daybeds and quiet suites for resting before long-haul flights
- Curated design with premium furnishings, artwork, and a calm atmosphere
The Polaris Lounge is consistently rated as one of the best business class lounges operated by a US airline.
Who Can Access the Polaris Lounge?
- Passengers flying United Polaris (business class) on long-haul international flights
- Star Alliance Gold members flying international business or first class on Star Alliance carriers
- United Global Services and 1K members on same-day international itineraries (at select locations)
Regular United Club membership does NOT include Polaris Lounge access.
Tips
Get the United Club Infinite Card -- At $525/year, it's the cheapest way to get United Club membership. The card's travel benefits (free bags, priority boarding) add extra value.
Seek out renovated locations -- The difference between an old United Club and a recently renovated one is night and day. The SFO, ORD, and EWR clubs that have been updated offer a much better experience.
Try the soup -- It sounds simple, but the daily soup at United Clubs is consistently one of the best food items available. It's a signature offering that regulars look forward to.
Check for Polaris Lounge access -- If you're flying international business class, always check if there's a Polaris Lounge at your departure airport. The upgrade in experience is significant.
Visit during off-peak hours -- United Clubs at hub airports (especially ORD, EWR, and SFO) can get very crowded during afternoon and evening peaks. Early morning visits are typically more relaxed.
Use the app for day passes -- You can purchase day passes through the United app, sometimes saving a few dollars compared to buying at the door.
Leverage Star Alliance status -- If you have Star Alliance Gold through any alliance airline (Lufthansa, ANA, Turkish, etc.), you can use United Clubs when flying internationally on Star Alliance carriers.
Know the Amex Platinum limitation -- The Amex Platinum Card does NOT include United Club access. You need the United Club Infinite Card or a direct membership. Your Amex Platinum works at Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta) instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a United Club membership?
United Club membership costs $750/year (or $550/year for United MileagePlus Premier members). Two-year memberships offer a discount. The United Club Infinite Card ($525/year) is typically a better value since it includes membership plus additional travel benefits.
What credit cards give access to United Club?
The United Club Infinite Card ($525/year) includes United Club membership. The United Quest Card does not include lounge access. The Amex Platinum Card does NOT include United Club access. For broader credit card lounge access, consider cards that include Priority Pass or Centurion Lounge access.
Can you buy a day pass for United Club?
Yes. United Club one-time passes cost $59 and can be purchased at the door or through the United app. You must be flying United or a Star Alliance partner. MileagePlus members can also redeem miles for day passes.
Do United Clubs have free food?
Yes. United Clubs offer complimentary food including hot soups, salads, snacks, and a selection of drinks including beer, wine, and spirits. The food quality has improved with recent renovations, with some updated locations offering more substantial hot food options.
Do United Clubs have showers?
Some United Club locations have shower suites, but not all. Major hub locations like SFO, ORD, and EWR typically have shower facilities. Polaris Lounges always have premium shower suites. Check the specific club's amenities before your visit.
Can Star Alliance passengers use United Club?
Business and first class passengers on Star Alliance airlines can access the United Club when it's the designated lounge at that airport. Economy passengers on Star Alliance flights cannot access the United Club without a membership, qualifying credit card, or day pass.
Find United Club Locations
Search our directory to find United Club locations and other airport lounges at your departure airport.