The ultimate guide to United Club access
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Airport lounges can be an oasis from a busy, crowded or outdated terminal.
Some lounges belong to a membership network, like Priority Pass. Others are airline-specific, like the United Club.
If you’re a loyal United flyer or frequent one of the carrier’s largest hubs, here’s what you need to know about accessing the United Club.
Same-day boarding pass requirement
The “Big Three” U.S. airlines — American, Delta and United — all require a same-day boarding pass to access their lounges. That means you can’t use a United Club when you’re flying with American.
Related: The best credit cards for flying United
For starters, you’ll need a same-day boarding pass on United or a Star Alliance partner airline to gain entry to a United Club.
Credit cards
The United Club Infinite Card is the newest (and potentially most affordable) way to access United Clubs for frequent travelers. The card comes with a lounge membership that allows the primary cardholder and two adult companions (or one adult and any dependent children under the age of 21) access to United Clubs for as long as you hold the card.
The United Club Infinite Card carries a $525 annual fee, which is lower than a discounted lounge membership with Premier elite status (see below). The card currently offers a sign-up bonus of 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Business owners can open the United Club Business Card which offers the same United Club access as the United Club Infinite Card. However, this card has slightly different auxiliary benefits and a lower $450 annual fee.
The information for the United Club Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
If you’d prefer to avoid the hefty annual fee, you can opt for the entry-level United Explorer Card, which includes two single-use United Club passes each year. Note that these day passes don’t include guest access.
Paid membership
You can pay for a United Club membership with either cash or miles, though the price varies depending on your United Premier elite status, with rates as follows:
| MileagePlus Premier status | Annual membership |
|---|---|
| General member | $650 or 85,000 miles |
| Premier Silver | $650 or 85,000 miles |
| Premier Gold | $650 or 85,000 miles |
| Premier Platinum | $600 or 80,000 miles |
| Premier 1K | $550 or 75,000 miles |
While top-tier elite members (Premier Platinum and Premier 1K) enjoy a discount, the prices are still quite high. TPG values United MileagePlus miles at 1.21 cents each, so your best bet is to pay the annual membership fee with cash, as opposed to miles. (Of course, opening the United Club Infinite Card is an even better deal.)
If you don’t travel enough to commit to an annual membership, you can also purchase day passes for $59 at United Club locations or through the United mobile app. Just note that day passes don't guarantee entry during peak crowding periods.
Since Jan. 1, 2021, United’s invite-only Global Services members can enjoy lounge access on all United-operated flights, including those operating exclusively within the United States. Note that this new perk only covers the Global Services member — you’ll only be able to bring a guest into the lounge with a separate membership or when flying internationally.
Elite status
Select Premier members can use the United Club at any time during their travel journey.
United Premier Gold (and higher) members have access to the carrier’s lounges when traveling internationally on any Star Alliance carrier, regardless of their class of service. They can also bring along one guest departing on a Star Alliance carrier from the same airport. Note that since May 3, 2021, the guest must be traveling on the same flight.
Star Alliance Gold members who hold status with another partner airline can use the United Club with any same-day Star Alliance boarding pass, including during domestic United travel. The same guest rules apply. Since May 3, 2021, the Star Alliance requires guests to be traveling on the same flight as the elite member.
(Note that Premier elites can’t use the carrier’s Polaris lounges, as those locations have separate entry requirements that we’ll discuss in a moment.)
Ticket type
Premium-cabin Star Alliance travelers can also use United Clubs, though the exact terms and guest privileges vary by ticket type, as seen below.
Other United Club access
United's lounges are open to a few other travelers, including:
- Active U.S. military personnel. You'll need to travel with a valid military ID, a same-day United boarding pass and be dressed in uniform or bring your leave orders or rest and recuperation papers.
- If you're an Air Canada Maple Leaf Club member, you can access the United Club as before any same-day Star Alliance member flight.
- Maple Leaf Club North America members can use any domestic United Club location, while Maple Leaf Club Worldwide members can use all locations worldwide and bring a guest for each visit.
- Virgin Australia Velocity Gold, Platinum and VIP elite members may visit United Clubs by presenting a same-day boarding pass for an international United or Virgin Australia flight departing from the same airport. You can bring one guest if you're traveling with United.
United Polaris Lounge access
Of course, Star Alliance premium-cabin passengers also have access to United’s Polaris lounges, which offer modern furnishings, private spa-like shower suites and elevated culinary experiences.
Three types of passengers are eligible for Polaris lounge access:
- Travelers in United Polaris business class: available at departure, connecting and/or arrival airports (no guests).
- Travelers in Star Alliance first class: only available at the departure airport for a long-haul first-class flight (one guest).
- Travelers in Star Alliance business class: only available at the departure airport for a long-haul business-class flight (no guests).
United Club Fly Access
In addition to United Clubs and Polaris Lounges, the carrier operates a new lounge concept called "Club Fly."
The first such space opened in Denver in November, based on a grab-and-go concept. Eligible travelers can enter Club Fly by scanning their boarding pass at the self-serve entry gate.
Once you get inside, you can raid the snack bar that's stocked with packaged and prepared foods, and you can also order a coffee from the barista.
Given Club Fly's focus on efficiency, the access policies are a bit different. All travelers eligible to enter a United Club or Polaris Lounge can visit Club Fly, but they cannot bring any guests. (This excludes active U.S. military personnel and Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members.)
Locations
You’ll find a plethora of United Clubs in the carrier’s main hubs, including:
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD) — Four locations: three in Terminal 1 (near gates B6, B18 and C10) plus another in Terminal 2 across from Gate F9.
- Denver (DEN) — Two locations: one near Gate B32 and the other near Gate B44. United Club Fly can be found near Gate B60, and there's a temporary pop-up club near Gate B59. Two new and renovated clubs are expected to open in Denver in 2023.
- Houston (IAH) — Five locations: one in Terminal A (across from Gate A9), one in Terminal B (south mezzanine), two in Terminal C (near Gate C1 and toward Gate C33) and one in Terminal E (between gates E11 and E12).
- Los Angeles (LAX) — one location adjacent to Gate 71A.
- Newark (EWR) — Three locations: one is a “pop-up” in Terminal C (near Gate C93), plus a full club in Terminal C (upper level, near Gate C123). Two new and renovated clubs are expected to open in Newark in 2023.
- San Francisco (SFO) — Three locations: two in Terminal 3 (near Gate E4 and Gate F11) and one in the international terminal (between gates G6 and G9).
- Washington Dulles (IAD) — Four locations in the Midfield Terminal (near gates C4, C7, C17 and D8).
Except for Denver, all of these airports (Chicago O’Hare, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.) have Polaris lounges.
Most of the other clubs are scattered across the U.S., including in airports such as Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), among others.
For complete details on all of these locations, including hours of operation, you can visit this page.
Bottom line
United offers a variety of ways to access its United Clubs, both for premium-cabin frequent flyers and for those with a membership.
If you frequently travel with United, it’s worth analyzing which options offer the best bang for your buck to unlock a relaxing lounge experience.
Top offers from our partners
How we chose these cards
- Learn Moreabout American Express® Gold CardTerms Apply
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. |
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip.Pros
- The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
- This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (Enrollment required for select benefits.)
- The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
Cons
- The high annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
- Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
- The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
- American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
- Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Rewards Rate
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. |
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. |
Intro Offer
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.Earn 80,000 PointsAnnual Fee
$695Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip.Pros
- The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
- This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (Enrollment required for select benefits.)
- The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
Cons
- The high annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
- Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
- The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
- American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
- Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees