How to Get Into United Club

I used to walk past United Club entrances at airports with a mixture of curiosity and mild resentment. What was behind those doors? Was it really worth whatever they charged? Then, after a particularly miserable four-hour delay at O’Hare – sitting on the floor near a power outlet, eating a $12 airport sandwich – I decided to find out. Probably should have led with this, honestly: airport lounges aren’t just for business travelers on expense accounts. Understanding your options for access can transform the most stressful parts of travel into something almost pleasant.

Membership Options

The straightforward path is buying a membership. United offers several tiers:

• Individual Membership: Access for solo travelers to United Clubs worldwide.
• Couples Membership: If you regularly travel with a partner, this makes financial sense.
• Corporate Membership: For businesses with multiple frequent travelers.

Purchase directly through United’s website. Promotional discounts appear periodically, so timing your purchase can save meaningful money.

Credit Cards with Club Access

Certain credit cards include United Club access as a perk. The United Club Infinite Card is the obvious choice – membership is bundled into the annual fee, plus you earn extra miles and get baggage benefits. The United MileagePlus Club Card offers similar access with slightly different earning structures.

The math here depends on your spending patterns and travel frequency. If you’d buy a membership anyway, and you put significant spend on credit cards, the right card might cost less than standalone membership while adding additional benefits.

Paying for One-Time Access

Not ready to commit? You can buy single-visit passes online or at United Club reception desks. Prices vary, so check current rates on United’s website. This makes sense for occasional travelers or those testing whether lounge access actually improves their travel experience. That’s what makes the one-time option endearing to us skeptics – you can try before you buy.

Utilizing Award Miles

If you’ve accumulated MileagePlus miles and don’t have immediate flight redemption plans, you can exchange them for United Club passes. Navigate to the MileagePlus section of United’s website to find this option. The value calculation depends on how you value your miles, but for some travelers, this represents a smart use of points.

Access Through Business or First Class Tickets

Flying Business or First Class internationally on United or premium cabins on certain Star Alliance partners? United Club access is included. Check your specific fare class – not all premium tickets qualify, but many do. This automatic access is part of why premium cabin tickets feel premium.

Star Alliance Gold Status

Star Alliance Gold status – earned through United’s MileagePlus program or any partner airline – grants United Club access when flying United or Star Alliance carriers. You can bring one guest. Present your membership card and same-day boarding pass at the door.

Eligible Routes and Itineraries

Certain routing and ticket types trigger lounge access even without membership. International departures, transcontinental premium cabins, and some complex international itineraries may include access. When booking, review your specific ticket’s benefits.

Military Personnel

Active duty U.S. military with proper ID and same-day boarding pass can enter United Clubs complimentary. A small recognition for those serving.

What to Expect Inside United Club

So what do you actually get? Here’s the rundown:

• Complimentary drinks, including beer, wine, and basic spirits
• Snacks and light fare – the quantity and quality vary by location
• Fast Wi-Fi that actually works
• Comfortable seating with charging stations
• Quieter environment than the terminal
• Private workspaces and meeting rooms at some locations
• Dedicated United staff for flight assistance and rebooking

That last point matters more than you’d think. When flights get canceled or delayed, having dedicated staff who aren’t managing a 200-person queue can save hours of frustration.

Finding United Club Lounges

United Clubs exist at major hubs – Chicago, Houston, Newark, San Francisco, Denver, and others. International locations are expanding. Use United’s website or app to find locations and operating hours before you travel.

Rules and Etiquette

Some basics to keep in mind:

• Guest limits: Usually one guest per member. Traveling in groups? Plan accordingly.
• Dress code: Business casual or neat casual. Nobody’s checking for designer labels, but beach attire won’t fly.
• Phone calls: Keep them brief and quiet, or step to designated areas.

Making the Most of Your Visit

Arrive with time to actually use the amenities. Rushing through a lounge visit defeats the purpose. Grab a drink, find a comfortable seat, handle whatever work or rest you need. When delays happen, the lounge environment makes waiting far more bearable than terminal seating.

Don’t hesitate to ask staff questions. They know the lounge’s offerings and can point you toward amenities you might miss. Building rapport with lounge staff occasionally yields unexpected benefits – better seating suggestions, heads-up about hidden amenities, or tips on navigating the airport.