The Ultimate Guide to United Club Access - Top Things to Know

Key Takeaways

Gain United Club access through annual memberships, premium cabin tickets, day passes, or credit cards like the United Club Infinite Card.
The United Club Infinite Card provides unlimited lounge access with additional travel perks, making it a valuable option for frequent flyers.
United Club access varies by membership type, flight class, and status. Understand costs, eligibility, and limitations to make the most of your lounge experience.

If you’re a frequent flyer with United Airlines or just someone who loves a bit of luxury while waiting for your flight, you’ve probably heard of the United Club.

These airport lounges offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the terminal, but getting access isn’t as simple as flashing your boarding pass.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about United Club access, including how to get it, who can enter, and whether your credit card could be your golden ticket.

So, let’s take off on this journey together!

What is United Club Access?

United Club lounges are exclusive airport lounges operated by United Airlines, offering a range of amenities such as complimentary drinks (yes, including alcohol), snacks, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and even shower facilities in some locations.

For many travelers, having access to these lounges can turn a stressful layover into a relaxing mini-getaway. But who exactly can enjoy these plush chairs and free drinks?

Ways to Access the United Club: A Comprehensive Overview

Getting United Club access is not as simple as finding a secret door or knowing the right people (although that might help). Here’s a breakdown of the main ways you can get inside:

United Club Membership
Perhaps the most straightforward way to ensure access is by purchasing a United Club membership. This can be done annually, and prices range depending on your MileagePlus status.

For instance, general members pay around $650 per year, while Premier 1K members might shell out $550. Membership provides unlimited access to United Club locations worldwide, perfect for frequent flyers who find themselves in United’s hubs often.
Premium Cabin Tickets: First Class and Business Class
Flying in style has its perks! If you’re traveling on a same-day international flight in United’s Polaris business class or any other Star Alliance member airline’s first or business class, you gain complimentary access to United Clubs.

Note: this doesn’t apply to domestic first-class tickets, which often confuses passengers looking for United Club access first class benefits. So, flying domestic first class? Sorry, you’re out of luck unless you have another form of access.
United Club Card Lounge Access: The Credit Card Route
For those who don’t want to commit to a full membership, the United Club℠ Infinite Card offers a fantastic alternative. This credit card comes with a hefty annual fee (currently $525), but it provides unlimited United Club access.

The card also comes with other perks like a free first and second checked bag, Premier Access boarding, and more, making it a solid choice for frequent United flyers.

Other credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or The Platinum Card® from American Express, do not provide direct access but can be helpful in gaining access through other programs like Priority Pass, which may work in some affiliated lounges.
Star Alliance Gold Status
Flying frequently with United or its partners? Then you might already have access! United MileagePlus members who hold Star Alliance Gold status can access United Clubs when flying on a Star Alliance airline flight, whether domestic or international.

The only caveat is that you must be flying on a same-day ticket, and this access doesn’t extend to companions.
Day Passes: A Temporary Solution
If you’re not a frequent traveler but have a particularly long layover or just need a comfortable spot for a few hours, purchasing a United Club day pass might be your best bet.

These passes cost around $59 and provide access to most United Clubs on a one-time basis. You can purchase them through the United app or website, or directly at the lounge entrance.
United Airlines Club Access Through MileagePlus Premier Status
Although having MileagePlus Premier status doesn’t automatically grant you club access, there are a few perks to note. Premier 1K members get two annual United Club passes, which is a nice little perk. So, keep an eye out for these if you’re eligible and plan your visits wisely.

Who Can Access the United Club? Understanding the Eligibility

There’s often confusion around who can access United Club lounges. Let’s break it down simply:

Club Members
Anyone with an active United Club membership.
Credit Cardholders
Those with a United Club Infinite Card.
Star Alliance Gold Members
Only when flying on a Star Alliance-operated flight.
International Business and First-Class Passengers
Only those with a same-day ticket on United or a Star Alliance partner airline.
Day Pass Holders
Anyone with a purchased day pass.
United MileagePlus Premier 1K Members
Receive two complimentary passes annually.

Does Premier Access Get United Club Access? The Short Answer is No!

One of the most common misconceptions is that Premier Access—United’s program that provides priority boarding, security lanes, and check-in—also grants access to the United Club lounges.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Premier Access is more about streamlining your airport experience outside the lounge, so don’t expect any free lounge perks.

5 best credit cards for United Club Access

United Club℠ Infinite Card
Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: Unlimited United Club lounge access, two free checked bags, priority boarding, and 4x miles on United purchases.

Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full

APR: Variable 21.24% – 28.24%

Why It’s Great: Ideal for frequent United flyers, this card offers comprehensive United Club access and premium perks like priority boarding and travel credits.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: 3x points on travel and dining, $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass Select membership (1,300+ lounges worldwide), and 50% more points value when booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full

APR: Variable 22.24% – 29.24%

Why It’s Great: While it doesn’t provide direct United Club access, the Priority Pass membership offers a vast lounge network, making it versatile for travelers flying with various airlines.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: Access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel.

Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full

APR: Pay Over Time APR: 21.99% – 29.99% Variable

Why It’s Great: A premium option for frequent flyers across multiple airlines, it offers an extensive lounge network and luxury perks such as hotel credits and elite status benefits.
United℠ Explorer Card
Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: Two United Club one-time passes annually, priority boarding, free first checked bag, and 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays.

Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full

APR: Variable 21.24% – 28.24%

Why It’s Great: Perfect for occasional United flyers, this card provides complimentary lounge passes and valuable travel benefits at a lower annual fee.
United℠ Business Card
Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: Two United Club one-time passes annually, 2x miles on United, dining, gas stations, and office supply stores, plus free first checked bag.

Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full

APR: Variable 21.24% – 28.24%

Why It’s Great: Aimed at business travelers loyal to United, this card provides useful perks like annual lounge passes and extra miles on business-related expenses.

United Club Access Cost: What You Need to Know

We’ve talked a lot about access, but what’s the real cost? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Annual Membership: $550 – $650, depending on MileagePlus status.
United Club Infinite Card Annual Fee: $525.
Day Passes: $59 per visit.

Keep in mind that these costs can change, and promotions might sometimes make things more affordable (or more expensive). Also, if you’re considering a United Club membership, check the fine print and consider how often you’ll use the lounges to determine if it’s worth it for you.

How to Get Access to United Club Without Breaking the Bank

Maybe shelling out $600+ a year isn’t in the budget, or you’re just not that committed to one airline. Here are a few hacks to score access without breaking the bank:

Use Points or Miles
Sometimes, you can use United MileagePlus miles to purchase a day pass or even a membership, although the conversion rate might not always be the best value.
Look for Credit Card Offers
Occasionally, United and Chase run promotional offers for the United Club Infinite Card where the first year’s fee is discounted.
Travel with a Friend
If you’re traveling with someone who already has access, they might be able to bring you in as a guest. Policies vary, so check ahead.

United Club vs. United Polaris Lounge: What’s the Difference?

Before you get too excited, it’s important to know that United Club is different from United Polaris Lounge.

The Polaris Lounges are much more exclusive and are only available to passengers flying in United Polaris business class on long-haul international flights.

These lounges offer even more luxury amenities, like full sit-down meals, cocktails, and a more intimate atmosphere.

So, if you’re looking to splurge, you might want to aim for Polaris access instead.

United Club Access with Credit Card: Worth It?

If you travel a lot with United, the United Club℠ Infinite Card is probably worth considering.

It costs less annually than a full membership and comes with a lot of additional perks that make flying United a breeze.

However, if you fly with different airlines often, you might be better off with a more flexible rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or The Platinum Card® from American Express, which offers lounge access through the Priority Pass network and other benefits.

Bottom Line

Whether United Club access is worth it depends on your travel habits and preferences.

If you frequently fly with United or its partners and enjoy a quiet space with free drinks, food, and Wi-Fi, then it could be a good investment.

However, for occasional travelers, a day pass or looking for credit card deals might be the way to go.

Remember, while the skies may not always be friendly, at least your layovers can be a bit more pleasant with United Club access!

FAQs United Club Access

Can I buy a United Club day pass?

Yes, you can purchase a day pass for $59 either online or at the lounge.

Does a United Club Infinite Card allow guest access?

Yes, cardholders can bring two guests or immediate family members into the lounge.

Do domestic first-class passengers get United Club access?

No, domestic first-class passengers do not get automatic access unless they have a membership or qualifying credit card.

Are there any United Club lounges with showers?

Yes, select United Club lounges, especially in hub cities like Chicago O’Hare and Newark, have shower facilities.

Can I access United Club with Star Alliance Gold status on a domestic flight?

No, Star Alliance Gold members need to be flying on an international itinerary to gain access.

How many United Club lounges are there?

There are over 45 United Club lounges worldwide, mostly concentrated in the United States.