United Airlines offers one-time passes to its United Club for $50, available online or at the club check-in counter ($45 if purchased on the United mobile app). Is it worth it?
With clubs in 38 airports around the world (and multiple clubs in several hub airports) there is a good chance you will come across one of these lounges in your travel with United. If you have more than a couple hours on your hands, even the United lounges become a very attractive alternative to sitting in the gate area or at an overpriced concourse eatery.
I personally like United Clubs and submit that it is shortsighted to dismiss them as lacking in value, as many seem to do. Here’s where I place the highest value–
1. Help During Irr/Ops
When something goes wrong, I will generally pick up the phone first, but airport agents are often empowered to do more (like switch you to another airline if the situation warrants) and the single greatest thing about United Club access is the availability of agents to help with your same-day travel needs. It sure beats waiting in a line 100 people deep outside the club, which is not out of the ordinary at a hub when the weather is poor.
2. Internet + Power
Thankfully, more major airports are offering free wi-fi, but many still do not and since United abandoned T-Mobile I have found the internet in United Clubs to be consistently fast and reliable. That keeps me productive and power-ports allow me to re-charge after a long flight with no in-seat power.
3. Snacks + Drinks
I generally do not have to rush between flights, but I do try to squeeze in as much work between flight as possible considering most of work is internet-based and United still does not have wi-fi on the majority of its fleet. That means I do not want to take 20 minutes out of my 80 minute layover to wait in line for food. Instead, I set up shop in my favorite nook and cranny of each club (yes, I have my own “cubby” at SFO, LAX, DEN, IAH, EWR, and IAD) then grab some snacks to tide my hunger to the next flight.
United Clubs offer a pretty decent breakfast spread–bagels, pastries, cereal, yogurt, and whole fruit. When I have early morning flights–like I will tomorrow–it is nice to eat a little something while I am working.
Beer, wine, and certain lower-shelf liquor is also free, with better alcohol available for purchase. United trialed a food for purchase program in many of its lounges, but scrapped it.
4. Bathrooms + Showers
It is always nice to have a clean bathroom available without having to wait for a stall and that has always been the case for me in United Clubs. Plus, showers facilities are available at several clubs, allowing for a shower and shave before a meeting or after a redeye flight.
>> Read More: Showers at Newark United Club
5. Quiet
You do get children in the club sometimes, but generally they are the well-behaved ones. I have always found United Clubs to be tranquil and a few of them (Chicago C, LAX 7, and SFO domestic) have quiet rooms.
* * *
Coming from Europe last week, I again marvelled at what a tremendous job Lufthansa does with its Senator and Business lounges and wished for something similar here in the States. But America is not Europe, the lounge concept is different, and if we evaluate the benefits of lounge access versus not having it, I simply cannot imagine forgoing lounges–it has become an ingrained part of my travel routine.
United Club one-time passes are up to $50–they were $39 for awhile if purchased online–but that is still a reasonable exchange if you have some time to actually use the lounge. You can save $5 by purchasing the pass on United’s mobile application.
Finally, keep in mind that you can apply the $50 one-time pass fee toward the purchase of an annual membership should you decide within 30 days of your visit that you wish to join the club.
The beauty of one-time passes is that you do not have to buy them advance. Say you run into an unexpectedly long layover or a flight cancellation. Use the United mobile app, united.com, or just step into a club to obtain a day pass and avoid a headache. Once you do it, you will never look back.
Here’s another picture of the recently remodeled United Club in Chicago:
I believe the day passes are still $45 from the United mobile app.
Nope the passes are 59.00 from mobile app
Anybody have any experience in buying them on ebay ?
I sell my extra ones on there (and will have a few soon). I usually get $20-$25. It’s just people with too many Chase and Chase business ones who ended up flying American or some other airline and simply couldn’t use them.
How can I get the extras from you?
Just use eBay.
Got mine on ebay!! Im looking for one more, thank you guys!
So not worth it. Only three UCs in the entire country have showers – IAH, ORD, and EWR. Many are run down and crowded. Internet is often hopessly slow (last time I was in SFO it was basically nonfunctional). Snacks are limited and generally unappealing (packaged cheese and crackers, etc.). I’ll take access for free when I’m on ps or an international itinerary, but would never pay for it.
I agree with @Matthew. I’m not sure what the problem is with @AceK, but I have to stopover SFO quite often and use the SFO airport lounge frequently. Yes, it can get crowded at times, but I never have problems with anything else. Wi-fi works all the time. And when you have to layover for over 10 hours, airport lounge is a lifesaver.
@AceK: I really disagree, though if your only concern is the showers then you are right. I’m surprised you mention internet at SFO. I was just there last week, fly through quite often, and have not had a problem with internet speeds since the lounge changed from T-Mobile to “UnitedClub” with no password.
For all the combined benefits, I maintain that day passes are worthwhile in many circumstances.
I regularly purchase the chase card one visit coupons on ebay at $12-15 a piece as irrops insurance. $50 I would not give 🙂
I have a quick question can someone else can use my two passes you get for using united explorer credit card from chase? can you give it to someone else??
The free passes from the MileagePlus card that you get annually are not tied to your card. You can give it away or sell it easily.
Do you have any extra club day passes?
No.
@Fred: Yes, they are transferable and your name is not on them.
Do i have to be flying on an united flight? Or star alliance is fine? Becuz i got a few from a frd.
@mabs: No, you don’t have to be flying on United or Star Alliance–they shouldn’t even check your Boarding Pass if you just present the pass.
What if my airline flies out of a different terminal at LAX? Can I clear security in United terminal #7 and then get out later to check in for my american airlines flight in terminal 4?
You can. All are connected on the secure side via tunnels.
Do I need a United Boarding pass to use the lounge? I have a one day pass, but am traveling on another airline.
@Val: No United boarding pass necessary.
My husband and I both have one-time passes but will be traveling with our 7 & 9 year old children. Will they need a pass as well?
@Kara–they will need passes as well. Some clients have told me that UA will refuse entrance when using the pass because of the so-called (and rarely enforced) age restriction. Just put your foot down if they give you a problem.
Our family will be travelling via Europe, and we have a few free United club one-time passes owing to our credit cards. Can we use them at the Swiss business lounge at Zurich airport ? It does say that they accept United club paid members.
Hi Harry, the passes are not good at the Swiss lounge in Zurich. Though the club accepts paid United members, the one-time passes are valid only at physical United Club location. Outside the USA, that includes only Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.
I booked thru United and they booked my return with US Air. Will a 1 day United pass work in the US Air Club in Charlotte? Thanks Anne
Hi Anne, Unfortuantely the club pass will not work in Charlotte–it may only be used in United Clubs–
http://www.united.com/web/en-us/content/travel/airport/lounge/locations/default.aspx
will the passes work at the Copa Club lounge in Panama City?
http://www.united.com/web/en-us/content/travel/airport/lounge/locations/default.aspx
@Robert, Likely not, but it would not hurt to try to use them in Panama City.
Hi there, I have two one-time United Club passes that expire on Nov. 30th this year and I will not be able to use them. Send me an email if you are interested, and I will mail them to you for free. 🙂
Brittany – I am interested in your passes if you still have them!! Please let me know 🙂
Can I buy two passes at two separate occasions? Or is it just a one time thing.
Can a 17 year old enter by himself? I have a 9 hour layover in SFO
@Joel: How old do you look? The rule is 18, but they don’t card you if you just present your boarding pass and card (unless you look real young, I would imagine).
You can buy passes for separate occasions. I recommend you check out eBay for passes, especially if you have 9hrs to spare. They are going for as little as $10.
I am flying through MSP with southwest, the united club lounge is in a different terminal, can I use the one time pass to get in??
@tzviki: Yes, if the TSA will let you past.
@tzviki- You have to take the train to the Lindbergh terminal, then clear security to get to the United CLub, then reverse the process for your onward Southwest flight. Unless you have a really long layover, it is likely not worthwhile. As Matthew said, that is if TSA would let you through without a ticket for that terminal, only to visit the club.
Hi there. I just want to mention that you can use the UA Club Passes at the Copa Clubs located in Guatemala City, Panama City and Santo Domingo in Republica Dominicana since they are partnered with UA Clubs.
@ Kara and Matthew we tried to use our 2 one time passes in Newark airport while traveling with our 8 yr old twins and they denied them access. Putting our foot down did nothing. In fact, I called United the night before and we were told the children could accompany us, and then were flat out denied at Newark airport. I don’t know why they would issue passes to parents and not allow them to bring children. To us, the one time passes are useless.
What is the documents I need to show al checking in the airport with a united club pass that I got from ebay
what is the age restriction? I am flying with 4 kids and my wife. are they allowed in the lounge?
How firm are they on the expiration date? They are bar coded on the back, so I assume the date is non negotiable, but I wonder, if someone shows up with passes that just expired a few days before, would the United Club let them in?
With some companies, I’d assume some goodwill, but at United everyone seems to be just a cog in the wheel these days.
Some of the questions here are unreal. ‘Can I use it at the US Air Club?’ And people, did you ever think to keep the whole ‘buying them from other sources’ thing on the QT? To keep the prices down? Shaking my head
Can I use my one day pass at the star alliance lounge at LAX the international terminal does not have a United Club Lounge. I will be flying on Thai Airways. On the star alliance lounge site it says that paid club memberships such as United’s are eligible.
http://www.staralliance.com/en/benefits/status-benefits/lounges/star-alliance-lounge-los-angeles/
@Jared: the pass is not available for use at the LAX Star Alliance lounge. However, as you note a paid UC membership would allow access.
Can I use my United Pass in star alliance lounge like Asiana in Incheon, South Korea?
@AGA: No, only United and COPA lounges.
Hi, What are the food and beverages that are available for free in the EWR United club if I enter using a one time pass?
What are other benefits apart from shower, power/internet and help with change in reservations that are mentioned above in the thread?
@John: In the mornings there are bagels, cold cereal, yogurt, and donuts. From late morning onwards there are crackers and cheese, celery and carrots, cookies, and snack mix. There is also a full-service bar.
Matthew, quick question – do you know if there are in and out privileges at the EWR United Club location? We have a 10hr layover and while snacks might cut it for a bit, we’ll be needing some real nosh by midday.
Thanks mate!
I also have a one time pass courtesy of my United Credit Card. It appears that they have a United Lounge at Heathrow Airport in London. Will my one time pass work there?
@Rob: There are in/out privs and you just have to let the lounge matrons know on your way out that you will be back. It should be in the system as well if they scan your BP, but I don’t have a lot of confidence in SHARES.
@Courtney: Yes indeed, and that is a great use of the lounge pass as the London Heathrow United Club is UA’s best in the world.
We are traveling United from Newark next week, 4 adults and 4 kids. Kids ages are 15, 10, 6 and 2. I have 6 of one time passes from our business partners. Do you think they will get us in?
@TGR: Unfortunately, no. I think you’ll get six in only. But it never hurts to try.
Note, it is not worth paying the rate at the door. Check eBay for two more as a back-up.
Flying into Osaka on Asiana Airline — can we used our Chase One-time United Club pass in the Osaka, Japan (KIX) Asuka Lounge in partnership with United?
@Jean: Unfortunately, the pass will not be valid in Osaka. Only at United Airlines’ own “United Clubs” or at COPA Clubs in Central America.
Can we use our United Club one-time pass at the Star Alliance Club in the Lima airport? Also, if so, is it open 24 hours?
@Sandi: While the lounge is 24-hours in Lima, the United Club one-time-pass is not accepted.
Hi, if I have a connection in Chicago from Boston to Shanghai, do I have to use two passes just for one way trip? Thanks.
Leaving Ft. Lauderdale in April 2015 on JetBlue – can I buy and use a one day pass from United?
Flying TAP 11/7 out of Terminal B EWR; booked using UA miles (CODESHARE is TAP flying TAP metal) 1) where can I use United Club passes at Terminal B in EWR?
As there are no United Clubs in Terminal B, you are unable to use your United Club pass before the flight unless you first go to Terminal A or C, which is not worthwhile unless you have several hours because then you must clear security twice.
Do we understand it right: You pay $50 for This United Club One Time Pass for some snacks and beverages (& showers) and you can only Use it ONE TIME ? Meaning, we fly few times a year, there’s these passes on ebay that are good til june 2016… But once you used it it will not work anymore ? Are they keeping it when you enter ? Or do they Scan it ?
Sorry for being so ignorant…
Yes, you only use it once and it is collected when you enter the club.
I don’t fly United but bought my daughter a first class ticket and she could not go into the lounge before her flight. Unfortunate that even top paying flyers can’t enter the lounge for a cup of coffee! I’ll put my money at Delta or any other airline the next time. Sad but reading about the lounge it sounds generic…Any Priority Pass Lounge will be fine.
does anyone have any united club passes they would like to either donate or sell to me? I want to take my nieces (21 and 23 years of age) on a trip and thought it would be super special to have these passes on hand in case we have an unexpected layover or long wait at the airport. I would be so grateful.
Is the one day pass good for 24 hrs or just one time use. I have 2 united club opportunities available in the same day during my trip.
When purchasing a one time pass does that give you access for connecting flights? Or is it really just a pass to use for one leg of your flight? I.e. Ottawa to Chicago, then Chicago to LAX,LAX to Hawaii… want to know if we can use the pass for the whole leg of the trip.
Thanks!
Hi Sasha, it is valid only for one leg, so in your case you could use it in ORD or LAX or HNL, but not more than one per pass. Depends on how long your layover is–I consider the Chicago and LA lounges to be equally (mediocre) so I would use it at the point in which you have the longest layover. If you layover is less than 90 minutes in both places, I would not bother to use it unless you can cheaply obtain them on eBay or from friends.
Hi Matthew – nice website here and very timely for me. I’ll be using ANA from LAX to Tokyo in May and wanted to spend time in an airline lounge. Since it is not business class I needed an alternative. How is the lounge in Tokyo (Narita) ? THANKS.
Hi – Since I don’t have any status on ANA for my coach class ticket from LAX – NRT on ANA, can I buy a day pass for UA and use at the Star Alliance lounge at Tom Bradley Terminal ? This is what I read on their site:
Eligible Paid Lounge Membership Customers have access to any Star Alliance member carriers’ owned Business Class lounges2.
Eligible Paid Lounge Membership Customers include: United Club, Air Canada Maple Leaf Club – Worldwide
Customer must present a valid eligible paid lounge membership card which displays the Star Alliance Lounge Logo
Customer must also present a boarding pass for travel on a Star Alliance flight departing from the local airport
Thanks for your help/ Bryan
@Bryan: United’s Tokyo lounge is one of their better ones. I would definitely invest in a one-time pass if you will be there more than a couple hours.
Just remember there are no buy in lounges airside in TBIT
I have 2 One time passes and I’m not familiar with… I’m thinking of taking vacation in Guam and if I’m going to use my 2 passes there, do I need to make reservations at the United Guam’s lounge…? And is there any charge fee…
We are flying Air New Zealand out of LAX and have 8 hours to kill before our ANZ flight departs. Since ANZ is a Star Alliance partner are we able to use our 2 United Club one-time use passes to enter the lounge in the international terminal? The passes are from the Chase United Mileage Plus card.
Does anyone know how early we can enter the int’l terminal before our flight?
@Maui: You can use your passes at the United Club in Guam. No need to make any reservation — just show up with your coupons.
@Penelope: ANZ departs out of Terminal 2 at LAX and United uses Terminals 7 and 8. You can access Terminal 7 with your Air New Zealand Boarding pass then use your club passes for the United club, but just allow yourself time to get back to T2 (either by bus or crossing through parking structures).
I have a few united One-Time passes. Are these good outside the U.S. (e.g. Japan) or are they only good within the U.S.? I’m pretty sure they can be used at any club as long as it’s a United Lounge but thought I would ask to be certain. Thank you in advance.
Brent, they can be used at any United Club worldwide, including Tokyo NRT!
Matthew, thanks for your response. Do you happen to know if I could gain access into either the ANA lounge or the United lounge at Narita without the use of a one-time pass? I would be flying Business Class on ANA Nippon Airlines for my arrival into Narita and will fly United Airlines in Business Class for my departure. From previous experience flying in Business, I’ve learned that some lounges allow free access with this type of boarding pass, but uncertain in a case like this. Thanks again in advance!
@Brent: If you are traveling in business class, you will have access to both the United Club and ANA lounge. No pass needed. Enjoy!
I’ll be traveling through the U.S. to Canada and flying with United. I have a 12 hr overnight lay over in Newark and was wondering if the lounge would be accessible overnight, or does it close its doors at 10:30pm. Also, would someone I’m traveling with be able to purchase a one time lounge pass even though they are not a mileageplus member? If so, is it still $50 USD?
@Ben: The lounge does close and boot everyone out at 10:30p. Anyone can buy a one-time pass. Check eBay — they go for as little as $6 each.
Hey Matthew, thanks afor your earlier reply.
Are there any lounges at Incheon where I can use the United one-time
pass? I’m in transit on Korean coach. Thanks.
@Victor: No lounges unfortunately. In Asia, your only two locations with UA lounges are NRT and HKG.
So i am traveling from Buenos Aires to Sao Paulo to Johannesburgh i have an extremely long layover in Sao Paulo, but i have two united club day passes for being united chase credit card holder. Is it possible for me to use the passes at the Star alliance lounge in terminal 3?
Thanks!
Hi Hector,
Unfortunately not. United used to have a decent lounge in GRU, but with its closure and the opening of the great new Star Alliance lounge, the passes are not valid. Same problem at EZE — the Star Lounge has replaced the United-branded lounge.
Hi Mathew,
I’ll be using 4 passes (for 3 adults and 1 child) that I bought on eBay. My questions:
1. My son is 9 year old. Will he be denied entry just because he is a minor even if I am using a pass for him?
2. I have 15 hour layover at HKG. I plan to use the passes to enter the lounge at 7am, freshen up and leave by 9am for Hong Kong tour. My flight is at 9pm. Can I use the lounge again at 6pm after I return from the tour since it is a “day” pass?
Thanks for the info Matt.
Hi Ranger, I don’t think your son will be denied entry — not if you are with him. Your problem may be in that these are one-time use passes, rather than day passes. Technically, you will not be allowed back in after you leave.
I’d handle it this way — if the lounge ladies are nice, you can ask them. If they seem gruff, don’t even ask but instead leave your carry-on luggage in the left-luggage area when you go out for your tour and then when you return you say, “We stepped out for a bit but are back” and present your boarding passes. If you are questioned, tell them your luggage is in the lounge.
There is some risk to leaving it, but I think it is safe enough.
Thanks Matthew for answering my questions.
Seeking recent advice opinions on United Club passes and the clubs in Houston and Denver. I have United Club passes. Am traveling first class from Houston International to Denver International (and vice-versa.) Will be traveling in a wheelchair with my daughter as my companion. She is an adult. Am I understanding correctly that there are restrooms, as well as, free beer and wine in the clubs? Just need my boarding pass from initial check in and my club pass card, right? Have to arrive two hours early, as I can’t walk through the scanner; so, I have to arrive extra early for the “prison pat down.” Would rather kill time with some free wine then wait for almost two hours at the gate or be crammed into an overpriced bar near the gate. I do not have to check in at the gate first, do I? All info and input welcome! THANK YOU!!!!
Hi Liz,
I am glad you have those passes. No need to check in at the gate as long as you have your boarding pass. Just proceed directly to the club then leave about 40 minutes prior to your departure time so you can board your plane first.
The Houston Club is better than the Denver Club, but both have free restrooms, complimentary beer and wine, and light snacks.
Hi! My boyfriend booked, paid and used his mileage to purchase my flight (iah-much). He is premier 1k. He says I can use the lounge…is this true?
Hi Sara,
If you are booked in economy class, you will not have lounge access without a pass. If traveling in business, then you will have access.
We are flying To ORD and have a 2 hour layover before we fly to Alaska, at lunch time, we were thinking of having a big lunch (no folks this isn’t like the Big Salad Seinfeld episode-;-)) at that point, should we bother trying to buy the one time passes in eBay?
I would not bother to get the passes. United has a bigger food spread now in the ORD lounges, but I would spent the money at Tortas Frontera instead.
If I buy a United pass on ebay and get it delivered electronically (rather than the actual printed pass), who do I use it to get into the lounge?
thank you
@Andrew — that should be no problem, just print it or have it on your phone so the lounge matrons can scan it as you enter.
I have a quick question, I have two passes you get for using united explorer credit card from chase, do these passes also provide complmentary access for my children under 18?
@Omar: They do not, only one per person.
Is there a United lounge in Munich?
Hallo Kathi,
No lounge in MUC.
I will be traveling from ewr to hnl and back very soon. I am thinking of purchasing two passes to use with my wife on one of our legs of the journey.
Has anyone been to the HNL united club recently?
Also, is it true if our flight gets cancelled or a huge delay I can go over to the club, instead of waiting on line at the gate, to get assistance with rebooking or new flights? I’m thinking getting the passes for this alone might be worth it since these flights ua 14 and 15 have been hit by some big issues recently and a they are the only direct flights each day so if one goes out that’s several hundred folks that need to have new arrangements made. Is that true?
@Scott — I do recommend purchasing the passes. The HNL Club is very outdated in its decor, but I like it. Great tarmac views and Mai Tais at the bar. As you note, the most important benefit is the ability to get assistance with rebooking or new flights in case of delay.
Thanks. Apologies since I’ve never accessed a club before, but in the event of a big issue with the flight I can just head over to the club to get assistance and not stand in what I assume would be a huge line at the gate?
I figure with a late 830 pm flight it might be nice to have the club to wait in rather then with the crowd at the gate at the end of the trip before heading back to ewr.
Yes, no problem heading back to club in case of delay/cancellation. Club is open till at least 10:30p.
If I have purchsed a one-time access card from ebay? can I use it any United club lounges? or should the name of the lounge be specified in it??
Hi Mathew,
This is my first time flying in an air plane. I Will be arriving at Chicago O’Hare at 4.30pm and my next connecting flight is at 5.30am. So I have decided to spend the time at the United club lounge. It is said that the lounge closes at 10.00pm. Thus, I’m concerned whether i will be allowed to stay in the lounge even after the closing time???
Thank you!!! 🙂
@Brave: You can use any United Club with your pass. Just be sure to use it before the expiration date!
@Harish: Unfortunately, the lounge closes at 10pm and you will be kicked out. I would check with the United folks in the lounge to see about standing by for an earlier flight to your destination. If you are on an award ticket, there is no charge to move to an earlier flight. Even if not, the $75 may well be worth it to avoid paying for a hotel or sleeping on those uncomfortable blue benches in the O’Hare gate areas.
Matthew: I have two one time passes but one of them expired. I didn’t use it because there was typhoon and my flight cancelled. So what is the chance that I still can use the expired pass with my family at the Narita UA club for the oncoming travel? Thanks
It seems that the United Club passes no longer work at Copa Clubs. I was denied in MDE and PTY last month. One agent told me that they had just ended their relationship the previous month.
@C: Unlikely they will work, but it won’t hurt to try. If you are set on visiting lounge, get more passes on eBay
@Jason: Thanks for the data point.
How does the “e-delivery” option work If I have purchased a one-time access card from ebay?
@Scott — you will be e-mailed the pass from the seller.
what do you tell the agent at the door then?
@Don: Just tell them that a friend gave it to you.
i am travelling to the Philippines but with a 13 hours layover in Hongkong airport. I purchased my ticket from UA. If i buy the one time pass, can i stay in the United club lounge for more than 10 hours? i don’t know there is a time limit.
@Percy: You can remain in the lounge for as long as you want, as long as you do not leave. This was a wise acquisition, as many consider United’s Hong Kong lounge to be the best United lounge in the system.
I am flying Delta airline from pvg to lax to msp, have a long layover at LAX, which I plan to spend the time at united club. I think Delta international is at terminal 5. What’s the best way to get to and from the United club at terminal 7? My flight from lax to msp is also with Delta, so after spend time at united ckub, I need to catch my Delta domestic flight. I am not familiar with LAX, and I haven’t fly much. Thank you very much for your help!
@Jane — You are correct that Delta is in Terminal 5 and United is in Terminal 7 — the terminals are connected on the secure side (past security) by underground tunnels. It’s quite a trek, but the nice thing is you can go back and forth without have to re-clear security.
just looking at this site.
matthew, do you do anything else but answer questions? do you work for united?
you rock dude!
@SP: Thankfully, I am self-employed! 🙂
Hi! Thanks for these great answers. So we have a layover in ORD coming back from Berlin. we are NOT flying united (flying one world carriers) but do have club passes. Can we get in without United boarding passes?
@Kat — no problem. The AA and UA terminals are connected on the secure side (past security) so there is no problem walking over the the United Clubs — there are two in the B Concourse that will be closest to the AA gates.
question – does the club pass allow priority boarding ? What benefits does it come w vs not purchasing one?
JAMIE, the club pass is not related to boarding. It will not give give you priority boarding, only lounge access.
The United Club Lounge at Heathrow was nothing short of amazing!
Great food, drink … and the free showers were just what we needed. Extra bonus that the lounge happened to be right across from our gate.
Thank you UPgrd for your wonderful service … which let us use the United Lounge as part of the business class tickets you got for us.
Ira
I have a code share ticket out of LAX to Tahiti from Air New Zealand. Can I use a United one day pass at the lounge in the “International terminal? I know that United is in Terminal 7, is it connected to the International terminal in a way that I don’t have to clear security again? Thanks
@Gary — you can only use the pass in one of UA’s two Terminal 7 lounges. Unfortunately, the pass will not be accepted in the Star Alliance lounge in the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
HI Matthew Thanks. Are the 2 UA lounges located behind the “security” are and would I have to do the security thing again? Thanks:
Both lounges are behind security and you would have to clear security twice. Eventually, all terminal will be connected beyond security at LAX, but I see that goal as many years from completion.
Do they have a united club in Miami ?
No.
We are flying into LAX tomorrow in and out on Delta. Is the United Lounge located near Delta. We have a 3 hour lay over?
Thanks
Yes, you can reach the United Club (in Terminal 7) by taking the underground tunnels from T5 to T6 then from T6 to T7. It is a good 15-20 minute walk, but you’ll still have time for the lounge.
Been to LGA and SEA in last month. Compared to LGA, SEA is like a Walmart food court. Very limited snacks (no real food to speak of)….no bottle water, no cans/bottles of sodas or juices. Some cheese and crackers dumped into a tray. Reception is cold and impersonal. Did not have a cell phone charger to loan out. They were cleaning the carpets on one visit so no way you could actually work. Won’t waste the long walk to the SEA lounge again.
I saw some United passes for sale on eBay that they would email you? Are these passes valid if they are emailed to you? EBay seller is saying you can print them out and use them this way. I would really like to have a United club pass for my travels this Sunday, but was concerned if this is legit.
@Jean: Yes, this is legit. I would buy the pass.
Can I enter the United Club at EWR after 12 am? And am I able to sleep there?
There are no United Clubs that are open for 24-hours.
I bought a 30 day United club pass last year for $50 and it admitted my wife and me. Is that still available?
Fred, AFAIK passes only admit one person.
Is there a United Club at the las vegas airport? Do you know where it is located?
After reading your recommendations, I purchased a one-time pass on ebay for $15. Obviously, this is a tremendous savings on the normal $50 fee, but I’m curious what the typical Pass sells for on ebay? Did i pay too much?
@Eileen: There is a club in Las Vegas Airport:
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/airport/lounge/locations/default.aspx
“Concourse D, between Gates 33 and 35. Use elevator to access third floor.”
@Vern: I think $15 is fair. My price range is $10-15, though I would not pay any more.
I often buy passes from eBay. They always ask me for my boarding pass and scan it when I enter the club. Is there a max of these chase one time passes you can use in a year?
Hi Matthew! Thanks for all of these informative answers! My family will be flying overnight (economy!) from Houston to London on United and we have 4 one-time passes from United Explorer cards. My goal is for us to be able to shower, change clothes and eat breakfast at the Heathrow club before going in to the city. Do you think this will work? Any advice??
I’ve often bought and used United day passes with no problem. From what I’m reading here they will not work in Vancouver in their Maple Leaf Star Alliance Gold lounge – correct?
Hi Lizzie,
This will be difficult because you exit the aircraft at LHR on an arrivals level and would have to clear security again in order to reenter the departure area and use the United Club. Access is typically granted without a boarding pass, but once you are there you are sort of stuck — you would have to find a security personnel to escort you downstairs again because there is no official exit.
I’m not saying it won’t work — but just be aware that you may be declined entrance and may find it too much of a hassle to use it at LHR.
Sue, you are correct — the pass will not be valid in the Air Canada-operated Maple Leaf lounge in Vancouver.
HI Matthew,
I”m flying from JFK to Heathrow on Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy, arriving in Terminal 3.
I have 3 hours to kill at Heathrow as I wait for family to arrive in Terminal 2, on separate flights.
I have two united club one time passes that I received through my Chase Mileage Plus/Explorer Visa Card. Can I use the United lounge in Heathrow? or is it only for Business/First passengers?
Thank you for the info!
alex
Hi Alexandra, you can use the lounge, but it will be a pain to get there. You will have to change terminals, re-clear security, then be escorted to passport control once you are done with the lounge.
I have two one time passes from having an Explorer card, how strict are they with expiration dates?
@John: They are quite strict.
I have One-time pass, can I use it in Paris CDG airport to enter into the Star Alliance & Lounges?
or, do you have United Club at this airport?
Thank you
@David: the pass will not allow access to the Star Lounge at CDG. United used to have a lounge at CDG but closed it.
I’ve never seen them check the expiration date of chase or visa pass. Also I disagree that one day pass for $50 is a good deal. United lounge is just not worth it. They are really bottom tier compared to other airlines.
My flight is at 10:30 and would like to drink a mimosa but first before I use the pass I would like to know what time the bar opens at Concorde A in Newark, does anyone know that?
@Vickie: It opens early when the club does, exactly for that reason.
I travel often out of Tocumen (PTY) airport and have always used my free Chase United Club One-Time Passes there, until last time this year around February, they would not accept them at the Copa Club at that airport. Any idea why? I thought United who merged with Continental is the parent company of Copa Airlines.
Does anyone happen to have any of these passes they arent using upcoming? I am taking my husband on a suprise short trip to San Fran go to a Giants game ( on his bucket list) in June.. I hate to pay the full amount, if its not worth it:(
We’re (3) traveling to Copenhagen through United. SFO to Heathrow (7 hr layover), that is if it’s on time, then flying to Copenhagen ( with SAS). Is it worth buying one day United club pass ( cheap eBay prices) or Heathrow lounge passes for $45? Thanks
@REINA: Yes, totally worth it. You will not regret it because the London Club is the best United club in the entire system.
We are flying from Chicago to Florence on Lufthansa using United miles with a 4 hour layover in Frankfurt. Our daughter and two teenage grandsons purchased tickets for the same flights. We have two passes for a United club that came with our Explorer card. When I called United, I was told we could use them in Frankfurt, and we could also buy passes there for our other family members. Is this true?
You cannot use the pass in Frankfurt and due to club renovations you can only use the pass in Chicago in the F-Concourse United Club.
I’m traveling to San Juan next week from Heathrow via Newark New York and we have a 7hrs layover, we arrive at 1510 is it worth getting a one day pass with United?
@Anita: Newark has been turning away one-day pass holders recently due to overcrowding. I would nto count on access.
Lounge in Heathrow is much, much better.
But with a 7hr layover, I would still try to get in at Newark.
Hi Matthew,
My wife and I will be flying to EWR this fall. We are planning to take Delta from PHX with a layover in ATL. I have 2 united club passes from my Mileage plus explorer card. Can I use them at the United club lounge at ATL during our lay over? I am not sure if the lounge is in the same terminal but it would not hurt to try as we have a 3 hour lay over. Do they care which airlines we are flying by?
Thanks!
@BHAVIK: No problem using the club pass in ATL — as long as you have a same-day boarding pass it does not mater which carrier you flying.
I am looking on Ebay for 1 day passes, what is the difference between the blue and black passes that I see? I will be flying from ORD to BOS in late August, dropping Daughter off at college, both segments are 7ish am flights.
Hi Matthew,
As the flight was signiiccantly cheaper, We ended up booking a Delta flight through DTW and there is no United club lounge at DTW.
Could we use the United club lounge at EWR after we land there? Our hotel check in is at 1 …and we land around 10 am so we will have a few hours to kill.
Thanks!
Hi Matthew, I am a new United Mileage Explorer Chase card holder and I received the 2 free one time passes but there are 3 of us traveling out of EWR in 2 weeks. I called United today to ask if my 2 traveling companions (my adult children) can use my passes that day instead of me and I’ll just sit in the regular waiting area. I was told that only the cardholder plus one companion can be admitted, so only one of them plus myself can go in. I was wondering how strict they would be and if they would most likely not even ask to see the credit card? I can just give my daughter my credit card, but now boarding passes are required and the first name won’t match. I don’t want to have to choose one kid over the other. Do you happen to know if I can use Mileage Plus points to purchase a 3rd pass? Thank you!
You can use points to purchase a third pass, but I would just pay $10-15 on eBay — better to conserve your points for travel and not use them for a third pass.
The one-time United Club passes are now $59, even in the app =(
Have UA clubs passes for wife and I (from our chase cards). Will be flying AA from EWR to SAN. WE will likely have 4 or more hours. We will be business, but I suspect we will need our passes. I think the flight is out of Terminal A. Any UA clubs or one we can use? Thanks
@Randall: There is a Club in Terminal A, but it is currently under construction. When is your trip?
will be there on Sept 27
SEPT 27, 2016
I have 2 One-Time United Club passes I will sell at discount- won’t be traveling anytime soon. 818.378.3998
Question. I have notice that United doesn’t have a specific lounge in Miami. Can you recommend which one to go? (http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2013/06/05/review-club-america-lounge-miami/) ? Thank you, RP
Hi Roman P, The Centurion Lounge (by American Express) is the best lounge in Miami. I would check on that one. It is $50 if you need to buy a pass or free access if you have an American Express card.
If you have a Star Gold card, there is an Avianca lounge you have access to as well.
These are a scam!!!
Every time I’ve gone they tell me the club is full and turn me away……as I’m watching others file in. Marketing fluff!
Heading to Newark tomorrow and have a 5-hour layover. Are the United Clubs in C Terminal still turning away one-day pass holders? I have some that I want to use from being a Chase cardholder. That said, did Newark get their liquor license reinstated?
Linda, Newark is turning away people during peak hours in the club past security. As far as I know, the liquor license has been restored.
Howdy Matthew
I am a United Million Miler Star Alliance Gold. I have no paid or affinity lounge memberships
My official United mailing address is OUTSIDE of the USA.
What are my access privileges traveling in the USA on an economy ticket at United’s lounges?
Thanks!
Hi Alan,
Unfortunately no access when traveling in the USA on an economy or business ticket in United’s lounge, with the exception of business on p.s. flights between EWR and SFO/LAX. Your card does give you access to other Star Alliance lounges, like the Air Canada Maple Leaf and Star Alliances lounges at LAX, the Turkish and Lufthansa lounges in Washington Dulles, the SWISS and Lufthansa Lounges at JFK, and the SAS and SWISS lounges in Chicago. (there are more, that’s just a few…)
Thanks very much for the info. Be well.
Hi Matthew, I’m curious about your reply to Alan. Do you mean my UAL Million-Miler Premier Gold card gets me access to the SAS and SWISS lounges in O’Hare, even on an economy ticket? That’s great news! Does it get my wife in as well?
Hi Richard,
Correct. Your United Gold card allows access to both the SAS and SWISS lounge even if you are just flying United Economy. That said, it will be tricky getting to that terminal, but very possible. You are allowed one guest as well, so you can bring your wife!
Thanks!
I have a Club pass for my husband and myself. We are traveling with son and daughter in law and would like to know if I can get guest passes for them.? My husband is special needs traveler and I need their assistance.
You can buy additional passes. They are $59 at the door or much cheaper on eBay.
Traveling with 18 yo and 15 yo children through LAX in June. Wondering if it will be an issue for all 4 of us (spouse, me, and kids) to enter United Club lounge with 4 one-day club passes (through my Chase card). Any age restrictions? Have never used the lounges, but have a 4.5 hr layover flying from Kona via LAX to Denver (on United) and this seems like the perfect time to use them. Thanks!
Hi matthew. I am flying from denver to Houston on united with my 15yo (6ft tall) daughter. We are then flying back to Australia on air new Zealand after a five hour layover. I have two one time united passes. Will my daughter get in? Is one united club better than the other (there appears to be four at IAH?) should we just go to the united club at whichever terminal we arrive at?? Obviously we will need to go through security again. Great site for an Aussie with little club experience. Thanks for all the info!!
Hi Kelli,
Good news. You will be able to use the lounge with your 15yr old. Even better, you won’t have to re-clear security since all terminals are inter-connected at IAH. Safe travels!
Sorry I meant lounge passes in frankfurt?
Unfortunately, not possible since United no longer operates its own lounge in Frankfurt.
Hey Matthew, are the United one-time passes 24 hours? If I have a morning flight at 9:30 am from O’Hare, could I spend the night lounging at a United Club? Broke student on a tight budget that needs to visit Chicago to attend a friend’s wedding.
Hazma, unfortunately the club closes before the last flight and does not open until 4:30a. You would not be able to spend the night. Chicago O’Hare does not have any overnight lounges.
Matthew
my wife and I fly from Heathrow to the US twice a year. Is it possible to purchase passes so we can use the United club just twice a year? An annual membership is not appropriate.
Yes, that would be a great use of passes. The Heathrow United Club is the best United Club in the world.
When I purchased it for a friend last week it was $59 in Tokyo.
Hello,
I am flying from Richmond to Chicago. My flight gets in at 12pm but my father’s flight doesn’t get in until 4pm. He has a one-time United Club pass from the credit card. I am flying United to Chicago. The pass does not have his name on it but he no longer has the United Credit Card. The pass has not expired. Would I be able to use the pass and get into a United Club in Chicago to wait for my dad for 4 hours? Or when it says you need a boarding pass for that day, it means you need a boarding pass leaving Chicago? Thank you!!
Hi Angelina,
You can use it. No problem. You just need the arriving boarding pass. I recommend the B lounge.
Thank you for your response and thanks for the recommendation!!
Just be positive you have enough time to go to the United Club AND make your flight one time! Being a United credit card holder, I received free passes to their lounge, so I decided to use it at London Heathrow a few years ago between connecting flights. I thought I might have enough time even though I had to go to a different terminal to find the United lounge. The lounge was nice indeed…hot food, beverage service, really nice showers that looked like a spa. Well, I thought I’d have enough time to get back to my flight, had to transfer terminals, and I ended up missing it by 30 seconds! So allow plenty of time, like 45 minutes at least, to get back to your flight gate from the lounge if the lounge is far away from your gate.
I had a club membership for the last 15+ years and did not renew my membership this past year (2017). The atmosphere of the club has changed over the years and there’s not much value there any longer. Here are some of the reasons:
–Way too many people in the lounges. Sometimes there’s not even an available chair. Perhaps it’s all the free passes given by the credit card companies?
–Members not only bringing in a spouse or two guests, but all their kids as well. It’s sometimes Iike a Mc Donald’s Playland with the kids running, screaming, crying, jumping over the furniture while the parents look the others way. I’ve even seen cartoons on the tv.
–Members bringing in food and drinks from the concourse fast food places.
–Members bringing in a “therapy” aka comfort pet. I love dogs, but I don’t want your dog sniffing me and want me to pet it. I don’t want to listen to your dig barking. I have even seen a dog pee on the floor while it’s owner was getting food for herself.
–Restrooms are not kept that clean any more. At one point in time, that was one of the key reasons for my membership.
–Snacks not replenished, especially if it within 90 min of switching from breakfast to lunch to dinner times.
In my opinion, the club no longer is quiet, exclusive place to relax and get some work done. Rules are not enforced by the staff. Maybe they’re afraid to confront members in violation of the rules and policies? Can’t blame them there. It would be more prob end up being more negative pr for United
I would never purchase a pass to the United Club under any circumstances, and I often fly United business or first class. Having had United Club membership for years, I just chose not to renew last year out of personal dissatisfaction with so many clubs. At NRT, I walk 10 minutes to the ANA Lounge and skip the mediocre food and drink in the United Lounge. In Hong Kong, I just go to the KrisFlyer Lounge and avoid the United Lounge. There are so many nice restaurants in domestic airports now that the money spent to enter a United Lounge could easily pay for lunch or dinner and drinks.
I am flying from HYD, India to SFO, US via layover in HongKong in Cathay Pacific. I have a United Explorer card with one time pass for United Club. I can use this pass even though I am not flying in United or Star Alliance?
You can. Enjoy the lounge!
Can I use United clubSM at any united club locations?
Some pass said ‘United club’ skid said ‘United clubSM’
What the different? I’m getting from ebay
SM is just “Servive Mark”, a copyright symbol. Same thing.