Review: United Club Houston (IAH – C33)

When I step into this lounge, it feels like old times flying on Continental Airlines. The core of the lounge has not been updated in years, though it has aged well. I also found this lounge less busy than the others I visited.

United Club Houston IAH Terminal C1 Review

I reviewed this lounge on my way to Brazil.

Location + Hours + Access

Located in Terminal C near the transition to the E Gates, this lounge is currently open from 5:45am to 8:00pm seven days a week. It is located near Gate C33. I arrived about 7:00pm.

Access is reserved for United Club members, Chase United Club Visa holders, Star Alliance Gold travelers, and international business or first class passengers traveling on any Star Alliance flight.

Furthermore, one-time passes from Chase are accepted or a single-visit pass can be purchased at the reception desk for $59. Access using one-time passes may be limited if the lounge becomes too crowded.

Also note that if you hold a Star Alliance Gold card from United Airlines (Premier Gold or higher), you can only access the lounge when traveling in conjunction with an international itinerary.

Those who have a Star Gold card from other programs can use the lounge when traveling on any Star Alliance flight in any class of service. Also note that from IAH, United does not give premium cabin passengers access on domestic flights without status.

Global Services passengers are also allowed complimentary entrance.

Agents are positioned on the right and left side of the automatic sliding doors to check you into the club by scanning your boarding pass and if applicable, your membership card or Star Alliance Gold card.

Seating

While the C1 United Club is one large room, this lounge has several smaller sections. It reminds me of housing in general today: open floors plans are in and this is not a modern house.

But I like the smaller sections. As you enter the lounge, turn right (past the flight status monitors) and then right and you’ll hit a quiet room–

and another–

and another–

plus the hallway–

Behind the main desk is at least a dozen little rooms with carpeted walls in which you can work or make phone calls.

Further into the (very deep) lounge is seating areas with gray faux-leather chairs, more work space, and then tables by the bar. One thing that has been updated in this lounge is that electrical outlets and USB charging points are everywhere. When the chairs were updated, new end tables with the charging receptacles and built-in lamps were added.

There’s also a “TV Lounge” with about a dozen chairs facing toward a TV. Usually Fox News or CNN is on, but there was a sporting even playing instead.

Food + Drink

On the side wall of lounge is the food area and beyond that is a fully-staffed bar. Wine, beer, and limited hard liquor is free while premium beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails can be purchased.

Beyond alcohol, beverage selections include coffee, hot water (for tea), and an espresso machine. There was no Coke Freestyle machine or cans in a refrigerator, so ask at the bar if you would like a soft drink.

Food items included:

• Burritos (black bean and vegetable burritos from Amy’s and shredded beed and cheese from Don Miguel)
• Beef jerky
• Cheese sticks
• Crackers
• Pita chips
• Salsa
• Potato chips
• Cobb salad (from The Sandwich Factory)
• Instant noodle soup
• Cookies
• “Chocolate” (Kit Kat)

Restrooms

The bathrooms were on the other side of the lounge (turn left as you enter) and clean but dated looking (more so than the rest of the lounge).