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.

No, as of 2026, you must have a same-day boarding pass for a flight operated by United, Star Alliance, or a contracted partner to use a United Club one-time pass. This policy was tightened in recent years to manage lounge overcrowding. Even if you have a valid physical or digital pass, if you are flying on Delta, American, or Southwest, you will be denied entry. This rule also applies to United Club memberships (with the exception of some "All Access" tiers that may have specific partner agreements). In 2026, you can use the pass at both your departure and arrival airports, but the "same-day" flight requirement is strictly enforced via a barcode scan of your boarding pass at the front desk. If you find yourself flying a different airline in 2026, you might consider using an "independent" lounge like The Club or Priority Pass locations, which do not have airline-specific restrictions.