If you are a United Club member, you have access to more than 45 lounges, including Copa Clubs and Star Alliance lounges. Priority Pass, on the other hand, has more than 1,300 lounges worldwide.

Yes, United Club members can use Copa Club lounges in 2026, thanks to the close partnership between the two airlines and their shared membership in the Star Alliance. If you have a valid United Club membership, you (and one guest) can access Copa Club locations—such as the massive hub in Panama City (PTY)—provided you are traveling on a same-day flight operated by a Star Alliance member (like United or Copa). This is an excellent perk for travelers heading to South or Central America, as the Copa Club lounges offer comfortable seating, showers, and a full bar. It is important to note that you must present your physical or digital United Club membership card and your boarding pass at the desk. This access is separate from Star Alliance Gold status; even if you aren't an elite "Gold" member, your paid United Club membership grants you entry into these specific partner lounges throughout the region.

This is a common question with a somewhat nuanced answer. In short: Generally no, but there are a few specific exceptions.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

The General Rule: No

United Club membership and United-branded credit cards that provide lounge access (like the United Club℠ Infinite Card) grant access to United Club locations and Star Alliance partner airline lounges when you are flying on a same-day Star Alliance flight.

Copa Airlines is a Star Alliance member. However, the Copa Club (Copa’s lounge network) is not part of the standard Star Alliance lounge access agreement for United Club members.

The Exceptions: When You Might Get Access

1. Flying in Copa Business Class (Clase Ejecutiva):

   • This is the most reliable way. If you are flying in Copa’s business class on an international flight (or a domestic flight within the Americas that is marketed as an international connection), you will have access to the Copa Club.

2. Star Alliance Gold Status (Earned Through United MileagePlus):

   • If you have United Premier Gold status or higher (Platinum, 1K, Global Services), you are considered Star Alliance Gold.
   • Star Alliance Gold members flying on any Star Alliance flight (including Copa in economy) have access to Star Alliance partner lounges, which includes the Copa Club.
   • This is the key distinction: Your status (Star Alliance Gold) grants access, not your United Club membership.

3. Certain Premium Credit Cards (Not United’s):

   • Some premium travel credit cards (like the American Express Platinum Card or Capital One Venture X) include Priority Pass Select membership.
   • A few select Copa Club locations (most notably the main lounge in