In 2026, the answer for United First Class depends entirely on whether your flight is domestic or international. For a standard domestic First Class ticket within the United States, you generally do not receive complimentary access to the United Club. This is a common point of frustration for passengers, as United (like other major U.S. carriers) views domestic lounges as a membership-based product rather than a class-of-service perk. To get access on a domestic flight, you would need a United Club membership, a one-time pass, or a specific premium credit card. However, there are exceptions: if your "First Class" ticket is for a long-haul international flight (or a premium transcontinental route like Newark to LAX/SFO in United Business), you do receive lounge access. Furthermore, if you are flying in United Polaris (Business Class) on an international route, you receive access to the ultra-premium Polaris Lounges, which offer sit-down dining and shower suites. For Star Alliance Gold members, access is granted even on domestic flights, but only if they are traveling on an international itinerary that same day. Essentially, if you are just flying from Chicago to Denver in First Class, don't expect to get into the club for free.