How to get free United lounge passes?

Eligible primary United Cardholders get two free one-time passes every year. We'll email you when your United Club passes are ready, so make sure your email address is up to date on your MileagePlus? and credit card accounts.



In 2026, the most reliable way to get "free" United Club passes is through co-branded credit cards. Specifically, the United Explorer Card and the United Business Card both offer cardholders two one-time United Club passes every year as an anniversary perk. Another common "hack" is to reach out to frequent flyer friends; high-tier Premier Gold, Platinum, and 1K members often have excess passes or "PlusPoints" that they can use to gift lounge access. If you are active-duty U.S. military, you and your family can often access United Clubs for free if you are in uniform or have official leave orders. Lastly, some 2026 "premium" travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer a $300 travel credit that can be used to "reimburse" the cost of a one-time pass (currently $59), making it effectively free for the traveler who wants a quiet place to wait for their flight.

People Also Ask

Eligible primary United Cardholders get two free one-time passes every year. We'll email you when your United Club passes are ready, so make sure your email address is up to date on your MileagePlus® and credit card accounts.

MORE DETAILS

United Club customers, including members and their guests, and one-time pass holders must provide a same-day boarding pass for travel on United, Star AllianceTM or a contracted partner operated flight for entry into all United Club locations.

MORE DETAILS

Two (2) United Club? one-time passes will be deposited into the primary Cardmember's MileagePlus Program account after account opening and every 12 months thereafter as long as the credit card account remains open.

MORE DETAILS

In our airport guides, we include lounges that economy-class travellers can access by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or joining a lounge membership program.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, it's possible to get Priority Pass for “free, but this kind of membership comes through a credit card with an annual fee.

MORE DETAILS

The Lifetime Pass wasn't just any ordinary airline ticket. It was essentially a golden ticket to unlimited first-class travel. For $290,000, you could purchase the Lifetime AAirpass, which allowed unlimited first-class travel for the holder. An additional companion pass could also be added for $150,000 more.

MORE DETAILS

United Club? Infinite Card: Basics. Card type: Airline. Annual fee: $525. Sign-up bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

MORE DETAILS

There's no limit. As long as she has the connecting boarding pass and doesn't leave the lounge (the passes are one-time, not one-day), there should be no problem. There's no limit.

MORE DETAILS

For travellers who sporadically dabble in the world of private lounges, paying for entry at the door is often the most inexpensive and efficient way to indulge. When you reach the peak of boredom in the terminal, wander over to the lounge and pay the rate (usually in 2-5 hour packages).

MORE DETAILS

“Participating Airport Lounges” means select airport lounges, as determined by Visa from time to time, where complimentary access is available to Eligible Cardholders on the terms and conditions set out below.

MORE DETAILS

Most Mastercard World and World Elite credit cards offer membership to the LoungeKey airport lounges network. After that, you have to pay for each entry, which costs $32 US.

MORE DETAILS

Some member airlines offer lounge access at the airport where your flight departs, if you are travelling in Domestic First Class. Restrictions apply for Domestic First Class passengers travelling with United Airlines in the United States, where Domestic First Class customers do not have access to United's Club lounges.

MORE DETAILS

Membership Levels The United MileagePlus program offers basic membership and Premier membership. Premier is divided into four main levels: Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum and Premier 1K. MileagePlus also offers the invitation-only United Global Services program for its most loyal customers.

MORE DETAILS

United Club membership. First and second checked bags free for you and a companion on your reservation. Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS fee credit. 25% off inflight purchases.

MORE DETAILS