Who is allowed in United Club lounge?

Loyalty membership Access to United lounges is primarily available to United Club members, United Polaris business class customers, Star Alliance Gold members and other eligible travelers.



Access to United Club lounges in 2026 is granted to several categories of travelers: United Club members (annual fee approx. $750), one-time pass holders ($59 via the app), and Chase United Club Infinite cardholders. Additionally, passengers flying in United Polaris business class or United Business on premium transcontinental routes have access. Star Alliance Gold members (including United Gold and higher) traveling on an international itinerary can enter, as can those flying International Business or First Class on any Star Alliance partner. A notable 2026 update: United has tightened rules for domestic travelers; standard Domestic First Class tickets typically do not include lounge access unless you have a qualifying international connection or elite status. Active-duty U.S. military personnel with a valid ID and a boarding pass for a same-day United flight are also welcomed. Always remember that your boarding pass must be for a flight departing from that airport on the same day.

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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.

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How do airport lounges work? Lounges give access to passengers with specific premium flight tickets (i.e. business or first class), status levels (i.e. Star Alliance Gold) or for having certain credit cards in their wallet, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express.

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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.

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One-time passes to United Clubs cost $59 per person and can be bought in person or through United's mobile app. You will need a boarding pass for same-day travel on a Star Alliance, United or partner flight.

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For many travelers, a United Club one-time pass is well worth its cost, especially if you spend a great deal of time in airports waiting to get from one destination to the next.

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Purchase a United Club day pass One-time passes to United Clubs cost $59 per person and can be bought in person or through United's mobile app.

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Most airlines allow you to purchase a day pass either online or at the airport on the day of travel. Prices vary depending on the airline and lounge location but typically cost around $25 to $60 per person. Most domestic and international airlines sell day passes at club lounges and online.

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Day passes for lounges that belong to specific airlines can be purchased in person at the lounge, but you can be denied entry if the lounge is full. Check to see whether the airline offers lounge day passes through its app or website. Are you traveling with others? Before booking, research the lounge's guest policy.

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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. Only ONE of these credit cards offers LoungeKey membership AND free visits (passes), and that's the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard®*.

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You can save money on food They often offer free snacks and other food choices, plus drinks, including alcoholic beverages. These food and drink offerings come at no extra cost to you. An airport lounge is a good stop if you're feeling hungry before boarding the plane and don't want to overpay for a meal.

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If you spend a lot of money on snacks and beverages while waiting at the airport, lounge access may help you save money. Instead of paying an expensive airport bar tab, you can head to the lounge and consume free snacks and drinks there. Doing this could help you keep more money in your checking account.

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No. A Visa Platinum/Visa Signature/Visa Infinite card is enough to enter. You'll need to inform the lounge staff that you are a LoungeKey member. A boarding pass and a form of identification are also required.

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No, the Priority Pass membership card is not transferable. When you access a lounge, the staff will need to check that the name printed on your membership card matches your boarding pass. The member must also be present for accompanying guests to enter a Priority Pass airport lounge.

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