What To Know
- Earn Premier Platinum status with United by flying a minimum of 500,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) or 30 flight segments with United in a calendar year.
- Purchase a LoungeBuddy membership or day pass to gain access to various airport lounges, including some United Club lounges.
- If you have an American Express Platinum or Centurion card, you may have access to American Express Centurion Lounges, which offer similar amenities to United Club lounges.
Are you seeking a seamless and elevated travel experience? United Club offers an exclusive lounge experience with amenities such as complimentary food and beverages, comfortable seating, and priority boarding. While membership typically comes with a hefty price tag, there are clever ways to gain access for free.
Earning Elite Status
- Star Alliance Gold: Achieve Star Alliance Gold status through frequent flying with United or other Star Alliance member airlines. This status grants access to United Club lounges worldwide.
- United Premier Platinum: Earn Premier Platinum status with United by flying a minimum of 500,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) or 30 flight segments with United in a calendar year.
Credit Card Perks
- United Explorer Card: This card offers complimentary United Club access for the cardholder and one guest.
- United Club Card: The ultimate United Club experience, this card provides unlimited access for the cardholder and up to two guests.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: This premium travel card offers complimentary United Club access for the cardholder and two guests when booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Partnerships and Promotions
- MileagePlus Premier: Enroll in the MileagePlus Premier program and reach Premier Silver status. This unlocks complimentary access to United Club lounges on qualifying flights.
- United Club Day Pass: Purchase a day pass at the lounge for a one-time fee of $59.
- Promotional Offers: Keep an eye out for special promotions and discounts offered by United or partner companies that may include complimentary United Club access.
Other Tips
- Fly on United: United Club access is typically offered on United-operated flights, so consider flying with them whenever possible.
- Connect Through a United Hub: Many United Club lounges are located in United hubs, such as Chicago O’Hare and Denver International Airport. Connecting through these hubs increases your chances of accessing a lounge.
- Check-In Early: Arrive at the airport early to give yourself ample time to locate and enjoy the United Club lounge.
Beyond United Club: Alternative Lounge Access
- Priority Pass: Join Priority Pass through a participating credit card or membership program. This provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including some United Club locations.
- LoungeBuddy: Purchase a LoungeBuddy membership or day pass to gain access to various airport lounges, including some United Club lounges.
- American Express Centurion Lounges: If you have an American Express Platinum or Centurion card, you may have access to American Express Centurion Lounges, which offer similar amenities to United Club lounges.
Wrapping It Up: Elevate Your Travel Experience
With a little planning and savvy, you can unlock the perks of United Club for free. Whether you’re earning elite status, taking advantage of credit card offers, or utilizing partnerships and promotions, there are numerous ways to elevate your travel experience without breaking the bank. So next time you’re flying United, consider these strategies to enjoy the exclusive comfort and amenities of United Club without paying a premium.
What People Want to Know
Q: How do I check if I have complimentary United Club access?
A: Check your United MileagePlus account or your credit card statement to see if you have an eligible status or card that provides access.
Q: Can I purchase a United Club membership without earning elite status?
A: Yes, you can purchase a United Club membership for an annual fee of $650.
Q: Do I need to book my flight through United to access United Club lounges?
A: No, you can access United Club lounges on any Star Alliance-operated flight if you have the appropriate status or membership.
Q: Can I bring guests into United Club lounges?
A: Yes, most United Club memberships allow you to bring up to two guests.
Q: What amenities are available in United Club lounges?
A: United Club lounges typically offer complimentary food and beverages, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and priority boarding.
