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There’s no denying that airport lounges give you the best experience during your travels. Complimentary meals, free WIFI, and quiet resting areas? What’s not to like?
You can access locations from lounge networks like the Priority Pass or a Lounge Buddy or from airline-operated lounges such as the United Club Lounge.
In this article, we’ll be focusing on United lounges and discussing the different ways how you can save money when getting a United Club Membership.
Read More: United Airlines Wifi Service Basic Guide & Tips
How Much Does A United Club Membership Cost?
You can pay with cash or miles to purchase an annual United Club membership, and the price depends on your elite status. So before we discuss some money-saving tips, here are the standard membership prices;
- General Member: Single – $650 or 85,000 miles
- Premier Silver: Single – $650 or 85,000 miles
- Premier Gold: Single – $650 or 85,000 miles
- Premier Platinum: Single – $600 or 80,000 miles
- Premier 1K: Single – $550 or 75,000 miles
Members have guest benefits and can bring 2 adult guests or 1 adult guest plus all children under 21 years old.
For a spouse who has a different last name from the primary member, a document proving the relationship must be presented to obtain a membership card for the spouse.
Alternatively, you can also purchase one-time passes for $59 per person at United Club locations or through the United app. One-time pass holders can only bring kids under 2 years old for free at United lounges so other guests would have to buy a separate pass to enter.
Important: All travelers must present a same-day boarding pass as upon entry.
Other Best Ways To Get United Club Membership / Access
You can get a United Club membership through other means such as elite status, flying on premium fares, or eligible credit card membership. They’re even cheaper and create more value than directly purchasing a membership with cash or miles.
Here are the different ways how you can get a United Club membership:
1. Having An Eligible United MileagePlus Credit Card
The United Club Business Card ($450 annual fee) and United Club Infinite Card ($525 annual fee) come with a free annual membership. It also grants you 2 adult free guests or 1 guest plus dependent children under 21 years old.
Apart from lounge access, you’ll also get other travel benefits:
United Club Business Card
- Free first and second checked bags for you and your traveling companion
- Priority check-in, security, boarding, and baggage handling
- 25% back on United inflight purchases
- Zero foreign transaction fees
United Club Infinite Card
- Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee credit
- Free first and second checked bags for you and your traveling companion
- 25% back on United inflight purchases
- Zero foreign transaction fees
If we compare the annual fees of both cards to the standard pricing for a United Club membership, you’re better off getting the cards instead.
Alternatively, you can get 2 free one-time passes with the United Business Card and United Explorer Card. You’ll be able to bring children under two years old for free.
2. Flying United First Class or Business Class
Travelers flying United first class or business class on transcontinental or international flights will have United Club access with a same-day boarding pass.
- United Polaris Business Class – Polaris passengers can enter United lounges, and United Polaris lounges at departure, connecting, and arrival airports. Guests are not allowed. If you were flying from New York, connecting at San Francisco, and then arriving in Tokyo, you’ll get lounge access at all three airports.
- United Business (International Flights) – United Business passengers on international flights will have United Club access at departure, connecting, and arrival airports. These include flights between the U.S. and Latin America or the Caribbean. Flyers traveling to and from Canada in United First will also have the same access. Guests are not allowed.
- United Business (Premium Transcontinental Flights) – United Business passengers on transcontinental flights, specifically between New York/Newark and Los Angeles and New York/Newark and San Francisco, will have United lounge access only at departure and arrival airports. Guests are not allowed.
Additionally, passengers flying Star Alliance premium flights (Turkish Air, Lufthansa, etc.) will also have lounge access.
- Star Alliance Business Class – Star Alliance business class flights offer lounge access during departure. Guests are not allowed.
- Star Alliance First Class – Star Alliance first class flights offer lounge access during departure. One guest is allowed.
Read More: What’s The Difference Between Lufthansa Business Class VS Lufthansa First Class?
3. Star Alliance Gold Status
Star Alliance Gold status holders have access to United Club lounges at departure, connection, and arrival airports. All you need to do is to show your same-day boarding pass upon entering the lounge. You can bring one guest with you as long as the person is also traveling on the same flight.
4. Promos And Discounts
You can sometimes buy a United Club membership at discounted rates. For example, United ran a promotion in June 2022, offering members a 35% discount on purchasing membership using United Miles.
5. Air Canada Maple Leaf Membership
If you are a member of the Air Canada Maple Leaf program, you’ll get access to United Club locations when flying on Star Alliance metal. Here are the guidelines:
- Air Canada Maple Leaf™ Club North American Membership – Get access to United Club locations in the U.S. when flying on any Star Alliance airline. Just show your Maple Leaf Club membership card and same-day boarding pass. Access is only allowed at departing airports and guests are not allowed.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Club Worldwide Membership – Get access to United Club locations in the U.S. if you are flying on any Star Alliance airline. Just show your Maple Leaf Club membership card and same-day boarding pass. Access is only allowed at departing airports and guests are not allowed.
6. Virgin Australia Frequent Flyer Membership
Velocity Gold, Platinum, and VIP members have lounges access at United owned and operated lounges if they’re flying on international United or Virgin Australia-operated flights.
A same-day boarding pass upon entry is needed and their flight must depart from the same airport. One guest is allowed per eligible member as long as the guest is also traveling on a United-operated flight.
7. Be An Active Us Military Personnel
Military members can access United Club lounges if they meet the following requirements:
- Must have a valid ID
- Must be wearing a uniform upon entry
- Must have leave orders
- Must have rest and recuperation papers
Family members can access United Clubs if they have gate passes or have the same flight as the military member. However, availability is dependent on each location’s capacity.
Read More: United Premium Plus: Flight Guides & Tips
United Club FAQs
Where Can I purchase A United Club Membership?
You can purchase a United Club membership on united.com. United Club membership can be purchased online at united.com. You can also call customer service at 1-866-UA-CLUBS or visit any United Club location to purchase.
Can I Purchase A Membership For Another Person?
Yes. You will see the “Give as a Gift” button on the same page where you can buy a standard membership.
Where Are United Club Lounges Located?
There are more than 45 United Club locations worldwide. You can check our guide to United Club lounges for more details.
What Happens If I Renew Or Upgrade My United Club Membership Earlier Than The Expiration Date?
Upgrading or renewing your membership will add one more year to your membership’s validity. The number of months left or leftover benefits you have from your existing membership will also be added to your new membership.
Where Can I Renew My Membership?
You can renew your memberships from your “My Account” page. There’s an option for automatic renewals and you can even schedule them in advance so you won’t forget to renew your membership every year.
Bottomline
Gaining access to United Club lounges is a great perk to have. Historically, lounge access was exclusive for premium flyers only, so it’s nice to see that more airlines are opening up access to non-business and economy-class flyers. If you want to learn more about airport lounges, you can check out our other guides:
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