Unlock Premium Travel: Your Complete Guide to United Club Access

Gain United Club access through annual memberships, premium cabin tickets, day passes, or credit cards like the United Club Infinite Card.

The United Club Infinite Card provides unlimited lounge access with additional travel perks, making it a valuable option for frequent flyers.

United Club access varies by membership type, flight class, and status. Understand costs, eligibility, and limitations to make the most of your lounge experience.

Perhaps the most straightforward way to ensure access is by purchasing a United Club membership. This can be done annually, and prices range depending on your MileagePlus status. 

For instance, general members pay around $650 per year, while Premier 1K members might shell out $550. Membership provides unlimited access to United Club locations worldwide, perfect for frequent flyers who find themselves in United’s hubs often.

Flying in style has its perks! If you’re traveling on a same-day international flight in United’s Polaris business class or any other Star Alliance member airline’s first or business class, you gain complimentary access to United Clubs.

Note: this doesn’t apply to domestic first-class tickets, which often confuses passengers looking for United Club access first class benefits. So, flying domestic first class? Sorry, you’re out of luck unless you have another form of access.

For those who don’t want to commit to a full membership, the United Club℠ Infinite Card offers a fantastic alternative. This credit card comes with a hefty annual fee (currently annual_fees), but it provides unlimited United Club access. 

The card also comes with other perks like a free first and second checked bag, Premier Access boarding, and more, making it a solid choice for frequent United flyers.

Other credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or The Platinum Card® from American Express, do not provide direct access but can be helpful in gaining access through other programs like Priority Pass, which may work in some affiliated lounges.

Flying frequently with United or its partners? Then you might already have access! United MileagePlus members who hold Star Alliance Gold status can access United Clubs when flying on a Star Alliance airline flight, whether domestic or international. 

The only caveat is that you must be flying on a same-day ticket, and this access doesn’t extend to companions.

If you’re not a frequent traveler but have a particularly long layover or just need a comfortable spot for a few hours, purchasing a United Club day pass might be your best bet. 

These passes cost around $59 and provide access to most United Clubs on a one-time basis. You can purchase them through the United app or website, or directly at the lounge entrance.

Although having MileagePlus Premier status doesn’t automatically grant you club access, there are a few perks to note. Premier 1K members get two annual United Club passes, which is a nice little perk. So, keep an eye out for these if you’re eligible and plan your visits wisely.

Anyone with an active United Club membership.

Those with a United Club Infinite Card.

Only when flying on a Star Alliance-operated flight.

Only those with a same-day ticket on United or a Star Alliance partner airline.

Anyone with a purchased day pass.

Receive two complimentary passes annually.

Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: Unlimited United Club lounge access, two free checked bags, priority boarding, and 4x miles on United purchases.

Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full

APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Why It’s Great: Ideal for frequent United flyers, this card offers comprehensive United Club access and premium perks like priority boarding and travel credits.

Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: 3x points on travel and dining, $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass Select membership (1,300+ lounges worldwide), and 50% more points value when booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full

APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Why It’s Great: While it doesn’t provide direct United Club access, the Priority Pass membership offers a vast lounge network, making it versatile for travelers flying with various airlines.

Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: Access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel.

Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full

APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Why It’s Great: A premium option for frequent flyers across multiple airlines, it offers an extensive lounge network and luxury perks such as hotel credits and elite status benefits.

Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: Two United Club one-time passes annually, priority boarding, free first checked bag, and 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays.

Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full

APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Why It’s Great: Perfect for occasional United flyers, this card provides complimentary lounge passes and valuable travel benefits at a lower annual fee.

Annual Fee: annual_fees

Key Benefits: Two United Club one-time passes annually, 2x miles on United, dining, gas stations, and office supply stores, plus free first checked bag.

Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full

APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Why It’s Great: Aimed at business travelers loyal to United, this card provides useful perks like annual lounge passes and extra miles on business-related expenses.

Sometimes, you can use United MileagePlus miles to purchase a day pass or even a membership, although the conversion rate might not always be the best value.

Occasionally, United and Chase run promotional offers for the United Club Infinite Card where the first year’s fee is discounted.

If you’re traveling with someone who already has access, they might be able to bring you in as a guest. Policies vary, so check ahead.