5 Facts About United Airlines Polaris Lounges (2024)

When connecting through one of United Airlines' many legacy hubs or sitting at an airport before a long-haul flight, nothing might be more important than the opportunity to rest, relax, and recharge before your flight. Unlike most major airline lounges, which only offer a comfortable seating area and possibly some light refreshments, United's flagship Polaris lounges are one of a kind.

These facilities have restaurants that seem less like the typical buffets offered in usual airline lounges and more like spaces for Michelin-star dining. Passengers can choose between speedy buffet choices and sit-down dining.

Furthermore, if one is passing through a United legacy hub on a long layover after a taxing overnight flight, these lounges have showers and other spa-like facilities to help you refresh. They also offer areas with daybeds that are ideal for relaxing during your extensive journey. In this article, we will examine five facts about United's flagship Polaris lounge system.

1 Very few exist

Number in operation: 6

As flagship facilities are only meant to be accessed by those flying on the most expensive tickets (we'll get into this shortly), it is unsurprising that only a handful of flagship Polaris lounge locations are in operation. They are located at all the following United hub airports:

• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Photo: United Airlines

This list includes a few notable exclusions regarding United's extensive hub network. Most notably, Denver International Airport (DEN), one of the carrier's largest international hubs, does not have a Polaris lounge.

This likely speaks to the facility's lack of international premium travel demand. However, the carrier will likely look to add a Polaris location in Denver in the near future.

2 Access is heavily restricted

Elite status alone will likely never get you in

First, there are only a few ways to access United's Polaris lounges. Only those flying United Polaris on an international long-haul business class ticket can access the facilities.

Photo: United Airlines

It is important to note that a business class passenger must present a same-day boarding pass to access Polaris lounges. These passengers can access Polaris lounges regardless of whether they are departing, connecting, or arriving.

Another way to access Polaris lounges is to fly first or business class on a Star Alliance member airline. Those flying in first class on a Star Alliance carrier must present a same-day boarding pass and be allowed to access the lounge at their departure airport with a single guest. Access is the same for those flying business class, except for guest access, according to the United Airlines website.

3 Lounges tend to be quiet

These facilities tend to be at a lower capacity than normal United Clubs

It's no known secret that airline lounges are progressively becoming increasingly crowded, which has led some carriers to completely overhaul their elite status systems. With so many passengers able to access United Clubs either with credit cards, elite status, or premium cabin tickets, these facilities tend to be extremely busy, especially during peak hours.

Photo: United Airlines

However, credit cards and elite status do you no good when it comes to getting into a Polaris lounge. Not even members of United Global Services, the carrier's secret VIP status tier, are able to access these facilities without an international business class ticket.

As a result, facilities tend to be quiet, and almost all photos of the lounges, not just those taken by United's media team, show them as relatively empty spaces that are nowhere near capacity. According to Thrifty Traveler, this creates an aura of exclusivity that makes the Polaris lounges all that much nicer to enjoy.

4 More amenities than you'd expect

These facilities are much more than fancy restaurants

United Polaris lounges will certainly have you covered if you're searching for a fancy restaurant or an open bar. But for many passengers, the difference between these facilities and the larger, more crowded spaces of typical United Clubs is found in all the other available amenities.

United lounges, as the airline indicates, feature spa-like amenities, including private bathrooms, sinks, and even showers in some locations. These can allow travelers to relax and rejuvenate before a long journey.

Photo: United Airlines

Furthermore, passengers can access individual day rooms equipped with loungers, day beds, and adjustable lighting. For business travelers, these spaces will also offer semi-private workspaces.

5 Upgraded dining facilities

Many will say the Polaris lounge dining is a night-and-day improvement over what is offered at United Clubs

The dining areas at United's Polaris lounges are nothing like the cramped buffet-style snack stations offered at most lounges. There are the options for refreshments at the United Polaris lounge:

1. A full-service restaurant
2. A full bar
3. A meal-ready buffet with multiple options

Photo: United Airlines

If you want the most premium luxury experience, head to the Polaris lounge's all-inclusive restaurant. Here, passengers can choose from a full menu of options and are offered top-quality wait service from the airline's staff.

Passengers can head to the fully stocked bar for a quick drink. Lastly, if one is in a rush or is looking for something more simple to eat, the buffet offers dozens of options and goes far beyond what one can find at a standard United Club.