United Club
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United Club – Houston Intercontinental (IAH) Terminal E
United operates no less than six lounges at Houston’s Intercontinental George Bush airport. The United Club in Concourse E is close to most international departure gates, though travelers are welcome to use any of the other clubs by hopping on the airside Skyway transit system.
The United Club welcomes members, Star Alliance premium and elite passengers, and Star Alliance an United Gold members and above flying internationally. Customers departing or arriving in United Polaris business class or traveling with a Star Alliance partner airline in business class are welcome to visit the luxurious United Polaris Lounge in lieu of the United Club (enter through the adjacent glass door.)
United Club IAH design
The United Club at Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport Concourse E is situated in a prime location on the upper level of the terminal building. The club boasts sweeping tarmac views on one side, and overlooks the atrium at the heart of the terminal on the opposite side.
Seating area at the United Club Houston Intercontinental Terminal E
The United Club Concourse E was originally conceived as Continental Airlines’ flagship lounge. The club, which used to spread across three floors, featured elegant finishes, ample space, and a full range of amenities including showers suites, work cubicles, and a family room. Time has passed, the décor has faded, Continental’s premium amenities have all been discontinued, and the top floor has been converted into a Polaris Lounge. The United Club is shadow of its former self.
In 2019, the space received a minor face lift, the furniture was replaced, and power outlets and USB ports were installed at every seat. The new furniture layout is more efficient, and the new ergonomic seats are an upgrade over the former vintage chairs, but the space is tight: with the loss of the top floor, the United Club routinely operates at capacity.
United Club Houston Terminal E nook
The rows of ubiquitous cream-colored seats offer relatively little privacy, though there are a few quiet spots: look for a pleasantly isolated nook on the right side of the bar area, or for a small dining area on the right side of the elevator when entering the club, opposite the hallway leading to the bathrooms.
Other seating options include two large shared work tables, as well as a few convivial egg chairs near the escalators to the lobby.
United Club IAH amenities
The United Club at Houston Intercontinental airport Terminal E features a set of essential amenities. Despite its location near international gates, the lounge is on par with domestic clubs. There are no additional services or amenities.
Coffee and beverage stand at the United Club Houston Terminal E
In the morning, the continental breakfast spread includes bagels, oatmeal, cereal, yoghurt, and fruit. Throughout the day, snacks, soups, salads, and sweets are available. There are a few highlights—the brownies are a customer favorite—but the selection is no substitute for a real meal.
On the beverage front, guest can choose from a virtually unlimited juice and soda selection thanks to a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, or help themselves to infused water, tea, Illy Espresso, and coffee. House wines and well drinks are complimentary at the bar; premium wines and cocktails come at a cost.
Fast Wi-Fi is available throughout. Guests also have access to an online library of newspapers and magazines through the Foli app.
Despite its location at a major international hub, the United Club does not feature showers or a rest area anymore. The family room has also closed. The bathrooms are serviceable albeit in need of a remodel.
United Club IAH bottom line
The United Club at Houston George Bush Intercontinental airport Terminal E is bright, airy, and functional. The lounge offers comfortable seating, convenient workspaces, expansive tarmac views, fast Wi-Fi, plenty of power outlets, a decent range of snacks, and an enjoyable beverage selection.
United Club – Houston Intercontinental (IAH) Terminal E
However, the club is routinely busy, offers little privacy, and lacks visual appeal and international-grade amenities such as showers.
Time permitting, consider walking over to the United Club at Terminal C North, which was recently remodeled and boasts a fresh new design as well as a larger buffet and bar area. International business class passengers will want to skip the United Club and head to the luxurious Polaris Lounge. American Express Platinum and Centurion Card holders should consider a brisk 10-minute walk to the Centurion Lounge in Concourse D. The Centurion Lounge is equally busy but features world-class dining and amenities.
United Club at Houston, TX - George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) welcomes:
- United Club members departing on a same-day flight operated by United or a Star Alliance member airline, or arriving on a United flight (+2 guests, or the member’s spouse and children under the age of 21.)
- United Polaris business class passengers departing or connecting (no guests)
- United Business passengers departing on a United transcontinental Premium Service flight at the origin and destination of their premium transcontinental flight (no guests)
- United Business passengers departing on an United international flight (to/from Mexico, Guam, Caribbean, Central America, Columbia and Ecuador) at departure, connecting and arrival airports (no guests)
- Business Class passengers departing on an intercontinental flight operated by a Star Alliance carrier (no guests)
- First Class passengers departing on an intercontinental flight operated by a Star Alliance carrier (+1 guest)
- United Premier Gold, Premium Platinum, Premier 1K, and Global Services members departing on an intercontinental flight operated by a Star Alliance carrier in any class of service (+1 guest)
- Star Alliance Gold Members (except United Premier members and above) departing on a domestic or international flight operated by a Star Alliance carrier in any class of service (+1 guest)
- United Club one-time pass holders (subject to capacity restrictions) (no guests)
- Active U.S. military personnel departing on a same day United flight (+family members)
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members departing on a flight operated by a Star Alliance carrier (no guests for Air Canada Maple Leaf Club North America members, +1 guest for Air Canada Maple Leaf Club Worldwide members)
Notes:
- Passengers in domestic First class do not receive United Club access. United Business passengers flying on a Premium Service flight between San Francisco/Boston, San Francisco/Newark, or Los Angeles/Newark receive access at the origin and destination of their premium transcontinental flight.
- A government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license, passport or military ID) may be required.
Cards accepted
When flying Star Alliance. North America Plus and Worldwide memberships only
You may have access to United Club as a premium customer of one of the following airlines, or as an elite member of their frequent flyer program. Check the Access rules tab for more details.
Star Alliance
Access for eligible customers traveling on any Star Alliance member airline.
 | ANA (NH) |  | Aegean (A3) |  | Air Canada (AC) |
 | Air China (CA) |  | Air India (AI) |  | Air New Zealand (NZ) |
 | Asiana (OZ) |  | Austrian (OS) |  | Avianca (AV) |
 | Brussels Airlines (SN) |  | Copa Airlines (CM) |  | Croatia Airlines (OU) |
 | EGYPTAIR (MS) |  | EVA Air (BR) |  | Ethiopian Airlines (ET) |
 | LOT Polish Airlines (LO) |  | Lufthansa (LH) |  | SAS (SK) |
 | SWISS (LX) |  | Shenzhen Airlines (ZH) |  | Singapore Airlines (SQ) |
 | South African Airways (SA) |  | TAP Air Portugal (TP) |  | Thai Airways (TG) |
 | Turkish Airlines (TK) |  | United (UA) |
Other airlines
 | Aer Lingus (EI) |  | Virgin Australia (VA) |
3.0 / 5, based on 145 reviews
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Overall ratings
My husband and I were traveling with our two children, one an adult, the other a teenager. We were informed that a member (my husband) may only bring two guests into the club. Fine. My husband and son went in while my daughter and I went to have lunch elsewhere. When we returned, my son was just leaving to catch his flight home. We said, okay, now my daughter and I can be admitted as the two guests, right? The front desk clerk actually laughed at that suggestion! “Oh no ma’am, you can’t just switch guests!” Why not, I wanted to know. “Because our computer is not set up that way!” Oooh. Good reason, United. Nice work, as usual.
While the agent’s delivery may not have been the most professional, they were correct. Guest rules cannot be circumvented by switching guests.
In this instance I’m thinking United is right – otherwise entire sports teams would recycle regularly
Three stars for the showers, but a two-star feel otherwise.