United Club
- Our review
United Club – Houston Intercontinental (IAH) Terminal E
United operates no less than five United Clubs at its Houston Bush hub airport. The Concourse E location is most convenient to international gates, though travelers are welcome to use any of the other clubs, which all are conveniently accessible along the Skyway transit system.
United Club IAH design
The United Club at Houston Intercontinental airport Terminal E overlooks the atrium at the heart of the concourse.
Once Continental Airlines’ flagship lounge, the club was designed to impress with elegant finishes, expansive views, and an a full range of amenities.
United Club – Houston Intercontinental (IAH) Terminal E
Time has passed. The decor has faded, and the club has been robbed of its top floor to make room for a new Polaris Lounge exclusively for long-haul premium passengers. The club is often busy, and routinely crowded.
The essentials are still there. Perched above the reception level, the lounge benefits from plenty of natural light and boasts exciting tarmac views.
A variety of seating arrangements is available, and power outlets are plentiful.
United Club IAH amenities
The United Club at Houston Intercontinental airport Terminal E features a set of essential amenities including a bar, a theater room with a large TV, a family room on the second floor, and a selection of food and beverages.
United Club – Houston Intercontinental (IAH) Terminal E
The continental breakfast spread includes bagels, oatmeal, and cereal, while snacks, soups, and salads are available throughout the day. The fare is simple but tasty, yet no substitute for a full meal. Soft drinks including flavored water, house wines and well drinks are complimentary, while premium beverages come at a cost.
The theater room features comfortable loungers facing a large TV screen, and doubles as a relatively comfortable space to catch a brief nap, should you carry noise-canceling headsets.
The concept of a family room is appreciated, though the room is rather barebones—it is merely a space for families to sit behind closed doors, but it is a devoid of any substantial entertainment feature.
The business center provides a shared printer. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the club but tends to be painfully slow at peak times.
Note that the United Club does not offer showers anymore.
United Club IAH bottom line
While dated, the United Club at Houston George Bush Intercontinental airport Terminal E remains a comfortable and functional lounge, when it’s not excessively busy.
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 large buffet and bar area.
Note that United and Star Alliance long-haul premium passengers are invited to use the excellent Polaris Lounge in lieu of the United Club.
The pluses- The tarmac views.
The minuses- The tired design.
- The crowds and noise level.
- The limited snack selection.
Food & BeveragesAirlinesYou 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) Access rulesUnited 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 (paper or electronic passes) (no guests)
- Active U.S. military personnel departing on a same day United flight (+family members)
- Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Plus and Select Executive members departing on a same day United flight (+1 guest and children under the age of 21.)
- 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
BlogsFoursquareYelpMichelle R.2019-08-17 06:05:33Really disappointed in the way this can even be called a "lounge". I had a 7 hour layover and brought my family of 4 with me. It was crowded, the food and...Randy D.2019-05-14 09:42:03Currently working on reducing the cost of a First Class ticket, with free drinks and food. Plan will continue once on plane... Possibly a break even...Rose K.2019-02-10 12:24:41A nice space to break away from the busy hustle of the terminal. The veggies were fresh and the ladies were on top of keeping things replenished....Jerry C.2018-08-06 19:52:44I think I've been to all the IAH United Clubs, and this one in Terminal E is probably the best of the lot. It's huge and not overcrowded compared to other...Nick L.2018-08-02 15:37:02Whoever designed United lounges definitely had the hots for uniformity. They're kinda like the airports they serve - if you had a minor stroke and forgot...Rachel S.2018-07-04 07:28:44We had a short layover from Houston to London so we stopped by the lounge for an hour. The ladies (greeters) in the front were sweethearts and made the...CommentsLeave a review
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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.
Three stars for the showers, but a two-star feel otherwise.