United Club

United Club – San Diego, CA (SAN)

The new United Club at San Diego airport opened in 2013. The lounge occupies a prime location at the heart of Terminal 2, on a mezzanine above the Sunset Cove food court, with a bird’s eyes view on the tarmac and airport grounds. The club features a private terrace overlooking the concourse and runway.

The United Club and rival Delta Sky Club are virtually mirrors of each other — at the top of the escalator, make a left towards the United Club, while the Sky Club is immediately to your right. In an innovative space saving design, the reception desk, which doubles as the customer service desk, is located outside the club itself. A glass door separates the reception area from the lounge proper.

United Club SAN design

The United Club boasts United’s new design, with its signature white marble, clean lines, and designer light fixtures. The décor can occasionally feel cold and boring – it’s a bit heavy on the whites, perhaps excessively minimalistic to some extent. But bathed in sunlight, it feels warm and welcoming. With a long glass wall, the lounge benefits from plenty of natural light, as well as exciting views.

United Club – San Diego, CA (SAN)

The layout maximizes the size of the gorgeous “open air” terrace at the edge of the mezzanine, which overlooks the food court and tarmac in a serene but vibrant setting. The welcoming terrace is furnished with United’s typical large and comfortable armchairs, grouped in clusters of four. Along the railing runs a bar-style work table with a first row view on the action.

The terrace is a welcome departure from the traditional cookie cutter lounge environment, and an enjoyable place to relax or catch up on work, as long as one doesn’t mind the noise that inevitably bleeds from the concourse. United didn’t make an attempt at customizing the space: it’s all furnished with standard lounge furniture, whereas Delta, over at the Sky Club, offers cool rocking chairs. That said, the terrace remains unique while relatively private and intimate.

On the other side of the glass wall are two more traditional interior areas. A long and narrow hallway-like space flanks the terrace, and is adorned with a majestic oversized picture of vintage United aircraft. Away from the bar, and with an intimate layout with just a few tables, it is the most private space in the lounge.

The main lounge zone is centered around the bar. The surrounding open area features dining tables as well as traditional seating. Power outlets and side tables are located at every seat.

United Club SAN amenities

United Club – San Diego, CA (SAN)

The amenities at the San Diego location are pretty standard for a United Club, though they’re somewhat extensive for a lounge at a secondary airport.

Patrons will find continental breakfast in the morning, followed by a selection of snacks, soups and salads throughout the day. The menu is rotated on a seasonal basis and the fare is simple but tasty. The selection isn’t overly abundant, but sufficient for a quick snack in between meals. Soft drinks, house wines and well drinks are complimentary from the bar, while premium beverages come at a cost.

Business amenities include a printer (which might be difficult to locate – it’s behind the bar, in the far left corner), as well as a meeting room which can be reserved in advance upon request. There is no business center per se, but plenty of spaces that are suitable for laptop users, with power outlets throughout. While there is no dedicated space for phone calls, the buffer area between the lounge and the bathroom is as private and quiet as it gets, if a bit odd looking.

United Club – San Diego, CA (SAN)

The bathroom is located way in the back of the lounge – we’re unsure how United settled on a design that includes a single stall in the men’s room when there is so much unused space. Fortunately San Diego is hardly a major destinations and the lounge is unlikely to be crowded.

A selection of newspapers and magazines is also available.

United Club SAN bottom line

Overall, the United Club at San Diego airport is one of United’s better and most unique lounges system wide.

The terrace is a unique feature which gives the club a dynamic, fun, and relaxing vibe. The sunlight is uplifting. The design is convenient and functional, and the space pristine. The food doesn’t impress, but it’s no better or worse than at any other United Club location. Perhaps our only gripes are the limited number of bathroom stalls and the lack of dedicated space for phone calls.