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

United Club – San Diego, CA (SAN)

The United Club boasts United’s latest design, which boasts ample white marble, clean lines, and designer light fixtures. At most airports, the décor tends to feel cold and boring—it’s heavy on the whites, and perhaps too minimalistic. But bathed in San Diego’s sunlight, the space feels warm and welcoming. The layout capitalizes on the views and sunlight, with a glass wall that lets daylight into the bar and seating area.

An enticing “open air” terrace overlooks the food court and arts installations, and offers views of the tarmac in the distance. While the vibrant space is a welcome departure from the traditional cookie cutter lounge environment, United has missed an opportunity to create a truly bespoke décor: whereas the terrace at the adjacent Delta Sky Club is furnished with fun rocking chairs, United has adopted a much more standard layout with traditional seats and table-top seating along the railing.

United Club – San Diego, CA (SAN)

A glass partition separates the terrace from the rest of the lounge.

An intimate dining area with booth seating and a dramatic photo of a vintage United aircraft flanks the terrace. The main seating area, near the bar, features additional dining tables along with traditional seating. Power outlets are available at virtually every seat.

United Club SAN amenities

The United Club San Diego features the typical set of amenities that club members have come to expect.

In the morning, United offers a 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.

United Club – San Diego, CA (SAN)

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, there is a large buffer area between the lounge and the bathrooms which will do in a pinch.

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

United Club – San Diego, CA (SAN)

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

The terrace gives the club a dynamic, fun, and relaxing vibe. The sunlight is uplifting. The layout 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 a dedicated space for phone calls.