United Global First Lounge

The United Global First lounge at Washington Dulles airport serves United’s departing and arriving international Global First (international First Class) passengers, as well as First Class passengers flying other Star Alliance carriers. The Global First Lounge at Dulles airport pales in comparison with most of United’s other Global First Lounges worldwide (in London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Chicago, and San Francisco) as well as, sadly, business class lounges operated by foreign carriers.

The crux of the issue lies with the terminal building itself. United operates out of a now 20 year old “temporary” facility with no reconstruction effort in sight. Worse, the lounge has never benefited from a significant interior upgrade.

United Global First Lounge – Washington Dulles (IAD)

United Global First Lounge IAD design

Physically, the lounge is a simple rectangular room, nested between the public concourse and the secure arrivals hallway leading to immigration and customs. The few tiny windows face the hallways and the lounge therefore receives very little natural light and lacks outside views.

The plain décor — a grey carpet, bare ceiling, and low wooden partitions — was never hip to being with, but it’s now frankly dated.

The sparse seating arrangement offers limited privacy. Power outlets are available on the ground, but not at every seat.

United Global First Lounge – Washington Dulles (IAD)

United Global First Lounge IAD amenities

The lounge offers virtually no amenities — there are no showers, computers, or any other typical First class features. The few amenities include a small business center with four semi-private workstations and a fax/printer/copier, plus an open (insecure) bag storage area.

A buffet offers cold appetizers and entrees. While the selection is reasonably varied and tasty, the presentation is thoroughly lacking (some items are in a self-service fridge), and the food occasionally gets stale due to the low number of visitors. The service is inexistent and there are no hot entrees. The drink selection is perhaps the redeeming factor, with a wide array of self-serve alcoholic beverages including Veuve Cliquot Champagne.

United Global First Lounge IAD bottom line

Overall, the United Global First Lounge at Washington Dulles airport does not remotely qualify as a First Class lounge. It isn’t even a great international business class lounge.

United Global First Lounge – Washington Dulles (IAD)

However, the Global First Lounge is by far the best of what United has to offer at Dulles. Perhaps the main virtue of the lounge lies in the privacy that it offers compared to the three United Clubs which are constantly busy, and even more depressing. Due to the strict access rules and the relatively low number of Global First passengers, the lounge is typically extremely quiet, if not occasionally virtually devoid of passengers. Those who wish to catch up on work and enjoy a simple meal ahead of their flight will find it an enjoyable space away from the crowded terminal and minutes from their gate. However, passengers seeking a shower, natural light or enhanced food options should consider using the Lufthansa Senator Lounge in concourse B, at the expense of the proximity to their gate and privacy.