United Polaris Lounge

Opened in October 2021, the Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles airport is United’s sixth- exclusive club for international long-haul business class passengers.

Located in Concourse C, near gate C17, steps away from the connector to the airport’s transit system, the Polaris Lounge is in the vicinity of United’s international gates, and a 10 minute walk from most domestic gates.

The Polaris Lounge is a business class lounge. It is off-limits to United Club members, MileagePlus elite customers, and Star Alliance Gold status passengers flying in economy. United Club members and Star Alliance Gold passengers can visit one of the four United Club locations near gate C17, gate C7, gate C4, and gate D8, as well as the Lufthansa Business Lounge and Turkish Airlines Lounge in Concourse B.

United Polaris Lounge IAD design

The Polaris Lounge Dulles has the DNA of its siblings at Chicago O’Hare, New-York/Newark, San Francisco, Houston Intercontinental, and Los Angeles airports, but incorporates a number of locally-inspired touches.

United’s frequent flyers will immediately feel at home when they step inside the marble-clad lobby. The striking black-and-white ensemble is a replica of the reception areas at Houston and Newark airports, with a dramatic overhead light sculpture evoking the seven constellations that brings the Polaris brand to life.

At 21,000 square feet, the Polaris Lounge Dulles is generously sized—it’s significantly larger than the Polaris Lounge Houston, but 10,000 square feet shy of the colossal San Francisco location.

The Polaris Lounge décor is casually elegant, modern, and subtly luxurious. The soothing color palette creates a continuum with the décor of United’s new business class cabin, while stardust motifs and elaborate LED star give a nod to the Polaris brand.

The club boasts a plethora of United’s acclaimed “signature suites”, cozy pods equipped with personal lighting, USB and power ports, a coat hook, and a side table. The design offers excellent privacy and in an otherwise mostly open space.

In the “Library”, a homely seating area adorned with original paintings by local artist Maggie O’Neill evoking the capital city, guests can enjoy quiet time or a cocktail in an intimate setting. The artifacts on display evoke both the nation’s capital and far-flung destinations in United’s network.

While the Polaris Lounge Dulles is airy and luminous, views are relatively scarce. The lounge does boast a single large window wall overlooking the runway, and offers great best plane spotting opportunities, but the space is mostly windowless otherwise, save for a few ceiling-level openings.

United Polaris Lounge IAD amenities

The Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles airport is equipped with its own full kitchen, and guests can look forward to an international selection of both healthy and comfort foods.

Travelers in a rush will find a generous selection of self-service snacks, salads, cold and hot entrees, and desserts.

For guests who wish to linger or enjoy a full meal on a ground and maximize sleep onboard, United offers full restaurant-style dining service. The dramatic Polaris Lounge dining room, secluded behind lattice pocket doors, accommodates 42 patrons in a gorgeous setting.

Highlights of the menu include quinoa samosa cake, braised chicken tagine, a vegetarian ramen bowl, as well as the popular Polaris Burger which is available at all Polaris Lounge locations.

At the bar, Polaris customers will find a vast assortment of craft beers, wines, and creative cocktails. All drinks are complimentary.

The Polaris Lounge is also one of the rare domestic US airline lounges to offer handcrafted espresso drinks, in partnership with Italian brand Illy.

The Polaris Lounge Dulles features six luxurious shower suites outfitted with a rain shower, a toilet, a sink, Saks Fifth Avenue-branded towels, Sunday Riley bath products, slippers—and USB and power ports for those last-minute charging needs.

Curling irons, hair dryers, dental kits, hair straighteners, deodorant, sewing kits, shower caps, and vanity kits are available upon request. Patrons can also have their clothes steamed while showering by simply hanging their garments inside the double door.

Guests who wish to catch up on sleep can reserve one of the two slumber rooms for up to 60 minutes. The sleeping suites feature a day bed, dimming lights, a Saks Fifth Avenue-branded pillow, blankets, slippers, an eye mask, and a white-noise machine. The rooms do not have a door but are located in a quiet and secluded area.

A handful of noise-buffered phone rooms provide a quiet and secluded environment for phone calls and online meetings. The booths are furnished with the essentials: a desk, power outlets, and a comfortable chair.

United Polaris Lounge IAD bottom line

The United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles airport is hands-down the best airline club at Washington Dulles airport. The lounge offers premium amenities such as private work spaces, a complimentary full-service restaurant, a full bar, luxurious shower suites, and an elegant library.

The Polaris Lounge has radically transformed the ground experience for United’s international long-haul passengers traveling from or through Dulles airport. It’s well worth arriving at the airport early to enjoy the experience.

For a more in-depth review, read our blog post: FIRST LOOK: The United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles airport is a game changer.