Key Takeaways
- United Polaris Lounges are located in six major U.S. international hubs: Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO), and Washington Dulles (IAD).
- Access is exclusive to travelers flying United Polaris business class or long-haul business or first class on Star Alliance partners.
- Each lounge offers restaurant-style dining, craft cocktails, shower suites, and quiet rooms, setting them apart from standard United Clubs.
- The latest updates include expanded dining menus at SFO and IAD and refreshed interiors across all lounges in 2025.
When United Airlines introduced Polaris in 2016, it was not just about upgrading seats in the sky, it was about elevating the entire journey from check-in to landing. The most visible part of that transformation sits inside United’s Polaris Lounges, a network of premium spaces built to rival the world’s top business-class lounges.
Unlike standard United Clubs, Polaris Lounges cater only to international business-class travelers. They combine fine dining, personalized service, and quiet, spa-like amenities that make preflight time part of the experience itself.
If you have ever wondered where these lounges are located and what makes them unique, here is a complete 2025 guide to every United Polaris Lounge currently in operation.
The Six United Polaris Lounges
United operates six Polaris Lounges across its major U.S. hubs, each located close to international departure gates for convenience.
| Airport | Location in Terminal | Highlights |
| Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | Concourse C, near Gate C18 | United’s first Polaris Lounge, known for strong catering and consistent service. |
| Houston Intercontinental (IAH) | Terminal E, between E11 and E12 | Spacious design with a large dining room and excellent shower facilities. |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Terminal 7, between Gates 73 and 75A | Compact but stylish, featuring California-inspired cuisine and craft cocktails. |
| Newark (EWR) | Terminal C, between Gates C102 and C120 | United’s busiest Polaris Lounge with an expansive Dining Room and premium bar. |
| San Francisco (SFO) | International Terminal G, near Security | Flagship location with runway views, full buffet, and on-demand dining. |
| Washington Dulles (IAD) | Concourse C, near Gate C17 | Opened in 2023 with a new menu, modern interiors, and upgraded cocktail bar. |
Each lounge reflects its local market. The SFO lounge mirrors Silicon Valley’s sophistication, while Houston’s emphasizes warmth and Southern hospitality.
Lounge Design and Amenities
Polaris Lounges are designed for calm and comfort before long-haul flights. Across all six locations, travelers can expect:
- Sit-down dining with a la carte menus served by waitstaff.
- Buffet stations featuring locally inspired dishes that rotate seasonally.
- Full-service bars offering unique cocktails at each lounge, such as the “Paper Plane” at SFO or the “Hudson Highball” at Newark.
- Quiet suites with daybeds and privacy curtains for rest between flights.
- Shower suites with premium amenities and rainfall fixtures.
- Work pods and high-speed Wi-Fi for business travelers.
The design remains consistent across locations, with soft lighting, marble finishes, leather seating, and abundant charging outlets. The result is a seamless experience that feels global but personal.
Access Rules: Who Can Enter
Entry to Polaris Lounges is far more limited than to United Clubs. You can enter only if:
- You are departing in United Polaris business class on a long-haul international flight.
- You are departing in business or first class on a Star Alliance partner airline from the same airport.
- You are connecting to or from a Polaris flight on the same day.
MileagePlus Premier status, United Club memberships, or credit cards do not provide access. The exclusivity is deliberate, designed to preserve a quieter and more premium environment.
United Polaris Lounge SFO: The Flagship Experience
The San Francisco Polaris Lounge is often considered United’s best. Spread across two levels, it combines open seating areas with private dining zones and panoramic runway views.
The Polaris Dining Room offers chef-driven menus using local ingredients. Dishes like miso-glazed salmon, braised short ribs, and plant-based grain bowls appear frequently. Breakfast transitions into lunch and dinner around midday, providing full-service dining through late evening.
Flyers often report longer waits between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m., when Asia-bound departures peak. To avoid the dinner rush, plan to dine before 6 p.m.
Lounge Access Timing
Polaris Lounge access opens once check-in begins, typically four hours before departure. Travelers connecting from another Polaris flight can access the lounge during their layover.
Polaris Lounges are for departing passengers only. Post-arrival access is not available unless you have a same-day onward international connection.
Operating hours vary slightly by airport but generally run from 5:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m., aligning with the day’s long-haul schedule.
The Future of Polaris Lounges
United continues to expand the Polaris ground experience. New lounges are being evaluated for Denver (DEN) and London Heathrow (LHR), although timelines remain unannounced.
Existing lounges are receiving subtle but meaningful upgrades, including digital ordering in dining areas and redesigned bar seating to reduce congestion during peak hours.
By 2026, United expects every major hub serving long-haul international routes to feature a full Polaris Lounge experience.
Conclusion
United’s Polaris Lounges represent the best of the airline’s international business-class offering, combining elegant design, thoughtful dining, and unmatched comfort. With six lounges across the U.S., United has built a consistent premium experience that now rivals the best in the world.
Whether you are flying from San Francisco to Singapore or Newark to Frankfurt, your Polaris journey begins before takeoff. To see real reviews, lounge updates, and wait-time reports, visit the TalkTravel Polaris Forum where travelers share their first-hand experiences daily.