United Airlines walked in the footsteps of Delta with club lounge restrictions

If you are a frequent traveler, Facilities are usually offered at first -class lounge at airport-Such as a private restaurant, free spa service, bedroom, and even a private bedroom -may be important to you. One thing to keep in mind about airport lounge and how they work Is that, contrary to popular beliefs, they are not just for elite credit card holders.

However, there is a significant transition in that direction. United Airlines is refreshing lounge access supply with significant changes to both prices and benefits. The airline raises membership fees and forced more stringent access regulations, making it more expensive and less flexible for travelers to access the United Lounge.

These changes are part of an effort to coordinate benefits and encourage customers to use credit cards for lounge access rather than traditional membership. Here’s closer to the new membership price, the transition to the credit card lounge access, and whether the United Club membership is still worth the tourist.

What are United’s New Lounge Access Price and Restrictions?

A major change has been introduced

United Airlines occupied the best in the US in 2024 and starts 2025 as one The best airline in the worldAccording to the Airhelp.com flight compensation website. United is also consistently Top airline with the best eye system For domestic and international tourists.

As part of maintaining this high position, such as companies, tweaks for services and offerings are always made. Recently, significant changes to the company’s lounge access program and price structure have been made to create a more exclusive experience for the most loyal customers.

United Airlines has introduced major changes United club membership Price rules and access. The United Club’s basic membership cost has increased from $ 650 to $ 750 per year.

As part of these changes, basic membership no longer allows free guest access. Instead, members must pay $ 59 for each guest they want to bring to the lounge. In addition, the basic membership no longer includes access to the Star Alliance partner lounge, the main benefits that have been released.

To offer a wider lounge access, United have introduced all access membership, costing $ 1,400 a year. These premium options include access to the United Lounge, Star Alliance Partner Lounge, and the ability to bring two guests. Discounts are provided for high -level members, such as Platinum, 1K, and global services, which can pay $ 1,300 and $ 1,200, for membership of all access.

Summary of major changes to unified club membership

• Price increase: The basic membership is now worth $ 750, up from $ 650.
• Guest Access: Guests are now worth $ 59 each; no longer included in membership.
• Star Alliance Lounge Access: No longer available with basic membership.
• All Access Membership: New options at $ 1,400, offer full access, including partner lounge and two guest allowances.

Advantages of Premium Credit Card: A better deal for lounge access

It comes with a variety of benefits, making it more attractive for regular tourists

United rejects a premium credit cardLike Chase United Club Infinite and Business Card, as an option for lounge access. Previously, the card had an annual fee from $ 450 to $ 525, but now they carry a higher annual fee of $ 695.

However, credit cards come with a variety of benefits that make it more attractive to regular tourists. Not only do they include guest access (one guest and dependents under 18), but they also provide the opportunity to get all the status of access by spending $ 50,000 a year on the card. This makes it an attractive choice for those who often travel with United, as they can enjoy lounge access without buying individual membership.

In addition, premium credit cards offer better benefits to United elite, including access to more lounges and exclusive privileges. The card is also cheaper than buying higher individual membership, which can run up to $ 1,400 a year. With this transition, United Airlines and Chase seem to encourage travelers to rely on credit cards for lounge access from choosing traditional membership.

Benefit Comparison (United Club membership vs Premium Credit Card)

Is the United club membership still worth it?

Credit card is clearly a better deal

Given the smaller rising prices and benefits, the traditional United Club’s traditional membership seems less attractive than ever.

For those who want to enjoy the same benefits, such as guest access and the entry of Star Alliance Lounge, all new access to $ 1,400 a year is optional, but it’s more expensive.

Instead, the Chase United Premium credit card, currently cost $ 695, offers a more cost effective way to access the lounge with additional benefits, including the potential to get all access status by expense.

For frequent United travelers, credit cards are clearly a better agreement. Not only is the card costs lower than the membership of all new access, but it also provides more flexibility, allowing access to United lounges and benefits to cardholders who may not be eligible for membership.

However, one -on -one tourists may find new prices for the membership of individuals who are prohibited, and dependence on credit card spending may not be suitable for everyone.

United Airlines’s new lounge access price has clearly stated that they directed customers towards premium credit cards for the best value. With higher fees for traditional membership and less benefits, Chase United cards with lounge access offer more attractive options for regular travelers.

Whether the membership is worth dependent on your travel habits, but for many people, premium credit cards are a better deal.