United To Open Polaris Lounge at Dulles International Airport (IAD)

United Airlines is planning to open its latest Polaris lounge at Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Sterling, VA in October. This top lounge offering for United and Star Alliance customers will enhance the passenger experience at Dulles and further emphasize the Washington, D.C. hub as one of United’s primary international gateway airports.

IAD Polaris Lounge Opening

The lounge will be opening on October 21, 2021, joining several other United Polaris lounges that are open, including ones in Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), and Houston (IAH) and San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX) (reopening in 2022)  — all United hubs.

IAD Polaris Lounge Location and Hours

The new lounge will be located directly across from gate C17 and the United Club there. It will be completely separate from the United Club and have a specific entrance dedicated for eligible passengers.

You can expect the lounge to be open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., which covers a wide range of flights arriving and departing throughout the day.

To get to the lounge from the main terminal, you’ll need to take the post-security train to Terminal C, and from there walk back into the terminal itself where you’ll ascend a set of escalators upstairs. Turn left at the escalator and walk down the terminal to gate C17.

Accessing the IAD Polaris Lounge

Unlike most lounges, the Polaris lounge is only accessible by those in United Polaris business class or on a long-haul international first class or business class flight on United or a Star Alliance member airline. You won’t be able to access the lounge strictly based on status, which makes the space truly exclusive.

Hot Tip: Don’t miss our step-by-step guides on the best ways to use points book United business class and first class, as well as how to upgrade to business or first class on United flights.

What You Can Expect Inside

The United Polaris concept is meant to create an ultra-luxe predeparture experience on the ground — much more premium than the United Club offerings nearby.

Several features will be offered at the Polaris lounge at Dulles, including:

• A private dining section, where you’ll be able to order à la carte items
• A bar and dining menu featuring complimentary food and drink
• An exclusive bar with décor meant to replicate the architecture style of Washington, D.C.
• A “library” sitting area, where passengers can relax.

The lounge itself will host 355 seats, 13 restrooms and 42 places to sit and eat.

Final Thoughts

As international borders begin to reopen, travel will begin to pick up. For those in United’s Polaris class, as well as long-haul international business and first class products, having access to the Polaris lounge will be a welcome treat where you’ll experience free-flowing food, drink, and many exclusive amenities. Be sure to check out the lounge space when it opens later this month.