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Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)United Airlines has made a drastic change to its Polaris Lounge access rules for those flying Star Alliance partner airlines, effective immediately.
Let’s take a look at what happened and what it means for you.
United Airlines operates a network of exclusive Polaris Lounges at several of its U.S. hubs, reserved for United’s own Polaris customers and also those flying on a Star Alliance carrier, either in first or business class.
However, as reported by One Mile at a Time, United has made a drastic update to its partner access policy for its most premium lounge offering. Now, only business and first class passengers flying with a select group of Star Alliance carriers can access Polaris Lounges, where available.
Under the new policy, here’s who can access a Polaris Lounge when flying with a Star Alliance partner:
United Polaris Lounges — similar to practically every other airport lounge — have faced overcrowding issues in recent years due to a number of factors, including United adding more flights and premium seats from its hub airports, its Star Alliance partners increasing their presence at United hubs in the U.S., among others.
Faced with this reality, the Chicago-based carrier decided to take action to maintain the exclusivity it strives for in its Polaris Lounges, and from a logical standpoint, it makes sense. However, unfortunately, this change means that most Star Alliance passengers who would have been eligible to access a Polaris Lounge just a couple of days ago can no longer do so.
The collection of partner carriers whose premium tickets will continue to grant Polaris Lounge access isn’t entirely surprising, but what is surprising is the list of major carriers left off, like Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, and others.
Hot Tip:If you’re flying a Star Alliance partner in business class, don’t assume Polaris Lounge access anymore. Instead, plan to use your departing airline’s lounge or a Priority Pass option — and double-check your access rules before heading to the airport.
While this change to Polaris Lounge access rules for Star Alliance partners isn’t terribly surprising, considering the state of overcrowding at airport lounges around the country, it is nevertheless unfortunate news for most Star Alliance premium passengers who can no longer access these desired spaces.
Hopefully, this will lead to more carriers — or the alliance — constructing new lounge spaces in airports that have a significant Star Alliance presence.