United Club Los Angeles (LAX) Review
If you’re flying through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on United, there’s one place to add to your list: the newly expanded United Club Los Angeles located in Terminal 7.
With nearly 30,000 square feet of space, runway views, and the only outdoor terrace in the entire United Club network, here’s everything you need to know about the United Lounge LAX.
Where is the United Club Los Angeles?
You’ll find the United Club Lounge LAX in Terminal 7 near Gate 71A. Once you’ve made it through security, follow the signs toward the escalator on the side. You’ll approach a glass-walled entrance where a United agent will welcome you in.
This terminal serves most United flights, making the lounge convenient for all travelers.
What are the United Club Los Angeles hours?
The United Club Lounge LAX is open daily from 5:45 AM to 11:30 PM, making it perfect for a pre-flight stop, regardless of what time your flight is at.
These are the longest hours we’ve seen at a United lounge – probably due to the size and number of passengers that fly through LAX daily.
How can you access the United Club Los Angeles?
United offers multiple ways to access the United Lounge LAX, depending on your travel class, status, or credit card perks. Here’s the full breakdown:
United Club Membership
If you’re a frequent flyer, a United Club membership is the most straightforward way in. Memberships can be purchased annually (starting around $650) and allow access to any United Club location, regardless of your ticket type (you just have to be flying on United).
Pro Tip: If you’re flying a mix of airlines throughout the year, a Star Alliance airline lounge membership (like Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Club) may also grant you access to some United Clubs.
Day Pass
You can purchase a United Club day pass for ~$59 via the United app or at the front desk of the lounge (subject to availability).
Heads up: Capacity controls are sometimes in effect during peak hours, so day pass entry may not always be guaranteed. This is especially relevant for busy airports like LAX, so plan accordingly and recognize you may not get in.
Premium Cabin Travelers (International Flights Only)
If you’re flying United Polaris business class or international first/business class on a Star Alliance partner (like Lufthansa, ANA, or Air New Zealand), you’re entitled to complimentary lounge access the day of travel.
Domestic first class passengers do not automatically receive access; this perk only applies to international itineraries.
Star Alliance Gold Members
Flying internationally on any Star Alliance carrier in any cabin? If you hold Star Alliance Gold status (with United or another partner airline like Air Canada or Singapore Airlines), you’re in.
Note: Your outbound flight must be international, and you must show your frequent flyer status at check-in or the lounge entrance.
Credit Card Holders
If you have the United Club Infinite Card, you get full United Club access as part of your annual fee. This includes access for yourself and up to two adult guests (or one adult and all dependent children under 21).
If you have the United Explorer Card, you’ll receive two one-time passes per year, which you can use at any United Club, including LAX. Access to United Clubs on one-time passes is also subject to club capacity, so don’t be surprised if you’re not able to access the United Club LAX, particularly during a busy time with your one-time pass.
What Doesn’t Work?
- Priority Pass is not accepted at United Clubs.
- American Express Platinum or Capital One Venture X will not get you access unless you also meet one of the criteria above.
- Domestic First Class passengers without elite status or a club membership aren’t eligible on ticket class alone.
What’s inside the United Club Los Angeles?
Step inside and you’ll immediately notice: this place is huge. The layout is modern, with light finishes and floor-to-ceiling windows that give the space tons of natural light. It looks pretty similar to most United Clubs – but the amount of space is definitely something you don’t see everywhere.
You’ll find:
- Quiet spaces for working or relaxing
- Open areas for groups or solo travelers
- Tons of power outlets
- Clean, well-maintained restrooms (always appreciated)
Due to its size and LAX being LAX, the lounge can get pretty busy, especially around peak travel times. We visited around lunchtime on a Saturday, and while it was definitely crowded, we were still able to find comfortable seating for our family without much hassle.
United Club Los Angeles Food and Drinks
If you’re used to the snack-sized offerings at some smaller United Clubs, the LAX spread will feel like a welcome upgrade.
The buffet area offers a more robust variety of options than most domestic lounges, with both hot and cold selections that rotate throughout the day. During our visit, the food options included:
Taco Bar – A build-your-own setup featuring:
- Pork carnitas and adobo tofu as the protein
- Toppings included: guacamole, black beans, lettuce, sour cream, cheese, and salsa
Veggie Wraps and Pesto Chicken Flatbread
Charcuterie Plate – Small bites of meats and cheeses
Small DIY Salad Bar – Includes leafy greens and classic toppings like carrots and cherry tomatoes, plus an already-made pearl couscous salad
Desserts – Familiar picks like snickerdoodles, apple crumble, and fruit
The offerings are consistent with United Club standards, just with more variety due to the size of this lounge. I definitely appreciated the variety since sometimes the sole option at smaller lounges isn’t great.
As for drinks:
Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines – like many United clubs
Self-serve stations that offer hot coffee, tea, and chilled filtered water
The Circular Bar offers complimentary house wine, beer, and spirits, with top-shelf options available for purchase
The Outdoor Terrace at the United Club Los Angeles
Here’s the wow factor for the United lounge LAX: an open-air terrace overlooking the runway and skyline of Lalaland. It’s the only United Club in the country with an outdoor space.
Grab a seat on the patio furniture, breathe in the Pacific air (or jet fuel), and soak up the sun.
What’s not so great
Since we do a lot of family travel, we look for the family / mother’s / wellness rooms at United Lounges. And, at the very least, we have found that the United Clubs have a large single restroom with a changing table for our child (if not something better).
But the Los Angeles United Club? It looked like they’d printed out a piece of paper that said “Family Room” (I’m actually pretty sure that’s what they did) and put it on one of their work/office cubes. Maybe a 4 x 4 room – with just a chair and a tiny side table. There wasn’t even a garbage can in the room. The doors to the room also had frosted sections but anyone walking by could see in. This was definitely the most disappointing aspect of our experience at the United Club LAX.
We don’t need anything fancy, but this situation being the only family room option was far less than ideal.
How does the United Club Los Angeles compare to other United lounges?
Compared to other United Clubs, this one is a standout:
- Size: At nearly 30,000 square feet, it’s one of the largest—second only to the United Polaris Lounge in some hubs.
- Style: More recently updated than many older United Club
- Terrace: No other United Club offers this feature.
If you’ve been to the smaller lounges, like, say, Raleigh (RDU), LAX will feel like a serious upgrade.
Final Thoughts: United Club Los Angeles
The United Club at LAX balances form and function. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, it’s a solid spot to recharge before your next flight. The outdoor terrace alone makes it worth a visit as a one-of-a-kind feature for United Clubs.