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Falling in line with American Airlines and Delta, United Airlines is adding capacity controls to their lounges. You’ll need to fly United Airlines, or one of its partners, the same day to gain entry.
The good news is the changes don’t kick in until November 1, 2019. So you have nearly a year to make the most of the current access policies.
The tightening of airline lounge access rules will likely encourage more folks to apply for cards with Priority Pass membership, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, because these lounges don’t require you to fly on a specific airline.
Here’s more about what you need to know.
United Club Restrictions Coming in 2019
Monkey see, monkey do! When one legacy carrier makes a change, like raising checked baggage fees or introducing basic economy fares, the others usually follow.
And in 2019, they’ll all have similar lounge access policies, too. United Airlines says:
Effective November 1, 2019, United Club customers, including members and their guests, and one-time pass holders, will need to provide a same-day boarding pass for travel on United, Star Alliance, or a contracted partner for entry into all United Club locations.
The change affects all methods of entry, including folks who have a paid membership or get in with a credit card like the United Club Infinite Card.
Until the changes take hold, you can fly any airline and get in. That’s handy if you’re near a small airport, like Austin, and flying another airline. Because the gates are pretty close to one another.
But folks using United Clubs in sprawling United Airlines hubs, like Chicago or Newark, are typically flying with United Airlines anyway. And getting across terminals just to get into a lounge can be time-consuming if you aren’t.
Priority Pass to the Rescue!
Link: The Best Credit Cards With Lounge Access
The airlines want you to be loyal to them, but lots of folks (including me) shop for flights based on price. That doesn’t mean you can’t relax in an airport lounge!
All these changes make Priority Pass membership more appealing.
Here are the best credit cards with lounge access – many of them include Priority Pass lounges!
That said, if you find yourself flying one airline often, you might consider getting a card with a membership to their lounges. Because it’s likely to be a little less crowded late next year.
Will these changes affect how you travel?