Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is a large hub for the United Airlines network connecting many cities in the Northeast to the rest of the United Airlines domestic and international network along with United’s Star Alliance partners. United Airlines has four United Clubs along with a single United Polaris lounge for Polaris customers. The United Club near gate C7 was visited in early March, 2023. With credit card branded lounges and upgraded airline lounges in the works how does the United Club gate C7 in Washington Dulles stand among the competition?
Who can access the lounge?
United Airlines has specific United Club access policies for lounge entry. There are many different ways to Access United Clubs through credit cards, airline status and one time passes. Some ways to access a United Club include:
- An international Business Class United ticket (including Canada).
- A Business Class United premium transcon (Newark to Los Angles / San Francisco).
- First Class on a Star Alliance member airline.
- A United Club membership or Air Canada Maple Leaf lounge membership.
- Star Alliance Gold members.
- Select MileagePlus credit card holders.
- Active duty military and family members (subject to capacity).
Entering the lounge
There are various United Clubs located post security in the midfield terminal concourses in Washington Dulles. Throughout the concourse are signage providing directions to the United Club. Outside the lounge, it is hard to miss the entrance. Two friendly staff members were in the lounge lobby checking in visitors. Prior to entry boarding passes needed to be scanned. During this particular visit the airport was not busy however, lines may form in the lounge entrance during peak times.
First Impressions
The United Club at Washington Dulles C7 is starting to show its age in regards to design and décor especially when compared to the newer United Clubs such as Newark. The lounge lacks natural lighting in some areas and has low ceilings. Despite the outdated interior, the furnishings were in good shape and in clean condition. There are different seating options in the lounge area. A buffet area in the center of the lounge divides the space into half with similar seating on either side. During this particular visit there were plenty of open seats and tables available. Staff members were quickly disposing leftover items left on the tables.
Buffet Options
Various food and snack options are available in the buffet area. During the visit a fruit table was set up along with an assortment of buffet options including mac and cheese with toppings, mini sandwiches, a salad bar. A Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage machine is on the other side of the buffet area where various sodas can be selected. Quality of the buffet food was average and on par with other United Clubs. As this lounge visit was later in the evening, some selections in the buffet area were almost out of food. There were no clean forks available but, the lounge attendants personally retrieved a fork over to the table prior to replenishing the forks in the buffet area.
Seating Area
Only a few other passengers occupied the lounge allowing for ease of selecting a place to sit. At busier times the United Club may become crowded and have limited options. Similar to other United Clubs there are high top tables with plug outlets. On either side of the lounge are couches and two person tables. Unlike the United Club visit in Boston, this particular lounge does not offer the greatest runway views but instead offers windows overlooking the main ramp area. Free WIFI is available throughout the lounge and worked without issue during the visit.
Final Boarding Call
The United Club at Washington Dulles C7 is a typical run of the mill United Club. Despite the older interior and design of the lounge, the flooring and seating are kept in great condition. The space was basic yet functional and got the job done without fuss. Overall, the atmosphere was very mellow and laid back throughout the lounge. While the buffet food was average at best, the lounge staff were exceptional and proactive with cleaning dirty plates and trash off the tables. As with many United Clubs that have been visited, the staff working the entry desks and lounge area were friendly yet professional. While not as flashy as Delta Air Lines new skyclubs, the United Club Washington IAD C7 is a good lounge to visit and to relax or grab a quick bite to eat before catching a flight .