United Polaris Lounge
Install our free app.
United Polaris Lounge – Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
A haven for passengers departing or arriving in United’s intercontinental premium cabin and Star Alliance long-haul Business and First Class passengers, the United Polaris Lounge at Houston Intercontinental airport is situated in Terminal E between gates E11 and E12, above the United Club, a stone’s throw from the security checkpoint and near United’s international departure gates.
The lounge welcomes long-haul premium passengers exclusively. Star Alliance Gold members traveling in economy and business class customers traveling to Central America are invited to use the United Club.
United Polaris Lounge IAH design
The fourth addition to the nascent Polaris Lounge network, the United Polaris Lounge at Houston Bush airport is a faithful sibling of its San Francisco and Newark counterparts, in a more compact setting.
United Polaris Lounge – Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
On the concourse level, a marble-clad lobby greets patrons with an elegant back-lit desk, high-end finishes, and a light fixture evoking seven constellations (a near replica of the Polaris Lounge Newark piece.) An elevator whisks guests to an elegant top-floor space with floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views of the tarmac and runways.
At Houston airport, the designers have stayed away from the open space concept, preferring smaller rooms that are less grandiose and feel more residential. Partitions delineate areas dedicated to relaxation, work, socialization, and dining. The decor is a modern yet timeless blend of soothing blue, gray, and white tones. The alliance of designer light fixtures, marble partitions, and accent lighting creates a serene ambiance with luxurious undertones.
United Polaris Lounge – Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
Guests have their choice of over 10 types of seats, all outfitted with one or more USB and power outlets. Solo travelers will find 22 private and comfortable “signature seats”—productivity pods equipped with personal lighting, USB and power, a coat hook, and a laptop table—while other options include dining tables, couches, and traditional lounge seating with side tables and individual lamps.
The Polaris Lounge plays on the cosmos metaphor with star-shaped clusters of seats, “stardust” motifs on the ceiling, and dimly-lit hallways outfitted with LED twinkling stars.
United Polaris Lounge IAH amenities
The United Polaris Lounge at Houston Intercontinental airport boasts an outstanding line-up of amenities, which include an outstanding dining experience, shower suites, and semi-private relaxation areas.
United Polaris Lounge – Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
The buffet features a cold and hot spread with a Texan and South American flair. The selection includes Brazilian empanadas, Argentinian picadillo stew, Cilantro rice, and a Chipotle mac and cheese casserole. The breakfast menu is inspired by European trends, with baguette, cheese, and mustard.
For a more luxurious experience, consider taking a seat at United’s complimentary full-service restaurant—an outstanding perk for business class travel. The posh space features 14 tables with seating for 28 patrons, and offers an adventurous menu with highlights such as a Texan hash skillet for breakfast, a chilled gazpacho, Argentinian roasted chimichurri chicken, and Cajun andouille sausage and chicken etouffee. The popular Polaris Burger is also on the menu, as well as all-time favorites such as chicken quesadillas, and a selection of desserts including tres leches bites and lemon curd.
United Polaris Lounge – Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
In addition to wine pairings, United offers a full bar, with a broad selection of international wines, Champagne, and beer on tap.
The star of the show is the creative cocktail menu, crafted from fresh and home-made ingredients such as lavender syrup, anise-infused vodka, and oolong tea-steeped bourbon. The signature cocktails celebrate the multi-cultural horizons that dominate the Houston bar scene, with the Caliente on the Rocks, a margarita with homemade sour mix which can be enjoyed as spicy as desired, and the caipirinha, a Brazilian drink crafted with muddled lime, sugar, and cachaca. Barista coffee is also available.
The United Polaris Lounge at Houston Intercontinental airport features six spacious and elegantly appointed shower suites outfitted with a rain shower, slippers, heated Saks Fifth Avenue-branded towels, Cowshed Spa bath products, and handy power and USB outlets. Amenities such as combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower caps, curling irons, and shaving kits are available upon request. United also offers clothes pressing service: hang your clothes through the double door, ring the bell, and your items will be promptly returned to you while you freshen up.
United Polaris Lounge – Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
Adjacent to the shower rooms are two semi-private quiet suites featuring a daybed, eye masks, ear plugs, Saks Fifth Avenue-branded pillows and blankets, and a white noise machine. The design aims at striking a balance between comfort and efficiency: while relatively private and quiet, the suites lack doors, and their location in front of the windows is not especially conducive to sleep.
In lieu of traditional public bathrooms, the Polaris Lounge sports generously-sized individual all-gender stalls equipped with a toilet, a sink, an ottoman, and plenty of room to change or freshen up.
United Polaris Lounge IAH bottom line
United’s new Polaris Lounge at Houston Intercontinental airport delivers a luxurious and intimate experience, with an outstanding array of amenities including shower suites, a full-service restaurant, and a full bar.
United Polaris Lounge – Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
The lounge is compact, with less than 200 seats, and may get busy early in the mornings or in the evenings, when most long-haul flights arrive or depart.
Note that Star Alliance passengers should allow 10 minute walk to reach the adjacent Terminal D, while guests continuing on to United domestic flights will want to allocate 10 minutes to reach Terminal C, and 15-20 minutes to get to Terminals A or B.
- The elegant residential design and grand views.
- The semi-private work and relaxation spaces.
- The full-service restaurant and full bar.
- The limited number of quiet suites.
- The crowds at peak times.
For more information, read our blog post: FIRST LOOK: The United Polaris Lounge Houston
You may have access to United Polaris Lounge as a premium customer of one of the following airlines, or as an elite member of their frequent flyer program. Check the Access rules tab for more details, or use our lounge access wizard to find out if you have access.
Star Alliance
Access for eligible customers traveling on the following Star Alliance member airlines only.
 | ANA (NH) |  | Aegean (A3) |  | Air China (CA) |
 | Air India (AI) |  | Air New Zealand (NZ) |  | Asiana (OZ) |
 | Austrian (OS) |  | Avianca (AV) |  | Brussels Airlines (SN) |
 | Copa Airlines (CM) |  | Croatia Airlines (OU) |  | EGYPTAIR (MS) |
 | EVA Air (BR) |  | Ethiopian Airlines (ET) |  | LOT Polish Airlines (LO) |
 | Lufthansa (LH) |  | SWISS (LX) |  | Shenzhen Airlines (ZH) |
 | Singapore Airlines (SQ) |  | South African Airways (SA) |  | TAP Air Portugal (TP) |
 | Thai Airways (TG) |  | Turkish Airlines (TK) |  | United (UA) |
4.5 / 5, based on 20 reviews
