United Polaris Lounge

Opened in January 2019, the United Polaris Lounge LAX is United’s exclusive club for intercontinental business class passengers. The lounge welcomes passengers traveling in business class on flights operated by United and Star Alliance partner airlines longer than six hours.

Star Alliance Gold customers traveling in economy and United Club members can use the United Club located near gate 71-A.

The Polaris Lounge is situated above the rotunda near gate 73, in the vicinity of the security checkpoint and gate 70s, and a short walk from gates 80s.

United Polaris Lounge LAX design

Bathed in South California sunlight, the United Polaris Lounge is inviting and elegant, yet surprisingly compact. With only five intercontinental daily flights from LAX, United allocated just enough space for premium customers, offering a highly intimate experience.

The Polaris Lounge LAX is effectively a miniature version of its siblings at Chicago, San Francisco, New York-Newark, and Houston airports.

The decor is a soothing blend of blue and grey tones with bespoke pendant light fixtures highlighted by stardust motifs, in a nod to United’s brand. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal views of the tarmac, runway, and the distinctive LAX Theme Building. In the evenings, the western orientation promises spectacular sunsets.

The seating configuration appeals to a broad variety of needs, with a choice of individual productivity pods, convivial conversation areas, and an intimate dining room.

The lounge features twelve highly private cocoons outfitted with personal lighting, power and USB ports, a coat hook, and a laptop table. For additional privacy or phone calls, guests can retreat to one of the two phone rooms equipped with a desk and power outlets. Travelers feeling social will find an inviting open area with a convivial star-shaped couch, and comfortable chairs around coffee tables.

Power and USB outlets at available at every seat, including under the bar.

Walking away from the windows and passing beyond the customer service desks, guests reach the aptly-named oculus which surrounds the rotunda. In rather tight quarters are a buffet and dining area, with windows overlooking the concourse. The decor incorporates smart space-saving features, such as the wine wall which stores 192 bottles for day-to-day use.

The Polaris Lounge LAX also incorporates a hallmark of Polaris design features: “starry night” ceilings with twinkling LED lights leading to the bathrooms and relaxation areas.

United Polaris Lounge LAX amenities

The United Polaris Lounge Los Angeles boasts a world-class array of amenities for work and relaxation, with a focus on the dining experience.

The buffet features a selection of light bites and small items with a variety of both health and comfort foods, and global and locally-inspired cuisine.

For a more substantial offering, patrons are invited to take a seat in the dedicated restaurant area, where they may order a full three-course meal. All offerings are complimentary, and cooked on site in a dedicated kitchen. The only catch: with only 8 tables and 16 seats, it may be wise to line up early.

The Polaris Lounge bar features a wide a selection of local wines and draft beers, as well as an impressive array of creative cocktails. Polaris favorites such as the Paper Plane, a bourbon concoction with Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, Aperol, chamomile honey and lemon—served with its own folded airplane—are on the menu, as well as LA exclusives such as Let’s Rumble, a mix of rum, lemon, pear puree and house-made simple syrup designed in a nod to LA’s health craze and passion for rum cocktails.

Other options include infused waters, juices, soda, as well as hand-crafted espresso drinks.

A substantial portion of the Polaris Lounge Los Angeles real estate is dedicated to sleep and relaxation.

Reminiscent of luxury hotels, six elegant, stone-clad shower suites are equipped with a rain shower, a toilet, and a sink, and stocked with a myriad of amenities including Saks Fifth Avenue-branded towels, Cowshed Spa bath products, and slippers. There are even power and USB outlets for those last-minute charging needs.

Curling irons, hair dryers, dental kits, hair straighteners, deodorant, sewing kits, shower caps, and vanity kits are available upon request. Patrons can also have their clothes steamed while showering.

In the vicinity of the shower rooms are two semi-private noise-buffered rooms with a daybed. While the lack of individual doors aims at discouraging extended stays, the quiet suites still provide excellent privacy. United offers a variety of sleep-inducing amenities, including a Saks Fifth Avenue-branded blanked, a white noise machine, earplugs, eye masks, and slippers. Pajamas are available upon request.

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. The Polaris Lounge LAX also incorporates a wellness room for new parents furnished with a comfortable chair, a sink, and a baby changing station. There are even complimentary diapers.

United Polaris Lounge LAX bottom line

The United Polaris Lounge LAX is delightfully elegant, grand yet understated, private yet open. The amenities are second to none—United essentially offers First Class services to all business class passengers.

While the compact dimensions of the lounge foster a feeling of intimacy and exclusivity, the lounge may fill up should a flight get delayed. It’s advisable to inquire early for a shower, slumber room, or dinner at the restaurant.

As a more vibrant, but decidedly less private alternative to the Polaris Lounge, patrons can head over to International Terminal B and explore the sprawling Star Alliance Lounge, which boasts extraordinary design features such as an outdoor terrace complete with a bar and fire pits. Allocate at least 20 minutes to reach the lounge, and note that full-service dining is only offered in the First Class section. United, on the other hand, offers this service to all business class passengers.

For more details, read our day one review: FIRST LOOK: Intimate and seductive, the United Polaris Lounge LAX