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United Airlines opens its second grab-and-go 'lounge' in Houston today

Feb. 25, 2025
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6 min read
SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
United Airlines opens its second grab-and-go 'lounge' in Houston today
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If you like the option of just grabbing a quick drink or snack between or before flights rather than going through the traditional airline lounge experience, then you were probably excited when United Airlines opened its first grab-and-go Club Fly location at Denver International Airport (DEN) in 2022.

For fans of the grab-and-go concept, there's some good news to share: The airline's second Club Fly location has just opened within Terminal B at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

While the Denver location was themed to evoke ski chalet vibes given its mountain-adjacent location, the Houston Club Fly has a sleeker, futuristic design as an homage to Houston's "Space City" reputation.



 

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But since it is what's on the shelves that really counts in a space that isn't really designed for lounging around, below are some examples of what you can expect to find stocked at the Houston Club Fly.

  • Warmed pastries
  • Wraps
  • Salads
  • Sandwiches
  • Cookies
  • Chips
  • Cans of soda
  • Personalized coffee-based beverages crafted by baristas
  • Fresh-squeezed orange juice
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For pastries that are better when heated, such as the ham-and-cheese croissant I got to sample, you can take it to the counter and have them heat it up for you.

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In addition to the menu of lattes, cappuccinos and freshly squeezed OJ, there are also a couple of seasonal drinks that will rotate through. Currently, the seasonal favorites are a lavender matcha latte and the Blueberry Acai "Galaxy" Latte (there's that space theme again).

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

The latter (served warm or iced) was a big hit at the preview event.

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SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

There are no seats or public restrooms in this Club Fly, though there is a standing counter off to the side with a few outlets in case you really want to eat and then run.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

While it remains to be seen just how busy this location will be, especially while it is the only open United club in Terminal B for the time being, United has shared that the Denver location has seen 300,000 visitors since it first opened in late 2022. If demand is similar in Houston, that would average out to several hundred guests per day. Terminal B at IAH will eventually be home to the largest United Club in the system when it opens in 2026.

Access to the United Club Fly locations is the same as for the traditional United Clubs, except that no complimentary guests are permitted into Club Fly.

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While there are no other specific location announcements for additional Club Fly locations available at this time, United has shared that it is committed to this concept, so it would not surprise us if the concept continues to expand across more locations.

"Club Fly has been an awesome test for us, but we committed as we launched it in Denver. This was not just a trial; this was a full commitment that we were going to continue to learn from", Alex Dorow, United's head of lounges, previously shared with TPG's Zach Griff.

Related reading:

Featured image by SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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