Finally: United will open a Polaris Lounge in Denver
United Airlines will soon have a Polaris Lounge in every domestic hub airport.
The airline's only domestic hub without a Polaris Lounge is Denver International Airport (DEN), but that's going to change "in a couple of years," according to CEO Scott Kirby.
The new Polaris Lounge will be located between Gates A18 and A20 in the new Concourse A-West extension that recently opened.
Construction on the Polaris Lounge hasn't started, but the airline is seemingly far enough along in the planning process for Kirby to make Tuesday's big announcement.
"We are standing in the area that will … become in a couple of years the new Polaris club," Kirby said as he took the stage at the "United Next in Denver" event on Tuesday.
Kirby's remarks coincide with United's major Denver-focused expansion announced earlier on Tuesday morning. It includes 35 new flights, six new routes, three new and revamped United Clubs, 12 new gates and much more.
Growing in Denver has long been a priority for United. The airline faces stiff competition in the local market from Southwest Airlines, which has also been expanding in the Mile High City both before and during the coronavirus pandemic.
But while the Denver expansion is good news for those based in the city or connecting through it, the carrier will soon celebrate a milestone that's been a long time coming.
United debuted its first Polaris Lounge in Chicago in late 2016, and it has since opened these business-class-only spaces in Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
The lone domestic holdout was Denver, and it wasn't clear if United would ever build a Polaris Lounge there. That's because Denver's long-haul service has largely been limited to a handful of routes to key cities, such as London and Tokyo.
But of course, plenty of flyers start their Polaris journey in Denver, so having this premium lounge space will be a big addition to the network and the airport.
No other details about the Denver Polaris Lounge were announced on Tuesday, but we'll be sure to keep this story updated as we learn more.
In the near term, Denver flyers can get excited about three new and revamped clubs opening shortly. Two will open this summer — one in A-West and another in B-East — while the final one in B-West will be ready in 2024.
Altogether, United will have nearly 100,000 square feet of lounge space in Denver — a major expansion compared to the existing footprint.
Related: Everything you need to know about United Polaris business class
The carrier has teased Colorado-themed amenities and seating areas throughout the new and revamped clubs. The two lounges in Concourse B will each measure 36,500 square feet, making them the two largest in the United Club network.
Notably, Denver is also home to the airline's first (and only) Club Fly, a small outpost designed for those with short connections. United Club Fly offers a selection of grab-and-go snacks and beverages, along with a small coffee bar.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- 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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.