United Airlines Elevates the Airport Lounge Experience with New United Clubs
By Christina Claveria, Senior Project Manager, IMI Agency | September 16, 2026
New United Clubs in Houston, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco will bring elevated food and beverage, thoughtful design, outdoor spaces, and greater flexibility to travelers by the end of 2026.
United Airlines Washington, D.C. (IAD) Hub
United Airlines continues to elevate the airport lounge experience with several exciting new United Clubs opening across its hub airports in Houston, Washington D.C., and San Francisco by the end of 2026. These new spaces have been designed to meet the needs of today’s travelers with elevated food and beverage offerings, thoughtful design, and a greater focus on flexibility, comfort, and connection.
Houston (IAH)
Our first stop brings us to Houston (IAH) where United is set to open its largest Club yet in October 2026, spanning an impressive 54,000 square feet. The Club will feature expansive airfield views, an outdoor terrace, modern food and beverage offerings, and premium spaces designed for both work and relaxation. The opening builds on the success of United Club Fly, which launched in 2025 as a grab-and-go concept for connecting passengers looking for a quick stop to pick up snacks, coffee, and beverages without spending time in a traditional lounge.
Washington, D.C. (IAD)
Meanwhile in Washington, D.C. (IAD), a new 40,000-square-foot flagship United Club is also set to open this Fall, offering seating for approximately 650 guests, positioning it among the largest airport lounges in North America. Located above the AeroTrain station, the Club will feature an expansive buffet and full-service bar.
The Club’s design is deeply connected to Washington, D.C., with a Metro-inspired entrance, architectural elements influenced by Pierre L’Enfant’s original 1791 street plan, and cherry blossom-themed artwork woven throughout the space.
The art in the lounge features a cherry blossom-themed mobile that will hang from the ceiling in the center of the space. Photo Credit: Edward Russell.
The new D.C. United Club entry is inspired by architect Harry Weese’s iconic vaulted Metro station designs. Photo Credit: Edward Russell.
A blue room in the new United Club at IAD is inspired by the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. Photo Credit: Edward Russell.
San Francisco (SFO)
Our final stop is out in San Francisco (SFO) where United will debut a 25,000-square-foot Club by the end of 2026, making it the largest United Club at SFO. One of the space’s standout features will be its 4,000-square-foot outdoor terrace overlooking the airfield.
The terrace will offer seating for individuals and groups, covered areas, heaters for year-round use, and pass-through outdoor bar service. Inside, the Club’s design will reflect San Francisco’s eclectic character, drawing inspiration from local neighborhoods and the Bay Area’s vibrant art scene. The space will embrace San Francisco’s eclectic character and draw inspiration from local neighborhoods and the Bay Area’s vibrant art scene.
Creating a Greater Sense of Place
Together, the new Clubs reflect United’s continued investment in creating differentiated lounge experiences that go beyond traditional airport amenities. From convenient grab-and-go concepts to expansive flagship lounges with outdoor spaces and elevated food and beverage, the airline is creating more ways for travelers to eat, drink, work, relax, and connect before or between flights.
Just as importantly, each new space is designed to reflect its destination, giving travelers a stronger sense of place while they wait for their next flight.
