One of the most fun aspects about the credit card game is being able to really maximize benefits while spending the least amount of money. There is not a better example of that where people who fly in coach are able to enter a lounge that is reserved for business class+. United doesn’t seem to like that sort of loophole, and will be closing it.
The Changes
Previously, if you were a Star Alliance Gold member, you could access the United Polaris lounges by just buying a coach ticket. United will be closing that off:
“Beginning Jan 1st, 2020, you’ll only be able to visit most of our partner lounges if you’re traveling in United Polaris business class. Use the tool below to see where these lounges are located and if you can visit them on an upcoming trip. “
Final Thoughts
I can understand from United’s point of view that they want to keep business class lounges relatively quiet. I don’t have the numbers to back me up on this, but I’m assuming that if United is making a change like this, either hey themselves noticed, or too many people complained to United about this. In either case, it looks like getting that coach ticket will no longer work. Maybe there’s another way around?
Are you one of the people that would buy a normal coach ticket and be able to use Polaris lounges? Let us know down in the comment section below.