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United Club PHL – Location/Access
During my recent visit to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), I had the opportunity to check out the United Club lounge located in Terminal D. The lounge is conveniently situated not too far from Gate D5, where Air Canada usually departs. Compared to the Amex Centurion Lounge in Terminal A, the United Club is notably smaller. However, its proximity to Gate D5 makes it a practical choice, especially if you fly with Air Canada or have Star Alliance Gold Status.
United Club Philadelphia (PHL) – Entrance
Access to the lounge is granted through several means: holding Star Alliance Gold Status, flying in Business Class on a Star Alliance carrier, or through specific US United-affiliated credit cards that come with lounge passes or access.
United Club Philadelphia – Reception Desk
Seating, Layout and Ambiance
Upon entering the lounge, the seating area to the left features gray leather couches, each equipped with USB charging stations—a thoughtful touch for travellers needing to recharge. Continuing through this section and making a right leads to the main buffet area. Beyond the buffet, more seating options are available, and at the very end of the lounge, you will find the main bar.
Leather Sofa-style seating
Main Bar area
One interesting detail is the presence of a bust of Benjamin Franklin, adding a unique local touch to the lounge’s aesthetic. The bar offers standard rail drinks for free, while premium drinks cost $10 to $15. While I am not a fan of paying for drinks at an airport lounge, it’s good to have the option. To the right of the bar, there are more seating options consisting of hard white chairs and tables, which I found less comfortable compared to the leather couches.
Seating around bar
During my visit, the lounge was not even at 50% capacity, making it easy to find a seat—a stark contrast to the often-busy Centurion Lounge. No music was playing, and I did not hear any announcements, not even for United flights, which made the space feel quieter and more relaxed. While the window shades were drawn halfway, you could still glimpse views of the planes at the gate, though not as openly as expected.
Additional Lounge Seating
United Club PHL – Food & Drinks
The food selection at the United Club was not as impressive as that of the Centurion Lounge. The offerings included a salad bar, an artisanal board with meats and cheeses, and a Philly cheesesteak snack bar. Additional items included cheddar and broccoli soup, roast beef and cheddar sandwiches, and Caprese Italian sandwiches.
Buffet Area
United Club Philadelphia – Sandwich
Coffee Station
Though the variety was decent, I found the quality and choices less appealing than the more curated and diverse menu at the Centurion Lounge. While the United Club had a few staples, it lacked the flair and range of hot dishes that I’ve come to appreciate in more premium lounges.
Takeaway
Overall, I would rate the United Club Lounge at PHL a 6/10. While it does not match the quality and amenities of the Amex Centurion Lounge, it still serves as a convenient and relatively quiet spot to relax before a flight, especially if you are flying Air Canada or another Star Alliance carrier from Terminal D.
The biggest advantage of this lounge is its proximity to Gate D5, making it a practical option when you don’t want to walk to Terminal A. If you prefer a quieter and less crowded space over food variety and free premium drinks, the United Club Lounge might be your preferred choice at PHL.
Bon Voyage ✈️
2 comments
That’s good to know Pat. I may have to transit through PHL again to check them out.
I was at the AA Flagship lounge in ORD and was very impressed. Hoping the one in PHL is up to par with that one : )
With the recent additions of the Chase Sapphire Lounge and the AA Flagship Lounge, PHL is becoming a pretty good spot for lounges. The British Air lounge is pretty good and the Delta Lounge is passable. The Terminal A Admirals Club has just been renovated, and supposedly the B/C Admirals Club is due up next. It may force United to update this lounge.