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Update — May 19, 2026 at 4:45PM
While we originally published that Toronto Signature Suite access was changed to exclude flights to South America, Air Canada has since reached out to confirm that it was a simply a typo and the access rules for the Signature Suite remain the same.
With lounge crowding comes more restrictions, and that is just how it goes. In mid-April, United added significant restrictions on access to Polaris lounges. In isolation, it may not be a big deal, but taken together with many other changes, we see lounge access rules tightening across the board.
New United Polaris Lounge Restrictions
Before April 14, all passengers flying internationally in first or business class on a Star Alliance airline would be able to access the Polaris lounge.
Now, only Star Alliance passengers flying United, ANA, Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Brussels, Air New Zealand, and ITA Airways can access Polaris lounges. Essentially, access is now limited to passengers flying on United metal or with a United joint venture partner.
There are still some fare-specific restrictions for paid tickets, but all award tickets qualify for lounge access. The usual rules still apply, such as you can only enter the lounge at the gateway where your qualifying long-haul flight takes off.
United Polaris passengers, understandably, get special access to the Polaris lounge at departing airports, connecting airports, and even upon arrival.
United Polaris Lounge Newark
As part of a recent change, United now markets and sells select premium transcontinental and Hawaii flights as Polaris, giving passengers access to Polaris lounges.
This is a massive change from before, as the majority of Star Alliance passengers will no longer have access to Polaris Lounges. Think Singapore Airlines, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Air India, LOT Polish, and many others. United instead directs passengers flying on airlines that don’t qualify for Polaris Lounge access to the United Club.
More Airport Lounge Restrictions Overall
In the past year, we’ve seen Amex introduce lounge restrictions at both the card level and lounge level. In Canada, the Amex Platinum card is limiting lounge access to 12 visits a year, split between Plaza Premium and Priority Pass, beginning January 2027.
Amex isn’t changing Centurion Lounge access for Platinum cardholders, but the lounges will enforce new access rules starting in July 2026. Guests must travel on the same flight as the cardmember, and travellers can only enter during a layover within five hours of their next departing flight.
Amex Centurion Lounge Washington National Airport DCA
My take is that while restrictions that block your lounge access are unfortunate, these changes are necessary to keep lounges a pleasant environment. Polaris lounges draw huge crowds in the afternoon before transatlantic departures, while Amex Centurion Lounges stay crowded almost all day.
After all, what’s the point of having lounge access if you can’t even get in and need to join a waitlist?
Takeaway
Airport lounge access is clearly becoming more restrictive across the board, whether through tighter guest policies, visit caps, or stricter eligibility requirements. United’s Polaris Lounge changes are especially significant because the airline now excludes many Star Alliance premium cabin passengers.
At the same time, it’s hard to ignore why these changes are happening. Premium lounges have become increasingly crowded, particularly at major hubs during peak departure waves. While not qualifying for access is frustrating, the alternative is overcrowded lounges, waitlists, and a noticeably worse experience for everyone inside.
12 comments
Enough is enough. 1k for years, spending over $150,000 each year with United, never got invitation to Global Services. Now, tickets to EU double prices, and NO access to Polaris lounge once you purchase business class ticket for cash, miles, upgrades, etc. You must pay EXTRA $1,000 to get access to longue each time ( and get ticket with change allowance ) . $6,000 to $8.000 for the ticket WITH access to the longue. Thank you very much, United. Other airlines will take our $150,000 each year. Decreasing the basic respect to the customers is your normal business practice. Good luck – I sold all United shares I had in my portfolio. Short term look for money will finally move this airlines levels down , with no customers using it for business travels . Trying to be more ‘exclusive’ ? OK. Not with us.
By $1,000 extra, I’m guessing you’re referring to the newly-introduced Polaris Basic fares… Emirates was the first airline to unbundle business class, followed by Qatar, and my guess this will be standard at all airlines going forward. All airlines eventually bought in to basic economy.
What about the Star Alliance branded lounges?
Also what about accessing SQ, TK lounges while on a UA ticket ?
Doesn’t this go against the policy of Star Alliance Lounge access open to all?
I fear reprisals for UA tickets in those markets !
The United Club lounges will remain open to Star Alliance Gold. SQ, TK lounges would be subject to their own policy… I hear you that it’s not a great precedent.
Flyertalk seems to think its a mistake and that they copied YVRs Signature Lounge access rules to YYZ. Have you spoken to anyone at AC to confirm the changes?
We have not, and I certainly hope it’s just a mistake.
Edit: looks like you’re right!
I traveled extensively YYZ->Brazil, Chile, Colombia in the last year. Having access to Signature was a relaxing step before getting on the plane. Now access is gone to SA I will likely book United Polaris to these destinations! Thanks Air Canada for your enshitification!
I assume it’s maybe due to overcrowding in the late evening hours since the transatlantic flights are also at that time.
Edit: Air Canada has confirmed it is only a typo and access rules remain the same.
I’m lucky because i can bring a guest at Polaris ORD because I’m flying first class and there’s no other lounge.
Being able to bring a guest is a major perk
Odd to remove deep South America
Like my other comment, it could be due to crowding in the evening as South American-bound flights take off at a similar time as transatlantic flights.
Edit: Air Canada has confirmed it is only a typo and access rules remain the same.