When: September 17, 2024
Rating: 6.5/10 – Enjoyable
Access: United Club Member
The United Club at New York’s LaGuardia Airport is one of my favorite non-hub domestic United Clubs. This lounge is enhanced by its lovely bar, elevated food options, some nicer design touches, and enclosed office cubicles. The lounge is ideal for business travelers – especially given the near hourly flights to O’Hare
The lounge is in LaGuardia’s beautiful Terminal B, above the gates in the eastern concourse, which houses United, Air Canada, Jetblue and Southwest. After walking over the skybridge, entry to the lounge is on the right – just before the escalator takes you down to the gates – and just across from Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge, which is to the left. After showing your boarding pass to the agents, one is immediately struck by the familiar mid-2010’s United Club aesthetic which favors beiges, faux white marble, clean lines, and a variety of seating (sit down tables, high top tables, blue designer chairs, wider chairs). However, as you move into the lounge, you will notice some enhanced touches.
Just past reception, along the right side, you will find the washrooms, then two private-enclosed offices, which are perfect for confidential business calls. Past that you will pass the soft drink and drip coffee station. Keep walking you come across the bar, which is more elegant looking than the typical United Club bar. There is a charge for premium cocktails. Further down is the buffet: with a surprisingly large variety of hot and cold items. Breakfast options include frittatas. It is very easy to fill up here before a short domestic flight!
There is a huge variety of seats. I prefer the sit-down tables for eating and working. The blue designer chairs look out over the concourse (where you can partially view the tarmac). I particularly like (1) the cool modern lamps that adorn the lounge – something that I have only seen at this club and (2) some vintage United pictures that celebrate the airline’s history. I found the staff at this lounge to be friendly and accessible – there was someone always removing used glasses and plates. Electric outlets are everywhere.
This is not a lounge you arrive at the airport early for – but it more than meets its purpose and is ideal for business travelers.
I rate this lounge 6.5/10. Best features: The buffet and offices. Flaws: A little splash of color could elevate the look of the lounge.
