One of the nicer non-hub United Clubs, with some nice finishes – but could benefit from some color
When I lived in NYC, I was a frequent guest at the United Club at LaGuardia. It was always one my favorite non-hub domestic United Clubs. When I had a noon reservation at the Capital One Landing lounge, I arrived early to revisit the United Club since they are in the same terminal. The lounge has not changed: it 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. Yet the lounge’s relentless adherence to the mid-2010s United Club aesthetic means the lounge is sorely in need of a little color.
The lounge is in LaGuardia’s beautiful Terminal B, above the gates in the eastern concourse, which houses United, Air Canada, Jetblue, Southwest, and Frontier. 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). There are some noticeable and refined touches, including some designer style lamps throughout. 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 am a big fan of the vintage United pictures that celebrate the airline’s history. Electric outlets are by every seat. The Internet worked very well. This is something United does well: connectivity.
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. United serves Illy coffee. There is a freestyle soda machine. There is also an espresso/cappuccino machine. 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, but well drinks are complementary.
Further down is the buffet: with a surprisingly large variety of hot and cold items. Breakfast options included mini-egg bites, potatoes, bacon, fruit, cereals, cold cuts, spreads, yogurt, bagels and breads. While it’s not gourmet, it is very easy to fill up here before a short domestic flight!
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. While I still enjoy this lounge, the entire experience could be enhanced by some additional color: maybe the translucent dividers used in LAX?
…the details: Date: February 27, 2026. Rating: Enjoyable (6.5/10). Access: United Club member
….what I like: The private offices, decent breakfast offerings, some design touches
—what I don’t like: The overall design seems monochromatic
