A sophisticated boutique lounge with a sit-down dining room
United’s transcontinental flights between Newark and LAX/SFO were at a competitive disadvantage at the airport vs American and Delta because it did not offer Polaris Lounge access to business class flyers, whereas American and Delta granted similarly seated passengers Flagship Lounge and Delta One Lounge access, respectively. That changed, however, when United started branding business class on these transcontinental flights as Polaris, with Polaris Lounge access at Newark, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. When this happened, I booked a recent trip back from LA via United so I could access the one Polaris Lounge I had yet to visit: LAX.
The lounge is located in the middle of the Terminal 7 concourse just beyond gate 73. Whereas the Polaris Lounge in San Francisco is massive, this one is much smaller and is the smallest Polaris Lounge. This makes sense when you consider the much greater size of United’s San Francisco international flight operations. However, all the Polaris Lounge design elements are there. To enter the lounge guests must take the elevator up one level from the gate concourse. The entry will be familiar to any frequent Polaris traveler.
The lounge has an east and west side connected by a circular area that overlooks the concourse. After clearing reception, guests are directed toward the west side of the lounge. This is the main seating area. The floor to ceiling windows flood the room with daylight – and provide great tarmac views. Seating is familiar: regular lounge chairs, some beige chairs around tables, in the center is a lovely sofa divided into sections with tables and chairs (perfect for larger groups), and the terrific work pods that are large enough for a laptop and a drink. Outlets are everywhere. This area also has two private offices, which are perfect for conference or zoom calls. I appreciated the light fixture above the sofa with the Polaris motif.
This room also houses the bar. The bar has a sleek curved top that seems suitable to Los Angeles. While it is not as visually appealing as the new speakeasy in the O’Hare Polaris Lounge, it is in line design-wise with the other bars in the network. There is an extensive menu of cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, and mocktails. As usual, there is no charge for any drinks in the Polaris Lounge.
To the right of the bar is the coffee and tea station. Illy coffee is served. I like to mix regular coffee and decaffeinated coffee – so I appreciate the decaf being offered. I like the variety of teas on offer. Next to the coffee and tea was the infused water station. Below the water were two refrigerators with a variety of soft drinks.
Past the soft drinks – and now in the circular area is an attractive and curved wine wall. There are small dining tables wrapped around the windows that look out onto the gate concourse, which are ideal if the dining area is crowded.
On the other side of the circular area is the buffet. While it is smaller than other lounges in the network, I found the items on offer for lunch and dinner to be impressive. From left to right: gummy bears, banana chips, dried apricots, sun-dried tomato orzo pilaf, chardonnay chicken, roasted summer squash, chimichurri shrimp, pasta primavera, roasted corn poblano soup, deserts highlighted by a mango coconut tapioca pudding and a blueberry cheesecake tart, charcuterie, mezza (flatbread and pita with a choice of toppings), a salad bar, and some fruit. Nevertheless, since I had time, I chose the sit-down dining room.
Offering restaurant style dining for business class passengers is not common. So United really impresses here (as Delta does). The dining room here is smaller than the others – which is to be expected – but is nicely (if familiarly) designed. The new dining room at O’Hare and Newark are more specialized. I appreciated the presence of outlets in the dining room. From the menu, I ordered the gazpacho (which was perfect on a summer day), the seared chicken risotto, and the raspberry sorbet for dessert. Portions are small but diners are free to order as much as they like. The food hit the spot – the gazpacho was outstanding.
Nap time. Before taking a shower, I wanted to take advantage of one of the two nap rooms for an hour. These are on a first-come basis. An attendant will escort you. I appreciated the eye mask and the Pellegrino that were in the nap room. The nap rooms are on the far east side of the lounge – so this section of the lounge does not get a lot of sunlight in the afternoon. The lounge/recliner was fine – it was not the bed I got in the Singapore Private Room – but I did manage to dose.
Shower time. An attendant will escort you to a shower – if one is available. Since it was not busy when I entered the lounge, I did not have to wait. There is a sign at shower reception for extra amenities. The shower suites themselves are fine. I like the grey slate tiles. The water pressure was perfect. Showers are stocked with Perricone MD products.
Washrooms are all individual rooms. Like all Polaris Lounges, the ceiling of the washroom hall has a starlight motif. I did get a surprise: not sure I remember individual washrooms with both a toilet and a stand-up urinal!
The lounge was well-staffed, and the staff worked to keep the lounge clean. Though at the early hour, there were not that many guests. As per all United Clubs, internet connectivity was seamless, and as noted, outlets were plentiful. While the lounge does not overwhelm with amenities like a Delta One lounge, this lounge has an relaxed and sophisticated exclusivity to it.
…the details: Date: July 23, 2026. Rating: Exceptional. Access: Polaris seat to Newark
….what I like: The dining room, the showers, and staff
…what I don’t like: When the evening bank of international flights begin, crowding could become an issue.
