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Introduction: First Class to Panama on Air China
Review: Marriott South – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Review: Fast and Furious Japanese Grill – Irving
Review: United Airlines (737-900) First Class – Dallas to Houston
Review: United Club – Houston International Airport Terminal E
Update: American Express Centurion Lounge Houston
Review: Air China (777-300) First Class – Houston to Panama
Review: Sortis Hotel and Casino – Panama City
Review: Marriott Executive Apartments – Panama City
Review: Panama Canal – Miraflores Locks
Review: Tocumen Royal Saloon Lounge
Review: Copa Club – Tocumen International Airport
Review: United Airlines (737-800) Economy Plus – Panama to Houston
We touched down in Houston a few minutes behind schedule but I still had more than an hour on the ground so I wanted check out some lounges that I had not reviewed before. I exited the aircraft and made the short walk from Terminal C to Terminal E with the hopes of gaining access to the United Polaris Lounge that recently opened. The agent turned me away because my flight was not the long haul (over 12 hours, she said) in a premium cabin. I asked if there was complimentary entry for military, there was not.
I made my way next door to the United Club. The line extended out of the main entrance.
After a few minutes in the queue, I showed my boarding pass and was granted access to the lounge. I had access due to my first class flight and my Star Alliance Gold status because I was traveling internationally.
Before I get into the review, I would like to say that I have visited United Clubs in Boston, Los Angeles, and Tokyo (pre blog), to name a few. The domestic United Clubs are usually spacious, but have sparse offerings. No showers, pay for premium drinks, and a limited food selection.
This club was no different. I made a left from the check in desk and took the escalator up to the mezzanine level. There was a help desk straight ahead and an information board to the left of it.
To the right of the information board, near the restrooms was a family room.
I turned left to head towards the bar/dining area. There was a lot of seating on the way. Guests were sprawled out waiting for their flights.
I approached the bar to grab a drink but was quickly rebuffed. I had not known until this moment that airport lounges and restaurants in Texas cannot serve alcohol until after 10am on Sundays, but you are able to get a drink on an airplane prior to that time. 🤯
I took a look at the food options. As I said before, it was only limited to continental breakfast options. I quickly found the exit in search of something else to do.
Final Word
The United Club was a place to relax before a flight, if you want a place to simply relax. Without showers, hot food options, and complimentary premium drink selections, the domestic United Clubs are not competitive. The United Polaris Lounges are closing this gap, but they are so hard to gain access.
