First Look: Inside United’s New Club at Washington Dulles

You’ll no longer have to go to the basement to get into a United Club at Washington Dulles International Airport.The brand-new United Club in the new IAD Concourse E spans nearly 40,000 square feet across an upstairs floor and can seat 630 passengers, making it a significant upgrade to the carrier’s existing lounge portfolio at the airport. It’s the second-largest United Club after its newest lounge in Houston, which opened just weeks earlier.The new lounge by gates E14 and E16 opens to customers Nov. 10, 2026. United invited me to a media preview of the lounge, and here’s what you can expect inside.United Club layout and designThe lounge features several nods to D.C.’s iconic landmarks and monuments, as well as the region’s natural beauty.When you first enter the lounge, you’ll need to scan your boarding pass and then head up the escalators (stairs and elevators are also available) to get to the lounge.One of my favorite design features as a former D.C. resident is that escalator ride up, which has been recreated to feel like you’re inside a Metro station.Thankfully, the escalator ride is not as long as at some stations. Looking at you, Dupont Circle!Once you're upstairs, you’ll walk into the heart of the lounge, with two buffet stations, a centerpiece bar and plenty of seating options, whether you’re traveling as a group or by yourself. (More on food and beverage options later.)It’s impossible to miss the soaring ceilings in this lounge, especially compared to the bunker-like atmosphere at some of the existing United Clubs.Don’t forget to look up, where you’ll see a cherry blossom sculpture, an homage to one of the region’s most popular attractions.There are also two additional lounging areas on both sides of the central area. One is inspired by the Blue Ridge Mountains, which you can see in the distance.The other has a cherry blossom theme, with light fixtures that branch out from the ceiling.Massive windows run throughout the lounge, allowing in tons of natural light and offering fantastic views of the airfield. United has a major presence at IAD, so expect to see plenty of United planes.Food and beverage optionsThe United Club has a full kitchen, allowing it to offer upgraded food options compared to its existing lounges at IAD.You can expect to find sandwiches, salads and hot protein dishes. The lounge also had a ramen bar and a chili bar set up during my visit.The two buffet stations are located right next to each other, with a dessert station in between.If you want something to drink, you can head to the bar or one of the hydration stations throughout the space.There’s plenty of seating at the bar, which has a double archway design. There are also large TVs if you’re trying to keep up with one of Washington’s many sports teams.Wellness amenitiesThe United Club has eight phone booths for those who need to make a call. They’re split between the two lounging areas in the club.You'll also find a single-stall private restroom, a wellness room, and dedicated men’s and women’s restrooms.There are no showers in this lounge. To access a shower in a United lounge, you’ll need to head to the Polaris Lounge, reserved exclusively for eligible business class passengers flying on United and select partner airlines.How to get into the United ClubYou can access the United Club by holding elite status, a lounge membership, the right credit card or an eligible premium cabin ticket.If there’s availability, United sells day passes at the door for flights departing within three hours. You’ll also need a valid same-day boarding pass on a United or Star Alliance flight.Is the IAD United Club worth visiting?If you’re looking for a United lounge, the newest club in Concourse E is where you want to be. It offers more space, lots of light and elevated food options compared to other United Clubs.Its massive footprint could also ease overcrowding, a common complaint with other lounges.One thing to consider is location. The concourses at IAD are spread out, and you may need to take a mobile lounge or train to get there. If you want to check out the lounge, make sure you give yourself enough time to get to your gate.How to maximize your rewards