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United Airlines is going all-in on Denver. The airline has been expanding its footprint at Denver International Airport recently with new flights (like a nonstop route to Montego Bay, Jamaica, launching on November 4), additional gates, and the acquisition of 113 acres nearby to grow its pilot training facility. But what frequent flyers will benefit from the most are the two new, tricked-out United Clubs—one in Concourse B, the other in A.
We took a tour of the B location and it definitely beats waiting out your delay in those stiff black chairs by your gate. Here are the highlights.
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1. Anyone can access the clubs.
Sort of. United Clubs are free for premium cabin ticket holders (think: business class), those with Star Alliance Gold status, and certain credit card holders. However, travelers can also purchase annual memberships (starting at $550, depending on your MileagePlus status) or day passes ($59).
2. It’s massive.
At 35,000 square feet, the Concourse B venue, which opened in September, is United’s largest club in the world. (Even the Concourse A location, which debuted in August, is impressive at 24,000 square feet.) More than 600 seats, ranging from tables to booths to couches, are spread across two levels, which means you won’t be fighting anybody for an armrest.
The two new locations join United Club Fly, a quick stop for elevated grab-and-go bites, nonalcoholic drinks, and barista-made coffee designed for travelers catching connecting flights, that opened last year in Concourse B. (And stay tuned: United is planning to add another renovated club on the west end of the concourse in 2025.)
3. It’s perfect for the working traveler.
No more leaning over strangers or hovering in the corner in an attempt to plug in. Inspired by coworking spaces, every seat is situated near an outlet. The club also offers free WiFi, so you won’t lag on your Zoom meeting or miss that game-clinching Avalanche goal. Semi-private nooks are available, too.
Parents will also be happy to see wellness rooms that make feeding and changing children a little more comfortable.
4. Denverites will love the beer-centric vibe.
Plants, exposed ceilings, and large windows give the sunlit mezzanine bar (one of two) an airy feeling. The taps are backed by Vestaboard menus reminiscent of midcentury travel. “This [lounge] is more a nod to urban Denver,” says Russell Carlton, United’s corporate communications manager. The lineup features a seasonal selection of local and craft beers from well-known Colorado purveyors like Denver Beer Co., Upslope Brewing Company, and Great Divide Brewing Company; beer flights are also available, though you’ll have to pay for them (unlike most of the food and drink, which is complimentary). And as with most Denver breweries, there’s somewhere to play, too—specifically, two shuffleboard tables.
The Concourse A club feels equally as Centennial State-inspired. Designed to mimic mountain lodges, the space is decorated with flannel-patterned cushions, stacked wood, and vintage ski decor.
5. The art is locally focused.
The Mile High City’s penchant for murals is reflected in the space’s design. Throughout the Concourse B lounge, you’ll find street art–inspired works by local artists. Look up as you ride the escalator into the club to marvel at Will Schlough’s entryway sculpture; composed of around 200 skateboards, it’s meant to resemble Colorado blue spruce pine cones. Try to find the 44 words hidden in Charlo Garcia Walterbach’s blue mural near the mezzanine bar. And take in a geometric depiction of the Denver skyline in the full-wall mural by Jaime Molina and Pedro Barrios.
6. The food looks pretty good.
OK, so we didn’t have a chance to eat—we had to catch a flight, after all. But buffet dishes like oatmeal with Colorado honey; a farro, butternut squash, and kale salad; and pork (or vegetarian) green chili have us excited for a return visit. We did, however, fill our reusable bottles with mint-infused water before we rushed to our gate.
Find the revamped United Club locations near gates A26 and B44.
