United cuts Polaris Lounge access for Singapore Airlines and many Star Alliance partners

Singapore Airlines First and Business Class passengers flying from the United States have historically been able to access United Polaris Lounges, where available. 

These are a cut above the usual airport lounge, with dining rooms, bartender service and shower suites. I’ve had the privilege of visiting them in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Houston (before service was discontinued), and found the experience highly enjoyable every time. 

Unfortunately, United has made a major change to the access rules for Polaris Lounges, which excludes Singapore Airlines and most Star Alliance carriers going forward.

United tightens Polaris Lounge access rules

United Airlines has quietly updated its Polaris Lounge access rules, effective from 14 April 2026. 

Previously, First or Business Class passengers departing on any long-haul Star Alliance flight could access Polaris Lounges. For example, a Business Class passenger travelling on Singapore Airlines from SFO to SIN would be entitled to access (but not a PPS Club member flying in Economy). 

Under the revised policy, access is restricted to passengers flying with ANA, Air New Zealand and Lufthansa Group carriers. All other Star Alliance passengers will instead be directed to the United Club, or another lounge arranged by their airline.

This is a major downgrade, make no mistake. Polaris Lounges offer individual shower suites, nap rooms, a la carte dining, barista coffee and a cocktail bar. United Clubs are far more basic affairs, with a simple buffet spread and prepackaged snacks. Alcohol is available, but you will need to pay for premium spirits or wines.

It’s no secret why this is happening. Polaris Lounges have faced serious overcrowding issues in recent years (then again, which lounges haven’t?), as United and its Star Alliance partners add more premium capacity from its hub airports. United also plans to offer Polaris Lounge access to travellers on premium transcontinental routes like New York to San Francisco, which will only add more pressure on the system.

During my last visit to the SFO Polaris Lounge a few weeks ago, the wait time for the restaurant was in excess of two hours, so it’s clear that something has to give. United is therefore restricting access to its joint venture partners, to the exclusion of all others. 

What lounge arrangements does Singapore Airlines have?

For what it’s worth, United Polaris Lounges were usually not a practical option for Singapore Airlines passengers in the first place.

Out of the five United States gateways that Singapore Airlines serves, United has Polaris Lounges in three of them: Newark, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. However, the Polaris Lounges at Newark and Los Angeles are in different terminals from Singapore Airlines, and while not impossible to visit, do require a significant amount of extra time.

San Francisco was the notable exception. Up until the end of March, Singapore Airlines Business Class passengers were directed to the Polaris Lounge near the G Gates.

However, at the start of April, Singapore Airlines relocated to the A Gates on the opposite side of the international terminal. The lounge was then switched to the newly-opened Air India Lounge — which looks pleasant enough, but is a relatively small facility (just 3,400 square feet) that lacks showers.

Eligible passengers could still walk across to the “wrong” side of the terminal, clear TSA security and visit the Polaris Lounge, before exiting, walking across the terminal, clearing TSA security again and boarding their Singapore Airlines flight. This was a doable journey — certainly more so than EWR or LAX — but this recent rule change makes it a moot point anyway.

Here are the lounges that Singapore Airlines now uses across its US destinations.

Conclusion

United Airlines has made a major change to its Polaris Lounge access policy, which removes access for all Star Alliance partners except ANA, Air New Zealand and Lufthansa Group carriers.

While I’m sure United’s customers will be happy with this development, it’s obviously less positive for Singapore Airlines and all the other “uninvited” Star Alliance members. That said, the main impact will really be felt in San Francisco, given that the Polaris Lounges in Newark and Los Angeles were always somewhat inaccessible for SIA passengers to begin with.