United closes Polaris lounge doors to many Star Alliance partners, but ITA passengers are saved

United Airlines has changed the rules for access to its Polaris lounges, and the news will not please many Star Alliance passengers.

The U.S. carrier has restricted entry to its premium lounges for those flying with partner carriers, effectively erasing a benefit that until a few days ago was available much more widely to long-haul business and first passengers.

The point that really interests Italian readers, however, is another: ITA Airways passengers are not overwhelmed by this cutback.

It would have been a mockery, just as soon as it started ITA's Star Alliance adventure to see themselves shut out of the finest halls of the American company. However, this is also one of the most important differences that ITA Airways passengers will have to get used to understanding: Many Star Alliance carriers have two different types of lounges. In the case of Lufthansa people with status are treated better, Singapore Airlines or United reward the ticket and from now United I will also look at which airline you fly with.

In the updated rules reported after the amendment that came into effect on April 14, 2026, United in fact continues to recognize access to Polaris Lounges for passengers traveling in business class on ITA Airways, while many other Star Alliance carriers remain excluded. Indeed, the list of still-eligible partners includes the following ITA Airways, ANA and Air New Zealand for business class, while for other carrier groups access remains limited to narrower cases.

Those flying with airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, LOT, EgyptAir, Ethiopian or other Star Alliance partners will have to make do with United Clubs.

Those who fly ITA, on the other hand, at least on this front avoid the cut-off and maintains one of the most attractive benefits of the newly inaugurated Star Alliance ecosystem with the Italian airline's official entry into the alliance from the April 1, 2026, but mainly due to the business partnership that LH Group has with the American company.

United's choice seems to be mainly related to the problem of crowding in the Polaris Lounges, which have become increasingly congested at major U.S. hubs. For this reason, the carrier has decided to favor its premium customers and a very select group of partners. The news, however, for once is positive for those departing from Italy or flying with ITA: In the new restrictive United scheme, ITA stays in.