Guide to the New United Polaris Lounge Washington Dulles Airport

When United calls, I always pick up (see our 787-10 Dreamliner photo shoot). 🙂 My all-time fave brand and airline recently invited me to a special preview of the new United Polaris Lounge Washington Dulles Airport. Spoiler alert – it was love at first sight!

Today, I’m excited to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the new lounge.Oh, and did I mention the new food and beverage program in partnership with FLIK? From the bottom of my heart, I am overjoyed to share these updates with you. I get so excited when brands push themselves and their partners to bring elevated experiences that make travel that much more fun and joyful.

Disclaimer: All photos featured in this blog post were taken on a closed set. Between photos, I also put on my mask. The crew was only two people total, and all of us are fully vaccinated.

United Polaris Lounge Washington Dulles

New to the United Polaris Lounge concept? Basically, United and Star Alliance customers are eligible to access the lounge if they’ve purchased an international, long-haul first or business class ticket.In addition to Washington Dulles, the airline has Polaris Lounges at Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Newark (EWR), and Houston (IAH). Keep in mind, some of the lounges are currently closed but plan to be reopened later this year and/or 2022. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on those dates!

For now, the Washington Dulles lounge is open and ready for business! The 21,000 square-foot space offers so many phenomenal experiences,countless upgrades and new amenities. One of my fave new additions? The “Quiet Rooms,” complete with white noise machines, United sleep masks and Saks Fifth Avenue blankets and pillows. The lay-down seats will be a hot commodity (and likely where you’ll find me!). I sincerely hope they roll these rooms out to other airports soon. I’ve only seen these types of rooms at Lufthansa Lounges in Frankfurt.

United Polaris Lounge Washington Dulles Location

Looking for the Polaris Lounge? You’ll find it near gate C18, which is across from the United Club. Guests simply check-in at the front desk and either head up the stairs or use the convenient elevator in the lobby.

United Polaris Lounge Hours

One of my best pieces of advice? Arrive early to take advantage of the Lounge! In fact, Bob and I tend to arrive anywhere from 3-5 hours before our flight just to experience it. Customers can expect the lounge to be open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Set your alarm, Bob – we’re heading there at 5:30, lol! 🙂

Interior Design Elements

In typical United form, the Polaris Lounge’s architecture and design is spacious and positively gorgeous. The space is bright and airy, and features modern yet timeless touches. One new unique element is the “Library,” which highlights colorful blue and purple books. The chairs are comfy and chic, and feature countless outlets to charge your phone, laptop and other electronic devices.

Plus, there is a lot of seating. You’ll never feel crowded. In fact, the United Polaris Lounge Washington Dulles has 355 seats, 13 restrooms and 42 places to sit and eat.

Furthermore, I love United partnered with a local artist, Maggie O’Neill, to create artwork for the various spaces. Her art is so colorful and highlights so many gorgeous aspects of the local community.

Food and Beverage

Thanks to a new partnership with the hospitality group, FLIK, United and Star Alliance customers will find a range of new food and beverage options. Oh, and they have not one, but SIX new hot sauces. I nearly fainted (fyi I’m a huge hot sauce fan).

Beyond the thoughtful menu, the star of the entire Polaris space is the bar, which includes a thoughtful cocktail menu featuring several exclusive drinks. I highly recommend the Arigato!

Plus, there’s a “Dining Room” section where guests may order a la carte items. The most popular item? Their signature burger complete with crispy fries. It’s delicious!

Amenities

Once you’ve indulged in the food and drinks, I also recommend enjoying some of their complimentary amenities. Need your outfit to be steamed or ironed? They can take care of that. Forget your flat iron or curling iron? They have you covered. Be sure to check out the full list of amenities near their bathrooms and shower rooms.

In Closing

In conclusion, I highly recommend checking out the United Polaris Lounge Washington Dulles. From the interior design to artwork, food to drinks and amenities, you’ll head into your flight feeling like a true VIP.

Special thanks to Allie Provost of Pret a Photo for the beautiful images and Obinna Obioma for the lighting! All of these photos were taken on a closet set.