Recently, when flying from New Orleans to Houston, I spent some time in the New Orleans United Club before my recent flight and thoroughly enjoyed the great staff and decent selection of food, including some local NOLA favorites.
Location of the United Club lounge at MSY
The New Orleans (MSY) United Clu blounge is located in Concourse C, near Gate C7. It is open daily from 4:00am to 6:30pm. From the concourse, you will come to a wall with a “United Club” sign and elevator. Take the elevator or stairs downstairs, where you will find the lounge on a lower level.
Access to United Club lounge at MSY
Access is reserved for United Club members, Chase United Club Visa holders, Star Alliance Gold travelers, and international business or first class passengers traveling on any Star Alliance flight. Note that if you hold a Star Alliance Gold card from United Airlines (Premier Gold or higher), you can only access the lounge when traveling in conjunction with an international itinerary.
Those who have a Star Gold card from other programs can use the lounge when traveling on any Star Alliance flight in any class of service. Also note that from New Orleans, United does not give premium cabin passengers access on domestic flights.
Furthermore, one-time passes are accepted. These are distributed to Chase MileagePlus Explorer credit card holders or can be purchased at the door for $59.
Facilities at United Club lounge MSY
From the front desk, you can head left to the dining and bar area or right to a seating area, which includes chairs with end tables (can copious plugs) as well as a few phone rooms. This club is in the style of Most United Clubs, with a faux white marble countertops, faux leather chairs, and modern light fixtures that look like starbursts.
A room for nursing and changing was available. Restrooms were available in the lounge and very clean, however there are no shower facilities in this lounge.
Food & Drink at United Club lounge at MSY
I was hungry by the time I reached the lounge and was glad to see a container of chicken and sausage gumbo (a local specialty), which was delicious.
The buffet spread was also decent (UA always seems to do better at outstations than at hubs) and included sandwiches, pizza, rice, fresh fruit, pasta salad, and a garbanzo bean salad. It was definitely a respectable spread.
Soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea were available, as well as a full-service bar with complimentary beer and wine and select sprits with a wider selection for sale.
Final Thoughts
When I get to the airport early, I appreciate lounges like this. The staff were friendly, I had an (authentic NOLA?) afternoon snack, and I got some work done. That’s about all I look for in U.S. domestic lounge.