United Airlines United Club C7 Washington Lounge
The United Club at Washington Dulles near gate C7 is very much the classic airport lounge from the 1980s, which is when it opened, and it hasn't changed since, except for a new carpet 20 years ago.
It is one of the largest United Lounges at Washington IAD, with a separate bar, so-so dining, and good runway views. Out of all the options it is the best United Club - but that isn't saying all that much.
Washington United Airlines United Club C7 lounge review
The Washington United Airlines United Club C7 lounge is a smallish lounge, rather cramped with low ceilings, but with a fair amount of natural light and you can even glimpse parts of the apron outside the terminal, if you are lucky.
However, it doesn't look that way when you enter, as there is a large spacious lobby for the reception desks, which is indeed the most open part of the lounge. Beyond this there is a corridor, with luggage storage down a side passage.
Next up is a large bright seating area, furnished with comfortable seats, and a window overlooking one of the gates.
A wooden divider separates the two halves of the lounge. You can walk up the left side, and check out the dining options, or the right, past the bar with some tables beside the bar.
In the second half of the lounge there are vast white work benches, with charging sockets inset into them. beyond this, and to the large windows, are acres of the same uniform beige leather armchairs and small side tables. It was all the rage 30 years ago, and cutting edge then, but starting to look a little dated now.
Indeed, just when you were starting to be wowed by the 1960s vibe of Washington Dulles airport, there comes the United Club. The main International lounge is the C7 lounge, one of four that United operate at Washington, and with the exception of the new Polaris lounge, all are sub-par. If you are looking for more space, the neighbouring C17 lounge might be better. Despite being an underground dive with no windows, it is simply more spacious and always seems less crowded that the C7 or tiny D8 United Clubs.
Because it is the only United Club at ground level, the lounge can also get packed: finding a seat at peak times can be challenging, which adds to the somewhat down at heel feel. Indeed, the lounge also feels somewhat temporary, as if it's waiting for something better to come along. And that's because it is. Terminal C was always meant to be a short term stop gap when it was built 20 years ago, and was expected to last only a few years. Over two decades later it is still standing, as is the United Club.
Food
The Dining Corridor is exactly that - a small corridor down parallel to the bar, with just a white refectory bench down one side. In the morning there is the standard United breakfast selection, which just about does. Then by mid morning it moves onto a basic salad bar, and nibbles. By United standards it is quite a decent salad bar, with half a dozen bowls. There are also sandwiches, with ham and cheese dominating. Occasionally there is even the rare delight of a bowl of corn chips. But that's it. It's hard to turn this lot into decent preflight dining.
Bar
The bar is oddly tucked into a corridor of the main central walkway, flanked as it is by the buffet area, and with tables for long term drinkers beside the bar.The small staffed bar serves basic beers on draft, and house wines, but there is the usual charge for anything above bottom shelf. It is on the whole a very depressing experience, even on a mid Friday afternoon when the Washington drinkers come out in force, before their flights back home.
Business Facilities
There is free wifi.Power and USB outlets are somewhat more plentiful that you would normally expect in a normal United Club.
Bathrooms
In Lounge, up the corridor that leads to reception.Access
United Club members, holders of a United Club Credit Card with lounge access, Air Canada Maple Leaf Club membership, United Club daypass, United Airlines premium transcontinental, Polaris or business class ticket, Star Alliance business or first class ticket, United MileagePlus (Gold, Platinum, and 1K members) with same day international travel and Star Alliance Gold cardholders departing on a same-day United or Star Alliance flight.
Video: United Airlines United Club C7 Lounge
View photos of United Airlines United Club C7 Washington Lounge
Washington Airport Guide
| United Airlines United Club C7 Washington Lounge | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rating |
Video walkthrough and Image gallery by Loungeindex.com
| |
| Pros | Largest United Lounge at IAD Plenty of seats Good airport views |
|
| Cons | Dull uninspired lounge Very basic wine and spirits |
|
| Location | Near gate C7 | |
| Terminal | C | |
| Opening hours | 0520-2200 | |
| Access | United Club members, holders of a United Club Credit Card with lounge access, Air Canada Maple Leaf Club membership, United Club daypass, United Airlines premium transcontinental, Polaris or business class ticket, Star Alliance business or first class ticket, United MileagePlus (Gold, Platinum, and 1K members) with same day international travel and Star Alliance Gold cardholders departing on a same-day Lufthansa or Star Alliance flight. | |