United’s New Lounge Concept Encourages Snack-Taking

The recently launched United lounge at Denver International Airport may lack alcohol, restrooms, and cozy nap areas, but it features coolers stocked with gourmet sandwiches, cheese platters, salads, chips, sodas, and juices. There’s also a coffee bar offering made-to-order espresso drinks. Guests are not only allowed but encouraged to take food and drinks to go.

United's new concept, called United Club Fly, is designed to assist United Club members—who pay an annual fee for access to over 40 other United lounges across the U.S. that offer complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and occasionally showers—in quickly grabbing sustenance for their next flight without guilt over sneaking snacks for later.

What’s the purpose behind the new lounge concept?

Alex Dorrow, United’s managing director of lounges, premium services, and hospitality, explains to Dinogo that the creation of this streamlined lounge model was a response to the need for variety in lounge experiences. “We realized that a one-size-fits-all approach wasn’t viable,” he said. “This design is intentionally different, aimed at meeting specific needs.”

According to United, over two-thirds of customers arriving at Colorado's largest airport are on connecting flights, often leading to tight layovers. Denver serves as a central hub linking to many smaller airports across the country, including Fargo, North Dakota; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Billings, Montana; and Lincoln, Nebraska.

“These cities are crucial to our overall network, yet they haven’t received the same premium services,” Dorrow explained. “We need to find ways to provide value, and that doesn’t always involve access to a large club, especially when travelers are pressed for time. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s about better serving more of our guests.”

The lounge is situated near Gate B61, located at the terminal's end, where regional jets frequently operate.

Design of the United Club Fly

Access to the new United Club Fly is granted to United Club members, travelers in United’s premium international cabins, and holders of United Club one-time passes. However, unlike traditional lounges, guests are not permitted to bring companions. Eligible visitors can enter through electronically operated glass gates after scanning their boarding passes.

The layout directs guests to enter through one door, pass by the coffee bar, navigate the aisle of food and cold drinks, and exit through another door. Dorrow explained this design aims to minimize congestion. For those wishing to linger to eat or recharge their devices—equipped with traditional plugs as well as USB-A and USB-C outlets—there are several standing desk areas and 16 seating options available.

Dorrow emphasized that it was vital for his team to ensure that “guests felt they were in Colorado” during the lounge's design process.

Reflecting the local ambiance, the lounge resembles a ski lodge, featuring wooden beams that create an open A-frame ceiling and a faux fireplace designed with water vapor (it doesn’t produce heat but enhances the cozy atmosphere). The leather seating is crafted by local artisans, and the windows are frosted to mimic snow coverage, allowing those inside to see out while preventing outsiders from peering in. A wooden sign displays a topographic map of the nearby Rocky Mountains.

Food and Drinks at United Club Fly

At United Club Fly, every food item is designed for takeout—everything from muffins to salads comes in individual packaging. Dorrow notes that the menu features the most popular items from the main lounges that guests often grabbed before heading out. Offerings like sandwiches and cheese platters are substantial enough for hungry travelers to enjoy as a full meal.

The food and drink selections are particularly convenient for travelers on short-haul flights that don’t reach cruising altitude long enough for cabin crew to serve snacks or drinks.

The coffee bar serves a variety of espresso and matcha-based beverages. For those facing a long line, there’s a self-service station with drip coffee and a machine that brews Illy coffee.

Upcoming Lounge Developments in Denver

United has not yet determined whether any of its other serviced airports will adopt the grab-and-go model—it will depend on the success of this initial venture, according to Dorrow.

This new concept arrives as Denver’s airport undergoes a transformation of its lounges. In addition to the grab-and-go model, United is renovating and expanding its two existing clubs in the B Concourse, and is constructing a new club in the A Concourse to accommodate more international travelers. Additionally, Capital One has announced plans to build a lounge in Denver—its only other completed lounge is in Dallas—with an expected opening in 2023. American Airlines is also reimagining its Denver Admirals Club, though no specific dates have been released yet.