Health department temporarily closes United Club Lounge at Philadelphia airport due to health concerns.
The United Club Lounge at Philadelphia International Airport has been temporarily closed following an inspection by the City Health Department that revealed several significant violations. The lounge, located in Terminal C, was shut down on Monday due to a fly infestation and other deficiencies noted by health inspectors. As of Wednesday, the facility remained closed as United Airlines worked to rectify the reported issues.
Inspection reports highlighted various hazards found within the lounge, including a fly infestation in the men’s restroom, the presence of flies near the bar area, and malfunctioning dispensers for hand sanitizer and dish detergent. Furthermore, inspectors noted a lack of hot water at a sink designated for food preparation, and revealed that none of the staff on site possessed the necessary food safety certification, a requirement stipulated by the city that mandates at least one employee hold this accreditation at all times.
Given the immediate health risks observed, the health department issued a Cease Operations Order, mandating the establishment to halt food operations immediately. To reopen, the lounge must address the identified violations, undergo a re-inspection after a minimum period of 48 hours, and pay any necessary fees.
In a statement on Wednesday, United Airlines acknowledged the situation and expressed hopes for a prompt reopening of the club. For members affected by the closure, the airline has offered a voucher redeemable at the airport to compensate for the inconvenience caused.
This incident marks a continuation of compliance issues for the lounge, as a follow-up inspection was conducted on Monday after a previous evaluation in July. During that earlier visit, inspectors indicated that the lounge was “not in satisfactory compliance,” highlighting the need for corrective actions to eliminate ongoing violations. Since April 2024, the lounge has been subject to five inspections in total, accumulating a series of recurrent violations, indicating a concerning pattern of compliance failure.
The United Club Lounge, which advertises amenities such as complimentary food and beverages, comfortable seating, and numerous charging outlets, is accessible to club members and those holding one-day passes within three hours of their flight. Memberships begin at 0 or 94,000 miles, while a day pass is available for .
Moving forward, it remains imperative for United Airlines to ensure that the lounge meets health and safety standards to protect its clientele and reinforce operational integrity.
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