Philly airport’s United Club Lounge temporarily closed by health department for health violations.
The United Club Lounge at Philadelphia International Airport has been temporarily closed following a health department inspection that identified multiple health violations, including a concerning fly infestation. The closure took effect on Monday, and the lounge remained shut as of Wednesday while United Airlines worked to address these issues.
According to the inspection report provided by the city health department, significant violations were uncovered during the evaluation. Among the findings were a fly infestation in the men’s restroom, the presence of flies near the lounge’s bar area, and malfunctioning hand sanitizer and dish detergent dispensers. Further, inspectors noted that there was no hot water available at a sink in the food preparation area, and none of the staff on duty possessed the requisite food safety certification mandated by city regulations.
Given the “imminent health hazards” documented during the inspection, the health department issued a Cease Operations Order, requiring the lounge to halt all food-related services immediately. The lounge will need to remain closed for a minimum of 48 hours, rectify the identified issues, and pay a fee before it can undergo a re-inspection to determine if it can safely reopen.
In a statement released on Wednesday, United Airlines representatives expressed hope for a swift reopening of the lounge. To accommodate affected United Club members during this closure, the airline is offering a voucher that can be used at airport concessions.
This recent inspection followed a prior evaluation in July, which also discovered that the lounge was not in satisfactory compliance with health regulations. At that time, the health department emphasized the necessity of corrective actions to remedy the violations noted during that visit. City officials revealed that the lounge has faced scrutiny, with five inspections logged since April 2024, during which several repeat violations were observed.
The United Club Lounge is known for offering amenities such as complimentary food and beverages, comfortable seating, and ample charging outlets for its members and one-day pass holders. Membership options begin at 0 or 94,000 miles earned, while one-time access is available for approximately per individual.
As the situation continues to develop, travelers are reminded to stay updated on the lounge’s status and any further announcements from United Airlines.
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