Lounge access rules change often — confirm in the lounge's app or the card's benefits page before you fly.
Cleveland Hopkins has no hub airline anymore, and CLE lounge access reflects that: there are just two lounges, The Club CLE in Concourse B and a United Club in Concourse C. The good news is that all three concourses share one secure area, so the best credit card for Cleveland flyers is simply one with Priority Pass — there's no Centurion Lounge at CLE, and no Chase Sapphire, Capital One, Delta or American lounge either.
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Quick answer
- Best overall for CLE lounge access: any Priority Pass card — Priority Pass CLE access covers The Club CLE, which every passenger can reach
- Best value for Priority Pass: Capital One Venture X — $395 for Priority Pass, which at CLE means The Club CLE (there's no Capital One Lounge here)
- Best for travelers with companions: Chase Sapphire Reserve or Citi Strata Elite — both include two free Priority Pass guests
- Best for frequent United flyers: the United Club card with access to the Concourse C United Club — see our United MileagePlus guide
Airport snapshot
CLE was a United hub until 2014; today it's served by a mix of United, Southwest, American, Delta, Frontier and others, with no single dominant airline. One terminal feeds three active concourses (A, B and C); Concourse D is closed. A long-term terminal modernization program, CLEvolution, is in early phases, with full completion targeted for 2032 — no new lounges have been announced as part of it.
Where to go by terminal
| Concourse | Airlines | Lounges there |
|---|---|---|
| A | Frontier | None |
| B | Southwest, Delta | The Club CLE (at the B entrance) |
| C | United, American, Air Canada, JetBlue | United Club (C14–C16) |
Concourses A, B and C are connected behind a single security perimeter, so you can walk to either lounge from any gate without rescreening. Airline gate assignments vary, so check your airline app.
Lounges at CLE
The Club CLE
- Location: Just inside Concourse B, after security, near the concourse entrance.
- Access: Priority Pass members (Amex Platinum, Sapphire Reserve, Venture X and Strata Elite all include it) and anyone with a $50 day pass, bookable online. Entry no earlier than 3 hours before departure, with a 3-hour maximum stay, subject to capacity.
- Guest policy: Set by your Priority Pass membership; children under 2 are free.
- Best for: Everyone not flying United. It has a buffet, a full bar and runway views, and stays open later than the United Club.
United Club CLE
- Location: Concourse C, between gates C14 and C16.
- Access: United Club members and United Club card holders, Polaris and Star Alliance international premium-cabin passengers, Star Alliance Gold members on Star Alliance flights, and one-time passes when space allows. Same-day United or Star Alliance boarding pass. United domestic first class alone doesn't get you in, and it doesn't take Priority Pass.
- Guest policy: United Club card membership includes one adult guest plus dependents.
- Best for: United flyers with a membership. It closes in the early evening — check hours in the United app.
Priority Pass at CLE
- The Club CLE — Concourse B entrance. Real lounge; the only Priority Pass location at CLE.
- Access: Priority Pass Select from Amex Platinum, Sapphire Reserve, Venture X or Citi Strata Elite covers it. There are no Priority Pass restaurants or experiences at CLE.
Best credit cards for CLE
| Card | Annual fee | Lounges you get at CLE | Guests | Best if you… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | The Club CLE (Priority Pass) | $35 each via PP | Usually fly solo |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $795 | The Club CLE (Priority Pass) | 2 free via PP | Fly with family |
| Citi Strata Elite | $595 | The Club CLE (Priority Pass) | 2 free via PP | Want free guests for less |
| Amex Platinum | $895 | The Club CLE (Priority Pass) | 2 free via PP | Want Centurion Lounges elsewhere |
| United Club card | $695 | United Club (Concourse C) | 1 adult + kids | Fly United every month |
Recommended strategy
- If you fly United often from CLE: the United Club card. It covers the Concourse C club plus United's hub clubs at ORD, EWR and IAD, where you'll connect.
- If you want one card that covers the best lounges: Amex Platinum — but only for what it does at other airports. At CLE, it gets exactly the same Priority Pass lounge as a $395 card.
- If you want strong lounges at a lower cost: Venture X for solo travelers; Citi Strata Elite if you usually bring one or two companions, since its Priority Pass includes two free guests.
- If you fly Southwest, Delta or American: The Club CLE in Concourse B is your lounge. Your co-brand club card (Sky Club, Admirals Club) only pays off at the connecting hub.
No card? Day passes & other options
The Club CLE sells $50 day passes online for same-day flights, and the United Club sells one-time passes when space allows. Active-duty military can use the USO landside near baggage carousel 1.
FAQ
Is there a Centurion Lounge at CLE? No. CLE has no Centurion, Chase Sapphire or Capital One Lounge. Amex Platinum gets you into The Club CLE through its Priority Pass membership.
Does Priority Pass work at CLE? Yes, at The Club CLE at the entrance to Concourse B. Because Concourses A, B and C share one secure area, it's usable whatever airline you fly. It doesn't get you into the United Club.
Amex Platinum vs Sapphire Reserve vs Venture X: which is best at CLE? At CLE they all get you into the same lounge, The Club CLE, via Priority Pass. Venture X is the cheapest at $395 but charges $35 per Priority Pass guest; Sapphire Reserve and Platinum include two free guests. Choose based on the lounges you'll use at other airports.
Is there a Delta Sky Club or Admirals Club at CLE? No. The only airline lounge is the United Club in Concourse C. Delta and American passengers can use The Club CLE with Priority Pass or a day pass.
Is Cleveland getting new lounges? None have been announced. The CLEvolution terminal program is in early phases, with full completion targeted for 2032.
Related guides
- Best credit cards for airport lounge access
- Priority Pass lounges in the USA
- United Club access
- Pittsburgh (PIT) airport lounges
- Detroit (DTW) airport lounges
- Columbus (CMH) airport lounges
Lounge access rules, guest policies and locations change. Always confirm current details with the airline, lounge operator or card issuer before you travel.
