LondonElite
Jan 20, 04, 4:10 am
Apologies if this has already been posted, but I came across this looking for Star Alliance lounge lists:
US AIRWAYS TO CHARGE FOR USE OF PARTNER LOUNGES
KEITH L. ALEXANDER, THE WASHINGTON POST
552 words
18 January 2004
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
REGION
F-2
English
Copyright (c) 2004 Bell & Howell Information and Learning Company. All rights reserved.
WASHINGTON
US Airways' frequent fliers will soon be paying a fee to use the airport lounges of its partner airlines.
Access to the lounges has been a free perk for US Airways' high- mileage business travelers. But now cash-strapped US Airways will begin requiring an additional payment from frequent fliers who want to escape into the quiet of a partner lounge.
US Airways has had an agreement for nearly two years with United Airlines that allows frequent fliers to use both airlines' lounges. In the spring, US Airways becomes a member of the Star Alliance, expanding the range of lounges to include those operated by Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines and the other 12 code- sharing partners.
On April 1, US Airways will begin charging three different fees for use of airport lounges by new frequent-flier members. The carrier says it will lower the rate for use of just US Airways lounges across the country and in London's Gatwick Airport. The current cost is $260 to $450 a year, depending on the number of frequent-flier points a traveler has accumulated. An additional fee will be required of those who want access to United lounges, and a still higher fee will be charged for use of the rest of the Star Alliance members' lounges. Current US Airways frequent fliers won't face the increases until Sept. 1.
US Airways spokeswoman Amy Kudwa declined to disclose the amounts of the price increases. She characterized the fees as a way for US Airways to improve its program and provide better access for its club members to United's busy lounges. The airline plans to disclose the details of the changes in the coming weeks.
United distanced itself from US Airways' move. Spokeswoman Chris Nardella said United had no role in the increases and plans no rate increases of its own. "This is a US Airways initiative and will have no impact on United frequent fliers," she said.
Airlines in the code-sharing alliance do not charge extra for their frequent fliers' use of partner lounges. "No other code-share or frequent-flier arrangements ever included anything less than 100 percent reciprocal of its lounge programs," said Randy Petersen, publisher of Inside Flyer magazine and frequent-flier guru. "This is a low blow."
Many see the move as a quick way for US Airways to boost its cash. Despite cutting nearly $2 billion in costs during seven months of bankruptcy reorganization, the airline continues to lose money. After labor unions balked at further concessions over pay and work rules, the airline began looking into selling some of its larger assets such as one of its three hub airports or its Northeast shuttle.
US Airways and United Airlines signed a code-sharing agreement nearly two years ago allowing frequent fliers to earn and redeem miles on both carriers and use both airlines' airport lounges. The lounges offer mostly the same amenities, such as private conference rooms, free soft drinks and pretzels, and comfortable seating. But with increased security, passengers are arriving at the airport earlier and jamming the elite lounges.
US Airways has 24 lounges. United has 40, with 14 overseas, including London's Heathrow.
US AIRWAYS TO CHARGE FOR USE OF PARTNER LOUNGES
KEITH L. ALEXANDER, THE WASHINGTON POST
552 words
18 January 2004
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
REGION
F-2
English
Copyright (c) 2004 Bell & Howell Information and Learning Company. All rights reserved.
WASHINGTON
US Airways' frequent fliers will soon be paying a fee to use the airport lounges of its partner airlines.
Access to the lounges has been a free perk for US Airways' high- mileage business travelers. But now cash-strapped US Airways will begin requiring an additional payment from frequent fliers who want to escape into the quiet of a partner lounge.
US Airways has had an agreement for nearly two years with United Airlines that allows frequent fliers to use both airlines' lounges. In the spring, US Airways becomes a member of the Star Alliance, expanding the range of lounges to include those operated by Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines and the other 12 code- sharing partners.
On April 1, US Airways will begin charging three different fees for use of airport lounges by new frequent-flier members. The carrier says it will lower the rate for use of just US Airways lounges across the country and in London's Gatwick Airport. The current cost is $260 to $450 a year, depending on the number of frequent-flier points a traveler has accumulated. An additional fee will be required of those who want access to United lounges, and a still higher fee will be charged for use of the rest of the Star Alliance members' lounges. Current US Airways frequent fliers won't face the increases until Sept. 1.
US Airways spokeswoman Amy Kudwa declined to disclose the amounts of the price increases. She characterized the fees as a way for US Airways to improve its program and provide better access for its club members to United's busy lounges. The airline plans to disclose the details of the changes in the coming weeks.
United distanced itself from US Airways' move. Spokeswoman Chris Nardella said United had no role in the increases and plans no rate increases of its own. "This is a US Airways initiative and will have no impact on United frequent fliers," she said.
Airlines in the code-sharing alliance do not charge extra for their frequent fliers' use of partner lounges. "No other code-share or frequent-flier arrangements ever included anything less than 100 percent reciprocal of its lounge programs," said Randy Petersen, publisher of Inside Flyer magazine and frequent-flier guru. "This is a low blow."
Many see the move as a quick way for US Airways to boost its cash. Despite cutting nearly $2 billion in costs during seven months of bankruptcy reorganization, the airline continues to lose money. After labor unions balked at further concessions over pay and work rules, the airline began looking into selling some of its larger assets such as one of its three hub airports or its Northeast shuttle.
US Airways and United Airlines signed a code-sharing agreement nearly two years ago allowing frequent fliers to earn and redeem miles on both carriers and use both airlines' airport lounges. The lounges offer mostly the same amenities, such as private conference rooms, free soft drinks and pretzels, and comfortable seating. But with increased security, passengers are arriving at the airport earlier and jamming the elite lounges.
US Airways has 24 lounges. United has 40, with 14 overseas, including London's Heathrow.