US/UA lounge agreement ending? [Archive]

Beckles

Jan 2, 04, 10:24 pm

Originally posted by GadgetFreak:
It may be because of *A. If I recall when I have been on international trips and gotten into *A clubs it isnt because of lounge reciprocity, but rather *Gold. They may be just bringing US/UA in line on that.

*A Gold does nothing for domestic trips, and with the far-reaching code-sharing agreement between US and UA, reciprocal lounge access is really a must to make such codeshares attractive to the frequent flyer.

This is really odd and I have to think it's some kind of mistake ...

NeoOfTheCRS

Jan 2, 04, 10:30 pm

No. This is would be a deviation from standard Star Alliance agreements. Check out this chart from United.com

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,1360,3113,00.html

And United's RCC page says nothing about discontinuing access from USAirways Club

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,1360,50079,00.html

GadgetFreak

Jan 3, 04, 2:02 am

Originally posted by NeoOfTheCRS:
No. This is would be a deviation from standard Star Alliance agreements. Check out this chart from United.com

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,1360,3113,00.html

And United's RCC page says nothing about discontinuing access from USAirways Club

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,1360,50079,00.html

Thank you for the correction. It is times like this when I enjoy being wrong http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

NeoOfTheCRS

Jan 3, 04, 9:12 am

I've never been wrong about not ever being wrong http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Originally posted by GadgetFreak:
Thank you for the correction. It is times like this when I enjoy being wrong http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

US_Usually

Jan 3, 04, 2:48 pm

Originally posted by Beckles:
*A Gold does nothing for domestic trips, and with the far-reaching code-sharing agreement between US and UA, reciprocal lounge access is really a must to make such codeshares attractive to the frequent flyer.

This is really odd and I have to think it's some kind of mistake ...

If it's not a *A issue, then what's the deal, I wonder? Like NeoOfTheCRS, lounge reciprocity was one reason I ponied up for the US Club membership.

....Course, my membership year will be expiring around the same time as the Red Carpet reciprocal agreement. Wonder if CCY will scratch their collective heads if renewal percentages go down?

phillyguy

Jan 4, 04, 12:08 pm

Interesting I just got my Club Renewal in the mail (Dated Dec 15) and it references access to the U Clubs.

gnaget

Jan 4, 04, 7:14 pm

Originally posted by Spiff:
Selfishly, I hope this means that my Qantas Club membership will continue to work w/US Clubs...

Otherwise, I'm confused as the next person. What a strange welcome to the *A.

There's no mention of the reciprocity ending on the UA RCC page...

[This message has been edited by Spiff (edited Jan 02, 2004).]

Maybe it's Qantas (or some other relationship?) with whom they are terminating the deal. The "author" may have confused the name of the club. This would make a lot more sense if US is joining *A.

Note that a RCC membership lets non *Gs into most business class lounges throughout *A.

NeoOfTheCRS

Jan 4, 04, 9:40 pm

I dunno. I just checked the club website and the most recent club newsletter and both have the UA agreement ending.

Does anyone have a contact in club administration who could confirm?

USFlyerUS

Jan 4, 04, 11:03 pm

My hunch, if this is true, is that UA is putting the brakes on US Club members using UA lounges. I'm sure we've been using the Red Carpet Clubs much more than UA members have been using the US clubs.

phillyguy

Jan 5, 04, 5:08 am

So does it make more sense to buy a RCC memebership and use U clubs when flying on U metal - at least until they end that agreement?

TomBascom

Jan 5, 04, 5:32 am

I somehow doubt that this is UA getting their backs up over hordes of US Airways customers invading RCCs.

gardener

Jan 5, 04, 6:23 am

Once again I am distressed by the sneakiness of BBB and his henchmen. When something good happens they trumpet it in press releases and flood your email box. The bad stuff is always a tiny footnote buried deep in the website and if it weren't for FT the first we would have heard about it is when we were turned away at a U club. How many of us go to the club page on the website now that we are members?

NeoOfTheCRS

Jan 5, 04, 9:23 am

From what I was told at the US Club, US has to pay UA for every use of the Red Carpet Club by a USAirways Club Member. So this actually would be a revenue raiser (albeit marginal) for UA and I can't see them turning down more money in banruptcy.

I can see US finding out that this is costing them a whole lot more than the beancounters estimated and pulling the plug on it. The question is whether Red Carpet Club Members will still have access to US Clubs. If that is the case, I am buying a Red Carpet Club Membership.

Originally posted by USFlyerUS:
My hunch, if this is true, is that UA is putting the brakes on US Club members using UA lounges. I'm sure we've been using the Red Carpet Clubs much more than UA members have been using the US clubs.

SS255

Jan 5, 04, 10:44 am

Me too!

I'm wondering if US saw an increase in club memberships after US Club members gained access to RCC's. I know their membership increased by at least two when my father & I joined over the summer.

Edited to add: RCC access was a primary factor in my decision to join the US Club. If RCC members will still get access to US Clubs, I will join the RCC. If not, I will most likely buy day passes, or do without.

[This message has been edited by SS255 (edited Jan 05, 2004).]

TomBascom

Jan 5, 04, 3:33 pm

Originally posted by NeoOfTheCRS:
From what I was told at the US Club, US has to pay UA for every use of the Red Carpet Club by a USAirways Club Member.

That sounds logical but a) how would someone working the desk in a US Club know that? It sounds like a rumor. And b) when I've checked in at RCC's the process has been pretty prefunctory -- I don't recall anything that struck me as potential usage tracking (no keys clicking or paper being shuffled).

So this actually would be a revenue raiser (albeit marginal) for UA and I can't see them turning down more money in banruptcy.

Yup. It doesn't make sense for UA to run us out of their clubs if they're collecting fees for our usage. Whether they're tracking us one at a time or not.

I can see US finding out that this is costing them a whole lot more than the beancounters estimated and pulling the plug on it.

"Finding out" is probably no more complex than looking at the monthly bill -- I'd be amazed if they have reliable numbers showing how many people actually use the place.

My bet is that some sort of flat monthly rate arrangement is in place and that they're trying to cut costs.

Or another thought -- maybe this is a signal to UA. Cut us a better deal or else...

Of course either way the whole thing is a bad sign -- it makes it hard to believe that any sort of beneficial shared facilities arrangements can be made in other areas. If they can't do something this easy then how are they going to manage the hard things?

zrs70

Jan 5, 04, 4:09 pm

RCC's allow AC MLL members into their club, regardless of *G. So *A should not be a factor here either.

gnaget

Jan 5, 04, 5:32 pm

When I enter an RCC with my US card then I just flash it. Maybe once I noticed that the matron made some sort of notation (a pen stroke as if counting) but that would only be statistical for UA's internal use....

NeoOfTheCRS

Jan 5, 04, 9:50 pm

I have noticed that both UA and US clubs keep a tally of reciprocal usage. The DCA club has RCC members sign-in and the UA club puts a check on their tally whenever US Members walk-in

Originally posted by gnaget:
When I enter an RCC with my US card then I just flash it. Maybe once I noticed that the matron made some sort of notation (a pen stroke as if counting) but that would only be statistical for UA's internal use....

gnomie

Jan 6, 04, 6:04 am

This past week I was discussing whether to renew my US club membership or switch over to Priority Pass - I guess my question has now been answered

(edited to correct spelling)

[This message has been edited by gnomie (edited Jan 06, 2004).]

geo1005

Jan 6, 04, 6:28 am

My US Club membership expires at the end of February. If the UA RCC benefit is gone, the only real advantage to me will be the ability to go to my home club here at RDU and pay $4 for a beer vs. going to the airport bar next to the US gates and paying $4 for a bigger beer. Whoops... I think I may have just found my solution. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

When US enters Star, I'll be a Star Gold so I will get lounge access anyway when travelling internationally (when I use the clubs the most) even if in coach.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed this is a mistake.

SS255

Jan 6, 04, 10:40 am

Or a temporary lapse in judgment.

MikeLaw

Jan 7, 04, 4:38 am

There is a very interesting post (http://www.usaviation.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8409&st=0) on usaviation with a number of vague hints that this will actually be a "good thing." Details are supposed to be forthcoming on the January statement e-mails. My best guess would be news related to the long-awaited Star Alliance.

NeoOfTheCRS

Jan 7, 04, 8:45 am

Mike-

Thanks for the link to usaviation. A poster said that they are becoming alliance lounges?

I think I am going to get a UA club membership anyway. Sounds like there is less FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt) over at UA.

Originally posted by MikeLaw:
There is a very interesting post (http://www.usaviation.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8409&st=0) on usaviation with a number of vague hints that this will actually be a "good thing." Details are supposed to be forthcoming on the January statement e-mails. My best guess would be news related to the long-awaited Star Alliance.

geo1005

Jan 7, 04, 10:42 am

Originally posted by NeoOfTheCRS:
Mike-

Thanks for the link to usaviation. A poster said that they are becoming alliance lounges? 

Anyone who has travelled extensively knows that all of the airline club lounges in the Star Alliance have received a designation. With United, their International First Class Lounges are pretty much limeited to passengers flying on UA and in Intl. FC.

UA has tons of RCC's around the globe that are accessable if you are at least one of the following: A RCC Member, flying United that day in Business or First Class Internationally, or if you are a Star Gold member.

It is logical to assume that when US enters Star, the US Airways Clubs will be designated as Star Alliance lounges as well and accessed the same way (by Star Golds, US Club members and/or US Envoy passengers).

The twist comes because US and UA are based in the same country and have a much more overlapping set of passengers than say UA and SQ, or LH and US.

I am/will be a US Club member AND a Star Gold (once US enters the alliance). What will be interesting to see is what kind of RCC access I will end up with when flying domestically.

phillyguy

Jan 7, 04, 10:59 am

My U Club membership expires the end of this month. The renewal form indicates the access to the RCC clubs.

So I called and mentioned that I heard this benefit was going away and would that lower the prices. She laughed.

She said what we are thinking is some type of additional charge that would allow you to use RCC and Star Alliance clubs after September but that had not been decided.

I asked if there was talk of stopping RCC members from using U clubs and she said no.

So I told her it made more sense to join RCC and use the U Clubs. She replied yes that seems to be what most people are now doing.

Not a logical business move IMHO

CLTFlyer

Jan 7, 04, 3:09 pm

Originally posted by phillyguy:
So I told her it made more sense to join RCC and use the U Clubs. She replied yes that seems to be what most people are now doing.

It might make sense if you have no status on UA - since their general members pay $500 for a membership, vs. the $400 for a general DivMiles member. If you have status on UA, then the fees drop to 300(1k)/350(Premier Exec)/400(Premier) vs. 260(CP)/310(GP)/350(SP) for the US Club. So the key is how much is RCC access worth to you.

MikeLaw

Jan 7, 04, 3:58 pm

I just spoke to someone in the club service center and explained that I was concerned about the loss of access to the UA clubs and was trying to decide if I wanted to renew or not. She said that she didn't know for sure what was going to happen, but that she believed that there would be an announcement next month that would provide different levels of membership at different prices. One level might provide US access only and another provide more comprehensive access. She said the details were being worked out, but that she was hopeful people would view the changes as an improvement.

zrs70

Jan 7, 04, 4:05 pm

Originally posted by MikeLaw:
I just spoke to someone in the club service center and explained that I was concerned about the loss of access to the UA clubs and was trying to decide if I wanted to renew or not. She said that she didn't know for sure what was going to happen, but that she believed that there would be an announcement next month that would provide different levels of membership at different prices. One level might provide US access only and another provide more comprehensive access. She said the details were being worked out, but that she was hopeful people would view the changes as an improvement.

This will be similar to how HP redid its access policy with NW clubs. Those with life membership in HP do not have to pay a surcharge for NW access. I hope that if US follows the same model, those (like me) with life-memberships will not have to cough up more $$$ for UA access.

NeoOfTheCRS

Jan 7, 04, 4:35 pm

This is bogus. If US starts adding a surcharge for UA club usage the only "enhancement" or "improvement" will be to US's bottom-line. Not that I think that helping US's bottom-line is a bad thing, but the way they are going about this is certain to make frequent fliers think twice about renewing US Club Membership. They just raised membership fees this year--now another hit??

USFlyerUS

Jan 7, 04, 5:53 pm

Different levels seems fine to me. Some only fly US while others may really value the UA access for a nominal additional fee. Seems like a good compromise to me.

GadgetFreak

Jan 7, 04, 6:26 pm

Im due to renew soon too. I may wait a bit. I dont think Im looking to by a lifetime membership at this point in time.

NeoOfTheCRS

Jan 7, 04, 7:07 pm

Do they still sell lifetime memberships?

Besides the $260 lifetime memberships http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Originally posted by GadgetFreak:
Im due to renew soon too. I may wait a bit. I dont think Im looking to by a lifetime membership at this point in time.

PremEx

Jan 9, 04, 11:16 am

When I recently used my United Red Carpet Club membership to access the US Club in PIT, the receptionist pulled out a clipboard and made a note of my UA RCC membership number and guest count on a pre-printed form. She humorously commented that "We have to get our couple of bucks out of it."

I imagine United does the same with US members visiting their clubs. They likely offset each others admissions to some degree, and at some point one or the other probably cuts a check for the overage.

I'm not sure if Star Alliance has the same deal going (per admission) or if they just accept all as part of the deal. But I do often get "tallied" at Star Lounges. But not at all of them. Some just waive you through when you flash a card. In these cases I can't imagine them just ticking you off on a checklist. Too much room for fraud and padding if they don't have to notate your actual membership number as the "proof" of your presence.

Spiff

Jan 9, 04, 12:09 pm

CLT jots down my QF#.

PHL, LAX, SFO and PIT all don't; they just wave me in.

Alysia

Jan 13, 04, 8:07 am

Paying More To Lounge

By Keith L. Alexander
Tuesday, January 13, 2004; Page E01

US Airways' frequent fliers will soon be paying a fee to use the airport lounges of its partner airlines.

Read more in today's Wash Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A11641-2004Jan12.html

NeoOfTheCRS

Jan 13, 04, 8:54 am

Just as I suspected, a money raising tactic. I still think that US DOES have to pay UA for each usage by a US Club member.

This is not a good move as I think they are very likely to close the LAX and SFO clubs once they move to the UA terminal

Originally posted by Alysia:
Paying More To Lounge

By Keith L. Alexander
Tuesday, January 13, 2004; Page E01

US Airways' frequent fliers will soon be paying a fee to use the airport lounges of its partner airlines.

Read more in today's Wash Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A11641-2004Jan12.html

geo1005

Jan 13, 04, 8:55 am

These guys are really fools. Let me get this straight. Assume I am a regular Dividend Miles member and I want a US Airways Club membership. They are going to offer me three levels? One that is US Clubs only; one that is US Clubs and RCC's; and a third that is US/RCC and Star Alliance lounges? These guys are morons. How the hell is the agent at the LH Senator Lounge going to know the difference? And they are going expect the UA RCC agents to know as well?

Now the big question. When US enters the Star Alliance, CP and GP's should end up as Star Golds. That gives access to all Star Gold Lounges when travelling internationaly on Star Alliance carriers. If I am a US GP or CP, why the hell would I buy a US Club membership when my US Star Gold status will get me into lounges when travelling internationally and the purchase of a RCC membership will get me into the US Club when I am flying US?

IDIOTS!!! FRIGGIN' IDIOTS!!!!

NeoOfTheCRS

Jan 13, 04, 9:10 am

Would this make nine different club membership levels? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mad.gif

This is starting to look like US's fare structure. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsdown.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsdown.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif Do we have to have a saturday night stay ticket booked in H Class or higher without it being a time specific ticket to use the UA RCC but only when the moon is in its waxing stage? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

UA redcarpet club here I come. Sure it is more, but you aren't being nickel and dimed to death

Originally posted by geo1005:
These guys are really fools. Let me get this straight. Assume I am a regular Dividend Miles member and I want a US Airways Club membership. They are going to offer me three levels? One that is US Clubs only; one that is US Clubs and RCC's; and a third that is US/RCC and Star Alliance lounges? These guys are morons. How the hell is the agent at the LH Senator Lounge going to know the difference? And they are going expect the UA RCC agents to know as well?

Now the big question. When US enters the Star Alliance, CP and GP's should end up as Star Golds. That gives access to all Star Gold Lounges when travelling internationaly on Star Alliance carriers. If I am a US GP or CP, why the hell would I buy a US Club membership when my US Star Gold status will get me into lounges when travelling internationally and the purchase of a RCC membership will get me into the US Club when I am flying US?

IDIOTS!!! FRIGGIN' IDIOTS!!!!

USFlyerUS

Jan 13, 04, 9:12 am

Oh, c'mon, this isn't that bad. Plus, if you're a high revenue flyer, watch US comp the higher levels of access. So if you're giving US that much business, you have nothing to worry about.

Also, my guess is there will be a different Club card issued. Again, no big deal here either. And, FWIW, I'm sure the base fee plus the "higher access" fee will still be less than buying a UA club membership outright, unless you happen to be Premier on UA.

[This message has been edited by USFlyerUS (edited Jan 13, 2004).]

Spiff

Jan 13, 04, 9:13 am

If they make it more attractive for people to buy a RCC membership instead, people will do just that.

This anti-reciprocity is scheduled to begin in only one direction...

I think this might bode well for continued US Air Club access via my Qantas Club membership, though.

geo1005

Jan 13, 04, 9:17 am

Originally posted by USFlyerUS:
Oh, c'mon, this isn't that bad. Plus, if you're a high revenue flyer, watch US comp the higher levels of access. So if you're giving US that much business, you have nothing to worry about.

No doubt US's top 500 may get a comp Club membership at the highest level. Although not anywhere near one of the top 500, I am still a CP and I see this as a foolish move to nickel and dime. You will end up pissing more people off with this than the miniscule added revenue (if there ends up being any) is worth. Not to mention making the system so confusing that there is NO WAY it can be implimented across the system with any kind of consistency. It looks like I'll be trading my US Club membership for a RCC membership.

USFlyerUS

Jan 13, 04, 9:23 am

First, US comps for more than just the Top 500 list it keeps. They haven't charged me for a Club membership in years, yet I only spend about $45k/year on US.

Second, remember LOTS of non-elite travelers have Club memberships. Why should US be paying UA when a 2-3 time/year flyer happens to use a UA lounge? This makes no business sense for US, so trying to recoup some of the costs makes sense.

Before we blast the new program, it may be best to wait until the full details come out. For all we know, elite travelers will automatically get UA access or UA access for a very small additional fee. Plus, issuing different cards is quite simple.

zrs70

Jan 13, 04, 9:32 am

If one can pay an extra fee for *A access, that is better than the RCC program. Unless you are *G or flying F or C, you don't have club access. I think that AC's MLL's are the only one's in hte system that allow RCC members.

It sounds like the US system will allow all club members (who have paid the extra fee) to access any *A lounge with the card and same day ticket in any class at any elite level.

ClueByFour

Jan 13, 04, 11:07 am

The simple solution to this is to buy an RCC membership, and write BBB and the other monrons who perpetuate this nonsense a letter telling them why.

Edited to add: If the total cost of US Club + RCC + *A lounges is greater than an RCC membership, the whole thing is a waste. Moreover, word has it that Consumer Affairs, as of this morning, has not received any kind of update on this situation.

------------------
Don't feed the trolls.

[This message has been edited by ClueByFour (edited Jan 13, 2004).]

USFlyerUS

Jan 13, 04, 11:32 am

Again, WAIT for the details to come out. People are getting all upset without the facts. Bottomline is this is probably costing US more than they had intended, so they need to stem the red ink. Paying $100 more a year, for example, is a drop in the bucket for those of us that use both clubs routinely and travel routinely.

jasons2e

Jan 13, 04, 11:59 am

This seems like it might be a good thing. I assume the reason UA's RCC membership is so expensive is because they have to pay so many partners and you get access to so much. Now, if you only wanted the RCC, then you are costing UA less money and it would be nice to have a lower costing membership for just that.

I think this will be a savings to all *G members. If US has to pay for giving you access to the *A lounges, then they are likly to pass on the cost to the customer. However, if you are *G, you automatically get *A lounge access, so now you can buy a lower priced US only or US/UA membership and use your status to get into all the *A Lounges.

If UA offered a UA only membership at a lower price, I would take it.

MikeLaw

Jan 13, 04, 4:37 pm

Until the actual fees come out, it is hard to know how to react. If the price for the UA + US lounge access was still lower than the UA lounge access would cost, I'm not sure it is a bad move. I've used the UA lounges a couple of time, but I'm not sure what it's worth to me.

jasons2e

Jan 13, 04, 6:00 pm

Originally posted by PremEx:
I imagine United does the same with US members visiting their clubs. They likely offset each others admissions to some degree, and at some point one or the other probably cuts a check for the overage.

I've seen the UA equivalent of this form at the RCC. She was showing me all the ways you can get into the club and we were discussing cheaper ways to get in rather then paying for RCC membership http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

So, yes, I agree that your assumptions are correct.

Beckles

Jan 13, 04, 7:09 pm

It's hard to react to this until we see the prices. According to the article, pricing for just US Airways Clubs is going down ... seeing that I have never used an RCC yet, this might be a good thing for me ...

GadgetFreak

Jan 13, 04, 7:17 pm

Hmm, I use the club membership for US Air Clubs and RCCs, if I want to do so I will have to pay more to renew. But if Im an RCC member I can still use the US Club by paying the normal rate. Im a 1K and get that discount on the RCC. Hmm, what am I going to do. Hmmm, let me think...........

SPN Lifer

Jan 13, 04, 8:17 pm

http://www.usairways.com/pro_services/club/index.htm

(I expect the formatting -- dotted trailers -- will require several edits!)

US Airways Announces Enhanced Club Product and Now Includes Lower-Priced Membership Option

Beginning April 1, 2004, US Airways customers wishing to enjoy the benefits of the US Airways Club can choose between the following three membership options:

Access to the 24 US Airways Club locations in 19 domestic airports and the US Airways Club at London Gatwick Airport. Access to all US Airways Club locations and 47 United Red Carpet Club locations throughout the combined US Airways/United route network. Access to Red Carpet Clubs requires a same-day ticket on United. Access to US Airways Club and Red Carpet Club locations, as well as nearly 500 Star Alliance Lounges worldwide, when US Airways formally enters the Star Alliance network in Spring 2004. Access to Star Alliance Lounges requires a same-day ticket on a Star Alliance airline.Membership fees for the US Airways Club have been reduced for the majority of US Airways customers. For example, Base Dividend Miles members will enjoy a $75 savings over the current membership price. Preferred Dividend Miles members will continue to receive a discount on US Airways Club membership.Clicking on the link for “Membership fees” discloses the following (first column moved to right side to promote UBB legibilty):[quote]New Club Membership Fees Beginning April 1 US Airways Club . . . . . . . . . Dividend Miles Membership . . . Membership Level Fees US$375 . . . . . . . . . . . . Base Dividend Miles US$575 . . . . . . . . . . . . Base Dividend Miles with Spouse US$325 . . . . . . . . . . . . Silver Preferred US$525 . . . . . . . . . . . . Silver Preferred with Spouse US$300 . . . . . . . . . . . . Gold Preferred US$500 . . . . . . . . . . . . Gold Preferred with Spouse US$275 . . . . . . . . . . . . Chairman’s Preferred US$475 . . . . . . . . . . . . Chairman’s Preferred with Spouse United Red . . . . . .Star . . . . . . Annual Carpet . . . .Alliance . . .Access Club . . . . . Lounges . . .Upgrades US$120 . . . . . . . US$220 . . . . . . . . . Club Member US$220 . . . . . . . US$420 . . . . . . . . . Club Member with Spouse

* Joint memberships are available for a spouse or domestic partner only. If spouse/domestic partner has a different last name from the member (existing or new), a marriage certificate, domestic partner agreement or affidavit of marriage/ spousal equivalency must be submitted with the membership application. See online application for more details.

* Upgrades from an existing membership (Lifetime or other membership purchased more than 30 days previous) also incur a $25 service charge. No mid-year discount offered on upgrades, although member can purchase a new annual membership (with upgrade) applying residual value.

SPN Lifer

Jan 13, 04, 8:29 pm

Originally posted by NeoOfTheCRS:
Do they still sell lifetime memberships?No. US discontinued selling life memberships shortly after the merger with UA was announced. UA and AA had discontinued selling life memberships a few years before that. The only carriers that I am aware of currently selling lifetime lounge memberships are CO, NW, and QF.

Originally posted by zrs70:
This will be similar to how HP redid its access policy with NW clubs. Those with life membership in HP do not have to pay a surcharge for NW access. I hope that if US follows the same model, those (like me) with life-memberships will not have to cough up more $$$ for UA access.I'm in the same boat.

Sadly, your wish was not realized. See the footnote in the quoted text above. Upgrades from an existing membership (Lifetime or other membership purchased more than 30 days previous) also incur a $25 service charge.So it will cost us $145 ($120 + $25) per year, with our "life membership" cards, just to keep UA access! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/confused.gif

Does anyone have any clout with US to get them to grandfather us in? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

NeoOfTheCRS

Jan 13, 04, 8:34 pm

Not a good deal for US01. I can buy a RCC Membership as a UA 1P and get it all for less than a US Chairman.

[This message has been edited by NeoOfTheCRS (edited Jan 13, 2004).]

ClueByFour

Jan 13, 04, 8:43 pm

Originally posted by SPN Lifer:
http://www.usairways.com/pro_services/club/index.htm

There are 47 RCCs. There are 24 US Clubs.

For someone with no status, the US Club will now cost $375, US Club + RCCs is $495, and the "full monty" (UC Club + RCCs+ * Lounges) will be $595 (assuming that the * charge listed on that popup page is "inclusive of the RCCs). If you never want to use a partner lounge or RCC, advantage US. Else, advantage RCC ($500 for someone with no status).

For a Silver, US Club is now $325, US + RCC is $445, and the full monty is $545. Advantage US if you don't do * lounges, if so, advantage RCC (still $500).

For a Gold, US Club is now $300, US + RCC is $420, and the full monty is $520. Now it's a domestic edge to US, but still an edge to the RCC if you ever want to see a Star lounge, unless US actually makes Golds and CP's * Gold.

For a CP, US Club is now $275 (I thought it used to be $250), US + RCC is $395, and the full month is $495. Advantage US.

I am quite peeved, as I will be Gold in a few months and doing most of my flying transatlantic and/or not domestic. If they deem to make Golds=Star Gold, I really won't care, and probably won't buy any domestic memberships. In any case, this puts US at yet another nickle and dime competitive disadvantage, particularly with UA. Any UA elite can buy an RCC membership (gets you 47 RCCs, the US Clubs when you travel US, and the Star lounges) for $400 or less as you make your way from Premier to 1k (I'm Premier on UA). If I do decide to purchase a club membership, my money will be going to UA, as I don't get that greasy feeling like somebody is trying to pick my pocket when I buy something from United, unlike the feeling I've been having of late every time I spend any dough with US.

------------------
Don't feed the trolls.

SPN Lifer

Jan 13, 04, 8:43 pm

Half right. I read it as the Star Alliance option including UA.

$275 + $120 = $395
$275 + $220 = $495.

longing4piedmont

Jan 13, 04, 8:49 pm

So let me see if I have this right. As a CP my base membership cost to a US club is going up and now I will not get the benefits of the star lounges unless I pay extra for them, when every other member of the star network gets free access in they are gold or better in their elite program. And RCC members still get to use US clubs for no additional cost?

Who in CCY thought this up? This is crazy

[This message has been edited by longing4piedmont (edited Jan 13, 2004).]

HPTunco

Jan 13, 04, 8:59 pm

Has anybody heard about US Club comps for 2004? They have been comping flyers with over 150K tier miles per year or consecutive CP membership from the days when CP included club membership.

I agree that anybody wishing a paid membership should buy the UA Club membership. Maybe US is looking for a reason to close it's clubs. Then they'll be more like SW.....except for high fares!

GadgetFreak

Jan 13, 04, 9:04 pm

Originally posted by longing4piedmont:
So let me see if I have this right. As a CP my base membership cost to a US club is going up and now I will not get the benefits of the star lounges unless I pay extra for them, when every other member of the star network gets free access in they are gold or better in their elite program. And RCC members still get to use US clubs for no additional cost?

Who in CCY thought this up? This is crazy

[This message has been edited by longing4piedmont (edited Jan 13, 2004).]

Yea, I am a bit confused by this too. As a *Gold, I wouldnt need Club membership if I was flying that *carrier. So Im not sure why I would do this unless as a US* Gold I wont have the club access. So Im pretty confused as to why a US1 or US2 would do this. However, it is an academic question for me. As a CP it would cost me $275 for membership, $395 for membership plus RCC access and $495 for membership plus RCC and * access. While as a 1K I can get RCC, US and * access for $300 by joining the RCC. Any of you folks know any good financial consultants that can help me crunch through the numbers and figure this out.

Altaflyer

Jan 13, 04, 9:07 pm

Originally posted by longing4piedmont:
So let me see if I have this right. As a CP my base membership cost to a US club is going up and now I will not get the benefits of the star lounges unless I pay extra for them, when every other member of the star network gets free access in they are gold or better in their elite program. And RCC members still get to use US clubs for no additional cost?

Who in CCY thought this up? This is crazy

[This message has been edited by longing4piedmont (edited Jan 13, 2004).]

I do not think that as a Star Gold equivalent (IF US joins Star, which personally I highly doubt) will have to pay anything to access Star lounges on int'l itins - I think all current members have the same access policy on int'l flights and I think only UA makes its own Star Golds pay for domestic club use.

phillyguy

Jan 13, 04, 9:25 pm

Wait a sec - I have my renewal due Feb 1 and the price is $260, so how does it save me money?

As I hard I try to justify being loyal to U - every day they make it harder and harder

SPN Lifer

Jan 13, 04, 9:36 pm

I've opened a similar discussion in the UA Forum to discuss this issue from the perspective of a US Airways Club member who flies primarily on UA.

See US Airways Club members to pay an additional annual fee for Red Carpet Club access
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1069840

CPRich

Jan 13, 04, 10:08 pm

Originally posted by phillyguy:
Wait a sec - I have my renewal due Feb 1 and the price is $260, so how does it save me money?


They said "reduced for the majority of US Airways customers", not all.

It's the new marketing strategy from the B3 braintrust - let's give the biggest price breaks to the folks who never fly us, and increase prices to our most loyal customers.

I continue to underestimate their incompetence.

My letter is off to Consumer Affairs (even if they made it even harder to contact them via the website)

jasons2e

Jan 13, 04, 10:36 pm

The pricing didn't come out to favorably... I suggest Air Canada's Maple Leaf Lounge membership for those who need access to the *A lounges for domestic travel and don't require guest privileges. I dont have the numbers off hand, but I think it is around $260 US.

Tennen

Jan 13, 04, 11:04 pm

jasons2e, good idea, but I don't think that the Maple Leaf Club card allows access to much other than the MLLs, RCCs, and some LH lounges. I'm glad that I didn't commit to a 3 year US Club membership. I guess it's time to renew my RCC.. *sigh*

USFlyerUS

Jan 13, 04, 11:53 pm

ClueByFour

Jan 14, 04, 12:22 am

Originally posted by USFlyerUS:
How much does each of us spend on business travel per year, factoring in hotels, rental cars, parking, meals, taxis, airfare, etc.? Is another ~$100 really that big of a deal? And, if you're that unhappy with US, take your business elsewhere. It boggles my mind how many people continue to complain about US yet still fly them. We have lots of options today ... so why stay with a company you feel keeps screwing you?!

The best part of all of this is that I can buy somebody else's "pass" to the US Club for less than I might pay US themselves, and continue to get the service that leads me personally (and I suspect, many others) to patronize an airline staffed by some of the best employees in the business, managed by some of the biggest (insert curse here)s in the business.

It's like buying codeshare tickets--presumably, US and UA sell "lift" to each other at cost or a very small markup--UA is willing to sell me a seat on a US plane for half of what US wants--I can indeed have my cake and not get bent-over for it.

As a side point, a non-trivial amount of my professional compensation is based on equity and profit sharing, so it makes sense for me to keep costs down and encourage my co-workers to do so. For my personal travel, I'll spend money when I think the ROI is right, but that's not to say that I want to shoot a few hundred bucks that I don't need to in order to satisfy folks like "triple B."

------------------
Don't feed the trolls.

USFlyerUS

Jan 14, 04, 1:03 am

Also, it's funny how everyone forgets that US just eliminated all fees for upgrades. To me the unlimited upgrades far outweigh any slight increase in Club fees.

[This message has been edited by USFlyerUS (edited Jan 14, 2004).]

Spiff

Jan 14, 04, 1:38 am

Originally posted by USFlyerUS:
Also, it's funny how everyone forgets that US just eliminated all fees for upgrades. To me the unlimited upgrades far outweigh any slight increase in Club fees.


Not if you're CP...

If one is CP, it would be better to get some UA status as well and buy an RCC membership.

Access to all US Clubs when flying US Air.

Access to all RCCs anytime.

*Gold gets one access to international lounges on international itineraries.

Perhaps US is trying to motivate its elites to fly UA, thus making the sale to UA easier? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/confused.gif

geo1005

Jan 14, 04, 7:11 am

What has yet to be determined is if US GP's and CP's end up designated Star Golds and what kind of lounge access that will or won't provide. I'll wait for that announcement and then decide wether to dump or renew my US Club membership or go for the RCC.

And USFlyerUS, it's not that so many of us are unhappy with US, it is that they constantly make it harder and harder for the most loyal customers to remain loyal for any reason other than route structure and the generally positive experiences with the front line employees. They have downgraded FC to a level far below what other carriers offer. They still nickel and dime us on same-day standby fees while others have dropped it. And now they have created a far-too-complex fee structure for something that is as simple as a club fee. IMO, the better use of the bean-counter brain power at CCY would be two-fold. One, find a fare structure that works, and two, find ways to do things FOR the customer to give them a REAL raeson to choose US over the competition when all other factors are equal.

And let's be honest about the new unlimited upgrades for all Preferred members. This is the same as CO and others. And I don't think for a second that US did not see that the costs of monitoring and maintaining the "upgrade banks" and the customer service hours to deal with it was greater than the fees it collected from lower tier Preferreds who actually bought 500 mile upgrades. And US's yield management is good enough to ensure that even by giving Silvers unlimited upgrades they are not going to loose any full FC fares or even the last minute Y's.

[This message has been edited by geo1005 (edited Jan 14, 2004).]

lt1GM

Jan 14, 04, 9:53 am

Originally posted by geo1005:
What has yet to be determined is [b]if US GP's and CP's end up designated Star Golds and what kind of lounge access that will or won't provide.


I'm with geo1005 on this. I'm certainly not renewing my membership. At this point, I'm so annoyed by them I hope they die a slow, agonizing death. Of course, I also hope UA will honor my half million miles. Here's hoping...

[This message has been edited by lt1GM (edited Jan 14, 2004).]

FlyerAl

Jan 14, 04, 9:58 am

One could get a comp to UA Premier Exec status and purchase an RCC membership for $350. This would be cheaper than what US is charging for access to UA / Star Alliance lounges.

CPRich

Jan 14, 04, 10:16 am

Originally posted by USFlyerUS:
How much does each of us spend on business travel per year, factoring in hotels, rental cars, parking, meals, taxis, airfare, etc.? Is another ~$100 really that big of a deal? And, if you're that unhappy with US, take your business elsewhere. It boggles my mind how many people continue to complain about US yet still fly them. We have lots of options today ... so why stay with a company you feel keeps screwing you?!

Don't know about you, but my business travel is reimbursed by my company and client, so none out of my pocket, other than personal travel. If $100 is no big deal, will you pay mine for me?

In PIT we don't have 'lots of options'. When available, as in my current work in STL, I am taking AA every week. As I did last year to TUL, splitting flights on UA and AA. I am practically forced to remain a 'top 500 flyer', regardless of my preferences. It's like PennDOT - the roads around here are lousy, but I need to drive on them


To me the unlimited upgrades far outweigh any slight increase in Club fees.

Thanks for the perfect example. Another case of giving benefits to the less frequent flyers (sorry, nothing against the SP/GP's in the crowd, just an example), giving the CP's nothing, and potentially losing an upgrade here and there due to wider availability to others.

If I need to pay for re-upping, I'll probably take my comped PremEx status, joing RCC and get full use of all RCC and US clubs (who I fly 99% of the time) for less.

SS255

Jan 14, 04, 10:58 am

Does anybody know if US club members flying on US metal out of LAX & SFO will have access to RCC's at those airports once the US clubs close? This will ultimately be a major deciding factor for me as to whether I'll renew my US club membership, or thumb my nose in the direction of CCY.

FlyerAl

Jan 14, 04, 11:44 am

NW provides better value for their lounge membership. Gold Elite pays $300 and Platinum Elite pays $250 for unrestricted access to all NW/CO/HP lounges, along with AS & DL lounges (when flying those carriers) and some KL lounges. Drinks are complimentary in the lounges as well.

It's a ripoff to have to pay an extra $120 for RCC access and still be restricted to use it only when flying UA metal.

Murph

Jan 14, 04, 12:31 pm

So it would appear that the reason for this announcement must be that more US flyers are taking United flights to be eligible for the RCC than United flyers taking US flights to be eligible for the US Clubs. Otherwise, this would not be a money-loser.

Does that have greater implications for the general state of the alliance or am I missing something?

biggs

Jan 14, 04, 12:52 pm

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Spiff:
Selfishly, I hope this means that my Qantas Club membership will continue to work w/US Clubs...

How much is the Qantas membership now? I thought about doing this for the access they provide to other carrier lounges but never felt a strong need because of my comped
Club membership. I always worried the rules would change and I would have a membership in a club with no access to any domestic airline.

Now I am wondering if I will get another year of comped membership in US and if not, then Qantas looks better all the time.

USFlyerUS

Jan 14, 04, 1:30 pm

Originally posted by CPRich:
Don't know about you, but my business travel is reimbursed by my company and client, so none out of my pocket, other than personal travel. If $100 is no big deal, will you pay mine for me?

Same with me. Company pays for one club membership per year for anyone who travels more than 50 percent of the time.

Spiff

Jan 14, 04, 1:33 pm

Originally posted by biggs:
How much is the Qantas membership now? I thought about doing this for the access they provide to other carrier lounges but never felt a strong need because of my comped
Club membership. I always worried the rules would change and I would have a membership in a club with no access to any domestic airline.

Now I am wondering if I will get another year of comped membership in US and if not, then Qantas looks better all the time.

My Qantas Club membership is complimentary due to my Qantas Gold (mid-tier elite) status.

This Link (http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/qantasClub/index) should answer most of your paid Qantas Club membership questions.

Qantas Club Membership
The following prices are displayed in Australian dollars.

Individual Membership

Type Price

1 year 655.00

2 year 940.00

4 year 1,500.00

Life 4,200.00

Senior Life 2,150.00

Arrzee

Jan 14, 04, 1:35 pm

Originally posted by Murph:
So it would appear that the reason for this announcement must be that more US flyers are taking United flights to be eligible for the RCC than United flyers taking US flights to be eligible for the US Clubs. Otherwise, this would not be a money-loser.

Does that have greater implications for the general state of the alliance or am I missing something?

I've wondered the same thing. It seems to me that US is handing far more fliers to UA than the other way around. One look at their schedules to cities out west certainly confirms that...

777RJ

Jan 14, 04, 10:36 pm

Originally posted by geo1005:
What has yet to be determined is if US GP's and CP's end up designated Star Golds and what kind of lounge access that will or won't provide. 

FROM THE US AIRWAYS WEBSITE

* Chairman and Gold Preferred members will receive access to Star Alliance Lounges and the US Airways Club when traveling internationally as part of their Star Gold benefits.

http://www.usairways.com/pro_services/club/

GotCalcio4

Jan 14, 04, 10:41 pm

Basically, if you'll look at the new club levels that US is instituting in 2004, you'll have to pay more to access the RC clubs, and even more to access the Star Clubs. As mentioned above, US is simply doing this because they have to pay United for US club members to access United RCC's, and as we all know, US is MORE than willing to pass on any extra expenses to customers . . . .

MikeLaw

Jan 15, 04, 12:22 am

They seem to have finally posted the details. You can see the new fee schedule here (http://www.usairways.com/pro_services/club/membership_fees_new_apr1.htm). If I read it right, the fee if you don't want access to UA clubs is reduced $75. If you do want UA clubs, it is about $50 more than it is this year and to get *A you'd be up $150 over current rates.

To add UA is +$120 over your base fee and to add *A is $220 over your base fee. I'm underwhelmed.

UKFlyerWithUS

Jan 15, 04, 5:29 am

Originally posted by 777RJ:
FROM THE US AIRWAYS WEBSITE

* Chairman and Gold Preferred members will receive access to Star Alliance Lounges and the US Airways Club when traveling internationally as part of their Star Gold benefits.

http://www.usairways.com/pro_services/club/

So the question is should we infer anything about the *A joining date from the fact that Star Gold benefits are mentioned on the same page that talks about new club membership options from 1st April?

May yet be perfect timing for my LHR-PER SQ flight on 3rd April.

[This message has been edited by UKFlyerWithUS (edited Jan 15, 2004).]

CLTFlyer

Jan 15, 04, 6:31 am

So, if you're GP or CP, you'll already receive access to Star Alliance Lounges, if you're flying internationally - and your decision point is whether or not you can use an RCC.

This is lame. Very lame. But I imagine it could have been worse, and we didn't get *A lounge access altogether.

geo1005

Jan 15, 04, 6:52 am

Originally posted by MikeLaw:
If I read it right, the fee if you don't want access to UA clubs is reduced $75. If you do want UA clubs, it is about $50 more than it is this year and to get *A you'd be up $150 over current rates.

Not for a CP. The basic membership rate has stayed about the same but now comes without RCC access.

Good catch on the Star Gold benefits 777RJ. With US, I should know better than to not read the fine print. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

geo1005

Jan 15, 04, 8:41 am

Originally posted by 777RJ:
FROM THE US AIRWAYS WEBSITE

* Chairman and Gold Preferred members will receive access to Star Alliance Lounges and the US Airways Club when traveling internationally as part of their Star Gold benefits.


Including the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada?

Something tells me US will apply their unique sense of geography to translate this to only trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific travel. I hope I'm wrong but...

CPRich

Jan 15, 04, 9:59 am

A key question is whether the full-boat option gives you access to all *A lounges travelling domestically. This seems to violate *A standards, but I'm not sure they have had 2 members in the same country.

If so, this would include UA, meaning full access to RCC whenever - not just when holding a ticket. It would also mean the addition of other *A lounges in the US, but I imagine those are only in gateways - there sure aren't LH or SQ lounges in PIT.

If you travel US most of the time, the middle options doesn't seem to make sense.

USFlyerUS

Jan 15, 04, 1:32 pm

One note, UA does not allow Premier Executive and 1k (Star Gold) members to use DOMESTIC RCC lounges without an RCC membership, unless the Gold member is traveling internationally.

[This message has been edited by USFlyerUS (edited Jan 15, 2004).]

SPN Lifer

Jan 20, 04, 8:21 pm

See also US to charge for lounge access (Washington Post article reprinted in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 18 Jan 04)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum51/HTML/006600.html

HPTunco

Jan 21, 04, 9:03 am

What about the CP club COMPed memberships? Any word if this will continue, and at what level?

If I'm forced to pay, I'll buy a RCC membership.

SPN Lifer

Jan 26, 04, 12:33 am

If US thought these changes would result in increased revenue, they have another think coming.

USFlyerUS

Jan 26, 04, 1:07 am

Originally posted by SPN Lifer:
If US thought these changes would result in increased revenue, they have another think coming.

I don't think this is their intention. I think their intent is to stop bleeding money to UA every month. I'm really curious how much US ends up having to pay UA. The whole codeshare is, to me, hurting US at a certain level and in certain markets. Let's say I want to go DCA to SEA. Almost every bloody option that comes up is on UA ... you have to look HARD to find the US flights. So, some corporate travel office books a UA-operated flight for someone who used to be a US customer with a US Club membership. Well guess what ... US loses the revenue for the flights AND has to pay UA to honor that customer's Club membership!

[This message has been edited by USFlyerUS (edited Jan 26, 2004).]

PineyBob

Jan 26, 04, 6:45 am

The US Airways clubs are one of the few instances in the airline industry where the base membership actually subsidizes the elite travelers.

In order for the clubs to be viable they need to be "Revenue Neutral" in order to remain.

Thus the multi tiered pricing approach. These changes are not total bad news and if you look at how the sharing arrangements are structured then it might be to your and US Airways advantage for you to buy a UA RCC membership. Remember a fee is paid by the airline whose traveler uses their partners facility. Alledgedly it is $10.00.

Do the math, if you visit the RCC 26 times US make NO MONEY on you. Suppose you bought a RCC membership because of west coast travel but used the US Clubs say 40 times out of 50. In that example US actually earns $400 off you and UA keeps $100. (Base RCC membership is $500). So that's part of the reason for the change! Or at least as best as I can recall from the conversation.

NeoOfTheCRS

Jan 26, 04, 3:47 pm

This is especially true on the USAirways.com website. Does it surprise me? Hell no. These guys never pass up and opportunity to give revenue away to other carriers.

Originally posted by USFlyerUS:
The whole codeshare is, to me, hurting US at a certain level and in certain markets. Let's say I want to go DCA to SEA. Almost every bloody option that comes up is on UA ... you have to look HARD to find the US flights. [This message has been edited by USFlyerUS (edited Jan 26, 2004).]

geo1005

Jan 26, 04, 5:36 pm

I'm a CP and next month when my US Club membership expires, I'll be buying a UA RCC membership instead. Bye-bye US Club after 5 years. The rules changed so I'm better off with the UA RCC membership... FOOLS!!!

I'd rather give the $$$ to US but they make it too difficult so...

PineyBob

Jan 28, 04, 9:05 am

Originally posted by geo1005:
I'm a CP and next month when my US Club membership expires, I'll be buying a UA RCC membership instead. Bye-bye US Club after 5 years. The rules changed so I'm better off with the UA RCC membership... FOOLS!!!

I'd rather give the $$$ to US but they make it too difficult so...

Fact of the matter is if you are a heavy user of the club you might just be giving UA alot more money. see my previous post.

trvlr64

Jan 31, 04, 3:33 pm

Since this is the last day of the month my club membership is officially expired. I have been sitting on the fence about what to do. Do I renew my membership with US or do I purchase a UA? Flying out of PIT every week I do use the club.

I'm just not sure I want to give more $$ to US when they are cutting more and more service out of PIT. Plus will they really still be alive by years end? Anyone else stuck trying to decide what to do too?

[This message has been edited by trvlr64 (edited Jan 31, 2004).]

longing4piedmont

Jan 31, 04, 5:36 pm

Originally posted by trvlr64:
Anyone else stuck trying to decide what to do too?

I'm in exactly the same situation. I renewed for several reasons.
1. I use the club(s) three to four times a week and the club folks know me well enough that from time to time I still get favors and waivers.
2. If they go under it will be in the last half of the year, and I'll get some use out of it.
3. Some one may be a white knight and pull them out of the fire and keep the club open as RCC etc.
4. It was my small way of being positive they would make it (well it made me feel good anyway and I renewed with my favorite club agent and it made her feel good too).
5 I don't/won't fly UA so I had no need to pay for the new enhanced membership. (agreement doesn't expire till 9/04 anyway).
6. If you are ever going to need a club because of irregular ops, weather, more and more flight cancelations, etc., it will be in the first half of the year anyway.

[This message has been edited by longing4piedmont (edited Jan 31, 2004).]

phillyguy

Jan 31, 04, 7:22 pm

anyone tried to negotiate on club renewal ?? <grin>

SPN Lifer

Apr 8, 04, 9:11 am

I got into the NRT Red Carpet Club with my US Airways Club in March 2004. It looks like I've got to use it as much as I can in the RCC by September. Any changes?

Is it true that US pays UA $10 per use? What is the source and reliability of this estimate?

TopTier

Apr 12, 04, 10:23 am

How much does each of us spend on business travel per year, factoring in hotels, rental cars, parking, meals, taxis, airfare, etc.? Is another ~$100 really that big of a deal? And, if you're that unhappy with US, take your business elsewhere. It boggles my mind how many people continue to complain about US yet still fly them. We have lots of options today ... so why stay with a company you feel keeps screwing you?!

I reading this thread, you really seem to defend US quite a bit for this foolish multi level club fiasco. If UA members can use the US clubs without additional fees, why should us "LIFETIME CLUB MEMBERS" pay additional for this as CP's. I think you may be BBB or one of his cronies. :D

la2clt

Apr 12, 04, 2:25 pm

I used the LAX RCC for the first time a couple of weeks ago. Since it is a very busy club, there is one desk where you show your card, and another desk where they assist with ticketing, etc. There were many people entering when I did, and I didn't see them "tracking" my entry. She was just trying to keep up with the rush. Glanced at my card, thanked me, and was on to the next person. So I don't know how the LAX club tracks how many US Club members enter to collect their $10.

SS255

Apr 12, 04, 3:35 pm

I've used the LAX RCC 3 times in the past 6 months, and have had the same experience as la2clt.

SPN Lifer

Apr 21, 04, 12:26 am

Has anyone been able to verify that UA does actually charge US for its members' access? These are US customers who are flying on UA, so one would think UA would be glad to have them.

This whole triple-tier club US membership scheme seems very bogus to me.

HPTunco

Apr 21, 04, 12:33 am

Both in SFO and ORD the RCC gate keeper wrote, what seemed to be, a CHECK on a list behind the counter. I assume this is the scorecard about how many US slugs enter.

geo1005

Apr 21, 04, 7:29 am

I've seen RCC reps make a little checkmark when I entered a RCC using my US Club membership.

That was pre-3/1. With the recent "enhancements" to the US Club program I decided it is not worth it to renew.

GadgetFreak

Apr 21, 04, 8:18 am

SS255

Apr 21, 04, 10:52 am

When I entered the LAX RCC on Monday morning there was only one agent at the desk, and she busy was assisting someone else. I just flashed my US Club card & driver's license, and she waved me through without asking to check my boarding pass. I did not see her writing anything down. Perhaps the procedure is to keep track of what US club members enter the RCC's & charge US accordingly, but I'm guessing the rules are often not enforced during peak hours.

NeoOfTheCRS

Apr 21, 04, 1:27 pm

I canned my US Club membership. I do feel a bit like a fish out of water. But one interesting note, with my UA RCC membership the UA Club agents do not require me to show a photo ID.

SPN Lifer

Apr 27, 04, 1:28 am

Well, my Club membership finally expired and I didnt renew. Was on a UA flight Saturday and stopped in the RCC and joined that for $300. Saved $160 over a US membership for the same benefits as far as I can understand.

I canned my US Club membership. I do feel a bit like a fish out of water. But one interesting note, with my UA RCC membership the UA Club agents do not require me to show a photo ID.I am sorry you guys have felt you had to leave, but if enough of us do so, it may trigger a re-evaluation in Crystal City.

With Star Alliance membership effective 4 May 2004, but the new third-tier membership fee effective 1 September, maybe this will give us an opportunity to "try out" the Star Alliance lounges over the summer.

On the other hand, those with Star Gold status will get in for free.

I still don't see many paying for *A lounge access on their US Airways Club memberships.

But the more who vote with their feet, the less likely the rest of us will have to. :)

SPN Lifer

Jun 7, 04, 12:28 am

Is anyone planning to pay the extra money for Red Carpet Club access after 1 September?

geo1005

Jun 7, 04, 8:48 am

Is anyone planning to pay the extra money for Red Carpet Club access after 1 September?

Not me. I dropped my US Club membership all together. I enjoyed using the Clubs but given that there is now an "extra" fee for the RCC benefit :rolleyes: I just decided to drop the whole thing altogether. Of course, US is touting the fact that club membership is available at "reduced" rates.... that's a bogus claim IMO. I'll just use my Star Gold status on international trips and be done with it.

IF they looked at the Club situation as part of their overall operation (in addition to US's precarious place in the market) they would price the club at a break-even point and allow the Club to be one of the (many?) things that would help a traveller choose US over a LCC.

Beckles

Jun 7, 04, 9:03 am

IF they looked at the Club situation as part of their overall operation (in addition to US's precarious place in the market) they would price the club at a break-even point and allow the Club to be one of the (many?) things that would help a traveller choose US over a LCC.

Break-even point? Personally I doubt any US airline prices their club memberships at the break-even point ... no one would pay for them if they did because they'd be so expensive ...

NeoOfTheCRS

Jun 7, 04, 5:22 pm

Beckles,

What do you think it costs to run the clubs?

From what I understand, most US airlines want/almost have them to be revenue neutral.

USFlyerUS

Jun 7, 04, 6:29 pm

I reading this thread, you really seem to defend US quite a bit for this foolish multi level club fiasco. If UA members can use the US clubs without additional fees, why should us "LIFETIME CLUB MEMBERS" pay additional for this as CP's. I think you may be BBB or one of his cronies. :D

No, I do not work for US. I'm a regular paying customer who happens to feel one should pay for the services one wants. It's silly to quibble over approx. $120 when we all spend thousands of dollars if not tens of thousands of dollars a year on business travel. Plus, US comps Club memberships if you fly a certain amount or spend a certain amount, so it's even sillier to make this a huge issue since the high revenue flyers get a free Club membership anyway.

geo1005

Jun 8, 04, 5:42 am

It's silly to quibble over approx. $120 when we all spend thousands of dollars if not tens of thousands of dollars a year on business travel.

I disagree. I buy thousands of dollars worth of food every year but that does not make it prudent to spend $12 on a loaf of bread.

biggs

Jun 8, 04, 6:50 am

Not me. I dropped my US Club membership all together.

I cannot believe this. The world must be coming to an end. I'll get you in next time geo. :D

When are you going to drop the other shoe and let us know you have become a CO or DL elite. :)

mauld

Jun 8, 04, 7:21 am

First of all, no one at the US Club has contacted me via e mail, snail mail, phone etc to tell me of any changes to the Club and its policies with regard to UA RCC's (I have a current 3 yr US Membership). I the past month, I've had no problem with the RCC's in EWR, LAX & SFO in showing my US Club card and a UA ticket. Yes, I am aware that changes will be occuring-- other than the information here, I did manage to find it on the US website hidden among other news items. So until I personally get something offical from US about charges for RCC use, I'll continue to just 'flash my card and UA boarding pass' ;)

SS255

Jun 8, 04, 10:48 am

My US Club membership expires at the end of September. As of now I'm planning to renew, but I haven't decided yet whether or not to purchase the RCC option. I'm flying UA to SEA in September, when my US Club membership will still be in effect, but the RCC priveleges will have expired. I'm thinking of chancing it & seeing if they'll let me in with a UA boarding pass & a US Club membership good till the end of Sept, and then possibly letting my US Club membership expire, with the hopes that they'll offer a renewal incentive in the form of a discount. Has anybody out there let their memberships expire already? Has US offered you any incentives to re-join?

mauld: It was great meeting you on Saturday. Hope your trip back to EWR was pleasant & uneventful.

USFlyerUS

Jun 8, 04, 11:38 am

I disagree. I buy thousands of dollars worth of food every year but that does not make it prudent to spend $12 on a loaf of bread.

You're entitled to your opinion. And, as I've said many times, if you're that unhappy, take your business elsewhere. Unless you live in a city which NO OTHER CARRIER serves, you have lots of options on other carriers. $120 really is a drop in the bucket, though.

geo1005

Jun 8, 04, 11:49 am

And, as I've said many times, if you're that unhappy, take your business elsewhere.

:rolleyes: Thanks. I'd never considered *that*!

All kidding aside, it is a value proposition for me and I just don't see the "value added" of the membership to make it worth it to me (with my current travel habits). Of course, YMMV and I'm sure it does.

Also keep in mind that just because I don't like one offering on the menu, it does not mean US is not my "carrier of choice". ;)

Beckles

Jun 8, 04, 1:28 pm

What do you think it costs to run the clubs?

From what I understand, most US airlines want/almost have them to be revenue neutral.

Unless someone has some real numbers I think debating this would be relatively pointless, but I would agree at best some airlines run their clubs as revenue neutral. I doubt that's the case for all airlines, I seriously doubt that Delta's clubs with their free booze and free membership to PM's is revenue neutral, I know that I never lost money buying a CRC membership, I more than drank enough margaritas in the MSY club alone to cover the membership fee each year ...

I think my good friend geo1005 is incorrect in thinking that the fees would go down if the Club were priced at the breakeven point ...

ClueByFour

Jun 8, 04, 3:08 pm

You're entitled to your opinion. And, as I've said many times, if you're that unhappy, take your business elsewhere. Unless you live in a city which NO OTHER CARRIER serves, you have lots of options on other carriers. $120 really is a drop in the bucket, though.

And $25 to standby is a drop in the bucket.

And change fees are a drop in the bucket.

And redeposit fees are a drop in the bucket.

And then someone with choices says "duh" and takes their business (bucket?) elsewhere.

One of the most telling exchanges I've had on this type of thing came from someone at CCY who contacted me shortly after I started emulating Piney (faxing letters of observation and receipts from other airline trips) to Consumer Affairs. Some goodies and compensation and incentives were offered to me to return my high dollar (typically paid premium cabin transatlantic travel) to US.

When I said that I'd like a waiver from all change/standby fees (at the time of such things in the latter case) it was if I'd asked to be cannonized. I don't need a BMW at the price point of a VW bug, I'd like to not feel as if I'm dealing with a shady used car salesman every time I do anything except purchase a ticket--even then, it's arguable that buying a ticket from a legacy airline still makes one feel like Joe Isuzu is giving one the business, but I digress.

Back on point, the very phenomenon you are suggesting "don't like it, leave" is eventually going to kill US. US was able to beat it's "captive" customers about the ears for many years, and much of the current economic woe it finds itself in is the entrance of new carriers and expanded service from existing carriers in what were captive markets.

GadgetFreak

Jun 8, 04, 3:17 pm

....It's silly to quibble over approx. $120 when we all spend thousands of dollars if not tens of thousands of dollars a year on business travel. Plus, US comps Club memberships if you fly a certain amount or spend a certain amount, so it's even sillier to make this a huge issue since the high revenue flyers get a free Club membership anyway.

You could just as easily say the same thing to US air......

geo1005

Jun 8, 04, 4:30 pm

And $25 to standby is a drop in the bucket.

And change fees are a drop in the bucket.

And redeposit fees are a drop in the bucket.

While all the drops in a bucket do add up, as a passenger I'd rather "drop" once in the bucket for a $250 instead of four drops of $200 + $15 + $15 + $20. Part of the BIG hassle with airline travel is that no one who wears the label "passenger" REALLY understands even half of what the airlines spout to us when they speak of rules and regulations. And given that every day we hear examples of how the employees of the airlines don't even know the rules, we get mixed messages just about every time we hit the skies.

IMO, US could see some benefit to the bottom line by keeping their programs (club membership, FF program, whatever...) as simple as can be. A simpler program leads to fewer mis-understandings and fewer ticked off passengers.

SPN Lifer

Jul 6, 04, 11:23 pm

There are less than two months until "Triple Tier Day", 1 September 2004, is upon U.S. Airways Club members.

I wonder how many former members now hold Red Carpet Club cards, and won't have to worry about this foolishness? Enough to provoke second thoughts in Crystal City? (Perhaps they now have other, more urgent, things to think about.)

If I haven't been clear :eek: I will not be buying the second-tier "upgrade," and expect to enter international lounges by virtue of *Gold membership.

I can hardly wait for September!

rebadc

Jul 8, 04, 5:09 pm

Anyone belong to this program which lets you use almost any club in any airport?

elbidercni

Jul 18, 04, 2:17 am

Just got my US Club renewal notice in the mail and couldn't make sense out of it until I went back and searched this thread.

In the notice they made it sound like they were "enhancing" service by offering RCC access, while in reality they are taking it away (and giving it back with an extra charge). :(

Meanwhile, as a CP I still get access to all *alliance airlines when I fly internationally, right?

Given UA isn't playing the same games what's keeping me from moving to RCC and then continuing to use US Clubs? Didn't anybody at US think through this change? I hate to switch, but I only get one club membership reimbursed and I have to get as much bang for the buck as possible.

Why not even join the QF Club, which seems to offer access to US, AA, BA whenever I fly them? I'm obviously thinking through and re-considering all my options!

GadgetFreak

Jul 24, 04, 1:39 pm

Spiff

Jul 24, 04, 3:06 pm

Why not even join the QF Club, which seems to offer access to US, AA, BA whenever I fly them? I'm obviously thinking through and re-considering all my options!

If my QP (Qantas Club) membership weren't complimentary, I'd take this option.

The only downside is no RCC access at any time, other than by virtue of being on an international itinerary as a *G, but I can live with that. I seldom fly UA if I can help it.

Spiff

Jul 24, 04, 3:09 pm

I more than drank enough margaritas in the MSY club alone to cover the membership fee each year ...

Not everyone performs a "heroic intake of cocktails" every time they hit the CRC... :D

(I usually did too, but that's besides the point!) :)

abeflyer

Jul 24, 04, 6:22 pm

I joined Priority Pass several years ago when every airport I was flying into didn't have a US or Red Carpet Club near the US gate. In most cases US's clubs belong (for example in PHL Clubs in A, F (not B-C) and the RCC). In ORD you can use the NW/CO Club which is closer to US gates than the RCC. RCC frequently belong to Priority Pass such as the one in SAT. The only airport I found where there wasn't one that I could use was CVG. It is a flat fee every year and you can then decide which level you want. I've taken the pay as you go. In a year it is still has cost less than the full US Club membership. I generally don't go to the same airport twice in a year so it works for me, but for someone else a one airline club maybe the best. :p

SPN Lifer

Jul 26, 04, 1:52 am

Last week the people at the club desk at LGA noticed I had a UA RCC card instead of a US card after being a US member for years. They asked about it and I mentioned the difference and that the RCC was a better deal. They said I wasnt the first to comment on it. ^^ I hope these comments are being passed up the chain of command. The accountants must be noticing, too. If enough members vote with their feet, perhaps the desired result will be obtained.

Barely more than a month until Triple Tier Day! :(

USFlyerUS

Jul 26, 04, 7:14 am

^^ I hope these comments are being passed up the chain of command. The accountants must be noticing, too. If enough members vote with their feet, perhaps the desired result will be obtained.

Barely more than a month until Triple Tier Day! :(

Let's remember again that it may be more economical for US to have its Club members purchase RCC memberships. I'll use myself as an example. I've used a RCC no less than 25 times over the past year. At $10/visit for US, that equates to about $250 sent to UA for my "right" to use a RCC when traveling on UA. However, with a US1 membership around that amount, US broke even or even lost money because I had a US Club membership. If, however, I fly US predominantly and have a RCC membership, UA sends $10 to US for every visit. I've used a US Club no less than 75 times over the past year, which would have resulted in UA sending about $750 to US. Given this, I also find it hard to believe UA will allow this to continue, so either expect US to back down or UA to institute a similar rule.

(Now, for the record, US has comp'd my membership the past two years since I flew/spent way more than the average US1. I am not part of the grandfathered US1 group, either.)

Chapie

Jul 26, 04, 12:28 pm

They did the same thing with Delta's clubs right before they annouced that they were discontinuing there code share aggrements with them... Could be a sign of things to come.....

Greg

jetsetter

Jul 26, 04, 1:20 pm

I've recently gotten a comp to UA 1P (Premier Executive) and my US club membership expires this fall. I also don't see any reason not to just buy an RCC membership. I believe it is $350 a year for a UA 1P member, and this covers access to UA, US, and Star Alliance.

Also interestingly sometimes using my US club membership at UA RCC very often they just look at my card quickly and don't write down the number. I'm assuming if they don't write down the number that UA cannot bill US.

Agree that under the hood maybe it just works out better for US if we are all RCC members. Probably UA RCC members don't fly US that much anyway and so there is more billing from UA to US than vice versa.

SPN Lifer

Jul 26, 04, 8:05 pm

Thank you for the insight, USFlyerUS, that US may actually want U.S. Airways Club members who are heavy users of the UA Red Carpet Club (RCC) to obtain membership in the RCC, to staunch reimbursement outflow from US to UA, and even perhaps earn some income when the "new" RCC members continue to frequent the U.S. Airways Club.

This is all premised on the assumption that there is an internal per-visit charge collected by each carrier (perhaps offset and converted to a net monthly or annual billing). I am in the group who has used my US membership frequently in the RCC and never had my number recorded when flashing it at the entrance, though I cannot deny that a tally may have been kept. It would be interesting to know this for sure, though perhaps someone upthread (it has been a while since I read the whole thing) has received confirmation that such internal payments are indeed made.

Given this, I also find it hard to believe UA will allow this to continue, so either expect US to back down or UA to institute a similar rule.This poses an interesting question. Would the putative revenue-shifting scheme by US actually be opposed by UA? Or is it better in the long run that someone who uses one type of lounge more often be a member of the predominantly-used lounge, in that this may encourage more flights on that carrier?

(Now, for the record, US has comp'd my membership the past two years since I flew/spent way more than the average US1. I am not part of the grandfathered US1 group, either.)Would you mind amplifying what you mean by the "grandfathered US1 group"?

SPN Lifer

Aug 25, 04, 8:33 pm

We're almost here. Triple-Tier Day is this Wednesday, 1 September 2004.

It will be interesting to see how quick UA Red Carpet Clubs and other Star Alliance clubs are to deny entrance to U.S. Airways Club members who hold the "wrong" kind of card. :( :td:

bofie

Aug 25, 04, 8:52 pm

OK, I anted up $120 to get access to the RCC with my Usairways Club card.

Now I'm told by the info people at the USAirways Club phone number that I only get access when flying UA metal.

*&$*$! I thought I was getting a good deal, rather than paying more just to maintain the status quo.

I am a dope.

SS255

Aug 26, 04, 10:41 am

United935

Aug 26, 04, 1:42 pm

have got rcc & not poss go to us lounge after 1st septerber :(

GadgetFreak

Aug 26, 04, 11:15 pm

have got rcc & not poss go to us lounge after 1st septerber :(

Is that correct. I thought with an RCC card and a US ticket you could go to the US club?

wahooflyer

Aug 26, 04, 11:47 pm

So I sucked it up & got the UA access option when I renewed the other day, because I expect to be flying UA a few times over the next year. But I asked the agent if they've sold any memberships with the *A access, and she said "I think they've sold one." I should have asked her if they've sold many memberships with the UA option, but I was afraid her response would also be "only one." I'll be flying UA on 9/21, so I'll try to remember to post how it works out.

The Star Alliance option only makes sense for Silvers and non-elites, since Gold and CP flyers (as Star Alliance Gold) have access to all Star Alliance lounges as long as they're flying on an international itinerary. This holds true even if you're not a US Club member; the Star Alliance lounge access is included in the cost of any int'l ticket for Star Golds.

SPN Lifer

Sep 1, 04, 7:32 am

It will be interesting to see how quick UA Red Carpet Clubs and other Star Alliance clubs are to deny entrance to U.S. Airways Club members who hold the "wrong" kind of card.The new U.S. Airways Club cards allowing access have the Red Carpet Club logo on them, so it won't be hard to keep out the riff raff.

US [only] cardholders can still hope that US will co-locate ever more of its terminals with those of UA, and still keep its clubs, as at SFO, for instance.

On the other hand, one could try to fly UA in places where US already has clubs, such as in PHL and CLT. Are those clubs convenient to the UA gates?

NeoOfTheCRS

Sep 2, 04, 11:02 am

It is far easier to buy a UA club membership which I did shortly after this thread was posted. Since DCA is my home airport and US has started locating flights on the center pier, I have had unfettered access to both clubs. It has been an excellent investment and no nickle and diming ^

Plus, I get UA club access in PHX which is VERY close to US's gates when I am flying on a US ticket.

The new U.S. Airways Club cards allowing access have the Red Carpet Club logo on them, so it won't be hard to keep out the riff raff.

US [only] cardholders can still hope that US will co-locate ever more of its terminals with those of UA, and still keep its clubs, as at SFO, for instance.

On the other hand, one could try to fly UA in places where US already has clubs, such as in PHL and CLT. Are those clubs convenient to the UA gates?

Joe Airman

Sep 2, 04, 11:31 am

The Star Alliance option only makes sense for Silvers and non-elites, since Gold and CP flyers (as Star Alliance Gold) have access to all Star Alliance lounges as long as they're flying on an international itinerary. This holds true even if you're not a US Club member; the Star Alliance lounge access is included in the cost of any int'l ticket for Star Golds.

People on the AC forum say that they've been able to access the US Club with their *A status while travelling on domestic itineraries. Don't know if that has changed effective Sept 1 (ie yesterday).

wahooflyer

Sep 2, 04, 2:08 pm

Sure, being an Air Canada elite can get you into either the UA RCC or the US Airways Club even when you're flying domestically. Same goes for Star Golds on any of the Star Alliance carriers EXCEPT UA and US. If you're a US Gold or Chairman's Preferred member but not a Club member, you can still access the US Clubs or RCCs when on a same-day international itinerary operated by US or UA, respectively.

For anyone who flies 150,000+ miles per year on US, crediting the extra miles to AC, Thai, or other Star Alliance carriers to become *Gold on both US and an alternate airline might be a useful move. Your status on the second Star carrier would allow access to any Star Alliance lounge as long as you have a same-day ticket on a Star airline---with no domestic restriction IIRC.

Some AA flyers do this with Qantas. Qantas Gold status gives complimentary access to the Qantas Club AND all AA, BA, and US clubs worldwide. Accumulate enough QF tier points and you can earn lifetime Qantas Gold with LIFETIME lounge access! Best of all, it's possible to attain QF Gold without ever flying Qantas, as I learned wisely from one of our esteemed posters at RoachFEST :)

NeoOfTheCRS

Sep 2, 04, 2:13 pm

Best of all, it's possible to attain QF Gold without ever flying Qantas, as I learned wisely from one of our esteemed posters at RoachFEST :)

Do enlighten us. . .Do you mean flying another airline and crediting status to QF? But which? :confused:

wahooflyer

Sep 2, 04, 9:24 pm

Neo (and others who are interested), here's how the Qantas Frequent Flyer program works. It's a bit more complicated than US Dividend Miles, so bear with me :)

You get a certain number of "status credits" for each mile flown, based on fare class. All US Airways & Express flights are eligible for QF mileage and status accrual EXCEPT United codeshares and anything booked in G class.

It takes 700 Qantas status credits in a 12-month period for Gold membership and the included club access. QF awards a minimum of 10 status credits per segment (for discount economy of less than 1000 miles) all the way up to 320 credits per segment (paid F more than 8701 miles).

The status credit table is located at this link (http://www.qantas.com.au/fflyer/dyn/program/privileges#jump1) .

The wording on the Qantas Web site seems to indicate that status is based not on the calendar year but on the anniversary of the date you joined their FF program---which can be an advantage to some.

For example: you could make Qantas Gold with six roundtrips on GoFirst fares from PHL to LAS, if such fares are ever offered again. Paid F on segments of 1001-2700 miles gives you 60 status credits per one way leg. In discount coach, you'd have to make eighteen transcon RTs to get QF Gold...and you won't even be eligible for your US Preferred upgrades if you don't credit the flights to your DM account.

Because QF's status credits are based on fare class, it makes sense to credit some US flights to Qantas if you fly paid domestic F or Envoy. However, those of us who travel on roach fares won't get nearly as much value out of the Qantas program for this same reason.

Of course, anyone can buy a Qantas Club membership regardless of status. It's a great deal if you fly both US and AA (as I do). QF only charges US$436 per year to join (AUD$625), while paid membership in both the US Club and AA Admiral's Club would run considerably more.

The two biggest drawbacks: 1) no RCC access unless you're on an international UA flight using your Star Gold benefits; and 2) it's always possible that the US/QF partnership might end abruptly, devaluing one's Qantas Club membership.

NeoOfTheCRS

Sep 3, 04, 2:19 pm

wahooflyer,

thanks for investing the time in our education.

SPN Lifer

Sep 3, 04, 11:19 pm

The wording on the Qantas Web site seems to indicate that status is based not on the calendar year but on the anniversary of the date you joined their FF program---which can be an advantage to some.That is correct, so consider what time of year would be most advantageous to sign up. The best would be a month where you have discretionary travel that can be advanced or deferred depending on your annual mileage-earning needs.

I got a lot of QF miles from buying Inside Flyer subscriptions, with Starwood bonus points awarded for doing so.

SPN Lifer

Sep 12, 04, 5:14 am

See Received new Club card with United logo
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=354113

SPN Lifer

Sep 14, 04, 6:47 am

Apparently the US Airways Club staffers are seeing a lot of cards with the UA logo on them.

Did that many people actually buy into Tier 2 of the three-tier system, or were most of them comped? :rolleyes:

shell nyc

Sep 14, 04, 7:46 am

My company will pay for one club membership a year for employees in my position. Last year it was a no brainer: I paid $260 for the US Club and had my employer pick up the $425 or so for the President's Club...figuring that would cover all of my bases (except for AA of course, but I digress...) While most of my flying is US, more and more of it is on UA right now, and it's just nice to have the CO/NW/Delta club options.

With my memberships expiring at the end of this month, I've got a more difficult decision to make. I'm not going to personally pick up the $395 for the US+RCC card. My options are looking like:

1)have work buy the US + RCC option. Of course, that may mean that I'm SOL in a few months...
2)have work buy the RCC membership, which still would afford me access to US clubs
3)have work buy the PClub membership again, and I pick up the base US Club membership on my own (which will make me even more bitter if it becomes valueless in the next year.)

Any opinions?

GadgetFreak

Sep 14, 04, 7:58 am

SS255

Sep 14, 04, 10:50 am

Any opinions?

No brainer: Have your work pick up a RCC membership, which will allow you access into both RCC's and US clubs. Then look into Priority Pass to pick up the slack. Note that Priority Pass membership does not usually include access to the loungess of dominant carriers in hub cities. For example, a Priority Pass membership may get you access to an AAdmiral's Club in PHL, but not the US clubs. IIRC, Priority Pass does not advertise which lounges your membership covers until you actually join. I suggest doing a search for Priority Pass in TravelBuzz, and posting there for additional advice based upon the airports you expect to fly to over the next year.

Vulcan

Sep 14, 04, 1:29 pm

I bought the cheap 10 visit Priority Pass membership last year just to fill in where my PC membership had no clubs. I have been fairly happy with it. I beleive it was about $199 on sale.

If someone is interested in which clubs are available in a specific airport, PM me and I will check for you. For instance, in ATL, PP uses the PC on Concourse D and the DL club on Concourse E.

Ed

wahooflyer

Sep 21, 04, 11:25 pm

For Priority Pass, do you have to be flying on the airline whose club you're visiting (i.e. AA in PHL)?

The Lurker

Sep 22, 04, 2:16 am

For Priority Pass, do you have to be flying on the airline whose club you're visiting (i.e. AA in PHL)?

Nope.

ISP

Dec 8, 04, 12:07 am

shell nyc

Dec 8, 04, 5:59 am

Sorry guys, but I want to top this page to the top.

I've read through the enire post, and what I gather is this: (correct me if I am wrong)

As a US CP, even if I have no membership, I am still entitled to Star Lounges when traveling on an international itinerary. As such, it is pointless to purchase the US Club Star Lounge option.

Now comes the question whether to buy a US club membership or the RCC membership. As it stands, December 8, the UA website still says that RCC members will have access to US Clubs when traveling on US flights. As a US flyer (predominatly), that would mean I would have access to all clubs. Is it still correct to believe that I should buy a RCC membership instead of a US Club membership? Thanks for the feedback.

You're correct on all counts. After reading this thread, I decided to switch to a RCC membership instead of the US Club membership back in September at renewal time. The only caveat is that as someone with no status on United, RCC membership is $500. As a CP on US, Club membership WITH the RCC option is only $395. Since my company picks up the cost for me, it wasn't a deciding factor in my case (I know, I know, slap on the wrist for lack of corporate expense accountablity...) But if paying for it personally, the extra $105 should be weighed against the likelihood of US vs. United going under.

NeoOfTheCRS

Dec 8, 04, 9:00 am

If you are a RCC Member you can only use the US Club when traveling on a US ticket. Important to remember!

You're correct on all counts. After reading this thread, I decided to switch to a RCC membership instead of the US Club membership back in September at renewal time. The only caveat is that as someone with no status on United, RCC membership is $500. As a CP on US, Club membership WITH the RCC option is only $395. Since my company picks up the cost for me, it wasn't a deciding factor in my case (I know, I know, slap on the wrist for lack of corporate expense accountablity...) But if paying for it personally, the extra $105 should be weighed against the likelihood of US vs. United going under.