US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - USAirways Club News

Got this in an email today. Highlights:

-Wireless internet access coming
-Flavia coffee machines in all clubs
-Hub clubs to start selling food

UNITED AIRLINES PARTNERSHIP OPENS ACCESS TO NEARLY 70 CLUBS WORLDWIDE -- When traveling on flights operated by United or United Express, US Airways Club members have access to any of 45 United Red Carpet Club locations in 38 cities. Plus, our future membership in the Star Alliance means that by the end of the 1st quarter of 2004, US Airways Club members will be able to access hundreds of lounges worldwide operated by Star Alliance members.

US AIRWAYS OPENS ITS 24TH CLUB IN PHILADELPHIA -- a new 23,000 square foot combination US Airways Club and Envoy Lounge opened recently at Philadelphia International Airport. The Terminal A US Airways Club is conveniently located adjacent to the departure gates of the new terminal and offers sweeping views of the airport operations area and runways. This new Club is open during the times when US Airways has flights operating from the A Terminal. Currently the operating times for this Club are from the hours of 6:00 AM until 11:30 AM and from 2:30 PM until 9:00 PM daily.

FLAVIA BEVERAGE SYSTEM INTRODUCED -- The US Airways Club is pleased to offer complimentary Flavia specialty coffees in every Club. Each Flavia beverage is individually brewed in its own unique filter-pack. For more information on Flavia, see http://www.flavia.net/usairways.

BEVERAGE SERVICES -- In addition to complimentary soft drinks, tea, coffee and specialty coffees, the Club offers for sale a wide selection of top shelf liquors, beer and wine. On June 1, our bar prices will be as follows:
Draft beer - $4
Bottled beer, wine, liquor - $5

FOOD PURCHASE PROGRAM EXTENDS TO THE CLUB -- The two US Airways Club locations in Pittsburgh recently began a food for purchase test program. Beginning July 1, the hub Clubs in Philadelphia and Charlotte will also offer a similar menu. Food items for sale includes morning breakfast muffins, with salads and sandwiches offered for sale after 11:00am. All items are packaged to go, but may also be consumed in the bar area of these hub airport Clubs. We will continue to offer complimentary snack items throughout the day and plan to resume afternoon cheese and cracker platters later this summer.

WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS IN DEVELOPMENT -- US Airways is currently working to provide wireless internet capability in each US Airways Club. We hope to make an announcement soon, look for wireless access in the Club early next year.

YOUR FEEDBACK IS WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED -- Please utilize the comment cards in the back of the Attache magazine to pass along comments, complaints and suggestions regarding the US Airways Club.

SPECIAL NOTE TO MEMBERS IN HARTFORD/BRADLEY FIELD -- The main entrance to the US Airways Club in Hartford will be relocated for two weeks starting June 3. Please follow the signs from the Terminal to access a temporary entrance. Our Club Representatives look forward to serving you and are committed to providing you outstanding personal attention to help make your travel experience as smooth as possible. Thank you again for your membership in the US Airways Club and your support of US Airways.

Did I miss the *A announcement? It's referenced in this news release.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">USAirways Club Says:
plan to resume afternoon cheese and cracker platters later this summer.</font>

YES!!!

Best news from US in a while!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by horvin:
On June 1, our bar prices will be as follows:
Draft beer - $4
Bottled beer, wine, liquor - $5
</font>

Ok, I confess I don't buy this stuff at The Club so it doesn't really matter to me but why do I get the feeling that they just slipped a price increase under the door?

Also, the Flavia machines are wonderful but when are they ever going to get a supply of "choco sprinkles"???

The Flavia Coffee machines rock the house! I love it.

Bring back the cheese & cracker tray and the US Club is quite the oasis!!!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by TomBascom:
Ok, I confess I don't buy this stuff at The Club so it doesn't really matter to me but why do I get the feeling that they just slipped a price increase under the door?
</font>

I believe all beer used to be $4, so they increased the price of bottled beer compared to draft ... of course, the folks who really get screwed are the bartenders since they probably won't get as much tips at $5/serving ...

Speaking of club news, is it me or is that guy with red suspenders just TOO cocky? I always avoid him and buy somewhere else. I don't need 'tude from the bartender when I'm tired after a week's work. Is he in Philly or Pittsburgh, I can't remember, I think it's Pitts (and so is he!)

I had just about decided to cancel my membership this year but am now thinking I'll renew. I've gotten frustrated by the lack of high-speed Internet connections and the decline in the snack options. I just got a new laptop with wireless so that coupled with the Cheese & Crackers (yes, it's the little things that make a big difference!) maybe it's worth another year.

Heinrich-
The bartender with the red suspenders is at the PIT club in the main core. I think his name is Ralph...

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Heinrich:
Speaking of club news, is it me or is that guy with red suspenders just TOO cocky? I always avoid him and buy somewhere else. I don't need 'tude from the bartender when I'm tired after a week's work. Is he in Philly or Pittsburgh, I can't remember, I think it's Pitts (and so is he!)</font>


Yes... red suspenders is PIT... The main bartender in PHL B/C is a guy named Joseph... he is a nice guy. I'm sure US Airways doesn't care about the bartenders, since they are contracted out and aren't US employees.

These are very welcome developments (except for the higher bar prices) and should add some value to one's membership, which has declined quite a bit over the years. These things, especially the ability to purchase food in the Club, should help take some of the sting out of delays and misconnects. If they'd only do something about the non-smoking policy at PIT...

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Beckles:
YES!!!

Best news from US in a while!</font>

Ahhh, simple pleasures http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Those of you who are semi regular on here know i had words with Mr. Rice, Manger of the Clubs regarding what i felt was a very decieving miles promotion for the US Airways clubs. He promptly told me that "we are an industry of fine print" Take a look at the promotion by clicking this link https://www.secure.usairways.com/secure/club_application.htm

Note the clarity in which all of the Terms & Conditions are spelled out. Perhaps if you harrangue long and loud enough common sense will prevail. I'd like to take credit for the change but even I don't have that big an ego! Let B. Ben take the credit, he needs to be able to say he did something right besides stay away from the media.

Originally posted by PHL:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">[O]ur future membership in the Star Alliance means that by the end of the 1st quarter of 2004, US Airways Club members will be able to access hundreds of lounges worldwide operated by Star Alliance members.
</font>Does anyone know if you will have to be flying the particular carrier whose international lounge you are accessing with a US Airways Club membership card, or if flying any international Star Alliance carrier that day will be enough?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
Originally posted by PHL:
[O]ur future membership in the Star Alliance means that by the end of the 1st quarter of 2004, US Airways Club members will be able to access hundreds of lounges worldwide operated by Star Alliance members.
</font>Does anyone know if you will have to be flying the particular carrier whose international lounge you are accessing with a US Airways Club membership card, or if flying any international Star Alliance carrier that day will be enough?



US Air club membership is not the issue. US Gold (and CP, of course) status will translate into *Gold, which lets you into any *Gold lounge as long as you hold a *A BP. E.g., I frequent the SQ lounge (or the new AC/SK London lounge) rather than the dated RCC at LHR.

Furthermore, US should allow access to their own clubs for non-members if you are *G and fly in Y internationally. That's how it works on UA. This will certainly diminish the interest in US club membership for people who travel intl.

If you are not *G and fly C or F class then you should be able to use to other *G lounges. (Not 100% certain about this.)

This will also add a major difference between US Silver and Gold. Currently the difference in these levels are not that significant apart from 50% vs. 100% bonus miles.

Mea culpa.

[This message has been edited by gnaget (edited 06-01-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by gnaget:
Wow, this is outright misinformation from US. </font>


Why jump the gun? They just got into STAR yesterday and we've already bashed US for "misinformation"? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/confused.gif

Well, they are obviously trying to sell US club memberships based on their joining *A.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by gnaget:
Wow, this is outright misinformation from US. A RCC card (or US Club card) is not going to get you into any other *A lounge. What you need is that is that little *G logo on your FF card.</font>

I don't understand what you're saying, my understanding is that if you have a lounge membership of one Star Alliance member you can use any Star Alliance member's lounge when you're flying that airline, which does give you access to all those lounges. Why do you think US Club membership would be any different than what other Star Alliance members offer?

Oops, sorry. I am an idiot.

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

Regardless, you don't need the membership if you are Gold or better.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Regardless, you don't need the membership if you are Gold or better. </font>

You do for domestic US trips.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">-Wireless internet access coming</font>

This is nice, but they didn't say what the price would be.

I just wish that the USAirways Club membership would be as transferable in the * alliance program as the CO/NW club cards are (e.g., if you have a NW card you can use any CO club, even if you are not flying on either carrier).

I think that selling muffins in the morning is a slippery slope. Most clubs give muffins.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by zrs70:
I think that selling muffins in the morning is a slippery slope. Most clubs give muffins. </font>

Agreed. Selling muffins is very tacky. The rest of it (sort of) makes sense but muffins? What's next? Coffee?

They offered to sell me water for $1 a bottle at IND. The stuff in pitchers tasted like sewage. I opted for a complimentary club soda. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by gnaget:
They offered to sell me water for $1 a bottle at IND. The stuff in pitchers tasted like sewage. I opted for a complimentary club soda. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif</font>

That's odd -- I've had the water from pitchers at IND quite a lot and never noticed a problem. The bartender there is sort of annoying though -- always walking around butting in to make sure you know the bar is open... I guess he has to earn a living but I really don't need the update quite so often.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by TomBascom:
The bartender there is sort of annoying though -- always walking around butting in to make sure you know the bar is open... </font>

This is the opposite of RDU where they will quite often walk up and ask, by name, if I'd like another drink. Great service IMO.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by geo1005:
This is the opposite of RDU where they will quite often walk up and ask, by name, if I'd like another drink. Great service IMO. </font>

Just to be clear -- I like the IND club a lot. The staff at the desk are wonderful! I find them to be exceptionally helpful.

That is such a load of crap. It is so ironic that the LGW lounge has complimentary food and beverages, but that the rest of the US lounges suck (basically just a room with nicer chairs).
--Alex

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ayb1:
That is such a load of crap.
</font>

A little civility, please.


It is so ironic that the LGW lounge has complimentary food and beverages, but that the rest of the US lounges suck (basically just a room with nicer chairs).
--Alex[/QUOTE]

wth are you talking about?

What comment in the above 28 postings do you consider to be a "load of c#@$"?

By "US", are you referring to United States-based airline's lounges (as you appear to be UK based), or other USAirways Club lounges (how many have you sampled?).

I can't think of any USAirways Club that I've been in that didn't have complimentary soft drinks and some version of "food". I've yet to see one that is just a room and chairs, although I'm nowhere near trying them all - where specifically?

I've yet to see one that is just a room and chairs,


Have you ever been to Syr, Gso, or Rdu?????

Lets get real, US clubs stink. And I have been a member since 96.

Stink? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

Compared to what? US's Clubs are on par with most other domestic airline club facilities (DL, CO, NW, UA).

Comparing the US Clubs (domestic) to other airlines international lounges is not an appropriate comparison.

Having said that, the new US Club at LGW is as good as most international lounges.

I have a Priority Pass so I have the opportunity to check out quite a few different airline clubs. I do like the facilities of the US clubs, but I would have to say that from what I have seen, the food and drink choices are quite a bit better at HP, NW, UA and DL. The Mystery Mix is not my favorite http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Stink?
Compared to what?


CO, NW. Unless you LIKE lemon in your water, and 5 dollar beers. Not to mention Usair's famous early morning muffins. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif

I've always found US Airways Club to be rather nice and I've visited them in the following locations: CLT, PIT, PHL, DCA, SFO, PBI, MCO, BWI, and a few more I cannot recall. They are usually quiet with plenty of space to relax and/or work, check email, etc. The coffee service is nice and the bar too. However, upon joining the Admirals Club last year, in addition to my US membership (I've been flying AA alot lately) I can tell you that AA sure does know how to furnish a club. Their flagship clubs in ORD and DFW are incredible. But their clubs in outstations are nice too. The food selections are great and they are very modern with plenty of features to use, i.e. cubicles for working, bar/counter areas for plugging in your laptop and check email really quick while having a drink, etc. UA also has a great level of food in the clubs I've visited recently. In the afternoon they have the cheese tray, apples, celery slices, cherry tomatoes, crackers, etc.

I think US needs to really take a hard look at the competition and add food and other improvements. AA even sells nice box meals in the clubs for a reasonable price, between $5-$8 bucks for a salad or sandwhich with chips or cookies. Very tasty and filling. Works great when you have to get to the airport at least 1.5 hours early at the end of a busy work day. Most of those types of days for me I've either had a early or very light lunch and I'm starving by 5 or 6. No food onthe plane and I really need to check email, etc. So at the Admirals Club I can check/download email and have a quick meal and still make my plan, all in a very civilzed, quiet evironment. This is the value of the Clubs. I wish the product mgr at US for their clubs would get a clue. I suspect thisperson is not a road warrior like myself and many of us who love FT.



------------------
US-CP; UA PE; AA Plat; Hilton Gold VIP; Six Continents Gold

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Beckles:
I don't understand what you're saying, my understanding is that if you have a lounge membership of one Star Alliance member you can use any Star Alliance member's lounge when you're flying that airline, which does give you access to all those lounges. Why do you think US Club membership would be any different than what other Star Alliance members offer?</font>

It had also always been my understanding that you needed the *Gold logo to get you in, not your lounge membership. Only exception I thought was UA/AC which have a specific agreement for reciprocol lounge access, but that has nothing to do with Star.

Interesting, guess that was wrong.

[This message has been edited by HeadInTheClouds (edited 07-27-2003).]

dunno, but maybe this will help answer the questions. copied from the staralliance.com website.

Star Alliance Gold benefits.

Priority Reservations Waitlisting1 - when there aren't any seats left on your preferred flight, gives you priority should a seat become available.

Priority Airport Standby - gives you the flexibility to change plans at the last minute when you don't have a reservation.

Priority Airport Check-in - avoid long lines regardless of paid fare or class of service.
Priority Baggage Handling - like you, your bags get priority treatment and are among the first to be unloaded.

Extra Baggage Allowance - an additional 20kg (44 pounds) or one additional piece of luggage3 which means you can check in three bags instead of two.

Priority Boarding - enjoy the freedom of boarding at your convenience along with First and Business Class passengers.

Airport Lounge Access - available worldwide for you and a friend when you travel with any Star Alliance airline regardless of your class of travel.


Lounge Access

International First Class
Customers who present an International First Class boarding pass, regardless of the Star Alliance carrier they fly, have lounge access. They, and one guest, are welcome to visit first class lounges or any other members' departure lounges when departing on a Star Alliance flight. Note: AC, BD, OS (NG, VO), MX and SK do not have international first class service.

International Business Class
Customers who present an international Business Class boarding pass, regardless of the Star Alliance carrier they fly, have access to all members' designated business departure lounges. Guests are not permitted.

Star Alliance Gold Card Holder

Star Alliance Gold card holders and one guest, have access to any lounge that is identified with a Star Alliance Gold lounge sign when departing on a Star Alliance flight. Note: UA's Star Gold customers have access to US Red Carpet Clubrooms only when they present a ticket or boarding pass in conjunction with international travel (outside the US).


Eligible Guests
Any guest of an eligible customer (International First, Star Alliance Gold card holders, and eligible paid member) must enter the designated lounge with the eligible customer. The guest must also depart on a Star Alliance carrier, but may travel on a different flight.

From what I can tell if you are US Gold or CP you will hold a gold star status (gold star card)on any * carrier, and has nothing to do with having a club card.

http://www.staralliance.com/star/frame/main_10.html

[This message has been edited by longing4piedmont (edited 07-27-2003).]

On my LAX-PHL segment on Friday morning, there was a space positive CCY employee. I talked with him before boarding and found out he was at LAX to let AA know they were giving up their storage facility they rent from them. Seems a move to T6 is coming sometime in September. They are not giving up the LAX hangar. I also asked if he thought they would finally send the 330 out to us after the move. He responded that unless they add another European city this winter, we might see one as early as January.

He also mentioned that Vienna, Glasgow, Zurich are going to be future cities, as well as another he forgot( probably Prague).

Also on the flight was a 757/767 pilot on the jumpseat. We were both in the F galley waiting for the lav. I asked him about the veracity of the 757 reconfiguartion we keep hearing about, which he confirmed. He also alluded to something about a deal in the works to take a significantnumber of 757 (RR powered) and 767 aircraft from UA. That's all he would say.

Any interesting US Airways Club news that doesn't fit on other specific threads, such as the possible closure of the SFO Club (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=120584)?

What will happen to the US Airways clubs in non-hub cities if they stop flying?Will other carriers pick up the routes? and possibly the clubs??

They will use the empty clubs to warehouse all of the worthless tickets they issued. :p

What will happen to the US Airways clubs in non-hub cities if they stop flying?Will other carriers pick up the routes? and possibly the clubs??

What will happen to the US Airways clubs in non-hub cities if they stop flying?Will other carriers pick up the routes? and possibly the clubs??

Those clubs will be taken over by the same Airline that picks up the then defunct DL flying! Maybe the new elite designation will be Chairman's Medallion. Sorry my crystal ball just broke and the pizza guy is here.

The pizza shop has it's own version of SWA Rapid Rewards, Buy 8 large pizzas get the 9th one free. Maybe they'll take over the clubs. Also there's not assigned Pepperoni. :p

I just hope that whoever picks up the pieces (if it comes to that) will honor life memberships. AA certainly did not when TW folded into them.

AA gave TW life members a 3-year membership in the Admirals Club.

If we're lucky, UA will give us 5 years in the Red Carpet Club, and will last that long itself.

You and I are in the same boat.

AA gave TW life members a 3-year membership in the Admirals Club.

If we're lucky, UA will give us 5 years in the Red Carpet Club, and will last that long itself.

You and I are in the same boat.

Actually, AA gave two years plus the opportunity to renew at the highest elite level rate forever, so long as the membership doesn't lapse.

When UA and US proposed to merge a few years back, UA actually wrote that life members in the US club would become life RCC members.

Anyway, I feel for both (all) of us!

Just got a notice saying that the Orlando Club is being closed "indefinitely" due to t damage in the last hurricane - and United will only accept USAirways Club cards with a United logo on them starting next month.

And yes, wish that somebody was represent AMbassador Club members during the TWA bankruptcy procedings :mad:

Just got a notice saying that the Orlando Club is being closed "indefinitely" due to t damage in the last hurricane - and United will only accept USAirways Club cards with a United logo on them starting next month.UGH! And I have two trips to MCO in about a month. :(

Don't know why the :td: - makes sense to me:

"The Orlando US Airways Club suffered severe damage during hurricane Charley and will remain closed indefinitely. Although we have made the decision to repair and reopen this facility, our first priority is to repair the terminal building and we expect the Club to be closed for several months. We appreciate your patience during this time and look forward to seeing you in Orlando again soon."

I think fixing the terminals and getting the flights going is properly prioritized over the Club repair.


An unrelated topic, but in the same e-mail:

"Effective September 1, 2004, the United Red Carpet Club will only accept US Airways Club cards that contain the Red Carpet Club logo. New US Airways Club membership cards are being distributed and should be received by September 15." - So do those who signed up get a 2 week refund/extension?

I think your best bet on this one is to call US Airways yourself to get the best answer. What ever you find out share it with us.

T

Don't know why the :td: - makes sense to me:

"The Orlando US Airways Club suffered severe damage during hurricane Charley and will remain closed indefinitely. Although we have made the decision to repair and reopen this facility, our first priority is to repair the terminal building and we expect the Club to be closed for several months. We appreciate your patience during this time and look forward to seeing you in Orlando again soon."

"Effective September 1, 2004, the United Red Carpet Club will only accept US Airways Club cards that contain the Red Carpet Club logo. New US Airways Club membership cards are being distributed and should be received by September 15." - So do those who signed up get a 2 week refund/extension?

Don't know why the :td: - makes sense to me:

"Effective September 1, 2004, the United Red Carpet Club will only accept US Airways Club cards that contain the Red Carpet Club logo. New US Airways Club membership cards are being distributed and should be received by September 15." - So do those who signed up get a 2 week refund/extension?

When I renewed w/the RCC option, they gave me a receipt which indicated "US/UA," and told me to use it until my new card arrived. I'm not traveling again on UA until 9/21, so hopefully I will have my new card by then.