US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - SFO Club Closing

Last week the agent at the USAirways Club at SFO said they were being closed. Did not know the reason why. Is there any explanation for this?

This news saddens me but does not suprise me in the least. US keeps paring expense on a regular basis. This is a shame. Absolute shame. I really liked that club. Made getting to SFO early. The gate areas are so small and usually very croweded.

Any idea when it will close? Perhaps it will coincide with moving US to be nearer UA and therefore lessen the impact with access to the RCC.

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

My information was that eventually US would be moving to United area, therefore eliminating the need for a separate club.

I question the logic, however, as SFO clubs have traditionally been very crowded. On the other hand, the gate areas are much nicer.

Chalk it up to another potential boneheaded move by B. Ben and company.

------------------
IT'S THE FARES, STUPID!!

Regards,

Art at ISP

Unless I'm missing something, you only get RCC access when flying on UA.

So, let's assume that US moves in with UA. If you are flying on US metal, and a US club member, you are out of luck in the absense of a US club, or unless you are flying on a codeshared flight on a UA ticket. I don't believe that SFO-(PIT/PHL/CLT) have UA codes on them.

Now, elites might have some success once *A rolls around, but that'll be months away, and don't you want to bet that there will be a "domestic versus international" exception for *A lounge access between UA and US, not to mention putting the screws to general DM members who happen to be Club members.

This stinks. I won't be renewing my club membership between this potential move and the "narrowed" hours at LAX. I might, however, buy an RCC membership just to give BBB the finger.

Not to mention that the people at the SFO club rock. I once got an unsolicited call from them to inform me that the club was being cleaned on a night when I had a flight out (5 days hence) and that they'd arranged for use of the CO PC.

------------------
Saving the world, one clue at a time.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ClueByFour:
Unless I'm missing something, you only get RCC access when flying on UA.

So, let's assume that US moves in with UA. If you are flying on US metal, and a US club member, you are out of luck in the absense of a US club, or unless you are flying on a codeshared flight on a UA ticket. I don't believe that SFO-(PIT/PHL/CLT) have UA codes on them.

Now, elites might have some success once *A rolls around, but that'll be months away, and don't you want to bet that there will be a "domestic versus international" exception for *A lounge access between UA and US, not to mention putting the screws to general DM members who happen to be Club members.

This stinks. I won't be renewing my club membership between this potential move and the "narrowed" hours at LAX. I might, however, buy an RCC membership just to give BBB the finger.

Not to mention that the people at the SFO club rock. I once got an unsolicited call from them to inform me that the club was being cleaned on a night when I had a flight out (5 days hence) and that they'd arranged for use of the CO PC.

</font>


ClueByFour - You hit the nail on the head. I completely missed the important point that as a US Club Member you must be ticketed on a UA flight (UA Metal or US Codeshare with UA Flight No) in order to gain access to the RCC.

So that completely invalidates my notion that this move was to share resources between US and UA in the same station as far as Clubs were concerned.

That sucks, I don't understand why the US Clubs are being cut as the membership is paid for with either hard dollars or miles. Both of which to me are a currency that carries value and should cover the expense necessary to operate the club. Beyond the real estate expense the labor is not much as most staffs have seen staff cuts and the food/bev is low cost oriented.

This sucks for SFO flyers on US who have membership.


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

Grrrrrrr. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mad.gif

The SFO Club has the best employees in the business IMO. They are great and VERY helpful.

I'll be there this week so I'll ask if they are closing or just reducing their hours (as has been noted elsewhere with the LAX Club).

What a shame - I liked the SFO club much better than the PIT and PHL hub clubs. The gate area in terminal one is dull and overcrowded.

Glad I did not renew my membership.

Assuming that US flights move to the United wing, I would think that a part of the US staff would be assigned to the UA club, and that the rules would be different there.

I have a contact on the inside and will try to find out exactly what's going on.



------------------
IT'S THE FARES, STUPID!!

Regards,

Art at ISP

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Art234:
Assuming that US flights move to the United wing, I would think that a part of the US staff would be assigned to the UA club, and that the rules would be different there.

I have a contact on the inside and will try to find out exactly what's going on.

</font>

Logic would seem to dictate that Art is correct. But remember that we are dealing with Steve "We are an industry of fine print" Rice and the ever popular B. Ben Baldanza here. The Jeff Daniels and Jim Carey of the Airways (Jeff D and Jim C were the leads in "Dumb & Dumber")

I was there last week and the people were great. Its a shame. The RCC in SFO is nice, but crowded. That is rather academic if it cant be used. Why would someone fly US in that case when they could fly UA and use the RCC. Is anyone at US thinking? (Okay, it is a rhetorical question.......)

As more leases run out, they will close others. This squares with my belief that they have concluded they make no money on their very frequent travelers. In that regard, it's just another version of champagne in the plastic cup.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by deelmakur:
As more leases run out, they will close others. </font>

US could have gotten out of whatever Club leases they wanted to during bankruptcy.

Then, why didn't they? My guess is they are valuable to trade (also, you assume the people running the place think that far ahead). Good case in point is West Palm. Continental is bigger. The club is adjacent to their gates. They'd love to have it. US announced they were closing. They run very little service out of season. The staff even relocated to other cities (eg. LAX). Then they reversed course, and kept it. No more room in the airport for anybody else. It will be interesting to see who takes the SFO space. I stand by my original observation that this is another case of disdain for customers they have deccided don't earn their keep.

If I recall, US has at least 6 or 7 gates at SFO and I have only ever seen 2 or 3 gates being used? Why wouldn't US switch with AS/QX to make better utilization of the space at SFO? Would they be saving any real costs with a switch like that?

It looks like I will be there on 8/2 and 8/3. Anyone else in SFO at that time?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PointWeasel:
If I recall, US has at least 6 or 7 gates at SFO and I have only ever seen 2 or 3 gates being used? Why wouldn't US switch with AS/QX to make better utilization of the space at SFO? Would they be saving any real costs with a switch like that?</font>

Could be that the original plan for SFO (pre -9/11) was for US and other carriers to be moved to the old Int'l Terminal (now Terminal 2) once it was renovated. This way, they could move over, and then the concourse could be torn down to allow full use of the A concourse at the new Int'l Terminal (right now, I think there are a couple of gates that are not usable due to the current concourse that US and Midwest operate off of). However, the renovation was put on hold after 9/11 IIRC. So it may not make sense for anyone to trade with US considering that the space may only be temporary (assuming they ever get around to renovating the old Int'l Terminal).


[This message has been edited by CLTFlyer (edited 07-08-2003).]

Does anyone know when the closure will occur?

my guess is that it will close about the same time US joins *A. Once that happens, you will be able to access the club when flying on any *A flight including US.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mileshound:
It looks like I will be there on 8/2 and 8/3. Anyone else in SFO at that time?</font>

I am holding tix SFO-PHL on 8/3 but I might extend my trip. Believe I am on the noon flight so maybe our paths will cross at the club.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by rd7242:
my guess is that it will close about the same time US joins *A. Once that happens, you will be able to access the club when flying on any *A flight including US.</font>

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/confused.gif I have yet to see any announcement that would lead me to believe this is true for anything but International Business or First Class itineraries.

Last week I arrived at SFO very early for a red-eye. The club, and the entire US concourse were closed until 7:30 PM, and for a long while after that it was still very quiet. I can see why it would be hard to continue opening the club for a three or four hour window, but it also seems a shame for all those gates and the club to sit idle for so many hours during the day. (PS..being able to take BART to SFO now is great...no traffic worries.)

"ClueByFour - You hit the nail on the head. I completely missed the important point that as a US Club Member you must be ticketed on a UA flight (UA Metal or US Codeshare with UA Flight No) in order to gain access to the RCC."

All depends. I was in Dallas three weeks ago. I had intentionally booked a United ticketed flight, although I knew that it was on US metal. I wanted to utilize my club membership, as I knew that Dallas does not have a US club. Upon arriving two hours early for my flight, and planning to settle in and take care of some business I was shocked to be turned away, because I "Did not have a UA boarding pass". I explained that it was not possible to get a UA boarding pass, as this was a US operated flight, and was directly told that "that's the way it is, this code-share is going to be the death of me". I agreed that this would not be a bad idea, as I was quite PO'd by that point. Between this and the no upgrade for US status on UA flights, I have vowed to NEVER again purchase a UA ticket, or take a UA operated flight.

I'm not exactly a rookie, as I have already requalified for Chairman's status on US and Platinum on CO for the year. And, by the way, I was very careful to have both of those cards lying in the open card portion of my planner, along with my US club card, for her review, as I was digging out my boarding pass. If they don't want my business, I can certainly excercise my ability to choose someone else.

Rules on the website say you need to be on a United "ticket", not a boarding pass.

The first 3 digits of the ticket number should tell the airline (ARC Carrier Number) - US is 037, UA is 016.

I'd say they were wrong.

Actually, here is the wording from the US FAQ web page:
"US Airways Club members must be on a flight operated by United or United Express to access the Red Carpet Club. United code share flights are operated by another carrier - in this case US Airways."
Technically, she was correct, but the wording on the other pages of the site, including the announcements, would lead one to belive that my Dallas situation would have given me access. United does not operate between DFW and PIT, so I did not have any other choice than to travel on a US operated code-share. My original statement is the strongest that I can voice in this situation. I will NEVER fly UA again. I have choices, and I can exercise them.

Here's the info I see:


Programs and Services
US Airways Club
Access 70 Locations Worldwide

"US Airways Club Members now have access to United Red Carpet Clubs when traveling on a same-day United Airlines **ticket**. Club members are allowed one guest when accessing the Red Carpet Club."
http://www.usairways.com/pro_services/club/


US AIRWAYS AND UNITED AIRLINES TAKE NEXT STEP IN CODE-SHARE AGREEMENT: RECIPROCAL AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS AND INTERLINE E-TICKETING

Beginning today, members of both the US Airways Club® and United Red Carpet Club are welcome to use any of the 70 facilities in 17 countries worldwide offered by the two airlines. A member need only show a same-day **ticket** of the host airline to take advantage of that airline’s Club facilities. This requirement is consistent with United’s agreement with its Star alliance partners for reciprocal lounge access.
http://www.usairways.com/about/press/nw_02_1014.htm

I couldn't find the reference to you sited - URL?

Perhaps a note to Customer Service noting the discrepency and how you were treated?

I was in the SFO club yesterday (7/13) and was told a decision on closing would be announced Tuesday. She also said the gates were still scheduled to move, but there was no timetable. Perhaps that'll come up during the meeting.....

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by joanek:
I was in the SFO club yesterday (7/13) and was told a decision on closing would be announced Tuesday. She also said the gates were still scheduled to move, but there was no timetable. Perhaps that'll come up during the meeting.....</font>

I was there as well!!! I was on the 12:45 pm departure to CLT. When were you there?

btw, yesterday proved, yet again, that the US agents in SFO are #1.

I was the earlier 1220 to Phl, but I probably passed you in the club! However, I was sans glasses and didn't even recognize a former co-worker, so I'm not shocked I didn't pick you out of a crowd.

And yes, those SFO folks are wonderful! I've got my fingers crossed that everyone stays employed, and that the club stays open.

As a US Airways Club life member who grew up in the Bay Area, I will be very interested to learn how this all works out.

Was in the SFO club yesterday and the male employee at the desk confirmed it will be closing whne the US gates move. He will be out of a job and was less than thrilled about the situation (as ar we FFs but I'd rather sit in a crowded gate area or pay a BBB supplement on my club memebership to use the UA club than be out of work).

I spoke with the person at the SFO club at length last week. The deal is that SFO is going to redo that terminal and everything will be out. Usair is trying to identify a site at the United terminal for a usair club.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by bofie:
I spoke with the person at the SFO club at length last week. The deal is that SFO is going to redo that terminal and everything will be out. Usair is trying to identify a site at the United terminal for a usair club.</font>

Bofie - I am not questioning what you heard, but it seems ridiculous to me that US would even consider 'building a new club' at SFO. They have a really small number of flights, and UA already has clubs there. I am sure they have been waiting to close it for years.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by hscottm:
Bofie - I am not questioning what you heard, but it seems ridiculous to me that US would even consider 'building a new club' at SFO. They have a really small number of flights, and UA already has clubs there. I am sure they have been waiting to close it for years.

</font>

I spoke with the US club manager on the phone a few weeks ago, and he said the same thing...

I heard it like this. In order to get US out of terminal one they offered "Incentives". One of those was that the airport authority would build them a new club wherever they relocated their gates to.

This kind of is the current regimes modus operandi, so it seems plausible.

If US can get a new club built for free we might see it but I doubt it. The beancounters at CCY will be quick to point out that they'll have to pay to run the place when there is a perfectly good RCC nearby. After all, what better way to get folks to buy into one of the 793 types of US Club memberships now offered?

If there is/was an offer to build US a new club, I bet they bargain that off to something else instead... JMHO.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by geo1005:
If US can get a new club built for free we might see it but I doubt it. The beancounters at CCY will be quick to point out that they'll have to pay to run the place when there is a perfectly good RCC nearby. After all, what better way to get folks to buy into one of the 793 types of US Club memberships now offered?

If there is/was an offer to build US a new club, I bet they bargain that off to something else instead... JMHO.</font>

Here's a tidbit that may make you rethink your theory. US Airways Club Manager is ex-PSA. So who knows

Also, while the UA RCC may be "perfectly good," under current rules, US Airways Club members only get to use it when flying UA. Is this expected to change once we pay for UA RCC access?

Or will we be paying for UA RCC access only when flying UA, as is currently the case, and as seems to be indicated in the new scheme as described on the website?

If there were a USAC at SFO Terminal 3, maybe I could do without RCC access!

Just found out that the only available space in T3 for a club cannot be used. US would have to do asbestos abatement. Yeah right BBB.

Not to rekindle this debate, so here's a bit of an update instead:

Showed up massively early for the SFO-PHL red eye yesterday, and had time to talk to some of the US SFO employees. According to them, the station manager has been told that October is the current move time, and presumably the club closure. They think they're going over to gates between American and United, which I'm guessing would put them in gates in the 60s (AA has 60-67, UA 68 and up over in T3).

They also noted that the UA alliance has significantly increased pax loads on US in SFO, which is to be expected but still good to hear.

They think they're going over to gates between American and United, which I'm guessing would put them in gates in the 60s (AA has 60-67, UA 68 and up over in T3).


Since I also fly AA, this would be very good news indeed!

Since I also fly AA, this would be very good news indeed!

Only if they reopen the crossover between AA and UA inside security.

I make 25-30 round trips between SFO and PHL annually. I used to belong to the Club, but found myself using it less and less. So my information may be a bit dated.
At the end of last year the wonderful folks at the front desk told me that Terminal 1 was being razed to expand the International Terminal, and that not only was US moving to Terminal 3 (with UA), but also was going to put in a US Air club of its own.
As I said, this may be dated. God knows things change fast these days, but that option may still be on the table.

I can hardly wait for October. :confused: ;)

Bofie - I am not questioning what you heard, but it seems ridiculous to me that US would even consider 'building a new club' at SFO. They have a really small number of flights, and UA already has clubs there. I am sure they have been waiting to close it for years.

While this may be true, think about it this way... US has clubs in other cities that have many less flights than SFO. For instance, BUF, GSO, IND, LGW, RDU, ROC, SYR, & PBI all have clubs and they all have less mainline flights than SFO. For all anyone knows, SFO may be one of the most profitable clubs (aside from the hub clubs).

Is the US terminal at SFO scheduled for a demolishing or something? Arriving at 625pm last Sunday, it was a ghost town. not one other flight in the satellite. No shops/stands open, not a soul around except for us deplaning pax.

Is the US terminal at SFO scheduled for a demolishing or something? Arriving at 625pm last Sunday, it was a ghost town. not one other flight in the satellite. No shops/stands open, not a soul around except for us deplaning pax.

That's the way it's been for some time now. They really need to move the US gates into the UA domestic terminal.

Hey PHL, were you on 29 PHL-SFO? I was on that plane, upgraded at the last minute to F (along with 3 others) and sat in 7F.

We arrived at the far end of the terminal, which makes the place feel even more deserted than usual. The club is upstairs from the gate where we arrived. Every time I arrive there, it makes me sad.

Noah - 'twas me in 3C. I actually spoke to you briefly on the ramp down to the plane as to which group(s) of pax were given the green light to board since I was getting my Sbarros pizza slice and soda when boarding began.

Good thing, too. I was dismayed at the meal selection, which was described to me as follows by the F/A who barely cracked a smile: chicken salad, and pastrami/swiss sandwich.

I understood the chicken salad to mean the mayonaise type mix of chicken salad (like on a chicken salad sandwich). So, I opted for the sandwich which was not something I even wanted, but I could at least pick at it. Then I saw them distributing the GRILLED chicken salads and requested to revise my order. Alas, none were left. At least that pizza held me over until I could get a $20 chx ceasar at the hotel later.....

I politely explained to the F/A that some people, or maybe just me because I'm dense, might take the words 'chicken salad' to really mean a traditional chicken salad rather than the more covetted 'grilled chicken salad'. Am I a little nuts?

I was dismayed at the meal selection, which was described to me as follows by the F/A who barely cracked a smile: chicken salad, and pastrami/swiss sandwich.



On yesterday's US 21 PHL-LAX, the flight attendant was very apologetic about only having the pastrami sandwich to offer. You could tell by her tone of voice when she uttered the words "Would you care for a pastrami sandwich?" that she was extremely embarrassed at the quality of the offering.

On yesterday's US 21 PHL-LAX, the flight attendant was very apologetic about only having the pastrami sandwich to offer. You could tell by her tone of voice when she uttered the words "Would you care for a pastrami sandwich?" that she was extremely embarrassed at the quality of the offering.

I got the sandwich (the only option) and to be honest, it was pretty gross.

When our FA took orders (and as PHL noted, without cracking a smile), she received pushback from several customers who wanted the chicken salad though it was gone by the time she reached row 3. Her response, "the company is putting me in this position by not boarding enough meals. Write them a letter if you want to complain". She later remarked quite loudly how she wishes US would fire her because it has gotten so bad.

*ugh*

And PHL -- nice to "meet" you. I hope we have a long future of potential meetings in the F cabin on US but somehow I'm not as optimistic as I used to be... (especially since I'm also flying UA more and more these days given the cheap fares from OAK).

She later remarked quite loudly how she wishes US would fire her because it has gotten so bad.



How sad! :(

I just received my new club membership packet. Enclosed was a list of US Club locations "Effective April 2004." San Francisco was noticeably absent from the list.

I just received my new club membership packet. Enclosed was a list of US Club locations "Effective April 2004." San Francisco was noticeably absent from the list.

Orlando is also closed indefinately....thanks to Charlie

Orlando is also closed indefinately....thanks to Charlie

It looks like MCO overall took additional water damage over the weekend from Frances as well. Although there was little new apparent physical damage, I doubt they were fully able to repair Charley's roof damage and the water found the holes.

The ventilation fans were running again on Tue morning when I got back down here (anyone who's been in MCO since Charley knows what I'm referring to).

I just received my new club membership packet. Enclosed was a list of US Club locations "Effective April 2004." San Francisco was noticeably absent from the list.


I assume you meant April 2005?

Nope. The print states "April 2004." I presume this list was printed when the announcement was first made in the spring.

Edited to add: Maybe they really meant "April, 2005," and just used the same proofreader as the Visa Signature Card mailing.

Maybe the SFO club (which was still in business last time i checked) will become a secret CP only club :cool: Now we just need a secret knock/handshake :D

Is the US Airways Club in SFO still empty all the time (but in an "open" sort of way)?

Any updated word when US will join UA at Terminal 3?

Nope. The print states "April 2004." I presume this list was printed when the announcement was first made in the spring.

Edited to add: Maybe they really meant "April, 2005," and just used the same proofreader as the Visa Signature Card mailing.

Ahh, yes, the "blind proofreader". Part of BoA and DM's efforts to hire the handicapped.

Is the US Airways Club in SFO still empty all the time (but in an "open" sort of way)?

Any updated word when US will join UA at Terminal 3?

I was in the SFO club a few weeks ago. It is not empty during morning departure times and awaiting red eye departures.

However it is isolated, past much of the abandoned terminal that US operates from.

anyone knows the status of the sfo club? is it still open? I might take a trip in next week and was wondering if i would still be able to access it.

thanks

synd

When I flew through there about 3 weeks ago it was still opened.

At SFO - If you want anything substantial food wise, get it before you go through security.

Any update on plans to move over to the UA terminal?

See US Club at SFO (5 Feb 05)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=396781

In post #3 of this duplicate six-post thread (which a moderator might wish to merge into this one), Spiff points out that the helpful folks at the SFO US Airways Club report that contrary to longstanding rumors, there are no plans to close that club.

It was busy two weeks ago and the staff say that there are no closing plans.

BUT, the list of clubs that came with my USair Club membership card last week does not list SFO.

It was fairly busy last Wednesday evening, although somewhat frustrating that you can't get through security in Terminal 1 until 7:30.

It was busy two weeks ago and the staff say that there are no closing plans.

Unfortunately the staff would probably be the last to know...

BUT, the list of clubs that came with my USair Club membership card last week does not list SFO.

That's funny.

Maybe the master plan is to close SFO & reopen IND, SYR & ROC? (The list of clubs that came with my card still lists IND, SYR & ROC -- and you're right SFO has disappeared.)

Is MCO still out of commission?

When/If they move US over to the UA terminal, the club will close. Hopefully either US will build a new club (unlikely) or will allow Club members to access the RCC without the RCC/US Club tax.

The concourse where US is located is a barren and mostly abandoned part of SFO. I'm amazed that US is still using this section of he airport.

Is MCO still out of commission?

Yes; I was there last week and the club door was graced with a printed sign that said "closed for repairs".

The concourse where US is located is a barren and mostly abandoned part of SFO. I'm amazed that US is still using this section of he airport.

It is simultaniously depressing and convenient.

Depressing because there are almost no services available, the terminal is in shambles, and is deserted most of the day (sometimes even during the bank of US flights).

Convenient because the security line is never very long, so it is easier to plan when to arrive for your flight. This is not the case with UA over in T3.

I flew through CVG last week, which was equally quiet. USAirways Express is now the only carrier with flights from the old terminal (NW having moved over to join DL) and it was also very depressing. I really wonder how it is worth the airport keeping the terminal open rather than moving the handfull of USX flights over to where AA/UA are or even to DL.

Funny, not too long ago I was chatting with a CP desk rep on the phone and she said US is keeping those gates for a reason??? :confused: Who knows what is going on.

Funny, not too long ago I was chatting with a CP desk rep on the phone and she said US is keeping those gates for a reason??? :confused: Who knows what is going on.

transpacific focus city?

ok just kidding

Funny, not too long ago I was chatting with a CP desk rep on the phone and she said US is keeping those gates for a reason??? :confused: Who knows what is going on.

Perhaps a ploy by US to get the city of SF to pay for them to relocate to T3? Since they're short on cash, its in their best interest to stick around and likely in the city's best interest to kick them out (and pay) so they can get access to the gates in the International terminal.

Perhaps a ploy by US to get the city of SF to pay for them to relocate to T3? Since they're short on cash, its in their best interest to stick around and likely in the city's best interest to kick them out (and pay) so they can get access to the gates in the International terminal.


AFAIK (and my info may be out of date) money does have something to do with the issue. My understanding is that the aiprort was to pay for the move (including the cost of a new club). At the time (pre 9/11 and SARS) there was some urgency in tearing down the old A concourse in order to fully utilize the new Int'l building. WIth int'l traffic in SFO still not back to roaring 90's levels, there is less of a need to use all the gates in the Int'l terminal. Perhaps, (my speculation) the City by the Bay is in less of rush to move US out of its existing location.

The other shoe has dropped.

See 3 More clubs to close (LAX, SFO, PBI, effective 2 April 2005)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=413724

From the original post in that thread:
As part of our continued effort to control costs, US Airways is closing three US Airways Clubs -- Los Angeles, San Francisco and West Palm Beach -- effective April 2, 2005. The eight full-time and 10 part-time employees in these Clubs have received furlough packages.

. . . .

US Airways decided to close the Los Angeles and San Francisco Clubs in anticipation of later this year moving its terminals at those airports. There are no plans at this time to operate Clubs at the new terminal locations. Because the US Airways terminals will be closer to United, US Airways Club members who hold a same-day United ticket or boarding pass, and also have paid the appropriate fee, will have access to all United Airlines Red Carpet Clubs.So what about between now and then? :confused:

The reference to "the appropriate fee" is really kicking the customer when he's down.

Why would anyone in SFO or LAX "upgrade" their US Airways Club membership, as opposed to simply buying a UA Red Carpet Club membership?!

They still don't get it. This "triple tier pricing" has got to go! Or the members will.

See US/UA lounge agreement ending?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=120385

Why would anyone in SFO or LAX "upgrade" their US Airways Club membership, as opposed to simply buying a UA Red Carpet Club membership?!



Because if you're Preferred, the discounted US club membership + the RCC surcharge is less than purchasing a RCC membership. But that's assuming that you remain loyal to US. If you defect to UA and earn Premiere status, hands down the RCC is the better investment.

Someone please send my best wishes to Mary and the gang at SFO - I don't think I'll make it there before the close. I went through there for 27 months and they were just great.

From the US announcement:
US Airways decided to close the Los Angeles and San Francisco Clubs in anticipation of later this year moving its terminals at those airports. There are no plans at this time to operate Clubs at the new terminal locations. Because the US Airways terminals will be closer to United, US Airways Club members who hold a same-day United ticket or boarding pass, and also have paid the appropriate fee, will have access to all United Airlines Red Carpet Clubs.So US flyers who remain loyal get lounge access withdrawn, but those who switch and begin to fly UA don't? :rolleyes: :mad:

Is not the inevitable change in flying habits utterly predictable?

What on earth is up with the total lack of common sense? :eek: :(

Some changes need to be made and announced ASAP, such as allowing US Airways Club members to have SFO (and LAX) Red Carpet Club access without a same-day UA flight.

TravelScholar has suggested that those who very recently bought a US Airways Club membership based on high usage in SFO (or LAX), dispute the bill (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3849843&postcount=26).

Some changes need to be made and announced ASAP, such as allowing US Airways Club members to have SFO (and LAX) Red Carpet Club access without a same-day UA flight.

US and UA are in different terminals at SFO and LAX. Even with free RCC access, the logistics at those two airports would make such RCC visits a poor experience.

See also Club Economics - Feel OUR Pain
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=414403

One more week until 2 April 2005.

Say goodbye to the wonderful folks at the SFO US Airways Club while you can.

Happy Easter, everyone!

/s/

SPN Lifer

US Airways Club Life Member since 1999

Sorry if already posted, didn't want to look back over the entire thread

US Airways to close some clubs to cut costs

http://www.usatoday.com/money/biztravel/2005-03-28-usairways-usat_x.htm

Advancing its plan to retool as a discount airline, struggling US Airways will close three more frequent-flier airport clubs to lower costs.

The No. 7 carrier on Saturday will close clubs in West Palm Beach, Fla., Los Angeles and San Francisco. A fourth club in Orlando, closed since October due to hurricane damage, will remain closed indefinitely.

The closures mean that US Airways will operate 16 clubs at 13 airports. Last year, the carrier closed clubs in Syracuse, N.Y., Rochester, N.Y., Indianapolis and one of two in Pittsburgh.

In an e-mail to passengers, US Airways executive Mark Kuhns says it was a "difficult decision," but necessary for the success of the airline.

"By making the decision to reduce club locations, we intend to provide a viable club system in key US Airways airports that fits the needs of a majority of club members," Kuhns wrote.

US Airways spokesman David Castelveter says no other clubs are scheduled to close. "We wouldn't close clubs that are widely used," Castelveter says.

Frequent US Airways flier Art Pushkin of Long Island, N.Y., says he's disappointed by the latest closures, especially the California clubs.

"Business travelers no longer have a reason to favor US Airways for a transcontinental flight," he says.

The clubs are "indispensable," Pushkin says, because they provide respite during long layovers, meeting space and VIP treatment.

Airline marketing consultant Jay Sorensen expects the move to generate "nasty mail" from frequent fliers who depend on the clubs.

An annual membership costs from $275 to $375 a year, depending on frequent-flier status. Members can make use of United's club network, but they must pay an extra fee. United has a marketing agreement with US Airways. Both carriers are operating under bankruptcy protection.

See news from the west coast
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=421238

"SFO terminal move [is] 8-10 weeks away. The facility is breaking apart quickly and the city is fixing nothing. They want US out quickly"

So the US Airways Club in San Francisco is now shuttered, as of 2 April 2005, just weeks before the HP-US merger was announced today. Any insight on how the move to the UA terminal is progressing?

Well things have become more complex. Now with the HP/US merger who knows where the new US is going to move to if they move at all now.

Well things have become more complex. Now with the HP/US merger who knows where the new US is going to move to if they move at all now.

Well they still have to move. SFO wants to demolish that concourse since it's blocking the intl terminal.

But they may move over to the HP space at SFO. (Does HP serve SFO?)

There are 38 markets (cities) served by both US and HP. Which of those have (or recently had) US Airways Clubs? The America West Clubs are at PHX (3) and LAS.

I started a new thread on this topic, linked in the next post.

See Thirty-eight shared markets in merged US Airways
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=434695

The reference to "the appropriate fee" is really kicking the customer when he's down.

Why would anyone in SFO or LAX "upgrade" their US Airways Club membership, as opposed to simply buying a UA Red Carpet Club membership?!

They still don't get it. This "triple tier pricing" has got to go! Or the members will.

I use to fly a lot with United and had a RCC membership; a few months ago I renewed my RCC membership even though I will make about 1 United trip this year. I can access the US Clubs while traveling on a US ticket and access the RCC even if I am not traveling on a US ticket. Not to mention have access to all the Star lounges! Definitely the way to go in my opinion!

I'm not sure if HP has enough gates for additional US flights.

And yes, HP serves SFO from PHX and LAS.

Well things have become more complex. Now with the HP/US merger who knows where the new US is going to move to if they move at all now.The airport will not permit US to remain at the current location forever. It eventually will be demolished to allow for full access by aircraft to the entire international terminal.

I realize the previous post is a restatement of
Post #89 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4086020#post4086020):
Well they still have to move. SFO wants to demolish that concourse since it's blocking the intl terminal.
However, the author of Post #88 saw fit to open a duplicate thread on this issue.

The Los Angeles US Airways Club is expected to re-open 1 November 2005, as HP also uses Terminal 1. So the HP-US merger is showing some benefits to consumers.

See 3 More clubs to close
http://64.78.185.85/forum/showthread.php?p=4516202#post4516202

Let us hope HP-US is either busy working with UA on a move to SFO Terminal 3, or making other plans for HP-US consolidation at SFO, perhaps to eventually include some sort of lounge access.

Bumping this thread back to the top because... the inevitable has happened, US has moved in with HP at SFO.

Now we need to make sure US knows that SFO *needs* a U Club.

Is there space to put a club over there? I have never been to where US is not moving to.

Bumping this thread back to the top because... the inevitable has happened, US has moved in with HP at SFO.

Now we need to make sure US knows that SFO *needs* a U Club.

Alaska Airlines has a Board Room in the same concourse, and they don't have nearly as much space available as HP has in their rotunda. If HP wants to find room for a club, they can...