Last edit by: J.Edward
This wiki has been moved to the 2014 thread: 2014 United Club (UC) Thread for Changes, News, Features, Competitive Position, etc.
United Club changes (drinks and Wifi) - Sept/Oct. 2013
#138
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,900
OMG..Stop Whining..The changes are not bad..No poachers for the Wifi will mean faster Wifi for the club members paying to use it..The liquor pretty much all tastes the same..I wont notice any difference in my vodka/cran or rum/coke..if your a drink snob,you can pay for a more expensive call brand..Change is good..Better Wifi and same buzz..Enjoy things and quit complaining..The Club membership is a bargain for all the free drinks and Wifi that many of us use.
#139
Join Date: May 2009
Location: PHL
Posts: 2,842
Does United make money off of the clubs? Do other airlines?
What do airlines view as the purpose of their airport clubs?
What do people think about the fact that one pays a flat rate and get unlimited entries? It's kind of an interesting cost proposition for the airline. I wonder what the makeup of members and entries is per unit revenue from the member? I'd guess that U.S. carriers have a lot more domestic lower-yielding members vs. foreign carriers, but I'm interested to hear what other people think.
I also find the rising membership rates interesting. They are going up way faster than inflation so does this mean that United's costs are going up or does it mean that United is trying to maximize revenue from the club system?
What do airlines view as the purpose of their airport clubs?
What do people think about the fact that one pays a flat rate and get unlimited entries? It's kind of an interesting cost proposition for the airline. I wonder what the makeup of members and entries is per unit revenue from the member? I'd guess that U.S. carriers have a lot more domestic lower-yielding members vs. foreign carriers, but I'm interested to hear what other people think.
I also find the rising membership rates interesting. They are going up way faster than inflation so does this mean that United's costs are going up or does it mean that United is trying to maximize revenue from the club system?
-Chase Club Card, which handed out a number of "First Year Free" offers which essentially negates the Club fee
-Chase Explorer card club passes
-*G members, BF paxs, etc.
Regardless of membership UA's costs can't fluctuate that much. They don't provide that many services once inside. Internet costs aren't going to vary much, your furniture might wear quicker but we already know they will not rush to replace that. They already provide the most basic food options and free drink options. And with higher traffic comes the possibility of increased revenue from premium drinks.
#140
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,777
...HOWEVER, while using my MP number for authentication may be acceptable, I strongly object to having to also input the PIN for my account. It is more than a hassle: It is a security risk to me. I believe there is substantial risk to a member for having one's PIN intercepted and potentially used fraudulently....
#141
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus
Posts: 35,385
There are so many broken things to fix that I'm really astounded that they are addressing the Internet issue in this way. Were there really that many leachers? Not that I ever saw. Unless they're going to allow me to log in once and set a cookie or do something to remember me for a long period of time I'm going to be rather unhappy with this arrangement. And what happens to those wh have simply purchased a day pass?
#142
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Houston
Programs: UA - 1K, Marriott - Gold, Hilton - Gold, Global Entry,
Posts: 630
There are so many broken things to fix that I'm really astounded that they are addressing the Internet issue in this way. Were there really that many leachers? Not that I ever saw. Unless they're going to allow me to log in once and set a cookie or do something to remember me for a long period of time I'm going to be rather unhappy with this arrangement. And what happens to those wh have simply purchased a day pass?
#144
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Programs: AA EXP(4mm), DL Gold, UA Gold (1mm), HH Diamond, Bonvoy Amb(l/t Titanium). Former EA/PA elite
Posts: 993
I would add IAH to the list. It's my home base and I've never had a problem at IAH. IAD on the other hand is awful. Last time I was there, the internet was essentially unusable in the UC. Honestly, the entire UA IAD operation is such a complete dump. I wish they would knock the whole thing down and start over.
#145
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: COS
Programs: United 1K & 1MM, IHG Plat Elite, Hyatt Gold, Marriott GE, Hertz 5*, National Exec
Posts: 270
Denver has Heineken, Bud Light, and Blue Moon.
At least ORD has Honker's Ale--a rather enjoyable local brew.
Their beer selection is revolting. I don't mind BL, but a decent local brew (COMPLIMENTARY, Jeffy) wouldn't be too much to ask.
I think they should raise the price and cater to the business travelers instead of looking at is a income potential. I'm happy to pay the increase because I'm tired of shot glasses of beer, no food, bad coffee, and bar staff that play Pavlov after every drink they serve.
#146
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Traveling the World
Posts: 6,072
Here is the menu I guess
Beer: Mickey's 40 Oz
Colt 45
Schlitz
Corona Light
Michelob Ultra
All free
Wine The leftover from Charles Shaw
Non Varietal Water Wine
Spirits
John Sullivan's Rum
Jim Bon's Whiskey
Jeff Smisek Vodka
Elton's Gin
Scotch Tape Scotch
Coughman's Cognac
Free drinks
Enjoy the updated list. Just kidding. I really hope they put local beers and wines on tap and give better spirits.
Beer: Mickey's 40 Oz
Colt 45
Schlitz
Corona Light
Michelob Ultra
All free
Wine The leftover from Charles Shaw
Non Varietal Water Wine
Spirits
John Sullivan's Rum
Jim Bon's Whiskey
Jeff Smisek Vodka
Elton's Gin
Scotch Tape Scotch
Coughman's Cognac
Free drinks
Enjoy the updated list. Just kidding. I really hope they put local beers and wines on tap and give better spirits.
#147
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
#148
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
Is there a list online of what's free now and prices for "premium" drinks?
#149
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: EWR, PHL
Programs: UA1k 3MM, AA Plt, peasant on everybody else, elite something or other at a bunch of hotels.
Posts: 4,637
Wandering OT, but I continue to be underwhelmed by the F&B options available around most UA domestic terminals, particularly LAX & ORD, though I am not sure if that it is the fault of UA or the airport authority.
#150
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 5,825
And it will still be off-limits to UA travelers at LAX because it is in a separate terminal.
Wandering OT, but I continue to be underwhelmed by the F&B options available around most UA domestic terminals, particularly LAX & ORD, though I am not sure if that it is the fault of UA or the airport authority.
Wandering OT, but I continue to be underwhelmed by the F&B options available around most UA domestic terminals, particularly LAX & ORD, though I am not sure if that it is the fault of UA or the airport authority.
And, back to topic (kind of): The new T3 United Club is also going to be excellent (hard product) as well.