United Club vs. Global First Lounge
Apr 2, 2014, 2:19 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2013
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United Club vs. Global First Lounge
Other than the fact that one is strictly for Global First travelers (can't buy a membership, etc) and therefore is less populated, what is the difference between the two clubs?
Apr 2, 2014, 7:55 am
#4
Join Date: Apr 2004
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Depending on the location, outstanding service. (Actually, most locations but LAX in particular.)
Regarding bartenders, there was one at IAD C7 club who made darn good Manhattans a few years ago. Made out flights to EZE much more enjoyable.
Regarding bartenders, there was one at IAD C7 club who made darn good Manhattans a few years ago. Made out flights to EZE much more enjoyable.
Apr 2, 2014, 8:47 am
#5
Join Date: Jul 2013
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Apr 2, 2014, 8:56 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2003
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Apr 2, 2014, 9:47 am
#8
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Apr 2, 2014, 9:48 am
#9
Join Date: Mar 2009
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Apr 2, 2014, 10:32 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 2011
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Apr 2, 2014, 11:30 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2005
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UCs and GFLs operate on very different levels. While the GFLs are quite different location by location, they always stand well above the respective United Clubs in the same airports.
The new UA management narrowed the differences between GF and BF on board, but there is still a marked difference in the lounge experience. Depending on location, either a decent to impressive cold buffet spread or hot food to order, much better wines including decent champagne (all self serve), never as crowded as a club, less noisy, generally very helpful UA agents if you need them.
Years ago, and I mean many years ago, the staff at UA's old RCCs used to not just clean tables but offer to get you refills on your drinks. That is long gone in today's United Club cafeteria lounge environment, but you can still get something like it today at the larger GFLs. This is not the Virgin Club experience, but still a nice respite to catch your breath, relax, and have something refreshing.
The new UA management narrowed the differences between GF and BF on board, but there is still a marked difference in the lounge experience. Depending on location, either a decent to impressive cold buffet spread or hot food to order, much better wines including decent champagne (all self serve), never as crowded as a club, less noisy, generally very helpful UA agents if you need them.
Years ago, and I mean many years ago, the staff at UA's old RCCs used to not just clean tables but offer to get you refills on your drinks. That is long gone in today's United Club cafeteria lounge environment, but you can still get something like it today at the larger GFLs. This is not the Virgin Club experience, but still a nice respite to catch your breath, relax, and have something refreshing.
Apr 2, 2014, 11:50 am
#13
Join Date: Jun 2008
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The GF lounge experience is what you would get from a minimally stocked foreign airline business class lounge; notably:
Actual food and not packaged snacks. I've seen sushi, sandwiches, hot soup, deli platters, etc.
getting your own drinks instead of bartender crap. Yay i can get my own can of coke instead of returning to the bar 3x for the same quantity of soda.
Actual food and not packaged snacks. I've seen sushi, sandwiches, hot soup, deli platters, etc.
getting your own drinks instead of bartender crap. Yay i can get my own can of coke instead of returning to the bar 3x for the same quantity of soda.
Apr 2, 2014, 11:55 am
#14
Join Date: Mar 2002
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The GF lounge experience is what you would get from a minimally stocked foreign airline business class lounge; notably:
Actual food and not packaged snacks. I've seen sushi, sandwiches, hot soup, deli platters, etc.
getting your own drinks instead of bartender crap. Yay i can get my own can of coke instead of returning to the bar 3x for the same quantity of soda.
Actual food and not packaged snacks. I've seen sushi, sandwiches, hot soup, deli platters, etc.
getting your own drinks instead of bartender crap. Yay i can get my own can of coke instead of returning to the bar 3x for the same quantity of soda.
Last edited by kevanyalowitz; Apr 2, 2014 at 2:22 pm
Apr 2, 2014, 12:10 pm
#15
Join Date: Jun 2008
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Last time i was in the SFO GF lounge (2011); they didn't even have hot food. And if anyone has been in a TG lounge lately, they know what i'm talking about too.