Last edit by: Phaze
Previous thread - Global First Lounge (IFL / GFL) Access Questions and Experiences
:-: United's Global First Lounges located at LHR, IAD, SFO, HKG and NRT are for the use of passengers traveling in United's Global First or in International First Class on a Star Alliance member aircraft with more than two classes of service departing that day from that airport.
NOTE: Global First Lounge at ORD has closed. Polaris lounge Chicago is now open, including dining. The Global First Lounge at LHR closes at 18:00, as confirmed by United via phone. The website currently omits this information.
This reconfirmed per UA Insider - see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21700252-post535.html
Passengers must be holding a same day ticket for flights departing to/from a Trans Atlantic, Trans Pacific, Southern South America, Africa or a Middle East destination. Passengers connecting to/from other United/United Express flights will be admitted as long as the above requirements are met.
Global Services members can also use Global First Lounges when traveling in BusinessFirst or p.s. (EWR-LAX/SFO) BusinessFirst cabin.
A GS who arrives in BF or GF will be admitted to the GFL. This does not apply to a GS flying non-UA metal.
Any passenger holding a boarding pass for travel within 24 hours in UA GF will have access to the GFL at their departure and connecting airports.
from United Global First and Arrivals lounges
:-: United's Global First Lounges located at LHR, IAD, SFO, HKG and NRT are for the use of passengers traveling in United's Global First or in International First Class on a Star Alliance member aircraft with more than two classes of service departing that day from that airport.
NOTE: Global First Lounge at ORD has closed. Polaris lounge Chicago is now open, including dining. The Global First Lounge at LHR closes at 18:00, as confirmed by United via phone. The website currently omits this information.
This reconfirmed per UA Insider - see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21700252-post535.html
Passengers must be holding a same day ticket for flights departing to/from a Trans Atlantic, Trans Pacific, Southern South America, Africa or a Middle East destination. Passengers connecting to/from other United/United Express flights will be admitted as long as the above requirements are met.
Global Services members can also use Global First Lounges when traveling in BusinessFirst or p.s. (EWR-LAX/SFO) BusinessFirst cabin.
A GS who arrives in BF or GF will be admitted to the GFL. This does not apply to a GS flying non-UA metal.
Any passenger holding a boarding pass for travel within 24 hours in UA GF will have access to the GFL at their departure and connecting airports.
from United Global First and Arrivals lounges
United Global FirstSM Lounge
The United Global First Lounge is an oasis of service and privacy. Tailored to the needs of United Global First customers on long-haul international flights*, we offer personalized services, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and premium beverages.
Access policy
The following customers may access the United Global First lounge by showing their United boarding pass for a flight arriving or departing on a same-day (within 24 hours) itinerary.
United Global First customers traveling on long-haul international flights*
Star Alliance™ First customers departing on international flights
These eligible United Global First Lounge visitors are allowed one adult or child to accompany them as a guest.
*Long-haul international flights are between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East or South America.
The United Global First Lounge is an oasis of service and privacy. Tailored to the needs of United Global First customers on long-haul international flights*, we offer personalized services, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and premium beverages.
Access policy
The following customers may access the United Global First lounge by showing their United boarding pass for a flight arriving or departing on a same-day (within 24 hours) itinerary.
United Global First customers traveling on long-haul international flights*
Star Alliance™ First customers departing on international flights
These eligible United Global First Lounge visitors are allowed one adult or child to accompany them as a guest.
*Long-haul international flights are between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East or South America.
Global First Lounge (IFL / GFL) Access Questions and Experiences [2015 forward]
#526
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: MP - 1K, Hyatt - Platt, SPG - Gold
Posts: 336
Couldnt find it anywhere - I am GS traveling from LHR to ORD in business. Will I be able to use the GFL in LHR? Can I bring a guest?
#528
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,976
#529
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: MSP/ORD
Programs: UA 1MM/GS, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 318
As a GS, flying SFO-OGG (in first), I was just denied access to the SFO GFL. Was that correct or do I have a legitimate complaint?
#530
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,976
#531
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: MSP/ORD
Programs: UA 1MM/GS, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 318
in retrospect, I was flying IAD-LHR (in C not F) when that happened, so that would explain it.
Thanks.
#532
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,409
The last time I transited through IAD, when I went to the United Club the agent told me I should instead go to GFL since I was GS. So I thought it was a GS perk. There being no GFL in ORD, I don't see them very often.
in retrospect, I was flying IAD-LHR (in C not F) when that happened, so that would explain it.
Thanks.
in retrospect, I was flying IAD-LHR (in C not F) when that happened, so that would explain it.
Thanks.
#533
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK
Programs: UA 4.3MM LT-GS; AA1MM; Amtrak SE; MAR LT TITAN; PC Plat; HIL DIA; HYA GLOB
Posts: 4,392
I was recently denied access to the SFO GFL as a GS flying p.s. Agent said it was a recent rule change (i.e. when BOS was added on July 1), and that the UC was the only option.
#534
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: NYC/WAS
Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL '90s PM, now FK (Flying Kettle)
Posts: 541
The SFO GFL is the west coast incarnation of Studio 54 for entry restriction. I'd like to hear this from one more source before I believe it.
#535
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: DYKWIA, But I'm a "Diamond Guest" UA 1K/2MM
Posts: 2,256
There's not a lot of consistency on this. Last time I went through on an SFO-EWR flight, I had an attendant at the UC call in to a GS supervisor to determine if I could go to the GFL. They said Yes. Other times, when I went directly to the GFL they said no. I wish they'd get their act together.
#536
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: Mileage Plus Global Services 2MM
Posts: 1,200
SFO FCL question
It has been widely reported that due to overcrowding at the international UC, some J passengers have been invited to go to the FCL. Latest reports that I can find say they will only do this for a) GS members (stated benefit), b)passenger on full fare J. Is this still the case?
If so, trying to find a way around it as I am traveling with a non-GS in J (but not a full fare ticket). Flying SFO-HKG on 77W. Obviously there is no FC on this plane. However, we are continuing on to SIN. If I was in FC HKG-SIN, would that allow me to access the guest policy for GS in SFO? I know this is a major stretch, but I have no other ideas. Of sages of UA travel, what do you think?
If so, trying to find a way around it as I am traveling with a non-GS in J (but not a full fare ticket). Flying SFO-HKG on 77W. Obviously there is no FC on this plane. However, we are continuing on to SIN. If I was in FC HKG-SIN, would that allow me to access the guest policy for GS in SFO? I know this is a major stretch, but I have no other ideas. Of sages of UA travel, what do you think?
#537
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: IAH/EWR-LGA/MIA
Programs: UA Global Services 3.2 MM, Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium Elite, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 2,504
Why is the SFO GFL such a zoo lately? Several posts above noting this, but no explanation that I've seen.
#538
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK
Programs: UA 4.3MM LT-GS; AA1MM; Amtrak SE; MAR LT TITAN; PC Plat; HIL DIA; HYA GLOB
Posts: 4,392
There's not a lot of consistency on this. Last time I went through on an SFO-EWR flight, I had an attendant at the UC call in to a GS supervisor to determine if I could go to the GFL. They said Yes. Other times, when I went directly to the GFL they said no. I wish they'd get their act together.
#539
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: where lions are led by donkeys...
Programs: Lifetime Gold, Global Entry, Hertz PC, and my wallet
Posts: 20,340
#540
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,693