I had a very long day at the office today... after a long (but good) week. So, at about 3pm I hail down a taxi on 7th & 53rd (NYC) and head for JFK. Luckily, before I took the cab I spoke to the 1K desk and they confirmed my upgrade.

Gaucho is on his way to Los Angeles (UA905 JFK-LAX). Checked my bags at the curbside (will post separately about this) and headed for the check-in desk for my boarding pass. After collecting my pass for 6A, I headed for the RCC. Being a newbie for US domestic travel, my muscle memory (leg muscles that it) automatically took me to the lounge.... little did they know that Gaucho has never had a RCC membership.

(smiling Gaucho enters RCC lounge at JFK Termnial 7)

Gaucho-- ' good afternoon '

UA Concierge-- ' Hello. Where are you heading to today? '

Gaucho-- ' LAX '

UA Concierge-- (typing on his computer keyboard)

.......................

UA Concierge-- 'it says you're not a member '

Gaucho-- (puzzled) excuse me, not a member of....? [I still didnt get it at this point]

UA Concierge-- ' You have to be a member to enter the RCC, its a $450 annual fee. '

Gaucho-- ' .... hmmmm.... '

[SUDDENLY HIT BY THE FACT I WASNT FLYING INTERNATIONAL]

Oh, of course, you are correct. Im only a 1K, still gotta' be a member... yes well I guess I will have to sign up.

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Since the agent made no move at letting this 1K in 'as an exception', I promptly made my exit. Luckily, I was still able to hook up my laptop at the British Airways Laptop Connection Center. Guess I will have to look into getting a membership.... can you still do this with mileage?

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Gaucho100K

[This message has been edited by Gaucho100K (edited 12-07-2001).]