Wow, umm..

I guess I prefer MLL. Both are equally crowded, UC arguably more, but on my entrances it's pretty similar. I don't really care about the bartender thing, at the very least that seems to keep things a bit cleaner.

I like the standardized desks at the UCs and the wifi is better. 50% of the time I have to reconnect/reconfigure to get connected in the MLLs, sometimes it never happens. Sometimes it kicks in right as I open my laptop. It's too hit or miss. The UC wifi has 4-5 options to log in...none of them work except the daily code for me.

The food in both bothers me, I really do wish they had some cold cuts and bread and I could make a simple sandwich...but the MLL does have better options at the right times of day.

I'm fine with the free booze options at the UC, I'm more bummed that they usually use tiny glasses.

In the end I think it's basically 50/50. I like having access. I wouldn't pay as a UA member to have access, I doubt I would pay to have access to the MLL either. Maybe via credit card if I didn't have status (which I won't in 2017). I could toss in Avianca and Copa lounges, none of them are great. I like the tiny sandwiches at the AV ones, but I hate that you can't get booze until 1600. I like the Copa Clubs, PTY gets super crowded though and virtually no food, MDE had almost no one in it when I was there, little snacks, and a bartender, but I had drinks early in the day so that was nice.

In the end, none are great (that I've been to) but I'd certainly rather have access than not. I suppose I prefer AA clubs, there's some free booze, some snacks but the best part is the pay food. If you're not gonna let me bring food in, that's lame but whatever, but then at least let me buy a meal.

Oh and as someone else brought up, I love that the UA agents at the UC can handle changes. Sometimes they're even just nicer because maybe they value the customers more than the service desk does.

UC vs. MLL lounges
 

UC lounges are generally open longer hours and the opening times are posted/known in advance. Also, UCs have better choice of newspapers (WSJ, NYT) & nicer staff!

There are three UCs at SFO, for the record.

They may have similar amenities, but they have different atmospheres.

AC seems to be considering this. The last AC Listens survey I filled in (this week) asked about whether I would be willing to pay for premium meals or drinks.

Whoever has a clean shower that's available wins.

Have you ever tried bringing in outside food? On layovers at YYZ around mealtime, I frequently go get a pita and bring it back to the MLL. I'm not ostentatious about it, but I've never been hassled eating my pita and a bag of chips.

Only UC shower I used was in EWR and it was gross. We had better facilities in camp.

Is this based on your five times in a random UC and 25 times in a random MLL? :p

I'd say the international and domestic MLLs are generally better than UCs.
However the transborder MLLs plainly suck and are as bad as the UCs or even worse.

That's funny because with some of the new changes they seem to be going away. YYC now has a chef, he won't cook whatever you want, but he makes omelets and stir fry from the two times I've been in there. Not available all day of course.

The stuff at the AA lounge is a bit pricey and there's no great selection, but it's no pricier than the rest of the airport. The ideal is the PP INTL at YVR. Two places to eat, lots to drink, some stuff is pay I THINK, but it seemed all the food was gratis. Had a nice Panini and some soup. Only been in there once, Star Gold on ANA at YVR gets you access to INTL MLL and the PP. It's enough to make me think about buying membership when my status is gone.

I've never tried, just because I know it's against the rules. I don't really want to deal with them asking me about it if I'm sitting there eating. I still don't exactly understand why the rule exists, but whatever. I also don't remove food/drink from the lounge which I see people doing semi-frequently.

In the SFO T3 UC (the one closer to gate 90).

I signed into wifi with my Aeroplan number and last name. So yes, it still works.

And I'm eating my second* favourite lounge food. I even found a bowl of chili!

I'm a little disappointed that they only have small plastic cups for water though. I really want a pint glass.

http://i.imgur.com/bXwAaZ9.jpg?1

*My favourite was from the LH FCL, which I think we can agree is not quite on the same level as either the UC or the MLL.

That has never worked for me!

Have fun farting... and then licking said fart(s).

Looks yummy.

Cow is the only person I know that has been able to login to a UC with his AP #.

Back to the topic at hand.

Which is better... UA or AC? (lounges)

Another UA vs AC thread??:o

I wonder where this will end ;)