IAD Polaris Lounge to open 21 October 2021?
Dec 10, 2018 | 11:58 am
#1
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IAD Polaris Lounge to open 21 October 2021?
MWAA has posted documents for their upcoming board meeting; it includes an agreement with UA to build a 20,000 sf addition to Concourse C at IAD for the new Polaris Lounge.
http://www.mwaa.com/sites/default/fi...al_airport.pdf
The location would be right near the tunnel to the AeroTrain; it would require some modifications to gate C18. There is a diagram in the presentation linked above.
http://www.mwaa.com/sites/default/fi...al_airport.pdf
The location would be right near the tunnel to the AeroTrain; it would require some modifications to gate C18. There is a diagram in the presentation linked above.
Dec 10, 2018 | 12:07 pm
#2
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From the linked document in previous post:
"United has commenced planning and intends to undertake a design/build project to deliver the Polaris lounge by the end of 2019."
Any takers on 2020?
"United has commenced planning and intends to undertake a design/build project to deliver the Polaris lounge by the end of 2019."
Any takers on 2020?
Dec 10, 2018 | 12:09 pm
#3
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MWAA has posted documents for their upcoming board meeting; it includes an agreement with UA to build a 20,000 sf addition to Concourse C at IAD for the new Polaris Lounge.
http://www.mwaa.com/sites/default/fi...al_airport.pdf
The location would be right near the tunnel to the AeroTrain; it would require some modifications to gate C18. There is a diagram in the presentation linked above.
http://www.mwaa.com/sites/default/fi...al_airport.pdf
The location would be right near the tunnel to the AeroTrain; it would require some modifications to gate C18. There is a diagram in the presentation linked above.
Dec 10, 2018 | 2:31 pm
#4
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Under this deal, UA will direct all of the design and construction, with MWAA reimbursing it $33.8 million to cover those costs. A paragraph in the 2019 budget notes that the ground floor of this expansion will include baggage facilities, which matches what UA's IAD manager told me and cova at the FFG luncheon this summer.
Dec 10, 2018 | 2:54 pm
#5
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20,000sf is a solid footprint. Larger than IAH (12.5k), ORD (16.2k), smaller than EWR (27k) and SFO (28k). I'm not sure about LAX, but I'm betting it'll be closer to the low end; maybe IAH-sized. Sounds about right.
It's also worth noting that the $33m is for construction of the building shell and enabling work. The Polaris Lounge interior work isn't included in that figure.
It's also worth noting that the $33m is for construction of the building shell and enabling work. The Polaris Lounge interior work isn't included in that figure.
Last edited by EWR764; Dec 10, 2018 at 2:59 pm
Dec 11, 2018 | 12:03 am
#6
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20,000sf is a solid footprint. Larger than IAH (12.5k), ORD (16.2k), smaller than EWR (27k) and SFO (28k). I'm not sure about LAX, but I'm betting it'll be closer to the low end; maybe IAH-sized. Sounds about right.
It's also worth noting that the $33m is for construction of the building shell and enabling work. The Polaris Lounge interior work isn't included in that figure.
It's also worth noting that the $33m is for construction of the building shell and enabling work. The Polaris Lounge interior work isn't included in that figure.
So-so news - it will be 2020 before it is open.
Bad news - the decrepit C/D Concourse is never going to be torn down and replaced by a proper terminal.
Is it too late to move the train station?
Dec 11, 2018 | 8:29 am
#7
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Totally agree... there no chance UAL would invest millions into a Polaris lounge if the C/D replacement were imminent...
Dec 11, 2018 | 9:11 am
#8
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Dec 11, 2018 | 9:40 am
#9
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The replacement C/D concourse is all planned, including the location. They just have no plans to start building it. At one time, in one of the rail stations, they had pictures of it up, and it would look like A/B. Those pictures are long gone. So this new Polaris lounge, if they build it, would never be part of a new renovated C/D. I suspect it is a tacit admission that the current C/D will be there for decades more. I also note that the MWAA information does not seem to have a project start or end date. I wonder if 2020 is optimistic. The proposal does indicate that they plan to make back their 33M from fees from either the current or future C/D. It is supposed to be voted on tomorrow, so maybe there will be an announcement then.
Apr 17, 2019 | 2:21 pm
#10
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IAD Polaris lounge (2020?)
Yesterday on a tight connection I got a ride on the tarmac (always a bit embarrassing, but at the same time very much appreciated!) to my connecting gate. Due to some traffic we had to park on the opposite side of the concourse from my gate (C17). A big section was roped off at ground level, with some early construction work beginning (looked like clearing space and other prep work). The very nice GS agent explained that they were at long last starting construction of the Polaris lounge! She said they were losing one gate (appears to be C20 based on where we were) and that some UA office space was being relocated to make room. Glad to see this is finally getting started.
Apr 17, 2019 | 2:25 pm
#11
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That's great news. Hopefully an early (ish) 2020 opening.
Apr 17, 2019 | 2:33 pm
#12
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It was mentioned in the UA Quarterly Earnings phone call today --- IAD Polaris Lounge in 2020
queuing up for comments on the past predictability of Polaris Lounge opening dates
queuing up for comments on the past predictability of Polaris Lounge opening dates
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 17, 2019 at 5:44 pm
Apr 17, 2019 | 4:59 pm
#13
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This project is about more than just the Polaris Lounge construction; I think the baggage handling system is going to be substantially upgraded/replaced. So the 2020 opening without specificity as to exactly when is probably by design...
Apr 17, 2019 | 6:13 pm
#14
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I wrote about this last December. There are several improvements being made to the temporary terminal, including the Polaris Lounge.
https://liveandletsfly.boardingarea....ington-dulles/
link to my blog - but it does contain images of construction plans.
https://liveandletsfly.boardingarea....ington-dulles/
link to my blog - but it does contain images of construction plans.
Apr 17, 2019 | 6:38 pm
#15
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This will be a great advantage for UA given declining on-board food and short TATL flight times. Though I note AF is currently renovating their lounge, which was very good before, and BA already renovated, with a nice club world dining room (with the BA burger).