I had a quick weekend trip to Charleston, WV, and I thought I would post some thoughts on the lounges.

I departed YYZ 6:30am on Oct 3, there were no lines at security or at the US Homeland Security, I got throught both in less then 5 minutes.

The MLL was not open yet, (opens at 5:30am), boarding started at 5:55am for my flight, so I went to the Amex lounge instead which opened at 5am, it was very quiet, only 1 other couple there.

Food was excellent, there were eggs, bacon, two kinds of soups, and all the other usual things, like cereal, fruit, cookies, yogart, etc.

I had a very pleasant breakfast, and board my US Airways flight to Charlotte, after arriving I went looking for a *Gold lounge and found the US Airways Lounge, it was not busy, and there were some muffins and bagals available, and also a pitcher of orange juice. I didn't see any other drinks available, no soft drinks or anything.

On my return flight via United I stopped in IAD, I tried the United Red Carpet club in the C concourse, it was very busy, there was a line out the door to get in, once in there was another line of people waiting to get some veggies and dip, and a few crackers, very pathetic actually.

I could not see any self service drinks, juice or softdrinks, and I did not see any empty chairs anywere. I grabbed a couple cookies and left.

I then went to the B concourse, I tried the ANA/ Air France Lounge, but it is only available for *Gold members during the morning, the rest of the time its only for Air France, it did look nice though.

I then went to the LH Senator lounge this was very nice, not so busy, there was hot food, sausage, pasta, soups, and fruit, even cheesecake for dessert, there was self service drinks, and also a waiter who will bring you beer or other alcholic drinks.


I think the US based airlines travelers really have the short end of the stick when it comes to lounges, I don't think they can compare at all with Air Canada MLL or Amex lounges in YYZ.

Even the AZ Kiwi Lounge in LAX was so much nicer then the United or US Airways ones.

I have not tried any other US cities lounges, but with IAD being a hub, and also the capital of United States, I was expecting an amazing flagship lounge, I guess my expectations were out of touch.

Should soap be soup ? Or do you eat soap for breakfast in MLL ?

Both the US Club at CLT and RCCs at IAD offer soft drinks from the bar.

Thanks, I have edited the post, and it was in the Amex lounge not the MLL

HSOLO

Is that standard at all United and US Airways lounges? Or is it common for all USA based carriers?

I really perfer the self service ones at MLL and Amex lounge, and even some of the other *Gold one I have tried like Kiwi Lounge in LAX and the SAS lounge in LHR

HSOLO

That's how it works at every lounge I've been to in the US (AA, CO, DL, NW, UA, US) except for dedicated F Class lounges. I'm sorry you don't like it.