Jan 7, 2014, 1:35 pm
Last edit by: Michael D
United Club members and their guests are entitled to a gate pass to get through security and access the United Club at domestic airports, regardless of whether or not they are traveling.
Purchasing a one time Club pass does not entitle on to a gate pass. That is a benefit of United Club members until Aug 18, 2016.
*** AUGUST 2015 UPDATE ***
UA has announced that same day boarding passes will be required for UA club access effective August 18, 2016.
In a clarification, UA Insider clarified that there will be no more gate passes. See Post 195 at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...-travel-6.html
Hi everyone, some answers for you on this new policy:
1.What about meetings/conference rooms? Will gate passes still be issued?
Customers can still reserve a conference room to use, with or without a same-day boarding pass. We will no longer issue gate passes for other uses.
The following information applies prior to that date.
There is a lot of confusion about this arrangement, so it is helpful to dispel some misimpressions you might have or might encounter: You do not need to book a conference room or make any sort of reservation to obtain a gate pass. Gate passes are an entitlement that come with your United Club membership, and not a discretionary favor. When you obtain a gate pass, your data is put through the same secure flight system that is used to approve boarding pass issuance. There is no reason to think that these gate passes are more of a security risk than the ability to simply buy a same-dayticket at the airport, and there is no evidence that the TSA has in any way limited the airlines' ability to issue gate passes. Gate passes are used extensively for other purposes, such as permitting parents to meet unaccompanied minors at their arrival gate.
To get a gate pass, simply go to a check-in counter at the airport, present your club membership card and photo ID, and ask for one.
At some airports, there are dedicated lanes for this and similar services:
You may get push-back from the counter agent, because this is a relatively unusual request. If that happens, try escalating through the following steps:
1. Ask for a gate pass.
2. Reference GG Checkpoint, Line 65** (screenshot courtesy of tarheelnj and updated June 2015) **Note: Nov 2015 update - Reference Line 68.
[IMG]
[/IMG]
3. Ask for a supervisor.
4. Ask the agent(s) to call the UC.
5. Call the UC directly, and ask them to talk to or directly call the counter agent. Many counter phones have direct lines, and you can ask the counter agent to provide you that info so that the UC can call them.
The phone number for a particular UC can be determined by calling the UC customer service line at 866-822-5827 (open 0800-2000 Central Time, daily). Here are some known phone numbers:
6. Give up, collect the names of everyone you've spoken with, and write to Premier Voice or 1K Voice with a polite request that the folks be retrained, and that a local service manager follow up with you so that you can be assured that you will be provided access next time you visit the airport. This last step may seem like overkill, but it will help ensure that other folks don't end up having the same problem with the agent(s) in the future.
To help track which airports are appropriately applying this policy, please consider noting below whether or not you were successful in obtaining a gate pass using a thumbs-up or thumbs-down icon. Then, provide a more detailed report in a post in this thread if you have time. (E.g.: "Asked at AUS and was denied by a surly agent; quickly gave up because it wasn't worth my time" or "Got a great agent at 1K/Plat check-in at EWR, wanted the pass to take my daughter through security and to the UC, agent took care of it in 2 minutes.")
ATL:
AUS: ^
BOS: ^ I've never been refused in about a half-dozen requests.
CLE: ^ Successful at least 3 times in 2014
DCA: ^ It took a manager making 2 phone calls, but got the passes for myself and my guest.
DFW: ^ Varies by agent. Often they call back to the club to verify that it is permitted.
DEN: ^ At both 1K and GS counters, agents handled with ease when presenting my UC card.
EWR: ^ Special Services
FLL: ^
GUM:
HNL: denied by supervisor "I am the boss"
IAD: ^ with comment that it is "intended for meetings," but no actual hesitation [from GS agent]
IAH: ^
JFK: ^ One instance where supervisor inappropriately denied issuance of gate pass, citing that it was against BA's policy (BA "operated" the terminal).
LAS:
LAX: ^
LGA: Outside of security, so gate pass is not needed.
MCO: The Ticket Agent looked at my United Club card, Passport and issued me a gate pass without question.
MSP: ^ Had to reference the GG Checkpoint line 65, otherwise it went well
ORD: ^
PHL: ^
PHX: ^
PDX: Variable: 1st, ref'd GG 65, then OK, 2nd time, full hassle, needed Super
SAN:
SAT:
SFO: ^ Had no problems previously, but just got refused by two separate agents on 3/14/2015. Had to escalate to supervisor to get the gate pass.
^ 6/19/2015: refused by agent at regular checkin; premier check-in agent first refused, then got ok from supervisor.
SEA: ^
SNA: ^ Agent had to ask another (former) CO agent for assistance, but no problems.
Purchasing a one time Club pass does not entitle on to a gate pass. That is a benefit of United Club members until Aug 18, 2016.
*** AUGUST 2015 UPDATE ***
UA has announced that same day boarding passes will be required for UA club access effective August 18, 2016.
In a clarification, UA Insider clarified that there will be no more gate passes. See Post 195 at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...-travel-6.html
Hi everyone, some answers for you on this new policy:
1.What about meetings/conference rooms? Will gate passes still be issued?
Customers can still reserve a conference room to use, with or without a same-day boarding pass. We will no longer issue gate passes for other uses.
The following information applies prior to that date.
There is a lot of confusion about this arrangement, so it is helpful to dispel some misimpressions you might have or might encounter: You do not need to book a conference room or make any sort of reservation to obtain a gate pass. Gate passes are an entitlement that come with your United Club membership, and not a discretionary favor. When you obtain a gate pass, your data is put through the same secure flight system that is used to approve boarding pass issuance. There is no reason to think that these gate passes are more of a security risk than the ability to simply buy a same-dayticket at the airport, and there is no evidence that the TSA has in any way limited the airlines' ability to issue gate passes. Gate passes are used extensively for other purposes, such as permitting parents to meet unaccompanied minors at their arrival gate.
To get a gate pass, simply go to a check-in counter at the airport, present your club membership card and photo ID, and ask for one.
At some airports, there are dedicated lanes for this and similar services:
- EWR: [Fill in location]
You may get push-back from the counter agent, because this is a relatively unusual request. If that happens, try escalating through the following steps:
1. Ask for a gate pass.
2. Reference GG Checkpoint, Line 65** (screenshot courtesy of tarheelnj and updated June 2015) **Note: Nov 2015 update - Reference Line 68.
[IMG]
[/IMG]3. Ask for a supervisor.
4. Ask the agent(s) to call the UC.
5. Call the UC directly, and ask them to talk to or directly call the counter agent. Many counter phones have direct lines, and you can ask the counter agent to provide you that info so that the UC can call them.
The phone number for a particular UC can be determined by calling the UC customer service line at 866-822-5827 (open 0800-2000 Central Time, daily). Here are some known phone numbers:
- [Fill in]
6. Give up, collect the names of everyone you've spoken with, and write to Premier Voice or 1K Voice with a polite request that the folks be retrained, and that a local service manager follow up with you so that you can be assured that you will be provided access next time you visit the airport. This last step may seem like overkill, but it will help ensure that other folks don't end up having the same problem with the agent(s) in the future.
To help track which airports are appropriately applying this policy, please consider noting below whether or not you were successful in obtaining a gate pass using a thumbs-up or thumbs-down icon. Then, provide a more detailed report in a post in this thread if you have time. (E.g.: "Asked at AUS and was denied by a surly agent; quickly gave up because it wasn't worth my time" or "Got a great agent at 1K/Plat check-in at EWR, wanted the pass to take my daughter through security and to the UC, agent took care of it in 2 minutes.")
ATL:
AUS: ^
BOS: ^ I've never been refused in about a half-dozen requests.
CLE: ^ Successful at least 3 times in 2014
DCA: ^ It took a manager making 2 phone calls, but got the passes for myself and my guest.
DFW: ^ Varies by agent. Often they call back to the club to verify that it is permitted.
DEN: ^ At both 1K and GS counters, agents handled with ease when presenting my UC card.
EWR: ^ Special Services
FLL: ^
GUM:
HNL: denied by supervisor "I am the boss"
IAD: ^ with comment that it is "intended for meetings," but no actual hesitation [from GS agent]
IAH: ^
JFK: ^ One instance where supervisor inappropriately denied issuance of gate pass, citing that it was against BA's policy (BA "operated" the terminal).
LAS:
LAX: ^
LGA: Outside of security, so gate pass is not needed.
MCO: The Ticket Agent looked at my United Club card, Passport and issued me a gate pass without question.
MSP: ^ Had to reference the GG Checkpoint line 65, otherwise it went well
ORD: ^
PHL: ^
PHX: ^
PDX: Variable: 1st, ref'd GG 65, then OK, 2nd time, full hassle, needed Super
SAN:
SAT:
SFO: ^ Had no problems previously, but just got refused by two separate agents on 3/14/2015. Had to escalate to supervisor to get the gate pass.
^ 6/19/2015: refused by agent at regular checkin; premier check-in agent first refused, then got ok from supervisor.
SEA: ^
SNA: ^ Agent had to ask another (former) CO agent for assistance, but no problems.
Gate Pass for United Club Access (Discontinued)
Jul 28, 2012, 5:45 pm
#61
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: UA lifetime gold; Hilton Gold; Marriott/SPG Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,954
Is a Gatepass illegal? violation of FAA rules?
A family member flew out of SFO today.
I am 1K and have UA club card.
I asked nicely for a Gatepass or a pass to go to the UA club.
A very polite CSR in First class check in said that he will do it but it is illegal and a violation of FAA rules.
I said that I know it can be done via CO computer system and he repeated his statement.
He handed me the pass and I thanked him.
He was very professional and I have no complains but........
Did he lie to me?
I am 1K and have UA club card.
I asked nicely for a Gatepass or a pass to go to the UA club.
A very polite CSR in First class check in said that he will do it but it is illegal and a violation of FAA rules.
I said that I know it can be done via CO computer system and he repeated his statement.
He handed me the pass and I thanked him.
He was very professional and I have no complains but........
Did he lie to me?
Last edited by keisari; Jul 28, 2012 at 5:46 pm Reason: grammar
Jul 28, 2012, 5:51 pm
#62
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,844
Agent was confused, misinformed or intially too lazy. Gate Passes are within the rules.
Jul 28, 2012, 5:57 pm
#63
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: MBS/FNT/LAN
Programs: UA 1K, HH Gold, Mariott Gold
Posts: 9,630
Jul 28, 2012, 6:19 pm
#64
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SFO/STS
Programs: UA Gold-1MM, Hhonors Diamond, Marriott/SPG Gold
Posts: 1,090
UA SFO will gladly issue you a gate pass if you pay $99 for an UM.
Jul 28, 2012, 6:37 pm
#65
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AUS
Programs: AA Exec Platinum/MM, DL Gold/MM, Hilton Diamond, Accor Platinum, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,975
I have had no problem using my United Club card to get a gate pass in AUS.
Jul 28, 2012, 6:50 pm
#66
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
Maybe gate passes will be the next TOD ancillary income.
Jul 28, 2012, 7:47 pm
#67
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: UA lifetime gold; Hilton Gold; Marriott/SPG Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,954
I would gladly pay one TOD to get a gate pass with no questions and no begging or being all humble and nice.
In fact would like to have a machine print out a gate pass and make sure I get double miles with one of my Chase cards.
I wonder how much of a cut would the TSA take since they are the ones doing the screening.
In fact would like to have a machine print out a gate pass and make sure I get double miles with one of my Chase cards.
I wonder how much of a cut would the TSA take since they are the ones doing the screening.
Jul 29, 2012, 1:15 am
#68
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA 1K 25 years/2MM, Honors LT Diamond, AVIS & Hertz Prez Club
Posts: 4,753
Anecdotal reports:
28 Jul (Sat) at DEN 1K check in - initially told I had to be disabled and need assistance, then I directed to GG CHECK POINT and referred to Line 53. No further question, pass issued.
28 Jul (Sat) at SFO 1K Int'l check in - asked and granted though a slight comment of "we don't usually do that" - but I responded that I called ahead to confirm and it was a PMCO thing and I could provide a profile if needed, but passes issued w/o further issue.
28 Jul (Sat) at DEN 1K check in - initially told I had to be disabled and need assistance, then I directed to GG CHECK POINT and referred to Line 53. No further question, pass issued.
28 Jul (Sat) at SFO 1K Int'l check in - asked and granted though a slight comment of "we don't usually do that" - but I responded that I called ahead to confirm and it was a PMCO thing and I could provide a profile if needed, but passes issued w/o further issue.
Jul 29, 2012, 11:02 am
#69
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: UA lifetime gold; Hilton Gold; Marriott/SPG Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,954
The SFO UA CSR at check in was very pleasant; he said that he knew the system allows to give a gate pass but he added that it is against FAA rules and therefore illegal (he specifically said illegal).
I got what I wanted which was the gate pass so I was not about to have a discussion that would upset him but if it is illegal why would a company build it into their computer system.
I got what I wanted which was the gate pass so I was not about to have a discussion that would upset him but if it is illegal why would a company build it into their computer system.
Jul 29, 2012, 11:08 am
#70
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 6km East of EPAYE
Programs: UA Silver, AA Platinum, AS & DL GM Marriott TE, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,582
Jul 29, 2012, 11:13 am
#71
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: DFW
Programs: UA peon (+decades 1K), AA Exec Plt
Posts: 1,117
At DFW I have had no problem (except the gate agent looking up the protocol) with my Club card.
Jul 30, 2012, 10:00 am
#73
Join Date: May 2003
Location: At This Point, Only G*d Knows!
Posts: 3,467
1) DFW no problems! I had to wait for a former CO employee as the legacy UA employee while nice was unsure and did not want to take responsibility. When the former CO employee showed the legacy UA employee GG Checkpoint Line 53, the legacy UA employee actually apologized and thanked me for being patient. She processed my Gate Pass and thanked me again for being patient with her and said that now on she will issue gate passes for UC members wishing to visit the club regardless of travel.
2) FLL no problems! (The agent did not even question it, said, "if I wanted to deal with the hassle that is TSA just to visit the PClub", she was happy to give me a GatePass)
3) PDX no problems!
4) LAX no problems! the agent said that she knew it was a legacy CO policy and she would be happy to give me a gate pass.
5) IAD the agent did not want to issue a BP at first, so I said than please sell me a full fare whY fare to ORD, she thought better of it and issued a gate pass.
6) PHL the employee (not sure if she was legacy UA or CO) did not want to issue me a BP and after calling the UC, said I had to have a meeting at the UC to be able to get a Gate Pass. I asked her to check GG CHECKPOINT Line 53 and she said that the UC agent superseded and that was the final answer. I said please sell me a full whY fare to ORD and she said that I could call UA to buy a ticket or do whatever I wanted but she had to help other customers. I took out my laptop, accessed UNITED.com and bought a full Y to ORD, waited for it to ticket, checked in on my phone and furthered my complaint with the UC agent who denied me over the phone to the ticket counter. I asked her to check GG CHECKPOINT Line 53 and after her checking a few people into the club, she paged me to the desk and apologized about the mixup. She said she had no idea that non-traveling UC members were allowed Gate Passes to visit the club whenever they pleased. She said that the legacy UA told her it was against TSA policy to issue Gate Passes just to visit the club without a scheduled meeting and she assumed that was the final answer. She thanked me for educating her and added that she is always amazed that the some pax know more than she does about the airline.
Dan
2) FLL no problems! (The agent did not even question it, said, "if I wanted to deal with the hassle that is TSA just to visit the PClub", she was happy to give me a GatePass)
3) PDX no problems!
4) LAX no problems! the agent said that she knew it was a legacy CO policy and she would be happy to give me a gate pass.
5) IAD the agent did not want to issue a BP at first, so I said than please sell me a full fare whY fare to ORD, she thought better of it and issued a gate pass.
6) PHL the employee (not sure if she was legacy UA or CO) did not want to issue me a BP and after calling the UC, said I had to have a meeting at the UC to be able to get a Gate Pass. I asked her to check GG CHECKPOINT Line 53 and she said that the UC agent superseded and that was the final answer. I said please sell me a full whY fare to ORD and she said that I could call UA to buy a ticket or do whatever I wanted but she had to help other customers. I took out my laptop, accessed UNITED.com and bought a full Y to ORD, waited for it to ticket, checked in on my phone and furthered my complaint with the UC agent who denied me over the phone to the ticket counter. I asked her to check GG CHECKPOINT Line 53 and after her checking a few people into the club, she paged me to the desk and apologized about the mixup. She said she had no idea that non-traveling UC members were allowed Gate Passes to visit the club whenever they pleased. She said that the legacy UA told her it was against TSA policy to issue Gate Passes just to visit the club without a scheduled meeting and she assumed that was the final answer. She thanked me for educating her and added that she is always amazed that the some pax know more than she does about the airline.
Dan
Last edited by dan1431; Jul 30, 2012 at 10:11 am
Sep 11, 2012, 9:50 pm
#74
Join Date: Jun 2007
Programs: CO-plat, SPG-plat
Posts: 1,655
I understand that UC membership includes access with 2 guests. Has anyone succeeded in obtaining gate passes for two non-flying guests? I am flying and will have a boarding pass for TSA.
Sep 11, 2012, 11:19 pm
#75
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: LAX
Programs: United Two Million Miler; United 1K, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 568
Yes in the system you could bring in two nonflying guests. I actually brought in 3 last summer when I was bringing my family from LAX-EWR-Europe and I at EWR went outside security to bring in my sister, brother-in-law and niece to visit with us in the United club.
They did tell me I would need to pay for the third guest, but I let them know that my wife and kids were all in the lounge and we were on an international first so we got to visit with family members we seldom see for a few hours during our layover.
They did tell me I would need to pay for the third guest, but I let them know that my wife and kids were all in the lounge and we were on an international first so we got to visit with family members we seldom see for a few hours during our layover.