United Club - Worth it for 2013-2014?
Jan 2, 2013, 2:51 pm
#46
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
I don't think it's worth it. I joined the RCC in 2006 and renewed each year (I was either Premier or Premier Executive during those years) but I let it lapse when it expired at the end of this August. The cost is too high in proportion to what we're offered. Breakfast snacks are good but lunch/dinner time ones are not. The free booze options aren't the best, too many clubs (PHL, CLE) have terrible bathrooms, there are almost no showers and no public computers.
Also, the clubs have become more and more crowded. I'll save my money and aim for shorter connections, or go via IAD when I can and use the LH Lounge.
Also, the clubs have become more and more crowded. I'll save my money and aim for shorter connections, or go via IAD when I can and use the LH Lounge.
Jan 7, 2013, 8:56 pm
#47
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Near MCI
Programs: UA Plat , HHonors Gold, Marriott Plat, Avis President's Club
Posts: 89
The snacks are slightly improved this year. Those strange white balls have been replaced with chocolate covered pretzels. Doesn't justify the cost by itself, but it is an improvement.
Jan 7, 2013, 9:51 pm
#48
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: USA
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 328
I was going to let mine expire this month and never renew it due to the lack of using it much lately and the overcrowding most of the time but I did take the last second plunge at the $875 rate for a 3 year deal as a 1K.
That seems like a good deal at under $292 a year with perhaps 20 uses per year. At the end of this 3 year run a renewal is unlikely unless there are changes for the better down the road.
That seems like a good deal at under $292 a year with perhaps 20 uses per year. At the end of this 3 year run a renewal is unlikely unless there are changes for the better down the road.
Jan 7, 2013, 10:29 pm
#49
Join Date: Mar 2001
Programs: AA EXP, BA Gold, UA LT-Gold, SPG Plat, HH Dia, Hyatt Dia, MR Gold
Posts: 2,221
Looking at how things goes at United, I suspect the continued deterioration of airport customer service will be enhanced, so people will succumb to buying UC membership to avoid the long lines.
Jan 7, 2013, 11:43 pm
#50
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Hoboken, NJ; Pembroke Pines, FL
Programs: CO Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,939
Jan 8, 2013, 9:29 am
#51
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,901
Jan 8, 2013, 10:37 am
#52
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: BNE/OOL temporarily-permanently at CAK/PIT
Programs: UA*1K & UA Club, National Ex. Elite, Hertz Pres. Circ., Amex Plat., CLEAR
Posts: 1,703
The MileagePlus Club card ($300 net, or free if United decides you're worthy due to Premier status) + spousal membership (I think it's $200?) is worth it.
US Airways usually conducts club fire sales in spring, so it might be worthwhile to wait for that.
The new Terminal 2/F club in ORD is nice. CLE continues to look tired, and even IAH Terminal E is showing some wear.
US Airways usually conducts club fire sales in spring, so it might be worthwhile to wait for that.
The new Terminal 2/F club in ORD is nice. CLE continues to look tired, and even IAH Terminal E is showing some wear.
Jan 8, 2013, 11:27 am
#53
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: TUL/LAX/SJC
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle, UA Gold, American EP, Southwest A List
Posts: 3
United Club
I've been toying around with joining United Club for the next year. I'm a Gold whose travel pattern ranges from Silver-Platinum, depending on the year. I don't live at a UA hub and often am forced to connect, so benefits are more meaningful given I contend with layovers.
While investigating this, I've discovered that in one week rates are going up $25 for each individual membership class (and $100 for w/spouse rates). Also, the 3-year membership option is being discontinued.
http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont...nge/rates.aspx
This leaves me with the question--is it worth it to buy a membership for someone like me? And should I go for the three-year before it goes away.
Assuming another $25 price hike 1/1/14, then the three year cost savings is $325...
Thoughts all? I know, I know the new United Club is bad compared to RCC, etc (generally nothing is good about the New United vs the old w/respect to benefits)--however, these lounges are STILL better than hanging out in the airport.
Anyone who has spent any time in SAN's T1 will agree.
While investigating this, I've discovered that in one week rates are going up $25 for each individual membership class (and $100 for w/spouse rates). Also, the 3-year membership option is being discontinued.
http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont...nge/rates.aspx
This leaves me with the question--is it worth it to buy a membership for someone like me? And should I go for the three-year before it goes away.
Assuming another $25 price hike 1/1/14, then the three year cost savings is $325...
Thoughts all? I know, I know the new United Club is bad compared to RCC, etc (generally nothing is good about the New United vs the old w/respect to benefits)--however, these lounges are STILL better than hanging out in the airport.
Anyone who has spent any time in SAN's T1 will agree.
Mar 13, 2013, 3:31 pm
#54
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 1,039
United Club at O'Hare - Worth $50?
I have a 3 hour layover this Friday at O'Hare and I'm yet to ever go to the club there. I'm flying E+, so I don't have access to the United Club. In my opinion, the best club is the United Global First Club at JFK. The regular club in SFO is nice as well, and I'm yet to go to the regular club at JFK.
Is it worth the $50 one-time pass for the 3.5 hour layover? I assume I'd be at the bar anyway paying for drinks and wi-fi, and at an airport, a beer can be $7-$8.
If it's not worth it, are there any other clubs at O'Hare that are nicer (doesn't have to be United) that offer one-time passes? Thanks in advance!
Is it worth the $50 one-time pass for the 3.5 hour layover? I assume I'd be at the bar anyway paying for drinks and wi-fi, and at an airport, a beer can be $7-$8.
If it's not worth it, are there any other clubs at O'Hare that are nicer (doesn't have to be United) that offer one-time passes? Thanks in advance!
Mar 13, 2013, 3:33 pm
#55
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Frozen in Carbonite
Programs: UA Aluminum 0.6MM, Bonvoy Life Sentence, Hyatt Eliteist, AA Super Plutonium
Posts: 2,878
If you're going to be boozing it up anyway, might as well! 
They have Honkers Ale on draft in there, which is one of my favorite beers.
BTW...if you download the united app and buy the day pass from there it's only $45.
They have Honkers Ale on draft in there, which is one of my favorite beers.
BTW...if you download the united app and buy the day pass from there it's only $45.
Mar 13, 2013, 3:35 pm
#56
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: DTW and ORD
Posts: 667
The new Terminal 2 United Club is getting some very positive reviews.
Just opened recently, so while it's away from the main Terminal 1 gates, it's worth a visit.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/todayi...icago/1806981/
Just opened recently, so while it's away from the main Terminal 1 gates, it's worth a visit.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/todayi...icago/1806981/
Mar 13, 2013, 3:40 pm
#57
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 1,039
Good to know! I have the app and don't remember the last time I used a paper boarding pass. I plan on boozing it up, it is afterall a 3.5 hour layover :/
Mar 13, 2013, 3:47 pm
#59
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 749
Keep an eye here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...-thread-3.html
And also might want to buy a couple day passes on ebay for just these types of events. They go for about $15 per in a 2pack. I know this doesn't help you for Friday, but can help in the future.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...-thread-3.html
And also might want to buy a couple day passes on ebay for just these types of events. They go for about $15 per in a 2pack. I know this doesn't help you for Friday, but can help in the future.
Mar 13, 2013, 3:57 pm
#60
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,166
IMHO, no UA lounges are worth the money, especially for $50, although it really depends on how much you utilize the things offered there.
I personally don't care about the free alcohol and cheese/crackers/fruits, but the free wifi is nice.
The couches are nice too, but the problem is most lounges (especially the ones in hubs) are fairly crowded, so finding a free couch is sometimes difficult.
I personally don't care about the free alcohol and cheese/crackers/fruits, but the free wifi is nice.
The couches are nice too, but the problem is most lounges (especially the ones in hubs) are fairly crowded, so finding a free couch is sometimes difficult.