United Club - Worth it for 2013-2014?
Dec 5, 2013, 7:51 pm
#91
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,617
Speaking of the original topic--whether or not the Club is worth it--I reluctantly renewed for 2014. I have several upcoming trips with reasonably long layovers at UA and US airports and want to be able to access the clubs rather than sitting at the gate for 3+ hours.
Of course, subsequent to renewing, I have learned I'll likely need to postpone or cancel several of those trips--meaning I could have just let it expire, rant to UA about why I'd let it go, and then quietly renew and pay the extra miles/fee when my travel picked back up in March.
Of course, subsequent to renewing, I have learned I'll likely need to postpone or cancel several of those trips--meaning I could have just let it expire, rant to UA about why I'd let it go, and then quietly renew and pay the extra miles/fee when my travel picked back up in March.
Dec 5, 2013, 8:54 pm
#92
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: MCO, DCA, IAD
Programs: UA GS 1MM, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,134
Speaking of the original topic--whether or not the Club is worth it--I reluctantly renewed for 2014. I have several upcoming trips with reasonably long layovers at UA and US airports and want to be able to access the clubs rather than sitting at the gate for 3+ hours.
Of course, subsequent to renewing, I have learned I'll likely need to postpone or cancel several of those trips--meaning I could have just let it expire, rant to UA about why I'd let it go, and then quietly renew and pay the extra miles/fee when my travel picked back up in March.
Of course, subsequent to renewing, I have learned I'll likely need to postpone or cancel several of those trips--meaning I could have just let it expire, rant to UA about why I'd let it go, and then quietly renew and pay the extra miles/fee when my travel picked back up in March.
If you don't want to pay the fee, you can always get the United Club Card, not only do you get Club membership, but the bonus miles and all of the other card benefits - that's what I do.
Dec 6, 2013, 12:27 pm
#93
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Glenview, IL USA
Programs: UA 2MM 1K, HH Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 232
3 Year on Miles
I don't know how it happened, but sometime early in 2013 I was able to renew UA Club membership for 3 years on miles. There was even a promo rate of 105,000 miles for those 3 years. I know they got rid of the 3-year option shortly thereafter.
Not the most amazing redemption rate for miles I've done, but not too bad.
Barratt
Not the most amazing redemption rate for miles I've done, but not too bad.
Barratt
Dec 6, 2013, 12:33 pm
#94
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,617
In my opinion UA Club always better than sitting at the gate. Yes it's nothing like intl lounges but still provides a decent working/waiting space, refreshments and snacks. And for those of use who spend a lot of time on the road and at airports, the use of showers after long intl flights and that quick bagel before catching an early flight is always a plus.
Dec 6, 2013, 7:58 pm
#95
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Texas
Programs: UA 1K - 2 Million Miler, HHonors Lifetime Diamond, IHG Platinum, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, QF
Posts: 74
Showers are indeed nice, but when the UC doesn't have them at all of their hubs - like AA - it's not that useful a benefit. Quiet work space, alcohol at a decent price, IROPS access, and free WiFi is why I joined the RCC years ago. Most clubs are now crowded, worn and noisy, the booze prices are ridiculous, and WiFi is free at most all major airports. Oh, and the food is worse than before. Not much value these days in a UC membership.
Dec 26, 2013, 6:46 pm
#96
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 101
Just figured out all lounges are not created equal...
So... Everyone, I am sure, knew this except me... I have found out, much to my disappointment, that lounges vary wildly in amenities.
The United and Star Alliance lounges in Frankfurt, Berlin, and London seem to have free food (Air Canada lounge was particularly notable) and free wine and other goodies.
The club at IAH Terminal E only seems to have some cheese and crackers.
I am sure this has been discussed a lot on flyer talk ad nauseum, so not really trying to raise it as an issue.
Just wanted to note my disappointment. Oh well. :-)
The United and Star Alliance lounges in Frankfurt, Berlin, and London seem to have free food (Air Canada lounge was particularly notable) and free wine and other goodies.
The club at IAH Terminal E only seems to have some cheese and crackers.
I am sure this has been discussed a lot on flyer talk ad nauseum, so not really trying to raise it as an issue.
Just wanted to note my disappointment. Oh well. :-)
Dec 26, 2013, 6:53 pm
#97
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
Watch this trip report video, which is done by our fellow FTer sfflyer123:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrEbiRPdR-E
You can fully understand the irony of UA's superior lounge...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrEbiRPdR-E
You can fully understand the irony of UA's superior lounge...
Dec 26, 2013, 7:07 pm
#99
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
Dec 26, 2013, 7:24 pm
#101
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: West Coast
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 264
United doesn't have to pay for upscale digs because apparently they feel a majority of U.S. clientele wouldn't notice the difference. I think times are changing and this may be antiquated. Perhaps Amex clubs will up the ante.
Dec 26, 2013, 7:29 pm
#102
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: ATL
Programs: Delta PlM, 1M
Posts: 6,365
The US Carrier Domestic Lounge issue is certainly not specific to UA. Different game is played here.
I will have to say that the Internet access at the new *A lounge in LAX-Bradly was the fastest I have used outside of the office (faster than my home service). Certainly one of the nicer domestic lounges (and in a terminal that used to be dreadful).
I will have to say that the Internet access at the new *A lounge in LAX-Bradly was the fastest I have used outside of the office (faster than my home service). Certainly one of the nicer domestic lounges (and in a terminal that used to be dreadful).
Dec 26, 2013, 8:00 pm
#104
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 223
.
I was going to say the same thing. I really think the IAH terminal E is one of the nicest clubs in the US. I really visited the United club at EWR. It should be one of the flagship clubs in the United system. Half of the sofa chairs were ripped.
Dec 26, 2013, 8:14 pm
#105
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: DEN
Programs: United Premier 1K, Marriott Platinum, Frontier, Delta, Hertz Gold, National Emerald Club
Posts: 928
Watch this trip report video, which is done by our fellow FTer sfflyer123:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrEbiRPdR-E
You can fully understand the irony of UA's superior lounge...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrEbiRPdR-E
You can fully understand the irony of UA's superior lounge...
That lounge is a little tight, but the food, beer, and snacks, make it a very different feel, even though it is smaller than most UA lounges, it is far more relaxing and inviting. I almost never miss it flying to or through IAD! ^