A first visit to a lounge-what should I know.
Feb 25, 2013, 3:26 pm
#31
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Montebello, CA, USA
Posts: 2,365
An agent told me over the holidays that a contractor came in and was shocked that they only had 4 access points or something like that. They were going to bump it up to at least 12 or 14 I think.
Feb 25, 2013, 3:28 pm
#32
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP,2MM, DL Gold,Starwood PLT
Posts: 3,876
Yes having grown up in the UK where most flights are international, conference/business centres sprung up around the airports because it was impossible to get airside. In the US until the late 90s I guess it made sense to have them in the airports as security was fairly relaxed. I guess even once they stopped being business centres, there were still a large enough segment of the traveling public and/or companies willing to pay for annual membership.
I'm still amazed people buy day passes for $50, it seems like a colossal waste of money to me.
I'm still amazed people buy day passes for $50, it seems like a colossal waste of money to me.
Feb 25, 2013, 3:34 pm
#33
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1k MM, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 256
The pour is a decent 6oz, usually measured in a small carafe and the stemware is superior to the free wine offering. Selection of wines is fairly decent though they toned down the quality of offerings since the inception. A couple of years back for instance you could get Far Niente Chardonnay or Veuve Cliquot for $9 with the discount. Now the bubbles is Moet.
All things considered still a good buy compared to hotel/restaurant bar pricing.
Feb 25, 2013, 3:53 pm
#34
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: BGM/ PHL
Programs: US (Silver, *A Silver), AA, Starbucks (Gold)
Posts: 2,242
Top shelf wines sell for $10 & $12 depending on offering. You get a $3 discount if you pay with either United Mileage Plus or Presidential Plus Credit Card.
The pour is a decent 6oz, usually measured in a small carafe and the stemware is superior to the free wine offering. Selection of wines is fairly decent though they toned down the quality of offerings since the inception. A couple of years back for instance you could get Far Niente Chardonnay or Veuve Cliquot for $9 with the discount. Now the bubbles is Moet.
All things considered still a good buy compared to hotel/restaurant bar pricing.
The pour is a decent 6oz, usually measured in a small carafe and the stemware is superior to the free wine offering. Selection of wines is fairly decent though they toned down the quality of offerings since the inception. A couple of years back for instance you could get Far Niente Chardonnay or Veuve Cliquot for $9 with the discount. Now the bubbles is Moet.
All things considered still a good buy compared to hotel/restaurant bar pricing.
Feb 25, 2013, 4:12 pm
#35
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 252
Please prominently display your "I am a CC kettle" sign at all time when in the lounge, so that premium passengers can treat you with the proper disdain. Also, don't forget to salute GSers---you will recognize them by the flecks of gold in their aura.
(Enjoy yourself. It beats waiting for hours at the gate. Usually.)
(Enjoy yourself. It beats waiting for hours at the gate. Usually.)
Feb 25, 2013, 4:22 pm
#36
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Kettlesville, home of GLOBAL SERVICES, (.....es)
Programs: Mileage Plus in America and Qantas down under
Posts: 44
Multiple points to know:
1. Make sure others know your club entry was due to your credit card - watch carefully and you'll see some DYKWIA heads explode.
2. Talk loudly on your mobile phone while walking around and checking out the club - watch carefully and you'll see more DYKWIA heads explode.
3. Grab snacks straightaway using fingers - they are finger food after all - again, watch carefully and you'll see more DYKWIA heads explode.
4. While on cell phone - make sure your overheard telling whomever that you are also in first class because of the credit card, and again watch carefully and you'll see even more DYKWIA heads explode.
1. Make sure others know your club entry was due to your credit card - watch carefully and you'll see some DYKWIA heads explode.
2. Talk loudly on your mobile phone while walking around and checking out the club - watch carefully and you'll see more DYKWIA heads explode.
3. Grab snacks straightaway using fingers - they are finger food after all - again, watch carefully and you'll see more DYKWIA heads explode.
4. While on cell phone - make sure your overheard telling whomever that you are also in first class because of the credit card, and again watch carefully and you'll see even more DYKWIA heads explode.
Feb 25, 2013, 4:54 pm
#37
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, UA Nobody, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,372
A bit OT, but I can't stand that IST uses little snippets of paper that have WiFi info on them. What a waste. Have it printed on scattered boards throughout the lounge, or even just at one point where lounge guests can see it but not (necessarily) curious passers-by/those who know they aren't allowed in but try anyway.
Feb 25, 2013, 5:21 pm
#38
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: UA1K
Posts: 31
Feb 25, 2013, 5:38 pm
#39
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413
The old NW WCs usednto post an easy to remember password about airlines that tended to change every few days or once a week.
Feb 25, 2013, 5:49 pm
#40
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, UA Nobody, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,372
Feb 25, 2013, 5:50 pm
#41
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: BGM/ PHL
Programs: US (Silver, *A Silver), AA, Starbucks (Gold)
Posts: 2,242
EWR (C120, IIRC) though it was a few years ago before the merger so maybe things have changed since then. I've also heard on one of the blogs more recently about premium passengers needing to ask for them (maybe Matthew can weigh in on this....)
I showed by BF boarding pass at reception and the Dragon gave me two drink chits which I then promptly redeemed for a delicious Malbec. Similar experience at the PHL A US Club flying Envoy (although there you show your boarding pass to the bartender to get your premium wine/ cocktails.)
I remember flying out of Marseilles France (MRS) years ago and seeing a sign right outside security for "Salon d'affaires" (business lounge). Thinking it was an airline lounge, I took a peek inside - nothing more than a few computer workstations that could be rented for something like €1 a minute, fax machines, etc...
I showed by BF boarding pass at reception and the Dragon gave me two drink chits which I then promptly redeemed for a delicious Malbec. Similar experience at the PHL A US Club flying Envoy (although there you show your boarding pass to the bartender to get your premium wine/ cocktails.)
Yes having grown up in the UK where most flights are international, conference/business centres sprung up around the airports because it was impossible to get airside. In the US until the late 90s I guess it made sense to have them in the airports as security was fairly relaxed. I guess even once they stopped being business centres, there were still a large enough segment of the traveling public and/or companies willing to pay for annual membership.
I'm still amazed people buy day passes for $50, it seems like a colossal waste of money to me.
I'm still amazed people buy day passes for $50, it seems like a colossal waste of money to me.
Last edited by thomwithanh; Feb 25, 2013 at 6:00 pm Reason: comment
Feb 25, 2013, 6:23 pm
#44
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Southern, CA, USA
Programs: UA just 8800 mi short of Silver
Posts: 2,815
If you have a buck or 2 in your hand, you'll get served alot faster at the bar. Dont eat the carrots, they taste like they have a 500 year half-life. People on cell phones talk even louder in the club so they can impress you how important they are...etc
Feb 25, 2013, 6:37 pm
#45
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Gold (.85 MM), HH Diamond, SPG Platinum (LT Gold), Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 5,656
I call BS on the cellphone comment. A loud talker is a loud talker, regardless of location. If your looking for a location to have a nap, the club isn't it.