[RUMOR] New Beverage offerings at United Clubs (Coming September 2013)

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Aug 26, 2013, 3:48 pm

#151

Baze

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Quote:

Originally Posted by salesna

Interesting. The tax angle hadn't occurred to me.

The more fundamental question is why would anyone pay $500 for a club membership when you can get the same benefit (plus many others) through a credit card that costs about $100 less. That's actually not meant to be a rhetorical question. Are there any advantages to buying a standalone club membership over the credit card?

Not everybody can get the card for one reason or another.

Aug 26, 2013, 3:51 pm

#152

AA_EXP09

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Baze

Not everybody can get the card for one reason or another.

Credit history being one of the factors.

Aug 26, 2013, 4:02 pm

#153

nevansm

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Quote:

Originally Posted by salesna

Yeah. Sort of sounds like they ran it by the lawyers first.

Can I ask the other FTers who emailed the UC about this issue to post the replies they receive? It would be interesting to see if subsequent replies are exactly the same or if the response changes once UA becomes aware that a number of people are concerned about this rumor.

Dear nevansm:

Thank you for contacting United Airlines and the office of Mr. Jeff Smisek.

We appreciate your very detailed and eloquent feedback regarding your recent experiences when visiting the United Club in various locations. In this very competitive industry, in order to be the airline of choice we are committed to refining every aspect of our service.

:REDACTED OTHER COMMENTS NOT PERTINENT:

Kind regards,

United Airlines CS Agent

Aug 26, 2013, 4:56 pm

#154

Red Raider LV

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A respose from UA Insider would be nice here.

Aug 26, 2013, 5:32 pm

#155

milepig

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Quote:

Originally Posted by nevansm

They have a new word. Refining=enhancing?

Aug 26, 2013, 5:38 pm

#156

RJNYC

Join Date: Apr 2009

Location: NYC

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Hello Mr. RJNYC,

Thank you for your participation in the United Club.

I understand your concerns and have forwarded your comments to our management team for appropriate follow-up.

Regards,

XXXXX

United Club

Aug 26, 2013, 5:44 pm

#157

salesna

Join Date: Feb 2012

Location: IAD, DCA

Posts: 246

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Raider LV

A respose from UA Insider would be nice here.

Yes, please. Aaron, we know it's no fun to read a bunch of FT complaints, but if there's nothing to this rumor tell us and we can stop b****ing. Thanks.

Aug 26, 2013, 6:12 pm

#158

Hadrian35

Join Date: Dec 2012

Location: SEA

Programs: UA Plat, HH Diamond, MR Gold, Hertz Prez Circle

Posts: 572

Hello Hadrian35,

We’re always glad to hear from Premier Platinum members like you. Thanks for writing.

We have not heard about the plan to downgrade in the complimentary drink selection served at the clubrooms.

I apologize for any confusion this issue has caused you.

Regards,

Employee w/ no job title
United Club

Aug 26, 2013, 6:40 pm

#159

IAHtraveler

Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars

Join Date: Oct 2006

Posts: 8,032

Quote:

Originally Posted by iahkid2014

I spoke to a bartender in the UC at IAH on Friday and he said that he had not heard anything about downgrading the drinks or charging for the wells.

Tripp or Charlie? I miss them!

Anyway, I asked the bartender at MCO today and he said "hadn't heard of anything but it wouldn't surprise [him] if it was coming... Seems you guys know everything before me anyway... I just do what I'm told with the tools I'm supplied."

Quote:

Originally Posted by milepig

Interesting wording. Not:

"We've checked with the bevereage manager and there are no plans..."

but rather:

"We are not aware..." indicating that there may indeed be plans, they just haven't been told and don't care enough to find out.

or even:

"We're very aware of plans, but there is a news blackout until UA issues the 'enhancement you'll like'" message.

My thoughts exactly.

Aug 26, 2013, 6:45 pm

#160

dsquared37

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Quote:

Originally Posted by salesna

Yes, please. Aaron, we know it's no fun to read a bunch of FT complaints, but if there's nothing to this rumor tell us and we can stop b****ing. Thanks.

I don't see any visit and proclamation from UA Insider until it's officially announced and then it will be a "once again FTers beat me to it...." statement.

Aug 26, 2013, 9:51 pm

#161

astroflyer

Join Date: Jul 2010

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I was at the United Club in SFO. This woman next to me asked what red wines were available. The bartender listed "free" and "pay". There was one choice that was a "house red" which he was unable to describe whatsoever. And then gestured to about 10 bottles which he said "you pay these".

Aug 27, 2013, 12:00 am

#162

Xyzzy

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Quote:

Originally Posted by salesna

Are there any advantages to buying a standalone club membership over the credit card?

t at all. The UA credit card includes a full club membership.

But we digress...

I'm not too worried about the beverage selection. As long as they still have seltzer I'll be happy -- though the $3 Glenlivet 15 shots (after CC disc

unt) are pretty nice.

Aug 27, 2013, 12:54 am

#163

joshwex90

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Quote:

Originally Posted by salesna

The more fundamental question is why would anyone pay $500 for a club membership when you can get the same benefit (plus many others) through a credit card that costs about $100 less. That's actually not meant to be a rhetorical question. Are there any advantages to buying a standalone club membership over the credit card?

There is another potential advantage to club membership. Some corporate policies will reimburse a club membership expense, but not a credit card annual fee

Aug 27, 2013, 1:03 am

#164

prestonh

Join Date: Jan 2007

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Quote:

Originally Posted by joshwex90

There is another potential advantage to club membership. Some corporate policies will reimburse a club membership expense, but not a credit card annual fee

I was afraid to convert to the club card and lose the choices benefit. I'm not renewing my UC membership but anyone else know if you convert if you lose the choices redemption option?