Sep 10, 2013, 8:54 pm
Last edit by: J.Edward
This wiki has been moved to the 2014 thread: 2014 United Club (UC) Thread for Changes, News, Features, Competitive Position, etc.
United Club changes (drinks and Wifi) - Sept/Oct. 2013
Sep 11, 2013, 2:29 pm
#526
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: LIS/ATL/other
Programs: UA 1K, Avis PC, Hertz PC, Sixt Plat, Marriott Gold, HH Silver
Posts: 1,983
That is not a bad idea. A la Lufthansa. Self serve soft AND hard drinks. Never a line, never a bartender to slow you down, and people seem to drink responsibly there.
Oh wait, but then they couldn't charge you for the drinks. I almost forget this is United. Never mind.
Oh wait, but then they couldn't charge you for the drinks. I almost forget this is United. Never mind.
Sep 11, 2013, 2:35 pm
#527
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Programs: United MileagePlus Silver, Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 8,798
I usually get a drink or two when I pass through a UC. Like CaptainMiles, I'm looking for a quiet place to work, and like The Captain, I too am often surprised by the number of drunks I encounter at the bar in the UCs.
Seems like in many cases the 'drunkards' are UC regulars well-known to the bartender.
...I can't recall ever seeing this in an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, and at MLLs all the liquor is free and self-service.
Sep 11, 2013, 2:36 pm
#528
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: EWR, NJ
Programs: UA 2 MM, UA 1K
Posts: 663
I just sent my letter to Chase. I can hardly justify keeping my credit card as I no longer consider the UA club membership to be a benefit. If something doesn't happen to improve things I will cancel my card, or downgrade it if possible, and use my annual fee to get a glass of wine pre-flight from one of the terminal bars. I've seen nice wine bars opening and although they are often crowded, it is a better value. I'll save money too. Aren't they worried about people getting sick with the quality of the liquor they are serving??? Oh, that's right. This is United I am talking about.
Sep 11, 2013, 2:38 pm
#529
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,603
Sep 11, 2013, 2:45 pm
#530
Join Date: May 2009
Location: PHL
Posts: 2,842
I know I will get flamed, but here goes...
I don't drink. One of the most displeasing aspects of the lounge are the drunkards around the bar. During busy times they hog the entire bar space, they are sometimes loud, and the bartenders pay all the attention to them because that is where the tips come from. If you want just to get a soft drink, it is difficult to approach the bar and get the bartender's attention. Having fewer people around the bar will be a Good Thing.
I go to the lounges for some quiet away from the terminal crowds, for a place to sit, and for wifi. Unfortunately, at peak times the lounges seem just as packed as the terminal. It's hard to find a quiet place to sit (or sometimes any seat at all), and the wifi can be slow. If many people, as evidenced by this thread, cancel or let expire their UC memberships, there will be fewer people in the lounges. More free seats, faster wifi. Another Good Thing.
So if UA doesn't botch the wifi too badly with the new authentication, perhaps this will actually be a change I will like. For a change.
I don't drink. One of the most displeasing aspects of the lounge are the drunkards around the bar. During busy times they hog the entire bar space, they are sometimes loud, and the bartenders pay all the attention to them because that is where the tips come from. If you want just to get a soft drink, it is difficult to approach the bar and get the bartender's attention. Having fewer people around the bar will be a Good Thing.
I go to the lounges for some quiet away from the terminal crowds, for a place to sit, and for wifi. Unfortunately, at peak times the lounges seem just as packed as the terminal. It's hard to find a quiet place to sit (or sometimes any seat at all), and the wifi can be slow. If many people, as evidenced by this thread, cancel or let expire their UC memberships, there will be fewer people in the lounges. More free seats, faster wifi. Another Good Thing.
So if UA doesn't botch the wifi too badly with the new authentication, perhaps this will actually be a change I will like. For a change.
My thought though is there are other ways to make the Club more exclusive rather than downgrading the product.
A restaurant may complain they can't turn tables quick enough because people sit and enjoy themselves. So they raise the corkage fee dramatically to regulate patronage. They probably won't have that problem anymore because their patron's went elsewhere.
Sep 11, 2013, 2:55 pm
#531
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: United 1K, Delta PM, Hilton Diamond, Starwood Gold, National Exec. Elite
Posts: 1,406
When you give everyone with the credit card you are pushing, access to the club, you lose $ on booze.
Sep 11, 2013, 2:58 pm
#532
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: PBI / FLL / YUL
Programs: UA 1K, Delta Plat, AA Plat, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Courtesy Card
Posts: 1,983
Another great CS response:
Hello Mr. fjfv19,
Thanks for taking the time to write to us. We’re glad to hear from you.
We appreciate your feedback regarding the recent changes to our beverage services at our United Club lounges. Our member's feedback is often used as inspiration when making improvements and changes to our lounge experience.
Don't hesitate to contact us again if there’s any other way we can help.
Regards,
[REDACTED]
MileagePlus® Service Director
Bolded portion - NO! NO! No more improvements! That's not what I said!
Hello Mr. fjfv19,
Thanks for taking the time to write to us. We’re glad to hear from you.
We appreciate your feedback regarding the recent changes to our beverage services at our United Club lounges. Our member's feedback is often used as inspiration when making improvements and changes to our lounge experience.
Don't hesitate to contact us again if there’s any other way we can help.
Regards,
[REDACTED]
MileagePlus® Service Director
Bolded portion - NO! NO! No more improvements! That's not what I said!
Sep 11, 2013, 3:20 pm
#533
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: IAH
Programs: UA-1k, AA-EP, HH-D, Marriott-G,HPass-PL, Avis-Pres, Hertz-Pres
Posts: 95
The responses get shorter
Thank you for contacting United Club.
Hello Mr. WOOFLY,
Your feedback is important to us and is being forwarded for review.
I appreciate your loyalty.
Regards,
[REDACTED]
United Club
Hello Mr. WOOFLY,
Your feedback is important to us and is being forwarded for review.
I appreciate your loyalty.
Regards,
[REDACTED]
United Club
Sep 11, 2013, 3:27 pm
#534
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Aussie in ORD
Programs: Marriott Plat, Ua Gold, GE.. Sucker for punishment
Posts: 4,237
I'm Air Canada *G.
I usually get a drink or two when I pass through a UC. Like CaptainMiles, I'm looking for a quiet place to work, and like The Captain, I too am often surprised by the number of drunks I encounter at the bar in the UCs.
Seems like in many cases the 'drunkards' are UC regulars well-known to the bartender.
...I can't recall ever seeing this in an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, and at MLLs all the liquor is free and self-service.
I usually get a drink or two when I pass through a UC. Like CaptainMiles, I'm looking for a quiet place to work, and like The Captain, I too am often surprised by the number of drunks I encounter at the bar in the UCs.
Seems like in many cases the 'drunkards' are UC regulars well-known to the bartender.
...I can't recall ever seeing this in an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, and at MLLs all the liquor is free and self-service.
Sep 11, 2013, 3:58 pm
#535
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: EWR, NJ
Programs: UA 2 MM, UA 1K
Posts: 663
Response from Chase
I just sent my letter to Chase. I can hardly justify keeping my credit card as I no longer consider the UA club membership to be a benefit. If something doesn't happen to improve things I will cancel my card, or downgrade it if possible, and use my annual fee to get a glass of wine pre-flight from one of the terminal bars. I've seen nice wine bars opening and although they are often crowded, it is a better value. I'll save money too. Aren't they worried about people getting sick with the quality of the liquor they are serving??? Oh, that's right. This is United I am talking about.
Dear dogloverjb,
Thank you for contacting Chase about your United
MileagePlus account ending in xxxx.
I want to thank you for taking the time to provide the
feedback regarding the complimentary liquors and changes
made at the United Clubs. I regret that we are unable to
provide you with a favorable outcome at this time. I have
submitted all of your feedback to the appropriate
department for further review.
I appreciate the time you have taken to share your
concerns with us. As a result of comments such as yours,
Chase is able to gain more insight as to how well
customers feel they are being serviced. We welcome your
ongoing feedback and will continue to work hard to meet
your needs in the future.
It is important to us that you are completely satisfied
with your account. I have gladly added 5,000 miles to your
United MileagePlus account. The miles will become
available within 3 business days from your September 22,
2013 billing statement.
Please accept my sincere thanks for your continued
patronage with your United MileagePlus card since 2009,
and for allowing me the opportunity to assist you.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please
reply using the Secure Message Center, or call the number
listed below.
Thank you,
-----
Sep 11, 2013, 4:03 pm
#536
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
Got a response from Chase:
Dear dogloverjb,
Thank you for contacting Chase about your United
MileagePlus account ending in xxxx.
I want to thank you for taking the time to provide the
feedback regarding the complimentary liquors and changes
made at the United Clubs. I regret that we are unable to
provide you with a favorable outcome at this time. I have
submitted all of your feedback to the appropriate
department for further review.
I appreciate the time you have taken to share your
concerns with us. As a result of comments such as yours,
Chase is able to gain more insight as to how well
customers feel they are being serviced. We welcome your
ongoing feedback and will continue to work hard to meet
your needs in the future.
It is important to us that you are completely satisfied
with your account. I have gladly added 5,000 miles to your
United MileagePlus account. The miles will become
available within 3 business days from your September 22,
2013 billing statement.
Please accept my sincere thanks for your continued
patronage with your United MileagePlus card since 2009,
and for allowing me the opportunity to assist you.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please
reply using the Secure Message Center, or call the number
listed below.
Thank you,
-----
Dear dogloverjb,
Thank you for contacting Chase about your United
MileagePlus account ending in xxxx.
I want to thank you for taking the time to provide the
feedback regarding the complimentary liquors and changes
made at the United Clubs. I regret that we are unable to
provide you with a favorable outcome at this time. I have
submitted all of your feedback to the appropriate
department for further review.
I appreciate the time you have taken to share your
concerns with us. As a result of comments such as yours,
Chase is able to gain more insight as to how well
customers feel they are being serviced. We welcome your
ongoing feedback and will continue to work hard to meet
your needs in the future.
It is important to us that you are completely satisfied
with your account. I have gladly added 5,000 miles to your
United MileagePlus account. The miles will become
available within 3 business days from your September 22,
2013 billing statement.
Please accept my sincere thanks for your continued
patronage with your United MileagePlus card since 2009,
and for allowing me the opportunity to assist you.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please
reply using the Secure Message Center, or call the number
listed below.
Thank you,
-----
Sep 11, 2013, 4:06 pm
#537
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,603
Just fired off an email to 1KVoice. This was the auto reply.
Thank you for contacting United Airlines. Our Customer Care team is currently responding to most inquiries within 14-21 business days. If your message is regarding an upcoming trip, a baggage delay or about our MileagePlus frequent flyer program, please refer to our helpful links below. We look forward to assisting you.
Sep 11, 2013, 4:48 pm
#538
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Moreland Hills (CLE)
Programs: Over-entitled UA 1.3MM Gold, AA Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott L-T Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 5,521
Another great CS response:
Hello Mr. fjfv19,
Thanks for taking the time to write to us. We’re glad to hear from you.
We appreciate your feedback regarding the recent changes to our beverage services at our United Club lounges. Our member's feedback is often used as inspiration when making improvements and changes to our lounge experience.
Don't hesitate to contact us again if there’s any other way we can help.
Regards,
[REDACTED]
MileagePlus® Service Director
(
Hello Mr. fjfv19,
Thanks for taking the time to write to us. We’re glad to hear from you.
We appreciate your feedback regarding the recent changes to our beverage services at our United Club lounges. Our member's feedback is often used as inspiration when making improvements and changes to our lounge experience.
Don't hesitate to contact us again if there’s any other way we can help.
Regards,
[REDACTED]
MileagePlus® Service Director
(
Sep 11, 2013, 5:09 pm
#539
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: West Palm Beach FL, USA
Programs: Delta Platinum Medallion, Hyatt GLobalist
Posts: 138
Sep 11, 2013, 5:12 pm
#540
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: IAH
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 527
I know I will get flamed, but here goes...
I don't drink. One of the most displeasing aspects of the lounge are the drunkards around the bar. During busy times they hog the entire bar space, they are sometimes loud, and the bartenders pay all the attention to them because that is where the tips come from. If you want just to get a soft drink, it is difficult to approach the bar and get the bartender's attention. Having fewer people around the bar will be a Good Thing.
I go to the lounges for some quiet away from the terminal crowds, for a place to sit, and for wifi. Unfortunately, at peak times the lounges seem just as packed as the terminal. It's hard to find a quiet place to sit (or sometimes any seat at all), and the wifi can be slow. If many people, as evidenced by this thread, cancel or let expire their UC memberships, there will be fewer people in the lounges. More free seats, faster wifi. Another Good Thing.
So if UA doesn't botch the wifi too badly with the new authentication, perhaps this will actually be a change I will like. For a change.
I don't drink. One of the most displeasing aspects of the lounge are the drunkards around the bar. During busy times they hog the entire bar space, they are sometimes loud, and the bartenders pay all the attention to them because that is where the tips come from. If you want just to get a soft drink, it is difficult to approach the bar and get the bartender's attention. Having fewer people around the bar will be a Good Thing.
I go to the lounges for some quiet away from the terminal crowds, for a place to sit, and for wifi. Unfortunately, at peak times the lounges seem just as packed as the terminal. It's hard to find a quiet place to sit (or sometimes any seat at all), and the wifi can be slow. If many people, as evidenced by this thread, cancel or let expire their UC memberships, there will be fewer people in the lounges. More free seats, faster wifi. Another Good Thing.
So if UA doesn't botch the wifi too badly with the new authentication, perhaps this will actually be a change I will like. For a change.