Sep 10, 13, 9:54 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 21, 13, 7:36 pm
#1141
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 8,626
Originally Posted by flyzabit
Wifi:
Not only do I have multiple devices (3), but I also usually run with multiple tabs and windows open in my browser. On the laptop, I have to keep a second type of browser unopened in such "authentication" situations, including hotels or McDonalds or Panera, to open so I can find whatever login page, or get the "security key" properties popup is needed to coordinate a complete connection "process". Ugh.
Not only do I have multiple devices (3), but I also usually run with multiple tabs and windows open in my browser. On the laptop, I have to keep a second type of browser unopened in such "authentication" situations, including hotels or McDonalds or Panera, to open so I can find whatever login page, or get the "security key" properties popup is needed to coordinate a complete connection "process". Ugh.
Sep 21, 13, 8:06 pm
#1142
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: COS/DEN
Programs: UA 1P (w/ no expectations whatsoever); Marriott Gold; Hilton Silver; Hertz Pres
Posts: 691
Also, can confirm yesterday IAD had Coors Light for free, Sam Adams and Heineken for a fee.
Sep 21, 13, 8:18 pm
#1143
Join Date: May 2004
Location: OAK
Programs: UA Gold MM / AS MVP Gold
Posts: 2,504
Originally Posted by CaptKornDog
Also, can confirm yesterday IAD had Coors Light for free, Sam Adams and Heineken for a fee.
Sep 21, 13, 8:31 pm
#1144
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: SNA
Programs: UA Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 239
Originally Posted by amartin1979
How are the drink selections affected at the international United Club locations? NRT, HKG, etc?
Sep 21, 13, 8:33 pm
#1145
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
Programs: UA 1K MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 64,329
Originally Posted by amartin1979
How are the drink selections affected at the international United Club locations? NRT, HKG, etc?
Sep 21, 13, 8:45 pm
#1146
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Hoboken, NJ; Pembroke Pines, FL
Programs: CO Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,939
Originally Posted by exerda
and it would probably cost UA more to ship in swill like Bud to NRT than to just keep a few Suntory brews on tap for their beer machines.
You may laugh but perhaps we could set standards for beer, wine and gin, etc. So in order to be called beer, you have to follow certain standards from the control board. Bud lite would be reclassified as "pasteurized processed beer food" and not beer just like Velveeta can't be called cheese.
Well, ok, you should probably laugh at this idea.
Sep 22, 13, 8:58 am
#1147
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: CLE
Programs: UA 1K MM, DL Plat
Posts: 980
Originally Posted by mrjay
Good question. IIRC the NRT self serve beer machines poured Asahi, I certainly hope UA hasn't swapped Bud Lite into those cool machines.
a) I really don't expect any changes here - while it's merely foolhardy to completely de-value the club and mess with booze in US domestic, it would probably be suicidal in Asia.
and b) It shouldn't matter, because anybody hanging out in the UC instead of the ANA lounges at NRT needs to have their head examined.
Sep 22, 13, 9:55 am
#1148
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,200
Originally Posted by amartin1979
How are the drink selections affected at the international United Club locations? NRT, HKG, etc?
Plentiful self-pour decent liquor. Self-pour Argentinian wines. All the beer was in bottles.
So I don't think any change there.
(The wifi however required a password, and neither of my two devices could even connect to the network)
Last edited by bse118; Sep 22, 13 at 9:56 am Reason: corrected error
Sep 22, 13, 10:34 am
#1149
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: UA Plat, AS MVP, HH Gold, MR Gold
Posts: 1,848
Originally Posted by UATexasFlyer
When they give you one with an inch of foam on top, you are at 6 oz.
It's better to just order two at a time.
It's better to just order two at a time.
I used to think of the premium wine selections as a pretty good deal, better than restaurant prices for the wines. It was almost as if there was some sort of "club", and as someone with access to the "club", I received "membership benefits" that included pretty fair prices for wine and spirits. I ordered the premium wine a fair bit, but don't see doing it now that they're pouring with a chaser of irritation at being gouged. If I'm going to spent $14 on a glass of wine, I'm going to Vino Volo, where I'll get something more interesting, ample seating, table service, and reliably fast internet. (This should concern you, because I get in as *G, and if I'm not choosing to use your service for free....)
Sep 22, 13, 10:40 am
#1150
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
Programs: UA 1K MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 64,329
Originally Posted by lensman
I wonder if this is the real problem - it's not United's fault, but the United States itself for having undrinkable beer and liquor for really cheap?
You may laugh but perhaps we could set standards for beer, wine and gin, etc. So in order to be called beer, you have to follow certain standards from the control board. Bud lite would be reclassified as "pasteurized processed beer food" and not beer just like Velveeta can't be called cheese.
Well, ok, you should probably laugh at this idea.
You may laugh but perhaps we could set standards for beer, wine and gin, etc. So in order to be called beer, you have to follow certain standards from the control board. Bud lite would be reclassified as "pasteurized processed beer food" and not beer just like Velveeta can't be called cheese.
Well, ok, you should probably laugh at this idea.
It says something that UA opted to go with the swill.
Sep 22, 13, 10:46 am
#1151
Join Date: May 2004
Location: OAK
Programs: UA Gold MM / AS MVP Gold
Posts: 2,504
Originally Posted by exerda
Not to go too far OT, but the US has a ton of drinkable, great, and even affordable beer (probably more so than just about anywhere else these days with the success of the craft beer and microbrewery scene). We unfortunately also have a ton of swill which is even cheaper and which many people drink as all they know of "beer" is Bud Lite.
It says something that UA opted to go with the swill.
It says something that UA opted to go with the swill.
Sep 22, 13, 10:53 am
#1152
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: New York
Programs: UA GS, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,420
It could be worse
I've been following this thread very closely and talked to several of my friends about the downgrade in well liquor quality in the UCs, specifically to Bellows from Smirnoff.
I attended a show at the Vic here in Chicago on Friday night. They had a bar. I asked how much for a Vodka Diet - it was $7 for a single, or $11 for a double. I ordered a double. What did she pour me? Bellows Vodka.
So, it could be worse - they could start charging us for Bellows, and some suckers might pay for it!
I attended a show at the Vic here in Chicago on Friday night. They had a bar. I asked how much for a Vodka Diet - it was $7 for a single, or $11 for a double. I ordered a double. What did she pour me? Bellows Vodka.
So, it could be worse - they could start charging us for Bellows, and some suckers might pay for it!
Sep 22, 13, 2:15 pm
#1153
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: VA, USA
Programs: Marriott LTT, United Club Life Member, UA *S
Posts: 995
IAD D8 club yesterday. Complimentary Coors Light (on tap) and MGD 12oz bottle. MGD was OK.
Added this to wki.
Added this to wki.
Sep 22, 13, 2:18 pm
#1154
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: COS/DEN
Programs: UA 1P (w/ no expectations whatsoever); Marriott Gold; Hilton Silver; Hertz Pres
Posts: 691
Canned reply from UC, awaiting Chase still:
Dear CaptKornDog:
We’re always glad to hear from Premier Silver members like you. I'm sorry that it is because of your disappointment with the changes to the United Club lounges.
Our primary goal at the United Club is to offer you the highest quality of service. We continually work toward that purpose and it is through the constructive comments from our most important customers that we are able to provide the comforts and conveniences that you prefer. The feedback you have provided in your correspondence will be forwarded to the appropriate department for consideration.
Regards,
(removed)
United Club
We’re always glad to hear from Premier Silver members like you. I'm sorry that it is because of your disappointment with the changes to the United Club lounges.
Our primary goal at the United Club is to offer you the highest quality of service. We continually work toward that purpose and it is through the constructive comments from our most important customers that we are able to provide the comforts and conveniences that you prefer. The feedback you have provided in your correspondence will be forwarded to the appropriate department for consideration.
Regards,
(removed)
United Club
Sep 22, 13, 7:50 pm
#1155
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Minneapolis, MN (MSP)
Programs: DL DM, UA 1K MM, Subway Club Member
Posts: 1,983
Reply from the SFO Global First Lounge today when asked about the downgrade in liquor. "I haven't heard anything yet, but wouldn't be surprised if it happened here too".
Can you imagine plastic handles of vodka and whiskey in the GFL?
Unfortunately, based on UA's history...yes I can (although I can more easily image a padlock on the door).
Can you imagine plastic handles of vodka and whiskey in the GFL?
Unfortunately, based on UA's history...yes I can (although I can more easily image a padlock on the door).
