Sep 10, 2013, 8:54 pm

FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides

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

Closed Thread Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 25, 2013, 9:13 pm

#1231

cerealmarketer

Join Date: Feb 2002

Location: NYC: UA 1K, DL Platinum, AAirpass, Avis PC

Posts: 4,599

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Westby

Simply put, UA has the means to test a change like this before implementing it. I don't deny there's a bean counting aspect, but with a global firm the size of UA, there are beans that need counting. The cost-benefit ratio of continuing to offer complimentary alcohol but lowering the quality level must have been overwhelming. QED.

Plus, while anecdotal, there's the fact that this is the most vocal, complaining bunch I've ever encountered.

Cost must have been the real issue.

I suspect there was a substantial cost savings not just from the brands of liquor, but from switching to a different distributor who may have altered the available liquor selection to accommodate its business model.

And it's Magic Johnson's company, Sodexho Magic, that may ultimately be to blame for a too good to refuse offer to United on the cost side. Delta took it.

Sep 26, 2013, 6:58 am

#1232

vsevolod4

Join Date: Sep 2006

Location: Princeton, NJ; Lviv Ukraine

Programs: UA 3.6MM, AF/KL Lifetime Plat, BA Gold, AA 1MM, IC Spire RA, Kimpton IC, Marriott Plat, et alia

Posts: 2,732

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Westby

Were you able to get any kind of confirmation that this is a systemwide change, not just old stock they're clearing out, or a policy in one or two locations?

If so, I agree that it's a relief!

The bartender said they added the bottles (in plastic ice trays) recently. They still had the three "premium" drafts on tap and Bud Lite.
No idea if this is systemwide; this is the first club in which I've seen this.
May be a market test to see if we scream less loudly.
Doubt that it is old stock clearing out as I don't think they've ever had bottles at this club.

Sep 26, 2013, 7:30 am

#1233

vsevolod4

Join Date: Sep 2006

Location: Princeton, NJ; Lviv Ukraine

Programs: UA 3.6MM, AF/KL Lifetime Plat, BA Gold, AA 1MM, IC Spire RA, Kimpton IC, Marriott Plat, et alia

Posts: 2,732

Quote:

Originally Posted by lensman

If McDonald's served beer, this would be the one.

Please don't insult McDonald's.
McDonald's does serve beer; not craft beer but certainly better than "budlite:"
- In Germany I've seen a range (individual franchises decide) but most recently had a Bitburger Pils (Beeradvocate 79)
- In France they serve Kronenbourg 1664 (Beeradvocate 73/88)
- In Belgium they serve Jupiler beer (Beeradvocate 69/71)
- In Cyprus they serve Carlsberg (Bereradvocate 70/70)

Any of the above -- while all lagers -- would be a marked improvement over the swill they are trying to pass off on us in UA Clubs as the "complimentary" beer "upgrade."

Sep 26, 2013, 7:42 am

#1234

kirkwoodj

Join Date: Apr 2009

Location: Houston

Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles

Posts: 8,697

Any news on HNL selection(s)?

Sep 26, 2013, 8:05 am

#1235

jlemon

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Apr 2010

Location: LFT

Programs: AA Plat, lots of AA, AS, DL, UA miles, former top level CO Elite (sigh...)

Posts: 10,795

FWIW, ordered a standard Bloody Mary at the DFW United Club recently.....

"I'm sorry, sir.....we do not have any house vodka today...."

"Ah...OK....make it with Tito's, please....."

"That will be nine dollars, sir......"

"Whatever.....do you have any horseradish for the drink?"

"No sir, we do not......."

Sep 26, 2013, 8:20 am

#1236

DelrayChris

Join Date: Jan 2001

Posts: 1,877

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlemon

$9 for Tito's at the club, but free in F on the plane

Sep 26, 2013, 8:24 am

#1237

DawgmanOH

Join Date: Nov 2001

Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Programs: UA PM, DL PM, Bonvoy Titanium, HH Gold

Posts: 1,293

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlemon

You're a better person than I. Being out of house vodka is not MY fault so there is no way I would pay for it.

Sep 26, 2013, 8:55 am

#1238

jlemon

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Apr 2010

Location: LFT

Programs: AA Plat, lots of AA, AS, DL, UA miles, former top level CO Elite (sigh...)

Posts: 10,795

Quote:

Originally Posted by DawgmanOH

You're a better person than I. Being out of house vodka is not MY fault so there is no way I would pay for it.

Well, I only had one Bloody Mary during my 2+ hours in the club....

However, I really thought it was ridiculous that they would be out of whatever the house vodka was......

Also interesting to note: we had flown into DFW on AA Eagle which offered Tito's on board the ERJ-145. The flight attendant was quite nice and did not charge us for our Bloody Marys. In coach.

Sep 26, 2013, 9:01 am

#1239

RandomBaritone

Join Date: Jan 2013

Location: BOS

Programs: Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott/SPG/Hilton Gold, PreCheck + Clear

Posts: 2,306

Quote:

Originally Posted by cerealmarketer

I suspect there was a substantial cost savings not just from the brands of liquor, but from switching to a different distributor who may have altered the available liquor selection to accommodate its business model.

That makes a lot of sense.

Sep 26, 2013, 9:16 am

#1240

andyh64000

Join Date: Jul 2006

Location: SEA & RDM

Programs: UA - 1MM, DL Diamond, AS MVP75, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold

Posts: 8,037

Quote:

Originally Posted by cerealmarketer

I think they will save about $15M a year...maybe less (long story short I used $2 per minute per club for 10 hours). Which for United isn't very much but as I said previously, for the person who gets a bonus based on the United Club's EBITDA it probably makes a big difference.

Last edited by andyh64000; Sep 26, 2013 at 9:48 am

Sep 26, 2013, 9:48 am

#1241

Hill713

Join Date: Sep 2013

Location: IAH

Programs: UA Premier Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Marriot Gold, National Executive

Posts: 73

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlemon

Well, I only had one Bloody Mary during my 2+ hours in the club....

However, I really thought it was ridiculous that they would be out of whatever the house vodka was......

I imagine they are gonna be running out of the free vodka for awhile until they get a (plastic) handle on how much they are going to go through.

$9 for a shot of Titos is ridiculous. It is $7 on the plane, in coach, why the 30% markup in a place we pay to be a member??

I think the low grade Vodka is gonna get hit the most, they better start stocking up. About the only complimentary drink that is palatable is a bloody mary, because the BM Mix kills the awful vodka taste. Plus as bad as the vodka is, it is way better than the other complimentary liquor options.

Honestly the only thing I will probably drink now is bloody marys and vodka tonic with about 8 limes.

Sep 26, 2013, 10:26 am

#1242

exerda

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: 67,138

Quote:

Originally Posted by cerealmarketer

I wonder how the distributors work in the various states where the UA Clubs are? In some states, there's not much of a chance to switch distributors as there's going to be one who has that region and one only; you're stuck with them. Others have the prices fixed by the state on booze, so changing distributors is only going to be of limited value.

Sep 26, 2013, 10:49 am

#1243

JAaronT

Join Date: Nov 2002

Location: SFO

Programs: UA 1K MM, Marriott Gold

Posts: 4,768

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hill713

$9 for a shot of Titos is ridiculous. It is $7 on the plane, in coach, why the 30% markup in a place we pay to be a member??

Don't forget a mini-bottle is more volume than a standard pour, too.

Sep 26, 2013, 12:11 pm

#1244

danad

Join Date: Sep 2010

Posts: 14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Westby

What size would you say the glasses were? Little smaller than a can, say 10 oz. or so?

Or was this in bottles?

I think the bartender said they were 6 or 8 oz glasses for the beer. I skipped and went with a rum and coke, meh. In the food court, the wok place has Stone brewing by the bottle, a few different options, which will be my go to place from now on :-)

Sep 26, 2013, 12:46 pm

#1245

IADCAflyer

Join Date: Sep 2000

Location: DCA/IAD

Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt

Posts: 7,816

Open access wifi in DCA, EWR, and SFO yesterday.