Feb 7, 2015, 9:14 pm
Last edit by: Phaze
Previous thread - Global First Lounge (IFL / GFL) Access Questions and Experiences
:-: United's Global First Lounges located at LHR, IAD, SFO, HKG and NRT are for the use of passengers traveling in United's Global First or in International First Class on a Star Alliance member aircraft with more than two classes of service departing that day from that airport.
NOTE: Global First Lounge at ORD has closed. Polaris lounge Chicago is now open, including dining. The Global First Lounge at LHR closes at 18:00, as confirmed by United via phone. The website currently omits this information.
This reconfirmed per UA Insider - see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21700252-post535.html
Passengers must be holding a same day ticket for flights departing to/from a Trans Atlantic, Trans Pacific, Southern South America, Africa or a Middle East destination. Passengers connecting to/from other United/United Express flights will be admitted as long as the above requirements are met.
Global Services members can also use Global First Lounges when traveling in BusinessFirst or p.s. (EWR-LAX/SFO) BusinessFirst cabin.
A GS who arrives in BF or GF will be admitted to the GFL. This does not apply to a GS flying non-UA metal.
Any passenger holding a boarding pass for travel within 24 hours in UA GF will have access to the GFL at their departure and connecting airports.
from United Global First and Arrivals lounges
:-: United's Global First Lounges located at LHR, IAD, SFO, HKG and NRT are for the use of passengers traveling in United's Global First or in International First Class on a Star Alliance member aircraft with more than two classes of service departing that day from that airport.
NOTE: Global First Lounge at ORD has closed. Polaris lounge Chicago is now open, including dining. The Global First Lounge at LHR closes at 18:00, as confirmed by United via phone. The website currently omits this information.
This reconfirmed per UA Insider - see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21700252-post535.html
Passengers must be holding a same day ticket for flights departing to/from a Trans Atlantic, Trans Pacific, Southern South America, Africa or a Middle East destination. Passengers connecting to/from other United/United Express flights will be admitted as long as the above requirements are met.
Global Services members can also use Global First Lounges when traveling in BusinessFirst or p.s. (EWR-LAX/SFO) BusinessFirst cabin.
A GS who arrives in BF or GF will be admitted to the GFL. This does not apply to a GS flying non-UA metal.
Any passenger holding a boarding pass for travel within 24 hours in UA GF will have access to the GFL at their departure and connecting airports.
from United Global First and Arrivals lounges
United Global FirstSM Lounge
The United Global First Lounge is an oasis of service and privacy. Tailored to the needs of United Global First customers on long-haul international flights*, we offer personalized services, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and premium beverages.
Access policy
The following customers may access the United Global First lounge by showing their United boarding pass for a flight arriving or departing on a same-day (within 24 hours) itinerary.
United Global First customers traveling on long-haul international flights*
Star Alliance™ First customers departing on international flights
These eligible United Global First Lounge visitors are allowed one adult or child to accompany them as a guest.
*Long-haul international flights are between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East or South America.
The United Global First Lounge is an oasis of service and privacy. Tailored to the needs of United Global First customers on long-haul international flights*, we offer personalized services, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and premium beverages.
Access policy
The following customers may access the United Global First lounge by showing their United boarding pass for a flight arriving or departing on a same-day (within 24 hours) itinerary.
United Global First customers traveling on long-haul international flights*
Star Alliance™ First customers departing on international flights
These eligible United Global First Lounge visitors are allowed one adult or child to accompany them as a guest.
*Long-haul international flights are between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East or South America.
Global First Lounge (IFL / GFL) Access Questions and Experiences [2015 forward]
Apr 12, 2016, 11:58 am
#226
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SFO South Bay
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 3,052
SFO experiences lately?
I am flying SFO-DFW United domesti F, then DFW-FRA LH Intl F.
1) does this qualify me for IFL in SFO?
2) if so, given the rogue nature of the SFO UA staff, any recent experience of if they will allow it?
Thanks
1) does this qualify me for IFL in SFO?
2) if so, given the rogue nature of the SFO UA staff, any recent experience of if they will allow it?
Thanks
Apr 12, 2016, 12:38 pm
#227
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,702
Apr 12, 2016, 12:38 pm
#228
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: United GS+
Posts: 1,889
1) No. If you were on UA metal on your future longhaul, you could get in, assuming your item 2 wasn't an issue. Since you're on LH, you only get IFC/GFL lounge access at your international departure airport.
Apr 12, 2016, 12:40 pm
#229
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SFO South Bay
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 3,052
Thanks. That was my reading as well but wanted to confirm.
Apr 13, 2016, 1:41 am
#230
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,463
You will get into the RC in SFO, now, you might be able to get into the IFL, only way to find out if to try. Is there a international *A at DFW?
Apr 13, 2016, 7:30 am
#231
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: UA/CO GS, PP, MM
Posts: 360
Just got back from my first time at the new LHR GFL. In terms of food and service, I think it's on a par with most European and Asian airlines' FCLs (LH FCT excepted). In terms of layout, it lacks the private resting areas of, say, the cabanas at the CX lounges in HKG, the TK int'l lounge in IST, or BA's CCR. But it's by far the best thing in the UA system. Also, the new LHR UC is perhaps the best UC in the system (only HKG is comparable).
One big shortcoming... the GFL should serve real orange juice like all the others I've mentioned! No more of that flavorless stuff served on any BUF-EWR morning flight.
[end first world rant]
One big shortcoming... the GFL should serve real orange juice like all the others I've mentioned! No more of that flavorless stuff served on any BUF-EWR morning flight.
[end first world rant]
Apr 13, 2016, 10:23 am
#232
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: DYKWIA, But I'm a "Diamond Guest" UA 1K/2MM
Posts: 2,258
In my last 2 visits at the SFO IFL, the desk staff have been better. I wonder if someone didn't pass this thread along to them and they got the message(
). One example: my middle son and I are GS, but the rest of the family are not. The desk staff actually offered that my wife could go into the lounge instead of my son (at SFO, that's a huge and unexpected concession). They were actually friendly and solicitous for the first time in memory.
On the other hand, I'm very disappointed with the staff below. Around 9pm, they make it very clear that they don't want you in there. If you don't hold tight onto your half-full drink or plate of food, they'll whisk it away. They also tend to park the cleaning cart right next to you (I mean really -- like 6 inches away). Around 9, they start aggressively clearing food away (with maximum clanking). The lounge doesn't close until 10:30. So I find all this behavior pretty obnoxious.
Apr 13, 2016, 11:06 am
#233
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,702
On the other hand, I'm very disappointed with the staff below. Around 9pm, they make it very clear that they don't want you in there. If you don't hold tight onto your half-full drink or plate of food, they'll whisk it away. They also tend to park the cleaning cart right next to you (I mean really -- like 6 inches away). Around 9, they start aggressively clearing food away (with maximum clanking). The lounge doesn't close until 10:30. So I find all this behavior pretty obnoxious.
Apr 13, 2016, 11:19 am
#234
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: DC|NYC
Programs: UA GS, DL Plat, Marriott Bonvoy LIfetime Titanium/SPG refugee, Hertz Prez, Amtrak Select
Posts: 3,201
On the other hand, I'm very disappointed with the staff below. Around 9pm, they make it very clear that they don't want you in there. If you don't hold tight onto your half-full drink or plate of food, they'll whisk it away. They also tend to park the cleaning cart right next to you (I mean really -- like 6 inches away). Around 9, they start aggressively clearing food away (with maximum clanking). The lounge doesn't close until 10:30. So I find all this behavior pretty obnoxious.
Apr 13, 2016, 11:26 am
#235
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: ORD
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 659
I've never been in the SFOGFL at that hour, but that is certainly the experience at IADGFL. At one time (don't know anymore--might still be), the DXB flight was the last one out and more than once I showed up and the food was already put away and the self-serve bar closed down.
Apr 30, 2016, 11:05 am
#236
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS 1.7MM, AA 2.1MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 6,319
At the ORD GFL lounge today and happy to report that the lounge catering has been taken over by Sodexo - the same folks that do the London clubs. Here are a few pictures - initial thoughts: Food has improved dramatically - while wines / champagne have declined. Overall I think it's a step in the right direction as the Chinese food and noodles are WAY better than the food court next door - no more running over there to get food!
Last edited by bmwe92fan; Apr 30, 2016 at 11:17 am Reason: Added pictures
Apr 30, 2016, 11:21 am
#237
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS 1.7MM, AA 2.1MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 6,319
Thanks I will - and thanks for the tips for BUD - can't wait to see the opera house tomorrow night!
ETA - some more detailed pics - and FWIW IMO the red wines are better than the white....
ETA - some more detailed pics - and FWIW IMO the red wines are better than the white....
Last edited by bmwe92fan; Apr 30, 2016 at 11:43 am
Apr 30, 2016, 11:43 am
#238
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS 1.7MM, AA 2.1MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 6,319
FYI - Added more pictures and fixed original post - and here is the Chinese food - nothing gourmet but miles ahead of Manchu wok lol...
Last edited by bmwe92fan; Apr 30, 2016 at 11:56 am
Apr 30, 2016, 12:43 pm
#239
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: ORD
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 659
Yummy! Can't wait to check it out this Tuesday 
Apr 30, 2016, 12:49 pm
#240
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS 1.7MM, AA 2.1MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 6,319