Aug 17, 2015, 2:32 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Email from United sent to United MP Club Cardmembers 18 Aug 2015
Signs were first noticed starting 13 Aug 2015 at various clubs
Posting by UA Insider 17 Aug 2015
For general questions on UC access, see Consolidated "United Club Access Questions" Thread
Update about United Club access
Dear XXXXX,
We've been working on a variety of improvements to our United ClubSM program. To provide a more productive and relaxing experience, we're investing more than $100 million in renovating existing locations and building new spaces with expanded seating areas, more power outlets and upgraded Wi-Fi. We're also investing in a brand new complimentary food menu that you can now find at our hub locations across the U.S. and will be available soon at the rest of our locations.
To maintain and further improve the United Club experience, we're announcing the following change to our program:
■ Effective August 18, 2016, a same-day boarding pass for all United Club customers, including members, will be required for United Club access.
United Club membership is a benefit of your United MileagePlus® Club Card. With a United Club membership, you can still bring your spouse and children under 21, or up to two guests, into any United Club location.
Thank you for being a United MileagePlus® Club Cardmember, and we look forward to creating an even more comfortable and premium United Club experience for you.
Learn More
Dear XXXXX,
We've been working on a variety of improvements to our United ClubSM program. To provide a more productive and relaxing experience, we're investing more than $100 million in renovating existing locations and building new spaces with expanded seating areas, more power outlets and upgraded Wi-Fi. We're also investing in a brand new complimentary food menu that you can now find at our hub locations across the U.S. and will be available soon at the rest of our locations.
To maintain and further improve the United Club experience, we're announcing the following change to our program:
■ Effective August 18, 2016, a same-day boarding pass for all United Club customers, including members, will be required for United Club access.
United Club membership is a benefit of your United MileagePlus® Club Card. With a United Club membership, you can still bring your spouse and children under 21, or up to two guests, into any United Club location.
Thank you for being a United MileagePlus® Club Cardmember, and we look forward to creating an even more comfortable and premium United Club experience for you.
Learn More
I noticed this at JFK (that's ironic...) yesterday--
Someone else noted the sign at LGA in the United Club Access Thread ....
Someone else noted the sign at LGA in the United Club Access Thread ....
Hi everyone, some answers for you on this new policy:
- What about meetings/conference rooms? Will gate passes still be issued?
Customers can still reserve a conference room to use, with or without a same-day boarding pass. We will no longer issue gate passes for other uses.
- What about access after a redeye flight? Will this qualify as a "same-day" BP?
Yes, you will still be eligible to access the United Club after arriving off of a redeye flight.
- Will I be able to come in if I’m flying on another carrier?
Yes, you may use a same-day boarding pass on any carrier.
- What if my flight departs early in the morning, the following day (e.g. 12:30am)?
Yes, you will still be eligible to access the United Club.
Starting 18 Aug 2016:United Club Access (including members) Only w/ UA/*A Same-Day BP
Aug 17, 2015, 11:03 am
#181
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: LAX,SNA,SAN
Programs: UA GS, Marriott LP, Hertz Gold
Posts: 861
This number has to be low, very low because EWR,IAH,SFO,LAX,DEN and ORD are miles away from downtown areas that would be convenient for a quick business meeting on a domestic layover. For those coming from a downtown area that is.
Look at SAN, SAN has no or extreme limited connections for commuter flights in a different terminal but it's close to downtown to where I could see meeting a biz partner or friend before their flight. Unless you live next to EWR,SFO,LAX this would make no sense.
Look at SAN, SAN has no or extreme limited connections for commuter flights in a different terminal but it's close to downtown to where I could see meeting a biz partner or friend before their flight. Unless you live next to EWR,SFO,LAX this would make no sense.
Aug 17, 2015, 11:11 am
#182
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
This number has to be low, very low because EWR,IAH,SFO,LAX,DEN and ORD are miles away from downtown areas that would be convenient for a quick business meeting on a domestic layover. For those coming from a downtown area that is.
Look at SAN, SAN has no or extreme limited connections for commuter flights in a different terminal but it's close to downtown to where I could see meeting a biz partner or friend before their flight. Unless you live next to EWR,SFO,LAX this would make no sense.
Look at SAN, SAN has no or extreme limited connections for commuter flights in a different terminal but it's close to downtown to where I could see meeting a biz partner or friend before their flight. Unless you live next to EWR,SFO,LAX this would make no sense.
With most folks generally waiting some 30 - 60 minutes (?) for a flight to board, this virtually becomes a non-issue.
Aug 17, 2015, 11:12 am
#183
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,594
This number has to be low, very low because EWR,IAH,SFO,LAX,DEN and ORD are miles away from downtown areas that would be convenient for a quick business meeting on a domestic layover. For those coming from a downtown area that is.
Look at SAN, SAN has no or extreme limited connections for commuter flights in a different terminal but it's close to downtown to where I could see meeting a biz partner or friend before their flight. Unless you live next to EWR,SFO,LAX this would make no sense.
Look at SAN, SAN has no or extreme limited connections for commuter flights in a different terminal but it's close to downtown to where I could see meeting a biz partner or friend before their flight. Unless you live next to EWR,SFO,LAX this would make no sense.
.But I think you're looking at it backwards. Going to keep using ORD as my example. It's not about how long the person who lives in Chicago has to drive. It's about how long of a layover the person flying has, and their ability to leave the airport, drive downtown, have a meeting, and get back for their flight. THAT's what doesn't make sense. I'm willing to drive the 20 minutes (outside of rush hour) each way to ORD to meet with a client because I'm here all day and I can manage my time. But that person may not have an extra 40 minutes to drive back and forth during their layover so meeting in the airport is the only way to make it work.
Edit to add: For all the times I've been in a UC, I can't remember one time I've seen a conference room being used. This all contributes to the silliness of this new rule. Why make a change that angers a few customers with no discernible benefit to the company?
Last edited by JBord; Aug 17, 2015 at 11:15 am Reason: add personal observation
Aug 17, 2015, 11:17 am
#184
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: LAX,SNA,SAN
Programs: UA GS, Marriott LP, Hertz Gold
Posts: 861
I still agree the number is low .
But I think you're looking at it backwards. Going to keep using ORD as my example. It's not about how long the person who lives in Chicago has to drive. It's about how long of a layover the person flying has, and their ability to leave the airport, drive downtown, have a meeting, and get back for their flight. THAT's what doesn't make sense. I'm willing to drive the 20 minutes (outside of rush hour) each way to ORD to meet with a client because I'm here all day and I can manage my time. But that person may not have an extra 40 minutes to drive back and forth during their layover so meeting in the airport is the only way to make it work.
Edit to add: For all the times I've been in a UC, I can't remember one time I've seen a conference room being use. This all contributes to the silliness of this new rule. Why make a change that angers a few customers with no discernible benefit to the company?
.But I think you're looking at it backwards. Going to keep using ORD as my example. It's not about how long the person who lives in Chicago has to drive. It's about how long of a layover the person flying has, and their ability to leave the airport, drive downtown, have a meeting, and get back for their flight. THAT's what doesn't make sense. I'm willing to drive the 20 minutes (outside of rush hour) each way to ORD to meet with a client because I'm here all day and I can manage my time. But that person may not have an extra 40 minutes to drive back and forth during their layover so meeting in the airport is the only way to make it work.
Edit to add: For all the times I've been in a UC, I can't remember one time I've seen a conference room being use. This all contributes to the silliness of this new rule. Why make a change that angers a few customers with no discernible benefit to the company?
I think going to the Hilton Bar would be better, heck if the schedules permitted, get a room for your buddy at a Hilton hotel or other fortress hub and spend 20 hours shooting the breeze. Cheaper, less stressful and shower, nap and change.
Aug 17, 2015, 12:04 pm
#185
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: VA, USA
Programs: Marriott LTT, United Club Life Member, UA *S
Posts: 995
This language was not contained in the invitation for Lifetime membership during the CO Presidents Club and UA Red Carpet Club early years. It appears that UA is simply notifying its annual members that after one more year, a boarding pass is required, and it's highly unlikely that it will enforce this policy against Lifetime members who were promised access regardless of boarding pass. Lifetime members were grandfathered when CO, for a few years, began charging for drinks. These members had Black Lifetime cards and had to display them to get drinks. Also, since UA hasn't updated its website and UA Insider has not provided illumination, perhaps not all details have been finalized.
Aug 17, 2015, 1:01 pm
#186
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: CLE
Programs: UA GS+LT UC, AA EXP+LT PLT, Fairmont LT PLT, Marriott PLT, Hilton DIA, Hyatt Glob, Avis CHM
Posts: 4,671
Book a conference room to get gate passes
Aug 17, 2015, 1:07 pm
#187
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
Aug 17, 2015, 1:15 pm
#188
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: UA 1K 1MM (finally!), IHG AMB-Spire, HH Diamond
Posts: 60,174
This language was not contained in the invitation for Lifetime membership during the CO Presidents Club and UA Red Carpet Club early years. It appears that UA is simply notifying its annual members that after one more year, a boarding pass is required, and it's highly unlikely that it will enforce this policy against Lifetime members who were promised access regardless of boarding pass. Lifetime members were grandfathered when CO, for a few years, began charging for drinks. These members had Black Lifetime cards and had to display them to get drinks. Also, since UA hasn't updated its website and UA Insider has not provided illumination, perhaps not all details have been finalized.
They hold all the cards. Smile and wave.
Aug 17, 2015, 1:29 pm
#189
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond, UA 1K MM, SPG Plat For Life, Marriott Plat, Nexus/GlobalEntry
Posts: 9,198
Gate passes certainly may have something to do with this, but I also think there may be a handful of other nuisances they might be targeting. I do not know this for sure but it's certainly possible that multiple Clubs have a few non traveling regulars...some who come around just for something to do, others who come to take advantage of the liquor. These folks get noticed and mentioned.
When I was a kid my grandpa went for long walks most weekdays and he'd always stop at the bank whether he needed to or not. Many other retired guys from the neighborhood would do the same and they'd all sit there for an hour and eat the free cookies and drink the coffee and flirt with the tellers who were mostly over 30 years younger. It was just for something to do to fill the day..and get out of grandma's hair.
For a retired frequent flyer with a lifetime membership in the Club who knows their way around an airport.. it's something to do and it would not surprise me one bit if there were some out there who came regularly to eat, drink, and even snooze for a few hours.
There might be others too.. the unemployed former biz travelers...etc..
When I was a kid my grandpa went for long walks most weekdays and he'd always stop at the bank whether he needed to or not. Many other retired guys from the neighborhood would do the same and they'd all sit there for an hour and eat the free cookies and drink the coffee and flirt with the tellers who were mostly over 30 years younger. It was just for something to do to fill the day..and get out of grandma's hair.
For a retired frequent flyer with a lifetime membership in the Club who knows their way around an airport.. it's something to do and it would not surprise me one bit if there were some out there who came regularly to eat, drink, and even snooze for a few hours.
There might be others too.. the unemployed former biz travelers...etc..
Aug 17, 2015, 2:25 pm
#190
Company Representative, United Airlines
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Chicago, Houston, or somewhere in between
Posts: 2,176
Hi everyone, some answers for you on this new policy:
- What about meetings/conference rooms? Will gate passes still be issued?
Customers can still reserve a conference room to use, with or without a same-day boarding pass. We will no longer issue gate passes for other uses.
- What about access after a redeye flight? Will this qualify as a "same-day" BP?
Yes, you will still be eligible to access the United Club after arriving off of a redeye flight.
- Will I be able to come in if I’m flying on another carrier?
Yes, you may use a same-day boarding pass on any carrier.
- What if my flight departs early in the morning, the following day (e.g. 12:30am)?
Yes, you will still be eligible to access the United Club.
Aug 17, 2015, 2:29 pm
#191
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: VA, USA
Programs: Marriott LTT, United Club Life Member, UA *S
Posts: 995
Gate passes certainly may have something to do with this, but I also think there may be a handful of other nuisances they might be targeting. I do not know this for sure but it's certainly possible that multiple Clubs have a few non traveling regulars...some who come around just for something to do, others who come to take advantage of the liquor. These folks get noticed and mentioned.
When I was a kid my grandpa went for long walks most weekdays and he'd always stop at the bank whether he needed to or not. Many other retired guys from the neighborhood would do the same and they'd all sit there for an hour and eat the free cookies and drink the coffee and flirt with the tellers who were mostly over 30 years younger. It was just for something to do to fill the day..and get out of grandma's hair.
For a retired frequent flyer with a lifetime membership in the Club who knows their way around an airport.. it's something to do and it would not surprise me one bit if there were some out there who came regularly to eat, drink, and even snooze for a few hours.
There might be others too.. the unemployed former biz travelers...etc..
When I was a kid my grandpa went for long walks most weekdays and he'd always stop at the bank whether he needed to or not. Many other retired guys from the neighborhood would do the same and they'd all sit there for an hour and eat the free cookies and drink the coffee and flirt with the tellers who were mostly over 30 years younger. It was just for something to do to fill the day..and get out of grandma's hair.
For a retired frequent flyer with a lifetime membership in the Club who knows their way around an airport.. it's something to do and it would not surprise me one bit if there were some out there who came regularly to eat, drink, and even snooze for a few hours.
There might be others too.. the unemployed former biz travelers...etc..
Hi everyone, some answers for you on this new policy:
- What about meetings/conference rooms? Will gate passes still be issued?
Customers can still reserve a conference room to use, with or without a same-day boarding pass. We will no longer issue gate passes for other uses.
- What about access after a redeye flight? Will this qualify as a "same-day" BP?
Yes, you will still be eligible to access the United Club after arriving off of a redeye flight.
- Will I be able to come in if I’m flying on another carrier?
Yes, you may use a same-day boarding pass on any carrier.
- What if my flight departs early in the morning, the following day (e.g. 12:30am)?
Yes, you will still be eligible to access the United Club.
And what about Life UC members who signed up years ago with the understanding that this was one of the benefits of membership?
Last edited by Annandaler; Aug 17, 2015 at 2:37 pm Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member -- please use multi-quote
Aug 17, 2015, 2:35 pm
#192
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond, UA 1K MM, SPG Plat For Life, Marriott Plat, Nexus/GlobalEntry
Posts: 9,198
A handful of nuisances... would not make a significant difference in crowding. Whether this change is due to a request by the TSA or because UA is tired of accommodating people who overuse their memberships.. I have no idea.
Aug 17, 2015, 2:36 pm
#193
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,159
Gate passes certainly may have something to do with this, but I also think there may be a handful of other nuisances they might be targeting. I do not know this for sure but it's certainly possible that multiple Clubs have a few non traveling regulars...some who come around just for something to do, others who come to take advantage of the liquor. These folks get noticed and mentioned.
When I was a kid my grandpa went for long walks most weekdays and he'd always stop at the bank whether he needed to or not. Many other retired guys from the neighborhood would do the same and they'd all sit there for an hour and eat the free cookies and drink the coffee and flirt with the tellers who were mostly over 30 years younger. It was just for something to do to fill the day..and get out of grandma's hair.
For a retired frequent flyer with a lifetime membership in the Club who knows their way around an airport.. it's something to do and it would not surprise me one bit if there were some out there who came regularly to eat, drink, and even snooze for a few hours.
There might be others too.. the unemployed former biz travelers...etc..
When I was a kid my grandpa went for long walks most weekdays and he'd always stop at the bank whether he needed to or not. Many other retired guys from the neighborhood would do the same and they'd all sit there for an hour and eat the free cookies and drink the coffee and flirt with the tellers who were mostly over 30 years younger. It was just for something to do to fill the day..and get out of grandma's hair.
For a retired frequent flyer with a lifetime membership in the Club who knows their way around an airport.. it's something to do and it would not surprise me one bit if there were some out there who came regularly to eat, drink, and even snooze for a few hours.
There might be others too.. the unemployed former biz travelers...etc..
I can't find the piece now, but I have to imagine this type of visitor is exceedingly rare and could be handle in a manner less impact-ful to other members.
Aug 17, 2015, 2:39 pm
#194
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Cypress, TX
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Platinum, Hertz Gold 1 Presidence Circle
Posts: 662
Hi everyone, some answers for you on this new policy:
- What about meetings/conference rooms? Will gate passes still be issued?
Customers can still reserve a conference room to use, with or without a same-day boarding pass. We will no longer issue gate passes for other uses.
- What about access after a redeye flight? Will this qualify as a "same-day" BP?
Yes, you will still be eligible to access the United Club after arriving off of a redeye flight.
- Will I be able to come in if I’m flying on another carrier?
Yes, you may use a same-day boarding pass on any carrier.
- What if my flight departs early in the morning, the following day (e.g. 12:30am)?
Yes, you will still be eligible to access the United Club.