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 Im 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
#226
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
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Posts: 33,857
#227
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA Plat, UA 1K>Plat>moving to Silver
Posts: 2,065
It won't affect me as I have never been in a UC without a boarding pass on some airline. Nor can I imagine why anyone would want to be at a UC if they were not killing time before/between flights (with the exception of LHR T2). But at the same time I would be surprised if the employees/nonrevs/gate pass people were more than a handful, so I wonder how much impact it will have. I also wonder, as one commenter questioned, whether UA is trying to find out how many of its club members fly UA. I would not be surprised if it is as little as 50%, though I would guess a large majority are star alliance.
#228
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,435
Let's also take the speculation that this was to prevent airport employees from using the clubs. At least for UA airport employees with travel privileges, listing yourself on standby would be trivial and it would give you the standby card to get in to the club anyway. Of course, assuming they're doing it often, the club agents would probably catch on after seeing you often.
#229
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, IHG Silver, Hilton Silver, Hertz PC, National Exec Elite, Avis PC
Posts: 1,271
Thanks, UAInsider, for clarifying. The sign said nothing about stopping to issue gate passes, just that you couldn't enter the club with one. I am not drinking or eating snack food these days nor do I even enter the club when I use benefit of the gate pass to bring my kid in the terminal sometimes when my wife or I travels.
Overcrowding is from Chase, ebay, etc. I look forward to hearing how exclusive the clubs suddenly become after 8/18/16. This "change you'll like" coincides perfectly with my Chase renewal date and I'll be cancelling the card and therefore the club membership. I've been on the fence about ending the membership before so thank you for helping me decide.
Overcrowding is from Chase, ebay, etc. I look forward to hearing how exclusive the clubs suddenly become after 8/18/16. This "change you'll like" coincides perfectly with my Chase renewal date and I'll be cancelling the card and therefore the club membership. I've been on the fence about ending the membership before so thank you for helping me decide.
#230
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Hudson, OH
Programs: UA-MM; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,349
#231
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: IAH
Programs: UA Platinum, Hyatt Platinum, Marriott Gold, UA MP Club Card, Citi Prestige, Global Entry
Posts: 58
Very unhappy to hear this. I don't see how people can justify $450 credit card annual fee or even $550 club annual fee if we can not access clubs without a boarding pass.
As soon as this news is confirmed, I will not renew my chase club credit card.
Just to remind UA manegement, I have a prestige card of $350 annual fee (of which $250 usable on airtickets) and some very generous Priority Pass privileges. And it earns 3.15 points per dollar on any airline/hotel spending.
As soon as this news is confirmed, I will not renew my chase club credit card.
Just to remind UA manegement, I have a prestige card of $350 annual fee (of which $250 usable on airtickets) and some very generous Priority Pass privileges. And it earns 3.15 points per dollar on any airline/hotel spending.
#232
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,435
I don't know where you signed up for your Prestige card, but mine is $450 per year. I agree, as someone who holds both the prestige card and the Club card (combined with my *G status, I'm covered at most airports globally), I find this very disheartening. I don't ever go to the lounge when not flying, though I have done it when flying on other carriers. I hear the scream of UA racing to the bottom...
#233
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: UA SP, DL SM MM, AS 75K, SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond.
Posts: 2,596
Is it any more petty than United removing a benefit that has little effect on their bottom line?
#234
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: LA
Posts: 1,281
The only reason you had a paid UC membership was to use the club when you were not flying via gate passes?
So, if I read Insider's statement correctly, the only actual change here is the elimination of gate passes? If so, why even bother with the policy change? Were so many people using gate passes every date and filling up the clubs? I just cannot possibly imagine this to be the case.
So, if I read Insider's statement correctly, the only actual change here is the elimination of gate passes? If so, why even bother with the policy change? Were so many people using gate passes every date and filling up the clubs? I just cannot possibly imagine this to be the case.
No, instead UA would rather piss off a larger population and impact everyone where it simply does not help UA's bottom line. This is a lose-lose decision and whoever thought this one through can't be the sharpest crayon in the box.
#235
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: LAX,SNA,SAN
Programs: UA GS, Marriott LP, Hertz Gold
Posts: 861
How many times in the past 12 months did you acquire a gate pass to go to the club? What airport? I am curious at to how many folks really get a gate pass.
#236
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: UA SP, DL SM MM, AS 75K, SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond.
Posts: 2,596
Great question, so why remove the benefit? It seems to only serve to rock the boat which is already in rough waters. United is lowest in every CSI rating, and it's decisions like this that are the reason why.
#237
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: UA SP, DL SM MM, AS 75K, SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond.
Posts: 2,596
I just received an email about the changes. And even now, United is opaque about what has really changed with this policy. The change is:
■ Effective August 18, 2016, a same-day boarding pass for all United Club customers, including members, will be required for United Club access.
Is it really so hard to be direct in communications where changes are made? Why not tell me specifically: Effective August 18, 2016, United will no longer offer gate passes for United Club members to access their club when they are not traveling that day.
Is that really so difficult?
■ Effective August 18, 2016, a same-day boarding pass for all United Club customers, including members, will be required for United Club access.
Is it really so hard to be direct in communications where changes are made? Why not tell me specifically: Effective August 18, 2016, United will no longer offer gate passes for United Club members to access their club when they are not traveling that day.
Is that really so difficult?
#238
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Aussie in ORD
Programs: Marriott Plat, Ua Gold, GE.. Sucker for punishment
Posts: 4,234
This is super interesting.
1: I am an idiot.. I did not even realize I could use the lounge on arriving. You bet I am going to take advantage of that going forward.
2: Here is a scenario for you, of they are thinking of upgrading the lounge experience () perhaps they wanted to close off the loophole of getting in with a gate pass.. ie its not about folks using it now they (the accountants) want to ensure if better booze and food is offered people don't just duck into the airport to get a free meal and dink..
Of course this makes zero sense to me as often it is as expensive to get to the airport as it is to get a good meal and a drink!
Given the wide spread dissemination of the notice and the knee jerk (albeit justified) reaction of people (What have I lost? Surely this is bad!) I don't get the reasoning for this.. what is the cost saving over the ripple of fear it has generates.. very interesting to say the least.
1: I am an idiot.. I did not even realize I could use the lounge on arriving. You bet I am going to take advantage of that going forward.
2: Here is a scenario for you, of they are thinking of upgrading the lounge experience () perhaps they wanted to close off the loophole of getting in with a gate pass.. ie its not about folks using it now they (the accountants) want to ensure if better booze and food is offered people don't just duck into the airport to get a free meal and dink..
Of course this makes zero sense to me as often it is as expensive to get to the airport as it is to get a good meal and a drink!
Given the wide spread dissemination of the notice and the knee jerk (albeit justified) reaction of people (What have I lost? Surely this is bad!) I don't get the reasoning for this.. what is the cost saving over the ripple of fear it has generates.. very interesting to say the least.
#239
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: DEN
Programs: AS MVP; UA Silver; HHonors Silver; HyattGP Platinum; Hertz PC
Posts: 113
Between this e-mail and UA Insider's post...I still don't get how this will be effective or why it was truly needed.
Update about United Club access
Dear Unitedfflyer,
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.
Update about United Club access
Dear Unitedfflyer,
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.
#240
Suspended
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Posts: 50,262
The policy is quite clear and direct.
Gate passes and other stuff are simply ancillary procedures and don't matter. If you can't gain entry to the UC, you don't need a gate pass. Presumably UA won't issue one.
The policy also makes clear that this is for UA customers and UC members and that *A policies remain in effect for those qualified.
Whether you like this is a matter of where you sit. If a UA flier, it's a great thing as it cuts down over-crowding at stations where multiple carriers have easy physical access to a UC. If you are one of those people who flies other carriers to/from or through these locations, it's a PITA.
Gate passes and other stuff are simply ancillary procedures and don't matter. If you can't gain entry to the UC, you don't need a gate pass. Presumably UA won't issue one.
The policy also makes clear that this is for UA customers and UC members and that *A policies remain in effect for those qualified.
Whether you like this is a matter of where you sit. If a UA flier, it's a great thing as it cuts down over-crowding at stations where multiple carriers have easy physical access to a UC. If you are one of those people who flies other carriers to/from or through these locations, it's a PITA.