Dec 30, 2023, 12:11 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Archive thread: Consolidated TPE logistics / connections / lounges {Archive}
Jan 2024
Jan 2024
I'm a 1K (hence *G) flying TPE-SFO in Polaris. The Singapore Airlines lounge in TPE terminal 2 displays the star alliance logo, but I was denied entrance as a UA *G flying UA. The agent told me that they have special permission from star alliance to deny United flyers and send us to the Plaza Premium lounge because of capacity problems. ....Thanks.
I recently took UA872 from TPE to SFO departing 11:10am. I am a 1K and had a paid C Polaris seat. Upon checking at the UA TPE ticket counter, I was notified by the UA CheckIn agent 872 flight pax is to use "Plaza Premium Lounge" instead of Eva lounge for *G and UA Polaris business class ticketed passenger. I thought it was just another option or lounge we can use at TPE. Therefore, I still went to the Eva lounge (designated *G lounge) and tried to enter the lounge. I was denied entrance. The Eva lounge attendant said anyone with UA872 ticket regardless of *G status or business class can not use Eva lounge due to "space limitation". UA contracted with Plaza Premium Lounge for flight 872.
Then I got further clarification from lounge manager that this restriction is only for UA872 ticket passenger. And it's not restricted for another TPE to SFO flight UA852 which departed later during the day at 1:10pm.
Then I got further clarification from lounge manager that this restriction is only for UA872 ticket passenger. And it's not restricted for another TPE to SFO flight UA852 which departed later during the day at 1:10pm.
Consolidated TPE logistics / connections / lounges (lounge access issue Jan 2024)
Jan 5, 2024, 5:55 am
#136
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,899
Instead of complaining about SQ or BR, how about pressuring UA to provide a lounge of their own at TPE. SQ also has two flights per day but can provide a small lounge. As an SQ PPS, I'd be mightily upset with my carrier if I found the SQ lounge overfull of UA pax when they have another lounge option. UA has just too many 'elite' pax, I'd suggest.
Jan 5, 2024, 6:27 am
#137
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 6,349
Jan 5, 2024, 6:49 am
#138
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ, QF, UA, CO, DL
Posts: 2,882
I am guessing yes, probably, this might be unique to TPE. I have accessed over a dozen Star Alliance Partner lounges in both Asia and Europe in recent months and experienced no issues. In fact, I was at the SQ SilverKris Lounge in HKG twice last year in Oct/Nov with a UA departure with no issues.
I think the keyword is "participating". A UC membership theoretically grants you admissions to "participating" Star Alliance lounges (regardless of status). But of course, in your particular case, SQ does not need to participate so I doubt a UC membership will make a difference.
I think the keyword is "participating". A UC membership theoretically grants you admissions to "participating" Star Alliance lounges (regardless of status). But of course, in your particular case, SQ does not need to participate so I doubt a UC membership will make a difference.
Instead of complaining about SQ or BR, how about pressuring UA to provide a lounge of their own at TPE. SQ also has two flights per day but can provide a small lounge. As an SQ PPS, I'd be mightily upset with my carrier if I found the SQ lounge overfull of UA pax when they have another lounge option. UA has just too many 'elite' pax, I'd suggest.
Not that it matters, but SQ's TPE lounge dates from when they operated 4-5 flights a day. I am surprised they even kept it after closing other international lounges, it just reopened and they announced it will be their last lounge to be reopened. Pure speculation, maybe they had pushback from BR on closing their lounge and had to change their plans. BR and SQ are not the closest of partners.
And as for UA having lounge in TPE, please, no. UA had its own TPE lounge ages ago (when they also had two flights a day) and it had all the charm of a dungeon, no windows and hardly any space to walk between seats. Unlike UA's first lounge in NRT I don't think it came from PA but it has been so long I can't be sure.
I am not a lounge person but this is getting out of hand. Very strange since it's not like the BR lounges are all that good!
Jan 5, 2024, 8:48 am
#140
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 346
Well, I have an upcoming flight late this month on 852. I'm curious if the capacity controls are specifically for 872 or if they are for both United flights. I've flown UA from TPE a number of times in recent years and never had issues with going into the EVA or Singapore (when still open) lounges so to hear they're both blocking UA passengers is a real bummer. The Singapore lounge was never that crowded when I used to go.
Jan 28, 2024, 8:37 am
#142
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: UA GS; Marriott Titanium / LT Plat
Posts: 658
I'm looking at UA871 SFO-TPE then on to BR395 TPE-SGN, looks like I'll arrive and depart T2. There is 3+ hour layover... which I assume is plenty of time.
I've read this entire thread, and not one post about International to International connection... can someone describe the process? Will I have to clear Security? Customs?
Thank you!
I've read this entire thread, and not one post about International to International connection... can someone describe the process? Will I have to clear Security? Customs?
Thank you!
Jan 28, 2024, 8:59 am
#143
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,031
I'm looking at UA871 SFO-TPE then on to BR395 TPE-SGN, looks like I'll arrive and depart T2. There is 3+ hour layover... which I assume is plenty of time.
I've read this entire thread, and not one post about International to International connection... can someone describe the process? Will I have to clear Security? Customs?
Thank you!
I've read this entire thread, and not one post about International to International connection... can someone describe the process? Will I have to clear Security? Customs?
Thank you!
Jan 28, 2024, 9:10 am
#144
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: UA GS; Marriott Titanium / LT Plat
Posts: 658
Trying to find the best routing from East Coast US to SGN and I've looked at too many flights this morning!
If I choose TPE, how long does security take? And same in the opposite direction (SGN to SFO)?
Thank you!
Jan 28, 2024, 9:15 am
#145
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ, QF, UA, CO, DL
Posts: 2,882
Oh. I think you might be right, I cleared that search - that 3+ hours might have been the flight time. Not enough coffee on a lazy Sunday morning! LOL!
Trying to find the best routing from East Coast US to SGN and I've looked at too many flights this morning!
If I choose TPE, how long does security take? And same in the opposite direction (SGN to SFO)?
Thank you!
Trying to find the best routing from East Coast US to SGN and I've looked at too many flights this morning!
If I choose TPE, how long does security take? And same in the opposite direction (SGN to SFO)?
Thank you!
Passengers from flights originating from the US starting this year do not need to go through security clearance. On arrival at TPE they are attempting to syphon off connections from US arrivals and escort them directly to the departure level. I hear that is already in place but I have not done it myself.
Last edited by uanj; Jan 28, 2024 at 9:21 am
Jan 28, 2024, 9:32 am
#146
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: UA GS; Marriott Titanium / LT Plat
Posts: 658
International transfer security clearance at TPE on a busy day maybe 15 minutes. Probably less. You'll have to get the connecting boarding pass at the adjacent transfer counter if you don't already have it. That could add a few minutes. This will apply for your return from SGN.
Passengers from flights originating from the US starting this year do not need to go through security clearance. On arrival at TPE they are attempting to syphon off connections from US arrivals and escort them directly to the departure level. I hear that is already in place but I have not done it myself.
Passengers from flights originating from the US starting this year do not need to go through security clearance. On arrival at TPE they are attempting to syphon off connections from US arrivals and escort them directly to the departure level. I hear that is already in place but I have not done it myself.
Jan 28, 2024, 10:03 am
#147
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,031
If you're itching to try a TPE transit, BR71 from JFK connects nicely with BR395, but my preference would be to connect in Korea or Hong Kong (both also have flights from JFK).
Jan 28, 2024, 10:11 am
#148
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: UA GS; Marriott Titanium / LT Plat
Posts: 658
Thank you! Looking at HKG as well for connecting. Trying to stay on UA metal for as much as possible and I’m based in Tampa (TPA), so even considering HND / NRT, but that is a 7 hour flight after the long US to Asia leg. The nice thing about the Tokyo option is I can do 788/9’s, which I find to be nice.
Jan 28, 2024, 10:11 am
#149
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,060
This is correct. They'll look for your onward boarding pass and dump you airside at the gate. One minor criticism is that the signage isn't set up for people going back to the departure level from the gate, so some passengers were confused when we arrived in the seating area at the lower level (if you're familiar with how the gates are configured at TPE T2).
Jan 28, 2024, 12:51 pm
#150
Join Date: Jul 2000
Programs: United
Posts: 1,978
This is correct. They'll look for your onward boarding pass and dump you airside at the gate. One minor criticism is that the signage isn't set up for people going back to the departure level from the gate, so some passengers were confused when we arrived in the seating area at the lower level (if you're familiar with how the gates are configured at TPE T2).
But I'm happy to hear we don't even need to go through security anymore. That's awesome. Should give me enough time to hit a lounge. I'm *G and I'll be on a paid biz class ticket. I've never been through TPE. Any idea which lounge I can go to/should go to??