jcacciotti

UAL250

Big if true.

fumje

FWIW the entry agent at SFO former IFL said not until August, and 'definitely not April'.

seacarl

While it would be lovely if UA could give this access, or know who could theoretically get the upgrade and give them access, I can answer your question for why not give access to anyone who is eligible for the upgrade: The Polaris lounges are already more crowded that UA expected, enough so that I think a reason for the delay in opening the additional lounges is due increasing their size from initial plans. Often there are 20 or more pax on the UG list. It would crush the Polaris lounges to add all these passengers to the Polaris lounge. UA may also feel, rightly so, that if you want the full Polaris experience, pay for it. Or travel on off-peak days when upgrades can confirm in advance.

I do not see this policy changing.

bluedemon211

I was going to post "April 30 2019" but didn't want to be snarky. I've heard the same August target from various people.

swiftaw

If I was to fly SIN-SFO-ORD-OMA all in J, would I have access to the Polaris lounge in ORD (or only in SFO, assuming it's open by then)?

fumje

Yes. You can access the lounge at any airport it's open within 24hrs of any flight on your itinerary that includes a Polaris segment.

WineCountryUA

Yes, if the SIN-SFO is operated by UA and no stopover in SFO (just connecting)

swiftaw

StuckinITH

A month ago, my wife and I arrived at the ORD Polaris Lounge at about 8:45 AM for a flight to Asia. We found a good location with two seats together. As I usually do, I went to the buffet area to get some smoked salmon, potatoes and croissants. Then, I went to the bar to ask for two glasses of Veuve Clicquot. A few minutes later, a couple arrives and the wife decides that they should sit near us in two opposing cubicles so they can see and talk to each other. Once seated, the wife starts making the international gesture for drinking. Husband ignores her, so she does more frantic gestures. Then, she points repeatedly to her watch. Husband ignores her, so she points more frantically to her watch. Then, she thought her husband was not paying enough attention to her so she loudly said: "It's only 9 AM!". Husband wasn't looking too happy, so maybe he wished he could also get a glass of Veuve Clicquot or a beer like other passengers. Then, for the next hour, the wife was talking loudly to her husband. I don't know but, if you want to chat, it's better to get seats together. And there were plenty of those available at that time.

amtrakusa

I tell you, the world keeps underestimating UA. You will be surprised multiple times this year.

kluau88

physioprof

Getting off topic, but years ago my wife and I walked into the Old Town Bar (on East 18th Street, NYC) around 2PM to get something to eat, and sat down at the bar among a pretty solid crowd. I think she was trying to be quiet, but it came out very loud: "WHO DRINKS AT TWO IN THE AFTERNOON!?!?!?" She got some looks! We still laugh about it to this day.

StuckinITH

Good that I was not drinking red wine while reading this. I laughed so much that I would have sprayed the hotel room carpet. Then, I would have had to send you the cleaning bill the hotel sent me.

It's 5:00 PM somewhere in the world, especially if you are in an airport. But, both my wife and I are from Europe, so it can be lunchtime somewhere in the world..

SkiPremier

Sitting in Polaris Lounge now. I'd say about 60% full, plenty of seats available. Ordered a cocktail and a cappuccino, bartender grunted, chucked the saucer at me and then made the two drinks. An employee came up and ordered their Tangerine & Tonic cocktail from the menu for someone sitting, bartender rolled his eyes and loudly said "Really? At 10:00 in the morning?!", it was 10:30. Few of us at the bar looked at each other in disbelief. He's been swapped out now, much friendlier person. I've been to this lounge about 7 times and haven't ever had anything negative to say. Just odd behavior. Otherwise, everything else is good!