As UC members have no access to Polaris lounges, what will be the impacts on the UCs?
Jun 28, 2018, 12:19 pm
#151
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA Plat, UA 1K>Plat>moving to Silver
Posts: 2,083
By the way, the D lounge at IAD yesterday at 11am had a station serving free mimosas. Never seen that before. Too bad I was on a business trip. Though I had been in an Admirals Lounge in ORD two days before where they had a taco bar and guacamole station, so the UC still seems behind.
Jun 28, 2018, 12:21 pm
#152
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Gold (.85 MM), HH Diamond, SPG Platinum (LT Gold), Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 5,648
From my experience at DEN (and many UA hubs), the level of crowdedness varies depending on which lounge you go to. For instance, the UC closest to the UX wing of DEN tends to be less crowded than the other UC. Similarly when I was in EWR a few weeks ago, the normal UC wasn't too crowded but the popup was packed (and also a joke in terms of food selection and what not). Depending on how much time you have when connecting/departing it may make sense to shop around the various UC clubs to find the one that works best.
That being said I fully agree that those one time coupons and other ways to gain access are certainly putting pressure on the load factor of these clubs. However, I can't blame UA for doing this - if you're making $59 for every pax with a coupon then that'll more than offset the costs of providing the service to the pax. One thing I'm curious about, and would love to hear veteran FTers discuss is how the UC situation was back in the day when we had US and access to their lounges. Was the RCC less packed (and stingy for that matter) than the clubs are today?
Safe Travels,
James
That being said I fully agree that those one time coupons and other ways to gain access are certainly putting pressure on the load factor of these clubs. However, I can't blame UA for doing this - if you're making $59 for every pax with a coupon then that'll more than offset the costs of providing the service to the pax. One thing I'm curious about, and would love to hear veteran FTers discuss is how the UC situation was back in the day when we had US and access to their lounges. Was the RCC less packed (and stingy for that matter) than the clubs are today?
Safe Travels,
James
Jun 28, 2018, 1:06 pm
#153
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I missed a mimosa set-up at EWR March 6th by like 5 seconds. They were taking it down well before 11am, though. They do pop up I guess once in a while at various places.
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Jun 28, 2018 at 1:45 pm
Jun 29, 2018, 10:50 pm
#154
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 64
THIS - " I'm sure Elites in the EWR market pay just like I do. I would assert that many of said Elites likely get reimbursed for their memberships by their employers."
For many of us - Elites or not - we ARE our employers. Those of us who work for ourselves don't get the benefit of "employer" reimbursements. It's an expense like any other and - like any other - a cost/value analysis has to be done. If I'm paying for access to a club so I can take care of business, relax and unwind in a quiet space, that's what I expect to get. To be told to "go somewhere else because we're too crowded here's-a-voucher" or to have to do multiple circuits around the club and then share a table with someone does not provide the value relative to the cost. For those of us who are "solopreneurs" the club is not a simple "perk" that's free for us during downtime. It forms part of a business strategy that enables us to work more efficiently. The value of this is such that not getting what we're paying for is sufficient for us to find another airline/program to shift our loyalty to.
For many of us - Elites or not - we ARE our employers. Those of us who work for ourselves don't get the benefit of "employer" reimbursements. It's an expense like any other and - like any other - a cost/value analysis has to be done. If I'm paying for access to a club so I can take care of business, relax and unwind in a quiet space, that's what I expect to get. To be told to "go somewhere else because we're too crowded here's-a-voucher" or to have to do multiple circuits around the club and then share a table with someone does not provide the value relative to the cost. For those of us who are "solopreneurs" the club is not a simple "perk" that's free for us during downtime. It forms part of a business strategy that enables us to work more efficiently. The value of this is such that not getting what we're paying for is sufficient for us to find another airline/program to shift our loyalty to.
Jun 29, 2018, 11:25 pm
#155
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Looks like you’re paying money for one thing but expecting another. United “Clubs” aren’t member-run. United doesn’t promise a “quiet place” - that’s something you’ve decided a UC should be. If an alternate airline provides the lounge facilities you expect and their network works for you, just move on.
You’re right, the Club is cost/benefit calculation. Total efficiency also going to include an airline’s network/schedule, hubs, local airport location etc.
You’re right, the Club is cost/benefit calculation. Total efficiency also going to include an airline’s network/schedule, hubs, local airport location etc.
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Jun 29, 2018 at 11:52 pm
Jun 30, 2018, 8:25 am
#156
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 64
Actually, the UC always was a quiet place, so I'm guessing that's what UNITED decided it WOULD be - in the past. That's what I signed up for and what I got for years. United set those expectations - not I. Since conditions have deteriorated so much United is no longer providing what it had provided and what I signed up for. So in effect, they've reneged on the bargain. As stated in my original post I was wondering about alternatives at EWR. Or at JFK. It's really not that complicated.
Jun 30, 2018, 8:32 am
#157
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: RDU
Posts: 5,228
THIS - " I'm sure Elites in the EWR market pay just like I do. I would assert that many of said Elites likely get reimbursed for their memberships by their employers."
For many of us - Elites or not - we ARE our employers. Those of us who work for ourselves don't get the benefit of "employer" reimbursements. It's an expense like any other and - like any other - a cost/value analysis has to be done. If I'm paying for access to a club so I can take care of business, relax and unwind in a quiet space, that's what I expect to get. To be told to "go somewhere else because we're too crowded here's-a-voucher" or to have to do multiple circuits around the club and then share a table with someone does not provide the value relative to the cost. For those of us who are "solopreneurs" the club is not a simple "perk" that's free for us during downtime. It forms part of a business strategy that enables us to work more efficiently. The value of this is such that not getting what we're paying for is sufficient for us to find another airline/program to shift our loyalty to.
For many of us - Elites or not - we ARE our employers. Those of us who work for ourselves don't get the benefit of "employer" reimbursements. It's an expense like any other and - like any other - a cost/value analysis has to be done. If I'm paying for access to a club so I can take care of business, relax and unwind in a quiet space, that's what I expect to get. To be told to "go somewhere else because we're too crowded here's-a-voucher" or to have to do multiple circuits around the club and then share a table with someone does not provide the value relative to the cost. For those of us who are "solopreneurs" the club is not a simple "perk" that's free for us during downtime. It forms part of a business strategy that enables us to work more efficiently. The value of this is such that not getting what we're paying for is sufficient for us to find another airline/program to shift our loyalty to.
Jun 30, 2018, 10:23 am
#158
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: LAX
Programs: UA MM | BA Silver
Posts: 7,192
Looks like you’re paying money for one thing but expecting another. United “Clubs” aren’t member-run. United doesn’t promise a “quiet place” - that’s something you’ve decided a UC should be. If an alternate airline provides the lounge facilities you expect and their network works for you, just move on.
I think you're splitting hairs. United describes the lounge environment as relaxing and comfortable. If the EWR UC in C (which the OP is specificcally referring to) is like a Calcutta bus station, by definition it can't be those things. I find quiet place to be a euphemism for what UA does indeed promise. To each their own I guess.
The OP is right to think, gosh my expectation is born from the years of experience with this product (which I've paid for). If there is inconsistency to the delivery or execution of the product, I have a right to voice my displeasure. We do it all the time with equipment swaps, random seat assignment changes, the wrong wine loaded on a flight etc even though UA never promises any of those things specifically.
Last edited by anc-ord772; Jun 30, 2018 at 10:30 am
Jun 30, 2018, 11:39 am
#159
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: RDU
Posts: 5,228
I'm not a frequent flyer, but I appreciate a quiet environment. Otherwise we should all sit out in the terminal. I fly more business class these days. Having the wrong wines is annoying LOL. I like to research ahead of time.
Jul 1, 2018, 3:58 pm
#160
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: USA
Programs: UA Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,189
Actually, the UC always was a quiet place, so I'm guessing that's what UNITED decided it WOULD be - in the past. That's what I signed up for and what I got for years. United set those expectations - not I. Since conditions have deteriorated so much United is no longer providing what it had provided and what I signed up for. So in effect, they've reneged on the bargain. As stated in my original post I was wondering about alternatives at EWR. Or at JFK. It's really not that complicated.
Jul 1, 2018, 5:31 pm
#161
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I would expect impact to be positive as you won't have premium cabin *A passengers packing the UA lounges, which was often the case at IAD, IAH & SFO (and I would imagine other hubs). Nobody in their right mind would visit a UC now if they have access to Polaris. Of course, Polaris will be packed for peak departures as we have seen at ORD.
To be fair I can't comment on EWR as I have almost no reason to transit there and avoid like the plague. But I don't think you can extrapolate from EWR to IAH or SFO. I have not visited UCs @sfo since the Polaris launch but have no reason to expect them to be worse.
Yes there is overcrowding during the transition/construction but that is to be expected. I am sure the showers are an important factor for many TATL & TPAC passengers though I doubt I would need a shower at EWR after a TATL westbound daytime flight. They are more useful after the redeye flights from Africa and eastbound TATL (the LH arrivals lounge @fra is a delight).
Disagree. While I was impressed with DL spread at SFO, it was mediocre at ATL international lounge (the PP lounge across the way was much better).
AA lounges used to have healthy food for purchase which IMO put them well above both DL & UA (not to mention VX & AS).
To be fair I can't comment on EWR as I have almost no reason to transit there and avoid like the plague. But I don't think you can extrapolate from EWR to IAH or SFO. I have not visited UCs @sfo since the Polaris launch but have no reason to expect them to be worse.
Yes there is overcrowding during the transition/construction but that is to be expected. I am sure the showers are an important factor for many TATL & TPAC passengers though I doubt I would need a shower at EWR after a TATL westbound daytime flight. They are more useful after the redeye flights from Africa and eastbound TATL (the LH arrivals lounge @fra is a delight).
AA lounges used to have healthy food for purchase which IMO put them well above both DL & UA (not to mention VX & AS).
Last edited by Boraxo; Jul 1, 2018 at 5:38 pm
Jul 1, 2018, 7:56 pm
#162
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: BOS
Programs: UA 1K (2MM); AA LT Gold (1.9 MM); SQ; WN; DL; "Bonvoy Ambassador""
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Polaris lounges are now available in ORD, SFO, and now EWR. Where are you flying Polaris out of?
Furthermore, you are unfortunately not flying true Polaris, but rather a Polaris soft product. The Polaris hard product on certain aircraft is indeed all aisle access. Aircraft types, routes, and departing airports matter for your Polaris experience. You could see none, some, or all of the benefits depending on where you depart.
Furthermore, you are unfortunately not flying true Polaris, but rather a Polaris soft product. The Polaris hard product on certain aircraft is indeed all aisle access. Aircraft types, routes, and departing airports matter for your Polaris experience. You could see none, some, or all of the benefits depending on where you depart.
Jul 1, 2018, 7:59 pm
#163
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 64
I would expect impact to be positive as you won't have premium cabin *A passengers packing the UA lounges, which was often the case at IAD, IAH & SFO (and I would imagine other hubs). Nobody in their right mind would visit a UC now if they have access to Polaris. Of course, Polaris will be packed for peak departures as we have seen at ORD.
To be fair I can't comment on EWR as I have almost no reason to transit there and avoid like the plague. But I don't think you can extrapolate from EWR to IAH or SFO. I have not visited UCs @sfo since the Polaris launch but have no reason to expect them to be worse.
Yes there is overcrowding during the transition/construction but that is to be expected. I am sure the showers are an important factor for many TATL & TPAC passengers though I doubt I would need a shower at EWR after a TATL westbound daytime flight. They are more useful after the redeye flights from Africa and eastbound TATL (the LH arrivals lounge @fra is a delight).
To be fair I can't comment on EWR as I have almost no reason to transit there and avoid like the plague. But I don't think you can extrapolate from EWR to IAH or SFO. I have not visited UCs @sfo since the Polaris launch but have no reason to expect them to be worse.
Yes there is overcrowding during the transition/construction but that is to be expected. I am sure the showers are an important factor for many TATL & TPAC passengers though I doubt I would need a shower at EWR after a TATL westbound daytime flight. They are more useful after the redeye flights from Africa and eastbound TATL (the LH arrivals lounge @fra is a delight).
Jul 1, 2018, 8:01 pm
#164
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: BOS
Programs: UA 1K (2MM); AA LT Gold (1.9 MM); SQ; WN; DL; "Bonvoy Ambassador""
Posts: 398
THIS - " I'm sure Elites in the EWR market pay just like I do. I would assert that many of said Elites likely get reimbursed for their memberships by their employers."
For many of us - Elites or not - we ARE our employers. Those of us who work for ourselves don't get the benefit of "employer" reimbursements. It's an expense like any other and - like any other - a cost/value analysis has to be done.
For many of us - Elites or not - we ARE our employers. Those of us who work for ourselves don't get the benefit of "employer" reimbursements. It's an expense like any other and - like any other - a cost/value analysis has to be done.
Jul 2, 2018, 3:21 am
#165
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My post was specifically about EWR - about Terminal C at EWR - nowhere else. And no, it's not less crowded with the opening of the Polaris lounge. I flew out of there two weeks ago with the Polaris lounge in full swing and, as I mentioned before, had to ask someone if I could share their table. It was jammed.
Not sure why they are blasting surveys out for an experience they HAVE to know is sub-par. Is there a department at United that specifically measures to ensure the right level of crappy-ness?