nsx

Those terms allow the airline to add and delete club locations and amenities. The terms say nothing about selectively denying members access to locations.

At the time these terms were written I doubt management conceived of selective denial of access to members. At that time even/odd gas rationing was in relatively recent memory. The terms say nothing about possibly allowing access to even membership numbers on even numbered days and to odd membership numbers on odd numbered days.

Kacee

The concept of retaining complete discretion to alter the terms of membership was certainly something that was understood and appreciated, then as now.

IAH-OIL-TRASH

You're reading the T&Cs to your benefit. UA can/will say (to their benefit) this applies: "...Continental reserves the right to restrict, alter or modify the fees, benefits, services and clubroom locations at any time with or without written notice to its members.." (bolding mine). UA can, or will, say access w/ OAL carrier's BP is a benefit they are now restricting.

I think UA kind of screwed up when the called it a "Club". In a real "club", rules are set by members, who also manage the club. This is clearly not a "club" in the real sense - UA has all the cards.

ctownflyer

UA can also decide that members can only visit once per year.
The question is, will the courts allow them to do so.

IAH-OIL-TRASH

In this case, yes, IMHO the courts will allow them to do so if it comes to that. Your example is pretty absurd, but an airline limiting access to an airline lounge to those flying on it's planes (and variety of partners) is hardly absurd, nor unreasonable.

Kacee

While I am not thrilled at this change, as I use the UC a couple times a year when flying OALs, I will say I've been very pleasantly surprised that what sounded like a really silly restriction on Amex Centurion lounge access (must have BP for flight departing w/in three hours) has resulted in a truly drastic reduction in lounge crowding at SFO.

The lesson would seem to be there are more people taking advantage of generous lounge access rules than we might think.

HNLbasedFlyer

I'll have to check that out - I stopped going quite awhile ago, partly overcrowding - partly the location is not optimal at SFO (at least for me). I'm surprised that many fliers with access hang out at the airport for greater than 3 hours......

xliioper

IANAL, but there's a doctrine of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unconscionability in contract law which would likely apply to this and other strawman examples presented. I think it would be a challenge to show the current proposed changes as being "unconscionable".

50Kthehardway

Besides a place to camp out during weather delays and other IRROPS, that's kinda the main reason I got PC/UC membership. Either connect tight DOM-INTL, or have a place to work for an afternoon.

It's only been a handful of times, but I have used the UA club when flying other airlines and once used the DL sky club when flying UA when I had both memberships.

Xyzzy

This is pretty much my situation als.

worldwidedreamer

Alaska Club members can access four United Club when flying AS.

Wonder what will happen when UC members want lounge access when flying Alaska?

tarheelnj

My UC card gets me into the Acela Lounge when on Amtrak or even NJ Transit in NY Penn Station. They've never asked for proof I was traveling. I wonder if Amtrak will change its policy since Select Plus members currently get access to the UC.

From Amtrak's Web site: (click here and scroll to bottom of page)

• United Club Members with a valid United Club Card are entitled to access ClubAcela locations and may bring in two guests or their spouses and children under the age of 21. United Global First or United BusinessFirst passengers with a flight coupon or boarding pass with a same-day, international segment in United Global First or United BusinessFirst are also entitled to ClubAcela access.

Also from Amtrak's Web site (edited)
As a Select Plus member, you'll receive all the standard benefits of membership along with even more benefits and ways to earn points toward reward travel, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals and more

• Access to United Club lounges with your member card

There's no indication on the Select Plus page on Amtrak's site (here) that a same day UA or *A ticket is required.

(Added note: I realize the Acela Clubs in NY and DC are bare bones, but the significant benefit of the DC club is pre-boarding ahead of everyone not in the club. With unreserved seats on the train, this is huge in terms of getting a seat you want, considering most northbound trains originate in DC, and gate licing in Union Station is as bad as at any UA Hub BG 1 line.)

NDtraveler

Being based in Austin, I often fly SWA to either DAL or LAS. This is a change I don't like. What is to prevent someone buying a same day ticket and then refunding it after their visit?

Sykes

Nothing new—it’s always been possible to defraud United by buying an international ticket then refunding it. Of course, they know who you are and can certainly come after you (or refuse the refund since you’ve used part of the services) if they choose.

NDtraveler

I am not saying an International ticket. If you have a club membership, why couldn't you buy a ticket later in the day (say AUS-IAH) and then refund it when you leave the club?