lincolnjkc

^ Completely agree especially with regard to Mileage Plus Explorer (Mileage Plus Club is a different story by virtue of it including a full club membership)

As someone who has (had his employer pay for) a full UC Membership, and one of the core benefits of that membership is the ability to bring a guest (i.e. coworker/fiancée) to have discussions/relax in a quieter environment I'd be livid if my guest was denied. (That said, I can count on 1 hands the number of times I've actually used that benefit, so I'm not convinced "guests" are that significant a chunk of the population)

I'd view (and viewed pre-membership when I was expensing a day pass a couple times a month) the one time pass in the same way some private golf courses/fitness facilities treat them: Members come first, and if there's excess capacity, sure we'll sell you a one-time card but don't count on it.

villox

When you think about how much of the C club they're likely to take away for Polaris, and how much bigger B6 looks to be, we're all gonna have to get used to the idea that if you're taking a domestic or economy int'l flight out of C, you'll use a B club(unless you're ok with a C club that's as crowded as B16 currently is), and if you're flying Polaris out of B, you'll be walking over to C for the Polaris club.

LIH

UAs option here was to upset some subset of UC attendees at ORD (one day pass holders) or to upset all UC attendees at ORD (everyone who entered a club that was over capacity). I think they made the right decision to try to make the best of a difficult (but necessary) situation.

cyclogenesis

Add me to that list! Pictures on the last page have me very interested! They could do amazing things with that space.. Think Turkish airlines

lincolnjkc

My last ORD boarding pass mentions that premier security has "temporarily" moved to a different location, which makes me think that TSA is getting some/most/all of the lower level back as a security checkpoint but the mezzanine that the club is on is being expanded -- so lots of new room, but not 2 floors worth of new room.

I could, of course, be wrong though...

iluv2fly

I was told by someone in the know that the UC will not occupy the checkpoint space at the end of Terminal 1 and also that security will not return there. It hasn't been finalized, but it most likely will be used for concessions.

milepig

And, why is UA keeping this a state secret?

LIH

Revenue-driven for ORD. Go figure.

uber1K_Flyer

Communication is definitely not United's expertise. Basically, United keeps saying things are getting better - but show me the facts. They should be communicating clearly and providing details. There must be some sketches or something. While a totally separate issue, I keep seeing Delta talking about the great new Tumi amenity kits on Facebook and nothing from United about the "great things happening."

milepig

Indeed a mystery. For a project of this size there must be all sorts of renderings, floor plans, etc. What do we get - one picture of the construction showing pretty much a blank slate that only whets our appetite.

lincolnjkc

The C club looks like a construction war zone compared to when I flew through last week -- the area of the welcome kiosk and travel assistance counters (for lack of a better term) is now behind plastic, and a significant portion of other areas of the club are now behind temporary construction walls.

Checkin in is currently at podiums along the right side wall as you walk in.

Also, apparently the "no one time pass" thing is a discretionary policy -- e.g. UC agents are permitted to allow their use -- I got stuck behind someone redeeming one and instead of just a quick "No. Go to F" or "I'll make a one time exception" the agent did this whole speil about emails that got sent out and all the wonderful improvements, etc., etc., etc., but she'd be nice, etc., etc., etc.

Grog

I've been told I can use the "mother's room" to freshen up when I'm in the lounge at the north end of ORD T1. There's no shower, but it is a nicer environment than the nasty bathroom, and you can change clothes and use the sink to clean up a bit. (Oh, and I'm male.)

Beyond not having a shower, I couldn't find any evidence of a mirror. I'd think that a mother would want a mirror in order to check herself before leaving the room, but couldn't detect one on my last couple visits.

Ocn Vw 1K

Was through ORD briefly yesterday. Was going from C to B. Knowing that the B6 Club was closed, chose C16, which was a fraction of its former space due to construction for the GFL/Polaris project. Hardly a place (or stool) to sit at around 1:00 p.m. Most people were chock-a-block in the tight seating re-configuration akin to the new SFO Club near gate 70. I know that UA is eager to finish B6 and the GFL/Polaris - but two important club locations at ORD under renovation at the same time?

milepig

We're flying INTL out of ORD in GF in a couple days, and I've noticed that about have the time the flight leaves from C and the other half from B17.

With the GF Lounge closed and the temporary one sounding sort of so-so, is it the best plan to just hit the B16 lounge if we're departing from B17? Hardly seems worth it to schlep over to a temporary space in C.

IADFlyer123

Just Got this email about ORD Operational Updates from UA about the Clubs and Security lines. Move the thread if necessary.

-----------------------------------------
Please be advised of the following operational updates.

Your travel experience is important to us. That’s why we’d like to let you know about a few changes to security and lounges at Chicago O'Hare before you travel.

Lounge and club updates

We have several lounge construction projects underway that will completely renovate all of our United ClubSM locations at Chicago O’Hare by May of 2017, and introduce our first United PolarisSM Lounge for our long-haul international premium cabin travelers. Here is what you need to know:

One-Time Passes cannot be redeemed or purchased at any club location in Terminal 1 through December 1, 2016, due to reduced seating capacity. If you’d like to use a One-Time Pass on your trip, please visit our United Club location in Terminal 2 across from Gate F8.

The Global First Lounge is currently closed. We’re converting our Global FirstSM Lounge to make way for the brand-new United PolarisSM Lounge launching December 1, 2016. In the meantime, our Global First passengers will have a dedicated lounge space within the adjacent United Club near Gate C16. Please also note that shower facilities in this club will be closed during renovations.

The United Club near Gate B6 is closed for renovations and will reopen in early October. Please visit the club near Gate B18 or C16 while we work to enhance your experience.

Select areas of the United Club near Gate C16 are under construction. The club is open, however, shower facilities are not available.

We appreciate your patience while we work to bring you an upgraded club and lounge experience. Please visit united.com/unitedclublocations for all up-to-date operational information for United Club.


Security updates

Terminal 1, Security Checkpoint 3 is temporarily closed due to airport renovations. Priority security lines for MileagePlus Premier® members, Star Alliance™ Gold members, military personnel, customers with disabilities requiring assistance and employees have moved to Security Checkpoint 2. If you’re departing from Chicago, please allow extra time for security processing.

Prepare for longer lines at security checkpoints. Travelers at airports throughout the United States and its territories are currently experiencing longer lines at TSA security checkpoints. If you are traveling in the coming weeks, please plan accordingly and allow for extra time at the airport. The TSA advises arriving at the airport two hours before your flight for domestic travel and three hours before for international travel. To save time at security, we encourage you to apply for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler Program such as TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry (eligibility requirements vary).