RCC usage at IAD
 

I am a new 1P, just got *Gold for the first time. I am flying IAD-DEL through FRA on LH on a el-cheapo fare. I was wondering would someone be able to tell me what my RCC/*A lounge privelages are, and can I use the RCC at IAD before departure. Also, are we entitles to drink coupons at the entrance???

Forgot to mention that i don't have RCC membership.

As a *G you will be able to use the RCC on a Lufthansa flight. For the LH flights at IAD it's adjacent to gate C7.

Will

And you are entitled to two drink coupons at your international gateway RCC.

Thanks for the info. I will be certain to use the RCC at IAD near gate C7. Which is the nicer louge in FRA, RCC or LH lounge???

Apologize for the naive questions, first timer.

Which is the nicer louge in FRA, RCC or LH lounge???

this depends on your personal priorities and there is one RCC at FRA (near gate C2) and there are 3 LH Senator and 4 LH business class lounges at FRA.

RCC:
* if flying UA the ticket counter is better able to serve you (UA sitting, UA upgrades, UA connections, waitlists)
* some english magazines
* nicer showeres (but priority is given to first-class guests, waitlist)

LH Senator or business-class lounges (they are nearly equal):
* german beer on draught
* broader and large international newspaper selection
* large TV screens (international and local programs) with headphones
* probably closer to your gate as there are more lounges than 'just' one (even if flying UA)

Why not visiting both?

I prefer the larger lounge near C17, which is on your right when you get off the "Moon Buggy". The C7 lounge is only open 14-18 these days but that covers both LH flights, IIRTTC.

And to add to Rudi's detailed list the Senator Lounge at FRA has working computers. And pretty decent food as well.

No idea about RCC there on those 2 points.

So, just so I get this straight, a UA 1P who is not an RCC member can use the RCC if flying LH because he is *G, but cannot use the RCC if departing on UA, as UA discriminates against it's own *G members, is that right? THis has always baffled me. The same applies to UA checkin lines, is that so? That is, a non-UA *G can use the 1K line, but a UA *G who is 1P cannot? You really can't tell the players without a scorecard.....

You can use the RCC for intl travel on any *A carrier. But pretty much any other *G lounge is going to be better if available.

The first time I encountered the revamped check-in set-up at IAD I used the 1k/*G queue by mistake. (In the old days they had a 1P/*G queue and a F/1K queue.) The agent didn't say anything. I think people on FT are more hung up about these details than the staff.

A UA *G can only access US RCC's when travelling on a same-day international itinerary. The rationale being that there are so many UA *G members that allowing everyone access to the RCC on domestic flights would swamp the RCC (not that you get much in a domestic RCC anyway).

It seems UA is rather inconsistent with the way it labels check-in lines. Sometimes it is F/*G sometimes F/1K/*G. Sometimes there is a dedicated 1K line. As a 1P I always go to the *G line and have never had a problem.

[This message has been edited by BrisbanePE (edited 09-18-2003).]

Is anyone aware if there a lounge either RCC or LH at DEL (Delhi, India) that we are allowed to use before departure as a *G member???

there will be a lounge in delhi, a shared one w/ other airlines. when you check in you'll be given a card "invitation" to the lounge.

also, as *G you can go to RCC on your intl' departure, and again once you land back in the states if you're connecting to another domestic point. and of course in FRA. there's no "reverse discrmination" against UA 1P's when it comes to an int'l ticket.

checkin line: if there isn't a specifically labeled line that says *G, go to the Business check in line. you won't be turned away, esp. in DEL. remember to bring your *G card though.


[This message has been edited by uastarflyer (edited 09-20-2003).]

I have the *G card handy already. Are you allowed to take a guest when they are flying with you at DEL and FRA???

Yes you're allowed one guest as a star gold. UA's rules say 1 guest or immediate family which i take to mean spouse and kid(s). but at the very least one guest, regardles of his/her status is allowed.