On my return from KIX to ORD, I stopped at the ORD Terminal C RCC. I gave my KIX>ORD stub to the gatekeeper and she scanned it. She then peered at her screen for a long time and asked me if I was a RCC member. I told her I was 1P and on an international trip. She then asked me for my card to prove it. I told her it was printed right on my boarding pass. She wanted to seem my card anyway, which I showed her.

Since she did not offer me drink chits, I asked for them. No, that's only for departing passengers. I replied that I've always been offered them and the rules don't have that restriction. You're not going to get any, was her answer.

I "just happened" to have a copy of the rules with me, thanks to this board, and I showed it to her. She read it laboriously and said that it did not actually state that restriction, but that she would not give them to me because "I make the rules here!"

I have her name. Is it worth writing to United about this? I had several chits from previous trips so I got my beer anyway.

As an aside, the C Terminal RCC is in terrible shape. The chairs are broken down, the carpet is dirty and they have the worst snacks.

I'm surprised that you're entitled to chits upon ARRIVAL. I didn't think that was the case.

You bet you should write. And you should also write when an employee is especially helpful.

Best Regards

Now I'm confused---
You were admitted to the RCC upon *arrival* from an international destination?

I thought 1P/1K's were allowed RCC access on an international itinerary at the *departure* gateway city only.

If we're actually allowed access on the return, I'm going to start kicking myself now, because 2 wks ago I spent 4 hours milling around IAD while going FRA-IAD-ORF, and in April my wife and I and our 13-month-old spent EIGHT hours in the terminal at ORD while travelling FRA-ORD-ORF!

Can someone clarify?

Get ready to kick...

As long as you're flying in C or F, or a Star Gold on an int'l itinerary (note: UA's definition of "international" does get bent a little WRT RCC access), you can use the RCC. You must, however, be able to prove that you're flying on an international itinerary. For example, on a SYD-LAX-ORD, you better be able to present the SYD-LAX stub to be able to sit at the LAX RCC before your flight to ORD.

As to the OP, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE write a letter...the UA RCC matrons are mildly nicer than those at IAD. Granted, some are very, very nice -- but unfortunately the ratio of nice:bad is significantly off balance.

Gulp...I think I'm gonna be sick....

Excuse me while I sob uncontrollably for the rest of the day!

As long as you have Star Gold Status (1P/1K), and hold a same day international ticket on any Star Alliance airlines, you have access to all Star Lounges (including RCC/US Club) at all connection points.

However, the OP was not continuing on (or was he?) on a Star Alliance flight. He was terminating in ORD, so why should he be able to get in? Help please.

I've found the majority of RCC "matrons" to be on the surly side at ORD. I can't say I've ever received the type of welcome I get at President's Clubs when using RCC's. I say write - her attitude was wrong from the get go and she has no business being in that job.

The very name "Red Carpet" refers to a way of offering a reception of honor and dignity. You got anything but.

If you write, make the issue a matter of attitude. You might mention your opinion of the shabby chairs and carpet and/or the denial of drink chits. But despite these minor offputting experiences, you might say, the lack of civil treatment made your entire trip an unpleasant memory, certainly the kind of bad memory which affects your thinking when it comes time to book another international trip.

Such a letter might do more to bring the most important kind of changes for the benefit of everyone (like sacking the horrid meanies at ORD's C terminal RCC, the B and F terminal personnel don't seem to have such an ugly attitude). And if you are offered any kind of compensation, it is likely to be more substantial than drink chits.

If the OP was simply flying KIX-ORD and terminating there I don't believe you should get drink chits nor have access to the club.

I would have to agree with this statement.

If the OP were terminating in ORD, then he would not have been allowed past T1 security to get to the C RCC, so I assume he was continuing onto somewhere.

They do seem to be getting tougher.

I talker my way into ORD club last week several days either side of a SYD flight, but it took all of my persuavice skills, and best ozzie accent and they are both rather well honed.

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We flew a few days ago SEA-ORD-SFO-SYD in a day, and at SEA they relented with drink chits "only as it is Thanksgiving week". Their claim - the rule is you get chits from departing GATEWAY city only. Which sort of makes sense - but do not recall hearing it before.

The champagne was nice, and I won the day, but used to be there was never an argument over a few drinks.

Why? I think you should be allowed into the RCC on either end of a trip. Of course, I'm usually eager to get out of the airport after I land, so I don't expect to ever make use of that part, but there's no reason someone shouldn't be able to do there if they want.