Several people have emailed me, posted on DDF, and posted on DDFB with an incorrect interpretation of an admittedly confusing email that United sent out today.
The email said,
“We’ve been working on a variety of improvements to our United Club program. To provide a more productive and relaxing experience, we’re investing more than $100 million in renovating existing locations and building new spaces with expanded seating areas, more power outlets and upgraded Wi-Fi. We’re also investing in a brand new complimentary food menu that you can now find at our hub locations across the U.S. and will be available soon at the rest of our locations.
To maintain and further improve the United Club experience, we’re announcing the following change to our program:
-Effective August 18, 2016, a same-day boarding pass for all United Club customers, including members, will be required for United Club access.”
Never mind that they eliminated most free alcoholic drinks less than 2 years ago…
Many people were under the impression that a United boarding pass will be required for entry as of 08/18/16, but that’s not the case.
1. You can use a same-day boarding pass on any carrier to access the club.
2. You can use a red-eye boarding pass from the previous day to access the club.
3. You can use a boarding pass from an early morning flight (e.g. 1am) to access the club the day beforehand.
So you’ll still be able to use your 2 annual club passes from the Chase United Explorer card even if you’re not flying United. (A must-have card for anyone who collects United miles as it greatly expands your access to both saver and standard award availability.
Same things goes for Club members/United Club cardholders.
So what is being changed?
United is unique in that they allow Club members and their guests to obtain a gate pass to access the club.
It’s extremely rare for club members to do that. I’ve been told that by agents at several airports where I’ve done that. And that was before the free drinks benefit was gutted. Most agents don’t even know about the gate pass benefit for club member, though you can tell them to look at “GG Checkpoint Line 65” for the proper protocol.
Why have I done it? Because it’s a great way to get past security without a ticket.
-It’s always appreciated when you pick up a loved one directly at their gate. Especially when they’re not expecting it!
-I have fond memories of going to the airport as a child and watching the planes take off. It’s nice to be able to pass that on to my own kids.
The real question is why is United making this change? This will do nothing to solve overcrowding in United’s clubs as odds are that at any given moment there are exactly zero people who are in the club without a same-day flight.
Does the TSA want United to stop issuing as many gate passes?
Are there actually employees who are taking advantage of a membership to get free snacks?
I’d love to hear other theories as it seems hard to fathom that members like myself taking advantage of an obscure benefit by getting an occasional gate pass warranted making this change.
Of course there are workarounds:
-You can purchase a refundable ticket on any airline to get access to the gate and to the club. More annoying than getting a gate pass, but they can’t take that option away.
-Lifetime club members get 4 free hours of conference room reservations per day and all conference attendees will still be able to get gate passes.
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42 Comments On "Here’s What United Really Meant To Say Regarding United Club Access Changes"
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should point out that it’s not TODAY August 18 2015 but rather in 12 months from now August 18 2016
@matovu:
Why would 2016 mean 2015?
Is there any way to get additional free club passes? (In addition to the 2 you get annually with the credit card)??
I’m not sure about most people, but I frequently go to my nearby airport, and get some work done in the club. This is not to mention the fact I always take friends or relatives past security and into the club with me when they drop me off for a flight.
@Jet fan:
eBay.
@Sam Finkelstein:
They find it worth paying for parking and going through security to get a free Coke?
@Jet fan: Some people I know have simply called Chase to request more. You can also find them on eBay or DDF on the cheap.
@Dan: It’s not only the free Coke, it’s my way of thanking them for dropping me off. Parking in some airports is not that expensive.
@matovu: They are probably giving a year’s notice so people cannot complain about the benefits being changed on them in the middle of a membership term.
@Sam Finkelstein:
Maybe years ago when they had good booze for free, but how is that thanking them exactly?
What’s in the club today for a kosher observing traveler that’s that exciting?
@Anonymous:
Indeed, though that doesn’t do much for lifetime members.
How do you get Lifetime Club membership?
@joetraveler:
Continental used to sell them and United used to give them to 2MM flyers.
They are no longer offered.
@Dan – heard it was to stop employees from lingering all day on stand-by tickets waiting for availability. that a large number of EMPLOYEES own the United Club Card for this very reason. [from live and let’s fly]
@dan BTW agents regularly stop me from using club pass unless i fly UA (despite whatever the rules should be or actually are)
@tri:
Right, speculated that it might be employee related in the post.
Still, you’d think they’d have exempted lifetime members.
@tri:
Do you refer them to GG Checkpoint line 65?
Nothing there says anything about flying United.
@Dan: Not much other than carrot sticks and space to “chill out”. If they enjoy it, why not?
@tri: LAX seems to have exceptional issue with this, every time I do it. JFK and EWR are a breeze.
@Sam Finkelstein:
I just don’t understand why anyone would pay for parking and go through security just for some carrot sticks.
@Sam Finkelstein:
I’ve never had an issue after referring them to GG Checkpoint and/or asking for a supervisor.
Worst case: Call the United Club service center.
@Dan: That’s what usually ends up happening after 15 minutes.
@Sam Finkelstein:
Remind me not to ask for your way of saying thanks 😉
@Dan: I was responding to your second response :-).
(By the way, those relatives are usually my grandparents who would pay for parking, eat carrot sticks and drink Diet Coke, and then see me off at the gate.)
@Sam Finkelstein:
Fair enough, seeing someone off/greeting someone at the gate is a valid reason.
Diet Coke and carrots isn’t though…
@Dan: But being able to access the club is nice, especially when there’s extra time. I can’t even remember the last time I waited for a flight at the gate.
@Sam Finkelstein:
Yes, it’s nicer than waiting at the gate. Don’t think anyone is arguing that.
@Dan: The real question is who uses the Club pass to access ClubAcela while waiting for a train.
The United explorer card expands access to Saver awards? I never knew this. Where is this listed in the benefits? Thanks!
@@Dan:
Unpublished benefit.
More info:
http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/39513
I haven’t received the email yet…Im a Global Services member with a paid United Club Membership…was this email only for people who get the united club membership through the credit card.
On the comments about Kosher Food in the Club…it has gotten so much worst over the past 6 months…
The yogurt used to be kosher (now it is not in individual tubs and so traceability has gone out the window) and the walker and pepperidge farm cookies are long gone…
The cereal vendor seems to change quite regularly, has anyone checked in the last month where this is coming from.
Also…I noticed that they were carting in huge gallon tubs of Sabra Hummus last week, but again..it’s not in the single serve sealed containers.
@joetraveler: About 50 years ago I paid $400 for a lifetime membership at a time when my employer would reimburse frequent executive business travelers so to do, It proved to be one of my wiser investments. Over the years they’ve redesigned the card from time to time. Too bad I can’t will it to one of my kids.
I have two United 1-day passes. Can I give it to my parents (flying elal) to use without me flying?
Dan can I book a refundable ticket to get past security then cancel it only like an hour before the flight?
@Ilan: How would they get to their El Al flight from the United Club?
i did the gate thing using southwest….easily done, hassle-free 🙂
Is the explorer so much better then mileage plus?
@brandon:
The email went out to credit card holders, but it applies to everyone.
@Feinschmecker:
Nice!
@Ilan:
Yes.
@jack:
Yes.
@Anonymous:
With their feet?
@JJJ:
Using Southwest?
@joseph:
I don’t understand your question.
@JJJ:
Yes. Via the SW App it’s super easy to book and then cancel a refundable ticket. Much easier than arguing with a rep and their supervisor. I’ve done it more times than I can count to get past security.
@ShlockDoc:
I’d say getting a gate pass is less hassle than that, but fair enough.
I’ve tried the southwest thing ( with the app it is super easy) but every time I tried it didn’t work because security said I’m in the wrong terminal and didn’t let me in. I said im flying in 2 hrs and want to walk my dtr to the gate. Didn’t work. And i thought I was so smart. This was at jfk and ewr.
Dan I know this is not the correct place for this but you seem to be monitoring this so I’m hoping for your insight. I have platinum status with United (I fly every week within us and Canada) but find myself flying air canada quite often. Which do you think is better having my status with United or air canada?
There are some United Clubs such as LGA which are outside security
I have often used this for meetings or when flying other airlines.
Others may do this as well and this eliminating overcrowding which is a major problem since the Continental merger may be real goal.
Mazal Tov
Thanks, Dan. What do you think about comment number 31?
anyone see this ?
United – is this a good deal to purchase ?
United is offering up to a 50% discount on purchased miles for select MileagePlus members. This promotion is tiered and also targeted. The discount that each member receives is different, and there doesn’t appear to be any particular criteria that qualifies a member for a better offer.
Log in to your MileagePlus account to find out what your specific bonus is under the End-of-Summer Sale. The sale will last until August 31, 2015.
If you’re targeted for the maximum 50% discount, the total cost to buy 150,000 United MileagePlus miles is $2,822, including all fees. United miles normally cost 3.5 cents apiece, but the price goes down to 1.88 cents per mile with a 50% discount, which you’ll receive if you’ve been targeted and purchase at the highest tier. it usually values United miles at 1.5 cents apiece, so with this promo you’re still paying more than that value.
@Dan
Can you confirm if the membership fee for the united club has increased from $550 to $650 for general members?
Thank you.