United Airlines will soon bring back the ability to buy or renew membership in the United Club by using MileagePlus miles, according to UA Insider’s post on Flyertalk this morning.

Also returning will be the ability to purchase annual subscriptions for Economy Plus, as well as an annual option for checked bags. Here’s the synopsis from UA Insider:

• United Club: We’re re-introducing the option to purchase a full-year United Club membership with award miles. Pricing starts at 40,000 miles (or $400), depending on Premier status.
• Economy Plus: We’re also re-introducing the option to purchase Economy Plus for a full year, with the notable difference that we’ll have different pricing and eligibility by region (domestic 48, North America, intra-Asia, etc.).
• Checked baggage: Customers will have the new option to purchase 1 or 2 checked bags for an entire year. Pricing will vary based on number of bags and region.

These offers are currently available on United’s Preview site (a beta-test site) with the official rollout to come in the next couple of weeks.

I generally don’t think people should burn miles for a lounge membership (they have a greater value for flight redemptions), but I have in the past when I was mileage rich and cash poor. It makes sense for some people (and for more reasons than my own), and several MileagePlus members were upset when this ability went away a year or so ago. At that time, here were the rates:

• General Member: 62,500 miles
• Premier: 60,000 miles
• Premier Executive: 50,000 miles
• 1K: 47,500 miles

Those with access to United’s Preview site are reporting that the 40k level isn’t showing up at any status level, so there are apparently still bugs to be worked out.

The region-based fees for Economy Plus are reportedly $499 for the Continental U.S., $599 for North and Central America, $499 for Intra-Asia only and $699 for Global access for one person.

I haven’t seen reports yet on what the checked baggage rates will be.

Stay tuned to this thread for updates if you’re interested.

Related posts:

United Club Survey About Using Miles for Membership

United Club Rate Increase, 3-Year Membership Discontinuation

I received the following question from Peter and he (and I) would love additional feedback beyond what I provided. First, his question:

I fly 200K – 250K for business (mostly China) and try to divide it between UA and AA to keep my top tier status with both. I will turn 40 soon and don’t want to spend the rest of my life in the air. That brings me to the question which FF program should I stick to when I cut down my “butt in seat miles” to about 100K-150K/year.

I prefer StarAlliance because I can use miles on more airlines to destinations that I like, but AA is getting better (customer service, meals, planes, …) and I have access to Flagship lounge, I get SWU on any fare and my domestic upgrades clear 80%, UA only about 50%. I fly LAX-PVG a lot and both airlines have great connections.

If you would pick one program, which one would it be?

I think it’s pretty difficult to narrow down a succinct “this airline over the other” answer, as each person is different and might value certain benefits of a frequent flier program and airline more heavily over others.

Here are the main considerations I replied with and asked Peter to ponder:

Lifetime Status: If he is closer to a lifetime status tier with one carrier over another, I recommended focusing his 100-150k per year on that carrier. Given the likelihood that all U.S. airlines will add a revenue requirement to attain elite status each year (a la Delta), I think it’s an important consideration to lock-in some status now, even if it’s not top-tier.

American-US Airways Merger: As we’ve seen with the Delta-Northwest and United-Continental mergers, frequent flier programs change. American is indeed very generous currently with SWU applicability on all international coach fares and has a pretty good record – based on trip reports – of excellent service (which has been my experience compared with United). Will a Doug Parker-run American destroy some of American’s allure and generous frequent flier program perks?

Alliance Strength: Peter admits Star Alliance is his preferred global alliance and I have to unapologetically agree. Star has the greatest number of truly premium carriers and I certainly value my United miles greater than my American miles for worldwide redemption opportunities.

Service Matters: American’s AAdmirals Club, particularly at LAX where Peter seems to be based, is far stellar to the United Club. Here’s a look at the Flagship Lounge, for example. And in my experience, more of American’s flight attendants seem to have a truly genuine desire to provide exceptional customer service than United’s.

I think it’s almost a “wait and see” game with how American evolves in the merger with US Airways. But if I were Peter, I’d definitely focus that 100-150k on a single carrier for top-tier status. Would it make sense to split it? What are your thoughts?

Related posts:

What the New American AAdvantage Program Might Look Like

Why an American-US Airways Merger Worries Me

How the American Express Platinum Card Can Pay For Itself

American Flagship Check-In and Lounge at LAX

I’ve long held off adding one of the American Express Platinum credit cards to my wallet due to the hefty annual fee and the fact that United doesn’t participate in the lounge access benefit. But as my nearly exclusive flying on United is coming to an end soon by locking in million-miler status, I took the plunge and applied for a card. And the annual fee will pay for itself each year in travel benefits on other airlines, specifically lounge access and $200 in annual airline fee credits.

Link: The Platinum Card® from American Express: The current standard offer provides 25,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $2,000 within 3 months, $200 in airline fee credits (more on that below), access to American, Delta, US Airways and Priority Pass airport lounges, plus a host of other Platinum perks. The annual fee on this card is $450.

Link: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN: The current standard offer provides 25,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $5,000 within 3 months, access to American, Delta, US Airways and Priority Pass airport lounges, plus a host of other Platinum perks. The annual fee on this card is $450.

Link: Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Mercedes-Benz: The current offer provides 50,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $1,000 in 3 months, access to American, Delta, US Airways and Priority Pass airport lounges, plus a host of other Platinum perks. The annual fee on this card is $475.

American Express has recently been mailing targeted offers out for the Platinum card with 100,000 Membership Rewards points, which is the best deal of course. But if you’re not lucky enough to get one, the above cards can still pay for themselves.

While not officially stated as a benefit of the Business or Mercedes-Benz cards, they do reportedly get $200 in airline fee credits. The credits are advertised as being for incidentals, such as checked bag fees, in-flight purchases (not Wi-Fi), change fees and the like. But airline gift card purchases have been widely reported as being successful.

My Plan

As my flying on American Airlines will increase in the coming months, I’ll designate them as the carrier for the $200 credit. Then, I’ll purchase gift cards (probably in $50 increments) under their program to capture the statement credit and use those cards for future flights.

And I’ll be able to avoid purchasing an Admirals Club lounge membership ($400 at my current AAdvantage Platinum status). So, the $450 annual fee will certainly pay for itself this year given my travel habits and patterns. Oh, and if you don’t already have Global Entry, American Express will reimburse the $100 application fee if you pay for it with your Platinum card.

I’m probably one of the few people who has held off for so long getting an AMEX Platinum card. And I only recently started getting targeted offers with the more generous Membership Rewards points, so never thought the previous 25k or 50k offers were worth the trouble as I focused predominantly on Chase and Citi cards.

Application link: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Application link: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN

Application link: Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Mercedes-Benz

For other airline, hotel and flexible credit cards that earn miles or points, click here.

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• Hilton has upset a lot of loyal HHonors members today (self included) with their announcement of 2013 Hilton HHonors Program Changes. They’re increasing hotel categories from eight to ten, adding seasonal pricing (read: higher redemption rates) and trying to soften the blow by adding a 5th Night Free for elites staying 5-nights or more. I’m dropping from Diamond to Gold this year regardless, and won’t even accrue enough stays for 2014 status. The devaluation is sort of rightly timed for me, but painful to swallow. The changes take effect March 28, 2013.
• A diamond heist was pulled off at Brussels Airport Monday night. $50 million in precious stones were taken from the cargo hold of a SWISS Fokker F-100 flight from Brussels to Zurich.
• I’m not a huge fan of the Asiana Business Class lounge at Seoul’s Incheon Airport and now there’s a new Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge that Star Alliance Gold elites can enjoy. It opened today and I’ll be keen to review it on my next trip through ICN.
• A new coach airline seat architecture design has debuted sporting overhead fixtures with drop-down tray tables, screens and other gadgets. I doubt we’ll ever see it in actual use as FAA safety certification seems unlikely given the minimal overhead clearance in the event of an evacuation, not to mention the additional floor space (16 percent) it would occupy. Airlines want more seats in coach… not less.
• Finally, if you haven’t read fellow blogger Matthew’s account of being kicked off a United Airlines flight for taking a picture, please do. It sounds like the flight attendant was hyper-sensitive, as seems to be the case with U.S. airlines and onboard photos. Will my future United trip reports be in jeopardy?

Related posts:

Notable Airline, Hotel and Travel News: February 18, 2013

Notable Airline, Hotel and Travel News: February 15, 2013

Notable Airline, Hotel and Travel News: February 14, 2013

First class airline lounges, particularly those of non-U.S. airlines, are generally something to savor and behold. Perhaps I’m holding them all to the near incomparable standard that is the Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt or the Thai Royal First Lounge in Bangkok. But the ANA Suite Lounge at Tokyo’s Narita Airport I visited a couple of weeks ago was rather underwhelming.

ANA Suite Lounge Entrance

Don’t get me wrong – it’s a nice lounge with decent amenities, but it didn’t quite have that air of exclusivity that others offer. I’d put it on par with very good business class lounges I’ve visited in the past.

The greeting I received after walking through the doors was exceptional and very first class with the three agents behind the counter straightening their posture and even bowing. I was welcomed into the lounge after a quick check of my United Airlines Global First boarding pass to San Francisco and made my way to the only available seat next to a window.

Yet another agent promptly welcomed me with a hot towel as I took a seat and asked if she could bring me a beverage. As I wanted to peruse the buffet, I declined mentioning I’d take a look at everything on offer.

The lounge was packed during my visit with very little opportunity to capture a few discrete pictures beyond these of the buffet and work station area:

ANA Suite Lounge Buffet

ANA Suite Lounge Buffet

ANA Suite Lounge Business Center Cubicles

There was a generous spread of nibbles, both hot and cold, and I went with a little sampling of noodles and a couple of sandwich wedges together with Perrier. The Noodle Bar (a restaurant of sorts) also offers additional full-service items (PDF menu). Having enjoyed a big buffet breakfast at my hotel, I didn’t partake.

The view out to the apron was quite nice, especially when compared to the not as active side the United Club occupies in the same satellite.

ANA Suite Lounge Apron View

Singapore Airlines A380

Additional amenities inside the lounge include shower rooms, a business center and apparently a “Refresh Salon by Raffine,” which I never came across, though I thought I explored every corner and turn.

There wasn’t anything terrible about the lounge, but the cramped quarters, simple food offering and general lack of anything particularly unique found me wanting to head to the United Global First lounge. I had plenty of time had I decided to visit the other ANA Suite Lounge in Satellite 5, but I figured it wouldn’t be anything different. Not to sound elitist (okay, I am), I was expecting to be “wowed” a bit more.

Related posts:

First Look: United Club Redesign, O’Hare Terminal 2 Location Opening

Review: American Airlines Flagship Check-in, Lounge at LAX

Lounge Review: Virgin Australia Domestic Lounge Sydney

Lounge Review: Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt (Near B43)

I visited United’s Global First Class lounges in Tokyo and San Francisco on my mileage run last week and I took advantage of the shower rooms offered in each in hopes of adding to my amenity kit collection.

Truth be told, I had freshly showered at my hotel in Tokyo before arriving at the airport, but I was keen to see if the former Murad kits had been swapped out for newer ones since my last visit in 2010. Sadly, there was no wrapped kit, but instead individual bottles of Plegaria shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion, along with a toothbrush, toothpaste and comb.

United Airlines Global First Shower Room Amenities in Tokyo

I did end up taking a shower (why not?!), but didn’t use the delicious smelling Plegaria products as I wanted to save them for my collection. And my Google search skills must be failing as I can’t seem to find Plegaria products online. The English part of the blurb on the bottles note they’re made in Thailand. I’d love to order retail-size versions.

On my arrival in San Francisco, I skipped the Arrivals Lounge that’s on the lower level after exiting customs having been there before and being unimpressed with the food offerings. In retrospect, I should have visited just to see if anything had changed, as well as pick up more amenities. Ah well… I’m a bad blogger. Instead, I re-cleared security immediately and headed to the Global First lounge.

Here, I definitely wanted a shower and after a quick nosh, I asked to use one of the two shower rooms available to passengers. Towels and an amenity kit were promptly provided.

United Airlines Global First Lounge Shower Amenity Kit SFO

The zipper bag itself isn’t really anything special or luxe, but I’m happy to have received one. Inside an internal plastic pouch are small tubes of conditioning shampoo, body wash, facial cleanser, shaving cream, body lotion and facial moisturizer. They’re not branded, but are remarkably similar in appearance and scent of the previous Murad offerings.

United Global First Lounge Shower Kit Contents

Also included with the kit: a small circular stick of deodorant, razor, Colgate toothpaste, toothbrush (identical to the one found in the Global First amenity kit) and a folding brush/comb. I do quite like the individual amenities as opposed to mass-use versions found in other shower rooms, usually in business class lounges.

I’ll have a detailed lounge review of the Tokyo location coming up shortly here on Frequently Flying, as well as a look at the ANA Suite Lounge and a San Francisco to Tokyo flight review in Global First.

Related posts:

The Reality Check That Is United Airlines Global First Class

I’m Off on a Weeklong Mileage Run… In Style

Amenity Kit Reviews

United smartly postponed their planned Twitter chat on Friday due to the horrific events in Connecticut. It was to discuss and debut the new look for United Clubs, beginning with the brand new Chicago O’Hare Terminal 2 location set to open next week.

Lounge entry rendering

The Chicago Business Journal ran their piece on the United Club redesign on Friday, which included a few actual pictures of the new T2 club.

I’m digging the color scheme and wood floor walkways. A crescent-shaped bar area appears to be located underneath the multiple hanging lighted globe chandeliers where someone is seated in the picture above. I suppose those monitors will broadcast television if that is indeed the bar area. Here’s the opposite side:

The sizable bottom cushion of that long couch looks like it might prevent one from comfortably leaning back all the way. Are those circular armrest divider thingies movable? Probably not. I love the tarmac view and ample seating along the windows, complete with tabletop power outlets by the looks of it:

The old United Club in the F-concourse of T2 will close (thankfully) once this 13,000-square foot mezzanine level lounge opens, according to the article. And United will be spending $50 million in 2013 to renovate additional club locations with the look of O’Hare’s new lounge being the template.

No word yet from United on when the rescheduled Twitter chat will occur.

Related posts:

United Club Rates to Increase January 1

United Red Carpet Club Survey

In case you haven’t read about this yet, or noticed it on United.com, membership rates for the United Club are scheduled to increase $25 across the board effective January 1, 2013 (spouse rates increase by $100).

Here’s the current pricing valid through December 31:

Also, when the conversion to SHARES took place in March, United “temporarily” suspended the ability to redeem miles for club memberships or renewals. And the latest contact a Flyertalk member made with United on this subject was met with a response of, “We are still in a transitional period and hope to have it available for 1K members in the near future.”

If this means it’ll only be available to certain elites when (if) it returns remains to be seen. Previously in 2011, United sent out a survey to Red Carpet Club members hinting that the mileage redemption option might go away entirely.

I ended up renewing my membership in 2010 for 40,000 miles, but I definitely don’t recommend using miles this way – you can get far more value for your miles redeemed elsewhere. I was cash poor and mileage rich at the time, so it ended up being the best option for me.

The three-year membership rate is being discontinued December 31, too. It represents a savings of $250 over the course of three years.

Also, it appears that memberships are now valid through the end of the month in which they expire. My actual expiration date is December 19, 2012 as printed on my card, but logging in to renew it shows December 31:

As many people do, another way to gain access to United’s domestic lounges is to hold Star Alliance Gold status in a foreign carrier’s frequent flier program. I believe Turkish Airlines is still matching elites from other programs (even United), according to Gary’s post.

Related posts:

United Airlines Red Carpet Club Survey

United Red Carpet Club Rate Increase (2010)

I previously reviewed Virgin Australia’s domestic lounge in Sydney, and here now is their offering at Perth’s domestic terminal.

The lounge entry is quite literally two paces straight ahead immediately after you clear security – you simply can’t miss it.

Passing through the glass doors, you enter a small lobby with a circular reception desk and a couple of chairs off to one side. My business class boarding pass was scanned and I was welcomed into the lounge without delay.

Directly past reception is the television seating area and a full-service coffee barista bar, which also offers a selection of complimentary wine and beer. Adjacent to the TV area are two “kiddie” tables (maybe as high as my knee cap) with power outlets where you sit on an ottoman-like cushion to plug in and rest your laptop on a communal table. I’m really not a fan of these tables and besides the business center, outlets are scarce in other areas of the lounge.

How's that for a mullet?!!

As Perth is a much smaller station for Virgin Australia, I wasn’t expecting much in the way of food. But they did have similar items as to what was found in Sydney, including sandwich fixings, soup (creamy Thai chicken), meatballs and pasta salad. Chips and other nibbles are also available at the bar.

The space itself is basically a huge rectangular room with multiple dining and casual seating areas, punctuated with columns throughout. Another set of kiddie/plug-in tables are also situated in the middle of the lounge.

A business center with eight computer workstations and a printer is in the far corner next to frosted windows running the length of one side of the lounge. Sadly, no tarmac views for this #avgeek.

Along that side of the lounge is a section of lounger sofas with coffee tables. One person was spread across one of the couches and while comfy looking, it was far too hot in that section for me, perhaps due to the additional layer of glass partitions separating it from the main area.

On one side of the barista bar, a very narrow hallway leads to two shower rooms and the restrooms. The other side of the barista bar leads to a children’s play area, as well as the entrance to two meeting rooms.

It’s a pleasant enough lounge, but nothing stellar. One thing I noted in particular was the floor. It felt thin, as if there is no layer between it and the concrete tarmac. I don’t know how to explain it better than that.

Boarding announcements for all flights are made and a nearby escalator outside of the lounge takes you up to the departures level. I left ahead of boarding to watch the inbound aircraft arrive and discovered to get back to the lounge, one needs to find a relatively hidden staircase that displays a sign “No Entry (except lounge guests).” There’s no down escalator and the only other exit when you’re upstairs is to baggage claim, which would require you to re-clear security to access the lounge.

Related posts:

Lounge Review: Virgin Australia, Sydney Domestic Terminal

Flight Review: Virgin Australia Business Class Sydney to Perth

Lounge Review: Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt (Near B43)

I had the privilege of flying Virgin Australia in business class from Sydney to Perth a couple of weeks ago and gave you a sneak peek here. Prior to the flight, I spent a few hours in their domestic lounge in Terminal 2 – a benefit for business class ticketholders similar to what we enjoy here in the U.S. on American and United when flying on premium transcontinental LAX/SFO to JFK flights. But this isn’t your ordinary domestic lounge.

The lounge entry is a few short paces past security on the same level and I was told Ansett Australia (defunct for more than a decade now) was the former occupant.

I was greeted at reception by an enthusiastic agent who scanned my boarding pass and asked if I had been to the lounge before. After answering “no,” she happily provided a verbal tour of the lounge and wished me a pleasant visit. Already my experience was different (better) from that of any U.S. airline lounge.

Just past reception is the main service desk and a huge lobby area leading to various sections of the lounge.

I made my way through one hallway, past the main seating area, buffet, coffee barista station and settled into what I’d consider the “back” of the lounge. Nearby were conference rooms and I actually saw one in use! That never seems to happen in the U.S.

Barista bar

It was a funky little area with semi-comfortable chairs, tables and a couple of TVs playing local news. I didn’t stay in this section too long, actually, and decided to get a bite to eat and sit along the windows overlooking the tarmac and runway.

UA870 headed to SFO

The buffet offered a selection of cold cuts and fixings to make a sandwich, as well as pasta, meatballs, salad, fruit, cheese and two soup selections (tomato and something very green). Opposite the buffet is a hot tea and soft drink station.

The barista bar, previously pictured, offered full made-to-order coffee service akin to Starbucks… err… Gloria Jeans, and a selection of popcorn, nut mix, Dijon-honey crisps and sour cream cups. A huge selection of beer was also available from the baristas, as well as self-serve wine and champagne just to the right of that area.

After a while, hot dogs were brought out and I decided to give one of the rather fluorescent looking dogs a go. It ended up tasting mostly like a hot dog, but with an ever so slight seafood taste (tuna, perhaps?).

The business center has 10 computer stations complete with a printer hookup and a copier/fax machine. I had trouble with a couple of the stations, as did another passenger, but eventually found one that worked properly. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lounge, too. Beyond the business center, power outlets are scarce besides at the dedicated “kiddie” tables near the buffet. Here, you sit on an ottoman-like cushion to plug in and rest your laptop on a communal table that maybe came up as high as my kneecap. It was a bit too busy to capture a picture of this setup. Nearby the business center is another small seating section.

On my way to the restroom, I wandered past the exclusive Premium Entry area whereby business class, premium economy and elite member passengers with only carry-on bags check-in, have a dedicated security lane and enter straight into the lounge. It’s sort of like the Lufthansa First Class Terminal experience in Frankfurt from what I can tell. I had to check a bag, so I needed to use the main terminal and missed out.

Near the restrooms are four shower rooms (one of which was handicap accessible). I took a peek inside.

The sun had set and I helped myself to dessert. A lounge agent did come by a couple of times during my visit offering up meat pies and cream puffs, too.

Boarding announcements for all domestic flights were made throughout my stay and when it was time to head to the gate, they have a handy escalator down to the concourse level separate from the main entrance.

The lounge is very much a step ahead of any domestic offering in the U.S., particularly in the food and beverage department. I’ve been told it’s ready for a remodel and that Virgin Australia’s offerings in Melbourne and Brisbane are their current top-notch lounges. Still, though, any U.S. passenger traveling domestically will be impressed with this lounge.

Related posts:

Incredible Experience on Virgin Australia – Sneek Peek

Parmelia Hilton Perth Review (and My First Suite Upgrade)

Flight Review: United Airlines BusinessFirst Los Angeles to Sydney