United Airlines’ international first class passengers and select cardholders in the MileagePlus frequent flyer scheme will enjoy new premium check-in facilities at San Francisco International Airport from tomorrow.
Global Services members – the United version of Qantas’ elite Chairmans Lounge – along with United Global First travellers can make use of a private reception lobby, with five check-in desks, a seating area and direct access to priority security screening facilities.
United's swanky new private check-in space at SFO
Chris McGinnis
Chris McGinnis
For other frequent flyers with status, be it Premier Silver through to Premier 1K, a new Premier check-in area will pop up in SFO’s Terminal 3, with both counter service and automated kiosks for travellers to print their own checked baggage tags.
The new check-in area replaces the previous Terminal 3 Premier check-in, which United plans to transform into a check-in area for economy passengers and groups.
Also added to United’s roster of perks for San Francisco’s premium travellers is a new United Club lounge – a modern space and a distinct departure from the days of the Red Carpet Club – plus Mercedes-Benz tarmac transfers for Global Services and United Global First customers switching between flights.
United Airlines flies daily from Sydney to both San Francisco and Los Angeles, with Melbourne residents picking up a direct LA flight on United’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner from October 28.
TravelSkills blogger Chris McGinnis also reports that American Express "is preparing for an early November reveal of its much- anticipated Centurion Lounge, located on the mezzanine level at the far west end of Terminal 3 near the International Terminal."
"Access to the lounge will be airside only, which means that it only makes sense for those departing United’s Terminal 3 or the adjacent Boarding Area F of the International Terminal" McGinnis notes.
"The design of the SFO lounge will be similar to the lounge at Las Vegas, with a large “living wall,” rich wood paneling and modern furnishings. There will be a bar as well as different areas for working, socialising, and 'tranquility'.
Also read: Inside the American Express Centurion Lounges
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Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
10 Sep 2012
Total posts 149
Yeah... that's great, but what are they doing about that pseudo-1990's first class and that 8-abreast business abomination on the 777s?
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