The Value of Airline Club Membership

No doubt about it. Having access to a private airline club has its
advantages, both in normal travel conditions, but especially when
things go wrong.

Because of the number of extremely long flights I've racked up over
the past few years, I've had the privilege of using United's Red
Carpet Club when traveling internationally. Even though other clubs
have more amenities (I'd have to say Continental's President's Club
is probably the best), there are huge benefits which come with
membership in all these clubs.

When everything is going well, they provide a quiet, comfortable
place to relax before and between flights. With the uncertainty of
airport security wait times, often you have to arrive at the airport
only to have a long wait at the gate if the security lines moved
smoothly. These clubs take you out of the concourse to a place where
the lounge chairs are roomy, the bathrooms clean, internet access is
available (though not always complimentary), there is TV and reading
materials, and complimentary snacks and drinks. Some clubs even
include alcohol with membership, others give vouchers for at least
one free drink. All these are beneficial.

Want to change a seat assignment or check upgrade status? There are
dedicated customer service reps in the club waiting to assist. Need
to make a call? The phones are there and free. Flight delayed? The
status is displayed on boards around the club. All these combine to
make the airport experience much more comfortable, relaxing and enjoyable.

But the real value comes when you need help, be it with a flight
cancellation (as I dealt with yesterday), delay or even in sorting
out a complicated reservation or upgrade. Instead of standing in a
line which can often be hours long in the case of a cancellation, you
have dedicated, experienced customer service agents to take care of
you. Want to see if upgrades can be arranged? They have the time to
sort through the options to find an option if it exists. Weather
delay? You're not camping out in the terminal with thousands of
others and you have better access to rebooking. Because they're
dealing with the airline's most frequent fliers and those who have
paid for membership, the agents, bartenders and hostesses treat you
very well and do whatever possible.

Had I not been in the Red Carpet Club when my flight was cancelled
yesterday, I likely wouldn't have been given a hotel voucher for the
night (instead I'd likely have been given a list of hotels which
offer a distressed rate to guests in this situation, as their
Contract of Carriage doesn't require hotel accommodation for this
type of cancellation), nor meal coupons. I'd have been
reaccommodated on another flight, but only after standing in a line
of more than 100 other people in the same situation. We all know how
negative those lines can be, with people getting angry and creating a
mob mentality, demanding what the agents can't offer. However, I was
in treated with respect, she went out of her way to see what she
could do to help, and I'm all set for the next flight - no muss, no
fuss, and no anger or tears necessary.

I know many of you are saying you only travel a couple times a
year. Okay, if that's the case, and your flights are all domestic
and non-stop, the membership fee may not make sense. But if you're
flying several times per year, having to connect, or flying
internationally, this may well be something to consider for the
future. All the clubs also offer one-day passes, generally in the
range of $35-75 per day, for entry of up to 2 people. that is a nice
way to go for less frequent travelers, or those looking at potential
weather delays.

Did I mention that I'm posting this while sitting in the Dulles
(Washington, DC) airport awaiting my flight? Yes, I have a drink at
my table and I'm logged into the internet from here. And thankful I
had the option.