UA or HP? And best lounges at LAX/LAS?

[Pete]

Hi All,

My turn to ask questions

Planning a trip next month over to the States for a bit of R&R. Current route plan is LHR-LAX-LAS-SFO-LHR.

The international bit is easy - VS, and I'll be going for the VS007 flight on the LAX leg to get the Suites. The decisions start coming thick & fast once I land on US soil.

I've got *A Gold thanks to the UK Status Match, and VS Gold; so the carrier choice is really between United (*A) or America West (Virgin partner).

United operate the route using their LCC brand, TED. There's no first class, but they do have an Economy + product which you (apparently) automatically get as *A Gold. (Wonder if that extends to my travelling companion? Hmmm...)

America West, being a flying club partner, means I get miles - but sadly no tier points unless I want to shell out for their first class. I've already been told that my VS Gold holds no sway with HP, so no chances of an Op Upgrade with these folks.

I'm leaning toward United, unless anyone has any other input on these two choices.

As for lounge access, there's a bit of confusion as to whether the restriction of flying international same day to get into the United Red Carpet Club only applies to the Mileage Plus members, or whether that's the same for all *A Golds. Anyone got any insight into that?

Assuming I can get into the Red Carpet Club, that would appear to be the best option from LAX (also assuming TED use the same terminal - but I don't know the answer to that); again advice is welcome. I can also get into US Air Club (T1), Northwest (T2), Delta (T5) or Continental (T6) lounges - but they might not be in the right locations.

Also got the Priority Pass, which makes my only option the America West lounge at LAS, as far as I can tell.

Pix

[Nottingham Nick]

First question Pete, Why would you want a lounge at LAS?
You really need to spend every last second in the terminal and gate area trying to drop that elusive jackpot;);)

I have used HP lounges in Phoenix and have to say that thay are okay, but nothing special. Comp drinks / nibbles, TV and a quiet place to escape the throng. Entry was no problem with Priority Pass.

For short haul internal flights in the US do you really need to be in first class? I remember thinking that HP first was much ado about nothing - nicer seats, priority boarding, but you haven't got the time to really take advantage. If you already get lounge entry, would you consider roughing it in coach?

I have never flown United so can't comment there.

Best of luck in LAS

Nick

[Pete]

Fair point, but I wasn't thinking of shelling out for a first class fare The prices for UA or HP are pretty close, so if I get the BD miles & 5 more inches (oo-er) for nowt extra, I'm tempted by Mr TED. Given I'll happily worm my way into Business on a bmi flight LHR-EDI, I guess I'll appreciate a little extra room especially on the 90min route from LAS-SFO.

Since discovered that I can use my *G card to get into the UA lounge when flying domestically. Odd how United won't their own customers with Gold in, but will let in other *Gs. I guess this is because they sell membership to the Red Carpet Club, so don't want to give it away to the precise target market.

Might have to take your advice about hanging around the fruities in LAS. Looks like the America West lounge is in the wrong location for the TED gates. Ah well, not that important anyways - I'll probably be sitting in the smoking lounge until they drag me kicking and screaming on to the plane.

All I need now is those friendly folk at Virgin to release a little of that Z inventory into the award pool...

Pix

Not much to add here, just a few points:

The United option is probably snesible, considering you'll accrue status mileage towards keeping that BMI gold card (although not that much, admittedly - you need 38k a year). Economy + is a pleasant, comfortable option. I've been on it on a 747 and the legroom is in between Virgin's Economy and PE.

As you're travelling domestically, you're in the right terminal for the America West lounge at LAS but i don't think, from what i've heard, it's going to be great. I've never been to it because I go direct to LAS, and that's the other terminal.

Bear in mind the airport slots have the worst return by far in all of Vegas, so stay a bit longer at your hotel if you can and get more bang for your buck!

Hi pixuk,

Also if choosing to fly TED , I would time flying out of LAS carefully as the United/Ted gates ( C/D) have had horrendous queues on Sunday ( popular leaving time) and Monday after conventions.
Thee United forum has had tales of well over 1-2 hour security lines on some of those days.

America West ( using the A/B) gates have less of a problem.

LAS is builidng more security checkpoints for C/D but thse will not be done until autumn i think.

Regards

TBS

Pix

I flew SMF>LAS with HP for New Year 2001, and was quite impressed with the legroom they had in economy. Wasn't a bad flight really, nice new plane, courteous staff, brief drink/snack service. Not bad in 1hr 15mins or so

BTW, what sort of dates are you thinking of going?

Cheers

Michael

[Pete]

The LAS bit will be from 13th - 22nd July. Don't think there are any (big) conventions in town over that period, since hotels seem cheap.

Pix

Pix

quote:The LAS bit will be from 13th - 22nd July.

Ah, I leave LAS on the 11th - I'll try and not take the casinos for everything then

Cheers

Michael

[RichardMannion]

You can't ask questions on here, you're meant to know everything....

Earning miles, or not earning miles - what was our 'nick'name for Nick?

Isn't the industry name for United actually Untied? For me, it would be HP - I flew the LAS - SFO route with them last month - flight time was sort than advertised, but flight was delayed for an hour due to the ususal weather at SFO. Not amused as this delay ate into my SFO Clubhouse time.

At LAS, yes the AmWest club is the only option - your PriorityPass will do its job there, remember it is landside though!

The two times I have flown LAX-LAS, I have flown with AA as they were cheaper by some way over HP at the time, very short flight and plenty of legroom in the back.

Just make sure you keep hold of your boarding passes as I have had a 'small' problem recently getting the miles credited even though they were booked by VS and my FQTV # was input into the booking.

Not sure if you are stopping off at SFO, but don't forget the new codeshare agreement with HP, and the ability to check your luggage in all the way with HP.

Say hello to TS again for me!

Thanks,
Richard

[buns]

Pix


Mrs Buns & I have used the America West Lounge in Terminal 1 at LAS.

It was exceedingly small, but luckily very empty at the time. There is a small bar in the corner and we found the bartender very obliging, nevertheless if your planned stay is a long one it might feel clastrophobic. Needless to say no food to speak of and the only food outlet in the terminal does leave a little to be desired.

As Richard pointed out it is landside, so you are free to go and wander.

Buns

If you are using the HP lounge (or any other landside lounge) at LAS, I'd advise allowinf lots of time for security. I had a flight connection there last month that involved changing terminals, the security queue was the worst I've ever experineced - a combination of too few channels and still getting to grips with the technology,I think.