Miami UC Lounge

Will anyone share any comments on the lounge facility used for UC in Miami? Do you know the name of the facility?

All input appreciated. Thank you very much.

[mcmbenjamin]

I do know the name after going to V-S.com

Miami
The Club America Lounge is open to Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers. Food and drink are available together with entertainment facilities including TV and video. The lounge is located on Concourse E, 2nd floor (landside).

The CAL is also a Priority Pass lounge.

...shared, self service, though we can order sandwiches - I don't bother, and keep myself happy with the water and cookies available. The lounge is not too airy, and with a few too many pot plants for my liking. There are lots of seats, but these are in larger groups (6 or so) around a table. Not ideal for the lone traveller.

From csparker via a simple search for MIA in TR - VS

Thank you for the information.

I'm a bit uncomfortable with any lounge BEFORE security. Although I would like to enjoy the lounge provided, I would be anxious that security would be a "zoo" (especially in the MIA International COncourse) and I could potentially miss my flight.

[mcmbenjamin]

Sure others will reply but maybe there is a special line for Airline Elite/First/Business travelers a la JFK.

I do not think there is a fast track line in MIA.

Its been a couple of years but I recall that the Club America lounge in MIA is to just to the right of the security line so it is not difficult to keep an eye on the length of the queues so you will know how early/late to leave the lounge in order to clear the security checks. It is a shared lounge for several airlines (and includes Priority Pass cardholders). It is not affliate to any particular airline. It is relatively comfortable as US airport lounges go with a standard tropical Florida feel. Complementary drink and nibbles but no special treatment for VS passengers as you get in the shared NWA lounge in LAX. A decent view of plane airside from recollection.

Personally, while I would use the lounge first for a "calm-down" drink after checking-in, I would not linger there too longer and head for boarding as soon as VS begins boarding (you get to use the UC/AU queue jump line) to start enjoying that UCS service on-board.

but no special treatment for VS passengers as you get in the shared NWA lounge in LAX.

Must have missed the "special treatment":D

I have used the lounge at MIA on a few occasions. I remember that it is not very large and very compartmentalised, ie there are small sections holding upto 4-8 seats dotted around. There is a small area where you can get a small selection of drinks and where you can get snacks, but I believe the snacks are just the non nut snacks that you often get on US airlines and lounges, you know the ones that are things you have never seen before that have a shiney coating and taste pretty bland.

I remember the lounge and furniture being very white, maybe whicker or similar furniture.

But at least it is away from the hussle.

Paul

Yes Paul, very white and wicker with a lot of dreadful plastic plants. That said I've used it a few times and while it's certainly inferior to many standards it is quiet and comfortable. You get the sensation of it being very small because it is made up of lots of rooms that are opened and closed according to demand. Food and drink is basic wine and spirits and snacks, the spirits are 'decanted' from a rather 70s looking bar - all a bit odd.

There is a special line for elites through security though it's not obvious - on more than one occasion I've been escorted through by VS staff. From experience the security has never been that busy at the time that boarding for the flight is announced.

Aren't these pictures of the lounge in question?

[mitchja]

When I was there a few years ago, the security lines were very quick anyway. As has already been mentioned the lounge is not upto Cluhhouse standards but it's still nice and quite. I'd much rather be in there in with the rest of departures. You will find that most US airline lounges are always land-side. MIA isn't the most exciting airport to wait for a flight anyway. There's practically nothing once you get past security, even the tax-free shop isn't a proper shop in concourse E where VS fly from. Although it's nicer than the old concourse VS used to fly from at MIA.

Regards

Originally posted by rcslt
Aren't these pictures of the lounge in question?

Yes, those are pictures of said lounge.

Paul

Last time we were there it was quite difficult to find somewhere to sit (although we did have our 2 children with us) - as Paul said it gives the impression of being made up of a series of little rooms or compartments. Although it was before security we were told to wait to be called and then were escorted through securtiy (bypassing the queues). This service was offered to all Virgin UC passengers in the lounge.

As others have said it's not a patch on the CH but it was quite a pleasant place to relax with a coffee and there was free internet access.

I did MIA in June 2005. The lounge was like most of the other posters indicated. It is before security checks, but we were all called from the lounge and herded to the queue by VS uniformed staff, who actively made sure VS pax were being moved through in a timely fashion.

It was a nightmare there though - too many people and not enough scanners. There was some evidence of new kit being installed (though it mainly seemed to be the "puffer" explosives sniffers rather than bag X-ray).

If memory serves, I made the aircract with time to spare, and we were not delayed by latecomers. If I were not in the lounge though. I would recommend getting through as early as possible. There is plenty to do, eat and drink airside at MIA.

Hope this helps.