6-30-10: Airlines all over the United States and the world for that matter offer something special at airports, specifically clubs and lounges for first-class travelers. Access is also available to the rest of the flying public by purchasing an annual or a lifetime membership or having certain types of credit cards.
Once passengers have worked their way through the line to check-in, get a boarding pass, get their luggage where it needs to be and then snake through another line for the security procedures including removing jackets, sweaters, and shoes, well it's just really nice to find a quiet oasis with drinks and snacks and comfortable chairs right there inside the terminal.
The amenities vary greatly from club to club. For example, in the London Star Alliance club a hot breakfast is offered and it includes waffles, crepes, a wonderful bakery selection, juices, coffees including espressos, cappucinos and lattes, and an open bar where you can make your own Bloody Mary if you are so inclined. Then there is the United Red Carpet club in Chicago that only offers raisin bread toast you make yourself, yogurt and apples along with a self-service coffee machine.
Most clubs offer family areas for the little guys and their parents, TV lounges, meeting lounges, computer work stations and quiet places to just relax. Customer service representatives are available to assist you with flight information and to keep you posted in case of delays.
Everyplace we have been has offered free WiFi service with the exception of the Chicago United Red Carpet club. There you need to pay $6.95 for WiFi. I mentioned self-service, open bars with the exception (again) of the Chicago United Red Carpet club. There you can get a drink prepared and served at a bar by a real bartender but for a fee of $6.00, tips appreciated.
Newspapers. Almost all the clubs offer newspapers, usually the local paper, USA today and the Wall Street Journal. The club in London also had copies of Le Monde from France. Not so (again) the Chicago United club. No papers are offered there.
All in all the clubs are designed to give you a nice travel experience before you even board your flight. They are the perfect place to unwind in comfortable settings before getting in line, one more time, to board your flight and to that end, even the United club has comfortable chairs.
