United Airlines opens a new grab-and-go lounge in Denver for time-crunched travelers

United Airways is opening a brand new type of lounge at Denver Worldwide Airport, and it isn’t designed for vacationers to linger.

The Chicago-based airline is launching the brand new membership Saturday as journey demand recovers, and airways return to profitability partially due to prospects are prepared to pay up for journeys, like these with entry to airport lounges.

The roughly 1,600-square-foot lounge, known as United Membership Fly, is a “grab-and-go” facility with complimentary meals choices like sandwiches, wraps and salads in addition to smaller gadgets like Noosa yogurt cups and treats like Milk Bar Birthday Cake Truffles.

A barista will provide made-to-order espresso drinks like cappuccinos, however there’s additionally a self-serve espresso machine and a water bottle refilling station.

Seating is restricted: 16 seats and standing room for eight individuals at a bar. Vacationers scan their boarding cross to enter and may’t carry friends, like they will at normal United Golf equipment.

Entry to United Golf equipment comes with any worldwide enterprise class or transcontinental ticket, or with a membership, which prices $650 a yr for many members of its frequent flyer program, in line with the airline’s web site. It is $550 to $600 for members with higher-tier standing. Some bank cards additionally provide entry.

The brand new, smaller membership in Denver is for “those that are time constrained or just searching for good food and drinks all of the whereas preserving area in our services for individuals who have just a little extra time,” mentioned Alexander Dorow, United’s head of lounges and premium providers.

About two-third’s of United’s prospects in Denver, one of many busiest airports throughout the Covid pandemic, are passing by in between connecting flights, Dorow mentioned.

It is a new idea for a U.S. airline. “It is not a one-size-fits-all mentality by any means,” Dorow mentioned of the provider’s strategy to its lounges.

Carriers are ramping up their struggle for customers prepared to shell out extra for journey, and making an attempt to make their profitable co-brand bank cards extra interesting.

“It is a very good transfer by United as a result of airways attempt to decrease the connecting time between flights for passengers,” mentioned Henry Harteveldt, founding father of journey consulting agency Environment Analysis Group. “I would not be shocked as soon as United launches this that we see different airways wanting do to one thing related.”