United debuts new perks for top flyers in SF

CHICAGO— United Airlines has unveiled new check-in options for its most frequent travelers at San Francisco International Airport, enabling faster movement from the curb to the gate. The airline will open a new reception lobby for members of its invitation-only Global Services program and a new check-in area for Premier members of its MileagePlus loyalty program.

Located across from doors five and six, on the departures level of Terminal 3, the new Global Services reception lobby will also offer personalized check-in services to customers traveling in United Global First on long-haul international flights. At approximately 1,100 square feet, the glass-enclosed facility will offer five full-service check-in podiums, a seating area and front-of-line security lane access, featuring TSA PreCheck.

San Francisco’s Global Services reception lobby is United’s third, coming after similar facilities at Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

Premier check-in
The airline’s new Premier check-in area, near Terminal 3’s Boarding Area E, will offer expedited check-in for MileagePlus Premier members, including kiosks that enable customers to tag their own checked bags if they choose to, further speeding their path to the gate.

This new check-in area replaces the previous Terminal 3 Premier check in, which in the future will serve United Economy customers and travel groups.

“With these additions at our San Francisco hub, we are pleased to further upgrade the premium experience that we offer our customers,” said Jimmy Samartzis, United’s vice president of customer experience. “These new amenities will provide a higher level of comfort, convenience and personalized service, enhancing our most frequent travelers’ experience when they fly with us.” 

San Francisco enhancements
The new Global Services reception lobby and Premier check-in area are among United’s many customer-service enhancements this year in San Francisco. Others include:

• The ultra-modern Boarding Area E, which offers a modern design, dining options featuring Bay Area businesses, more comfortable seating and power outlets throughout, enabling customers to stay connected and productive;

• A new United Club, located near Boarding Area E; and

• Mercedes-Benz tarmac-transportation service, offering Global Services and United Global First customers chauffeured rides across the tarmac between flights.

United in San Francisco
United is the largest carrier at San Francisco International Airport, offering nearly 300 daily flights to more than 90 destinations in the U.S. and around the world, more service than any other airline from the Bay Area. United currently operates nearly 30 daily nonstop flights from San Francisco to more than 20 international destinations and will add nonstop service from San Francisco to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport later this month. (United)