Photos: United Airlines' new United Club concept lounge design
By David Flynn, December 18 2012
United Airlines will unveil a dramatic new look for its airport lounges tomorrow, and it's a long way from the old Red Carpet Club.
The first built-from-scratch United Club – a brand which last year replaced the United Red Carpet Club and Continental Presidents Club – will debut at Terminal 2 of Chicago O'Hare (ORD) airport, and carries the design DNA which will shape all of United's new lounges as well as renovations to existing facilities as those make-overs fall due.
This is NOT your Red Carpet Club!
Gadling
Gadling
US website Gadling caught a sneak peak at the new United Club, which boasts a warm, contemporary and high-touch feel that'd stand alongside some of the world's most polished lounges – even those by European airlines known for their design sensibility.
Soft warm tones pervade the new United Club design
Gadling
Gadling
"Tables and lights are modeled after jet engines, while the swept ceiling looks like a wing" Gadling reports, while the spherical lights over the bar are said to represent United's logo.
You have to admit, this is pretty schmick for any US airline (bar Virgin America)
Gadling
Gadling
(We reckon the lights used in Qantas' business lounges, as seen below, are a closer fit to the UA globe.)
But how could you not love bathroom mirrors inspired by aircraft windows, perhaps specifically the oversized windows of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner?
Bathroom mirrors a la Boeing
Gadling
Gadling
More new United Clubs are on the way at Atlanta, Boston, Houston, London, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle over the next two years.
For more photos, visit Gadling.com.
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David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1390
The white hued tables and lighting and metal dividing screens from Virgin
The bathroom marble and spherical lighting from Qantas
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer Plat
21 Apr 2011
Total posts 40
I actually prefer this to the bland Qantas domestic lounges, modern, funky and fresh yet still respecting the classical shopisitcation of the brand, unlike the M Newson "eclectic" styles of the J Domestic lounges which looks like a collection of Vinnies merchandise akwardly thrown together. QF take note!
22 Jul 2011
Total posts 98
Actually Marc Newson didn't design any Qantas Club/Bus lounges, only Sydney Chairman's and First lounges.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 May 2011
Total posts 736
It is a nice start, concept looks pretty good (esp when you consider it is United we are talking about). Unfortunately the roll out seems rather slow and a nice ground experience also does not make up for a lousy inflight experience..... Here is to hoping that they will improve their service onboard as well!
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