Interior view of the United Club Lounge Seattle. Photo / WayneSlezak, Supplied
Sharon Stephenson checks into the United Club Lounge Seattle
Check in: Whoever decided Business Class passengers get their own dedicated security line at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport deserves a pay rise. It allowed me to swerve around the poor sods queuing for hours for the privilege of being yelled at by
security staff. Once I got to the United Club Lounge, Patti, the very sweet receptionist, gave me a tour and frequently stopped by to ask if I had everything I needed.
First impressions: At noon on a Thursday, the lounge was emptier than a Kardashian's head. And although it filled up during the afternoon it never had that horrible "holding-pen" feel that so many lounges have. The maximum capacity is 173 and although it's not one of United's flash new Polaris lounges, it's still pretty good.
What's there: A game of two halves — seating on two sides flanked around a central reception desk/food station/bar. It's an arrangement that creates a womb-like sense of privacy. There are both comfy low-slung chairs and bar-style seating, perfect for those who are tall and have good knees, neither of which is me. There are no showers but spotlessly clean loos.
Who's there: Mainly business travellers, plus a kid determined to break the world record for screaming. Thankfully his parents whisk him into the "multi-purpose" room, which is also used for service dogs. And how do I say this without causing offence? Lots of people talking really, really loudly into their phones. Although I was riveted by a woman having an argument with someone I presume was her boss: she sobbed loudly and repeatedly and claimed she was being victimised for being "too attractive". There are also two small sound-proofed rooms should you need peace and quiet; I just wish the Texan bloke, who should be charged for excessive use of the term "let's be clear", had made use of them.
