The response from customers, the media and employees toward United Polaris since its December debut has been nothing short of overwhelming. As many of you have seen firsthand, we truly have set the standard for business class travel, not only with our inflight amenities, but with the on-the-ground product as well.

Our United Polaris lounge at ORD, the first of nine such lounges, has become so popular that customers are spending more time there than we predicted -- which is great testament to how we are exceeding our customers' expectations. Because of that, however, we’ve experienced overcrowding, particularly during peak times, and we need your help: We invite employees traveling positive space (PS) or space available (SA) with a seat assignment in United Polaris first or United Polaris business class to visit the United Club instead of the United Polaris lounge. Beginning on April 3, employees traveling PS or SA will no longer be allowed access to the United Polaris lounge. As we add new lounge locations, we will re-evaluate employee access and update you on any changes to that policy.

Jane Tyse