United Airlines is spotlighting services at San Francisco International

Just this January, United Airlines opened its ultra-modern Boarding Area E in Terminal 3 at San Francisco International (SFO). Bathed in natural light, the new space serves up inspiring art, a convenient layout and contemporary furnishings. And where else but Frisco would offer bottle-filling stations and a yoga room?

Now, United has announced that it is upping the ante for elite passengers by expanding its Mercedes-Benz tarmac transportation service. The transport option offers members of the airline’s invitation-only Global Services program greater comfort and convenience by chauffeuring them to their connections. No running required.

United will offer the tarmac service this spring, using Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC SUVs with environmentally friendly clean-diesel technology. Only some Global Services members and United Global First customers will be able to avail themselves of the luxurious ride, however. But those lucky passengers will be met by United representatives at the aircraft, be escorted to a waiting Mercedes-Benz vehicle and then be driven across the tarmac to the connecting flight. The expediting service gives priority to customers with close connections.

“We are delighted to offer our busiest travelers—for whom time is so important—another way to make their travel easier and more convenient,” said Jimmy Samartzis, United’s vice president of customer experience. “With the tarmac transfer service, our investments in the new Boarding Area E in Terminal 3 and new terminal facilities to come, we are strengthening San Francisco as the region’s premier hub and the nation’s best trans-Pacific gateway.”

But maybe you desire a Benz of your very own—in which case, being a MileagePlus Premier member should stand you in good stead: The airline and Mercedes-Benz are also pairing up to provide attractive promotional packages and bonus miles to members who purchase or lease certain new Mercedes vehicles—including the E-Class, M-Class and CLS-Class. Current Benz-buying and -leasing offers are available here.

However, if you’re not in the market for a new Benz and you aren’t an elite flyer with United, you can still refill your water bottle and take a yoga break between flights, as those options are available for all travelers at SFO—but rarely elsewhere, we suspect.
 
Author:  Shân Willis
Courtesy: Premier Traveler