Hopefully all the great aspects of the DM program will be retained. I don't mind the 100K tier miles for top tier but there will probably be a lot of whining from AW folk who fly between 75K and 100K a year. Of course, with the greatly expanded route structure, they should be able to hit 100K with the merged entity.

From the Q&A in the email:

What will happen to my frequent flyer miles?
Once the merger is approved, our frequent flyer programs will be combined under the Dividend Miles brand. Your mileage balance is secure and will be transferred into the combined program.

If they have any sense they'll convert the top tier to CP regardless. They may well drop the CP qualification level to 75k -- it's not like they're in a position of strength with the customer base nor is it at all unusual in the competitive landscape.

We have NO idea what will happen. I am sure there will be a grace period and probably many of the top tier on HP will be converted to CP based on their travel patterns, how much they paid ect. I don't think the top tier will drop to 75k. However, who knows. That is anyones guess at this point.

Before the merger HP had limited East coast routes and no European destinations. Now that that is possible I am sure that they will keep the 100k tier. Or maybe they will come to a compromise. Hard to say at this point.

We have NO idea what will happen. I am sure there will be a grace period and probably many of the top tier on HP will be converted to CP based on their travel patterns, how much they paid ect. I don't think the top tier will drop to 75k. However, who knows. That is anyones guess at this point.

Before the merger HP had limited East coast routes and no European destinations. Now that that is possible I am sure that they will keep the 100k tier. Or maybe they will come to a compromise. Hard to say at this point.
Seems to me the solution is simple. Add a new 75k tier to the plan. I think US should've done this anyway. Why should one have to DOUBLE their travel to hit the next tier in a program. Do your tiers in 25k increments. I would've been doing MR's or other unecessary trips like crazy at the end of last year if there was a 75k tier since I came in at around 70k miles for the year.

Sean

Seems to me the solution is simple. Add a new 75k tier to the plan. I think US should've done this anyway. Why should one have to DOUBLE their travel to hit the next tier in a program. Do your tiers in 25k increments.

The only question I'd have if they added a tier is what would be the real benefit to the program? The biggest advantage I see (based on the published benefits) of CP over GP is the CP desk and clearing upgrades at the 7 day window. I'm not sure how you could add a tier between GP & CP without diluting the benefits to one or both levels.

What Doug Parker has said is that they will take the best features of both plans... they haven't decided any of the details yet. Those will come in the ensuing months.

Top tier qualification requirements:

AA 100k
UA 100k
US 100k
HP 75k
NW 75k
CO 75k
DL 75k

Given the rather loose coupling between US & UA (just about the only benefit to being CP when you fly UA is that you can get an E+ seat...) I see no advantage to keeping the top tier mileage requirements aligned. It would be different if there was a recipricol upgrade arrangement like NW & CO have.

Hopefully they keep the CP mileage carryover . . . .

If they reduce it to 75K you can bet the carryover will go bye bye. Does any other carrier have the carryover?

T

If they reduce it to 75K you can bet the carryover will go bye bye. Does any other carrier have the carryover?

T


I don't disagree with that thinking; however, they need to offer something for going above the mileage threshold or risk losing elites to other carriers in the 2nd half of the year. UA offers additional SWUs for every 25K above 1K.

If they reduce it to 75K you can bet the carryover will go bye bye. Does any other carrier have the carryover?

T

As I recall they're copying DL on the subject. And DL is 75k for top tier. I'm not sure if anyone else does it on a "pure" basis. A vague memory tells me that someone does the carryover but only for those who hit 125%+ of the target. Or something like that.

In any event it is a great benefit that costs them practically nothing. In the state they're in they can't have too many of those ;) I expect it to remain -- irregardless of any possible adjustment to the top tier qualification level.

The only question I'd have if they added a tier is what would be the real benefit to the program? The biggest advantage I see (based on the published benefits) of CP over GP is the CP desk and clearing upgrades at the 7 day window. I'm not sure how you could add a tier between GP & CP without diluting the benefits to one or both levels.

The new "Platinum Preferred" gets upgrades at the 5 day window (1-3-5-7 seems to make sense) so they are in line behind the CP's but ahead of GP's. Other benefits could be scaled accordingly. It just seems like the gap between GP and CP is pretty large. Of course the other solutions would either be to drop down the CP level to that of CO's top tier, or increase the GP level to say 65,000 miles but I don't know that either of these would be as popular as adding a tier.

Sean

I don't expect to see anything negative happen with respect to the airlines respective mileage programs.

We're the customers. The money comes from us. They're in no position to be aggravating us.

I don't expect to see anything negative happen with respect to the airlines respective mileage programs.

We're the customers. The money comes from us. They're in no position to be aggravating us.

Agreed, but that hasn't stopped the folks in CCY before. I'm hoping Doug and the HP gang won't rock the boat.

The disease known as CCY is history or this whole thing will fail.

Another option would be to do what some of the non-US airlines do...create one mileage hurdle to make status and another to keep it (e.g. 100K to make top tier and 75K to retain it.) This way, anyone who is with HP's top tier will only need to fly 75K to make it.

As an aside, I wonder how many GP's flew between 75-100K ie. what would be the program dilution.

Agreed, but that hasn't stopped the folks in CCY before. I'm hoping Doug and the HP gang won't rock the boat.

As I see it, Doug has quite a dilemma on his hands.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but his idea of a flight mileage bonus means bonus revenue to the airline. The only promo bonuses I've seen in my two and a halve years on HP are 'fly X flights to XYZ and earn a companion ticket to Mexico or from XYZ airport' and the 'generous' 500 hundred mile web booking bonus. Not exactly what us DM's come to expect.

He has reduced gold and platinum flight mile bonuses down from a generous level to industry standard levels (50%/100%). This I don't really hold against him, I'm just trying to convey the stinginess that flightfund is all about.

Oh, and how does he handle the current HP policy of companion upgrades at the gate versus confirmed pre-upgrading.

The only very positive thing that FlightFund can add to DM is 15,000 mile RT Awards for destinations less than 750 miles from the originating airport. This was added to FFund at the same time of the flight milage bonus reductions. Tit for tat.

I am eagerly awaiting how he will reward me as a top tier on both HP/US. Or will a new Plan B in my future? HP was my original Plan B when 1st US bankrupcy was declared, since I mainy fly transcons from the east and between western cities.

SAT night stayover rule for basic 25K awards has meant this was one more lonely credit card for me and mine. After it became clear one could not GIVE away these airmiles (even the miles for mags guys gave up on Dividend Miles a week or two ago)...and then that awful industry non-standard SAT stayover...meant no more Dividend Miles accumulation for this mile hound.

I forget even who the issuing bank is behind this airline...and I still have my cards....they just sit unused.

maybe US Air will wise up and become more aligned w/ industry use of ff miles. And then again, maybe not.

Continental and AA do it another way (secretive capacity controls, and not so secretive in the case of Nonepass)...US Air just loads up the gotchas and goes at it another [inept] way..

Has sure driven me away.

On absorbtion:

"You will be absorbed.
Your individuality will merge
into the unity of good,
and in your submergence into the common being of the body,
you will find contentment
and fulfillment.
You will experience...
the absolute good." - Landru

Welcome to DM!

... they need to offer something for going above the mileage threshold or risk losing elites to other carriers in the 2nd half of the year

The unpublished benefit of the CP carryover has kept me flying US well past the threshhold. With the merger and the possibility that the CP carryover may be an alien feature to the new bosses, I'm not sure what's best for me - my heart says to continue flying US and hope for the best, but my head is urging caution. I hope they'd do it for another year at least, and give a heads-up if a change is coming.

The unpublished benefit of the CP carryover has kept me flying US well past the threshhold. With the merger and the possibility that the CP carryover may be an alien feature to the new bosses, I'm not sure what's best for me - my heart says to continue flying US and hope for the best, but my head is urging caution. I hope they'd do it for another year at least, and give a heads-up if a change is coming.

Ditto!

The unpublished benefit of the CP carryover has kept me flying US well past the threshhold. With the merger and the possibility that the CP carryover may be an alien feature to the new bosses, I'm not sure what's best for me - my heart says to continue flying US and hope for the best, but my head is urging caution. I hope they'd do it for another year at least, and give a heads-up if a change is coming.
Forgive my ignorance but is there a cap on the number of miles you can "roll over" to the following year? If there is no cap and say you fly 175K in a year. Meaning you need 25K to make CP quals for the next year. Now you need to give US 25K of your miles and then you could technically go to another airline and be assured of CP for the following year meaning US could lose your business for most of a year.

Whereas if you dont' rollover and have to re-earn 100K each year then US is "guaranteed" 100K out of you every year instead of say 175K then only 25K. They could potentially lose you as a customer for the better part of the year instead of losing you as a customer for say 3 months out of the year.

I would like the rollover but I'll prolly top out at 110K this year as I do only domestic flights and only 1 rt per week so yeah getting that extra 10K would be nice to start the year over with but I could easily see them "dropping" this part of DM at least up front.

Lance

Forgive my ignorance but is there a cap on the number of miles you can "roll over" to the following year? If there is no cap and say you fly 175K in a year. Meaning you need 25K to make CP quals for the next year. Now you need to give US 25K of your miles and then you could technically go to another airline and be assured of CP for the following year meaning US could lose your business for most of a year.

Whereas if you dont' rollover and have to re-earn 100K each year then US is "guaranteed" 100K out of you every year instead of say 175K then only 25K. They could potentially lose you as a customer for the better part of the year instead of losing you as a customer for say 3 months out of the year.

I would like the rollover but I'll prolly top out at 110K this year as I do only domestic flights and only 1 rt per week so yeah getting that extra 10K would be nice to start the year over with but I could easily see them "dropping" this part of DM at least up front.

Lance

No cap. I started this year with over 50K from rollover, others had many more going back to the days of GOM. I can see both sides of the argument for/against rollover. However, looking at your rationale the airline would lose the additional 75K from one year. Ultimately the lost revenue would be about the same unless there are dramatic shifts in pricing or flying behavior. And while some flyers would only be lost for the 3 months you suggest, I could stop flying US today and still be CP next year. That is over 6 months of lost revenue.....

AFAIK, there's no carryover cap for this unpublished benefit. Another unpublished benefit is a complimentary basic Club membership for 150k fliers (and longtime CPs too) - not much, but a nice gesture of appreciation.

One of the nice features of the *A is the ability to credit Miles on *A flights to one account only. Since I fly predominantly on US and knowing that the CP carryover would more likely than not continue as it has for the last 3 years, I've just used my US account for all *A flights.

If the CP carryover is to be dropped and with enough of a heads-up, I could try to do only 100k or so on my US account each year, and credit the remainder to another *A carrier like UA or SQ and possibly earn status and benefits there too (there are others on this forum who are both UA 1K and US CP). Of course, the thought of flying a non-*A airline has not entered my mind :)

Best part of being a CP and flying with US is access to the CP Desk, and I hope the stellar service remains undiminished.

Well who knows if it will carry over or not. Just could see an argument for and against having it from the airline's side. You guys obviously fly a heck of alot more than I do but I fly exclusively HP and only one rt a week at most. The rollover would be nice for me but would only garner me say 10K towards next year which isn't chump milage (about a month of flying for me).

Well we'll have to see if it continues. I have a feeling I'll never get an upgrade though with all the huge amounts of flying alot of US Airways people do with only 12 seats on A319's and A320's

BTW what do you guys use the CP desk for? I mean I call up FF to change seats, check status of some flights but mostly routine stuff. The way I've heard about the CP desk it seems like they call you up to see how your family is doing and if you need a few bucks to make it to monday :)

Lance

You can use the CP desk for everything. They are your personal Liason. They have called me personally to 1) Tell me my flight has been cancelled or chaged. They can sometimes "bend rules" that should not normally be done. They are awesome. And when you make a reservation you are put at the top of the hold que if you are on hold at all. The longest (so far knock on wood) I have had to wait on the phone for someone to answer is 5 rings and I call a lot.

I have gotten to know Cathy and she even gave me her extension number if I would like to deal with just her. And I do. She is simply the best.

This email was sent to you by US Airways. To ensure delivery directly to your inbox please add dmpromotions@usairways.com to your address book today.

Dear Spiff
Dividend Miles #: XXXXXXX

Because of your loyalty to US Airways, I want to make you aware of an important step our company has taken.
US Airways Group, Inc. and America West Holding Corp. today announced a merger that will expand service, create more choice for our customers, and enhance opportunities for you to earn and redeem Dividend Miles for award travel or upgrades.

The combined airline, which will be called US Airways, will create the first nationwide, full-service, low-cost, low-fare network airline, with service extending from coast-to-coast, as well as Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe. With this merger, we are pioneering a new airline business model that has distinct advantages over other competitors:

Service, network, cost-structure and simplified pricing that you have come to expect; and
Customer amenities such as a world-class frequent flyer program, airport clubs, pre-assigned seating and
First Class upgrades.
Until approval of the merger, a process expected to take several months, it will be business as usual for US Airways and America West customers, and there will be no joint marketing or operations between the two airlines. You should continue to book flights through www.usairways.com, US Airways reservations or your travel agent, check in for flights at US Airways counters and redeem Dividend Miles for flights on US Airways or any of our Star Alliance or frequent flyer program partners.

Upon approval of the merger, we will clearly communicate various customer initiatives, such as combining frequent flyer programs, co-locating airport gates and ticket counters, integrating Internet Web sites, and implementing other sales and marketing enhancements.

We have enclosed answers to a number of questions that you may have. Please be assured that as we move through this exciting process, we will keep you informed of important developments.

A dedicated section of www.usairways.com has been created to provide additional background information about this merger. As this process continues, we will be updating the site regularly.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you on your next US Airways flight.

Sincerely,


N. Bruce Ashby
Executive Vice President,
Marketing and Planning

BTW what do you guys use the CP desk for?


EVERYTHING!

The men and women at the CP desk are amazing. Simply do a search here on the US board and you'll find many stories attesting to that.

I call when my upgrades clear to request my preferred seat, 2D...
I call when my schedule changes at the last minute, and I need to know my options...
I call when I absolutely need to get somewhere, and everything is sold out...
I call when I'm at the airport and **** hits the fan due to weather or otherwise...
I call when I'm running late for a flight, am stuck at security, and hear the "last call" announcement for my flight...
I call when my promotional bonus miles don't post correctly...
I call when I'm at the AC counter and they can't find my res (which I find out is due to the fact that I don't have my paper ticket...doh!) The CP desk then calls me back to make sure everything is taken care of and that I've made my flight...

EVERYTHING!

I guess I never run into these situations other than requesting a seat and pretty much it's full except bulkhead F seats when Plats are upgraded anyway. Sometimes bonus miles don't post but FF plat line works fine. I guess I've just been lucky but FF plat has been enough to satisfy my needs. Hopefully I won't need anymore than that in the future either :)

Thanks for the lowdown on CP desk.

Lance

..... only 12 seats on A319's and A320's

US has 12 FC seats on the A319s and 16 on the A320s :)

The most difficult UGs are the 757s with only 8 FC - especially to LAS

I guess I've just been lucky but FF plat has been enough to satisfy my needs. Hopefully I won't need anymore than that in the future either :)

Thanks for the lowdown on CP desk.


And you should pray to your God that it stays that way because once you go CP desk, you can't go back!

To summarize allllll that they do:

1. Fix any problem--find your missing bag, re-route you, replace your cancelled or delayed flight, post missing miles, etc. etc.
2. Proactive care--they'll call you about a problem with your travel before you even know it. They'll also call you back to follow up on big needs, and to make sure all work out as it was suppose to.

Where else can you call and have someone answer the phone, "Good Morning Mr. EnvoyBoy. How are you today?"?

US has 12 FC seats on the A319s and 16 on the A320s :)

The most difficult UGs are the 757s with only 8 FC - especially to LAS
Yeah I knew that the US 320's had more than HP did. I guess the question will be do they change the configurations to match each other (kinda have to I think) and what match do they go to? HP 757s have 14 FC seats at least although I still hate flying on them as they are pretty old looking inside.

Lance

I would think that with this merger all “good components” of each airline would be used in the newly formed airline to create an even bigger and better airline – improved benefits to top-tier (and elite) members, more first class seats (for upgrades and yield potential), and the addition of US Airways Clubs to system to keep members coming back for more. US Airways won’t want to piss of its top-tier members who have been keeping them afloat.

I would think that with this merger all “good components” of each airline would be used in the newly formed airline to create an even bigger and better airline – improved benefits to top-tier (and elite) members, more first class seats (for upgrades and yield potential), and the addition of US Airways Clubs to system to keep members coming back for more. US Airways won’t want to piss of its top-tier members who have been keeping them afloat.


That would make too much sense and we are talking about the airline industry.

And you should pray to your God that it stays that way because once you go CP desk, you can't go back!

To summarize allllll that they do:

1. Fix any problem--find your missing bag, re-route you, replace your cancelled or delayed flight, post missing miles, etc. etc.
2. Proactive care--they'll call you about a problem with your travel before you even know it. They'll also call you back to follow up on big needs, and to make sure all work out as it was suppose to.

Where else can you call and have someone answer the phone, "Good Morning Mr. EnvoyBoy. How are you today?"?

I recently flew Continental for the first time in a long time and though I was upgraded and CO is generally a good airline, I got a chance to really appreciate US and the CP Personal Liasons. I had a problem with posting of miles and I was on the phone for an hour with CO "Customer Care" only to find out they couldn't help me. I am now booking my August flights on US even though other carriers are cheaper. The Personal Liasons really make a difference!

As a token of goodwill to the HP people (since they have a smaller route map and don't have the *A codeshares), I suspect the 75Ks will be bumped to 100K (CP). And as a CP, I don't have a problem with that. Meanwhile, they should keep CP at 100K - making it truely exclusive. Just look at United. 1Ks are fighting to get upgrades and they had to create UGS (another, but unpublished level) to allow their best customers to actually be able to upgrade.

On the topic of carryover, I think carryover is a very positive thing for both the customers and the airline. The argument seems to go that if you had 90K carryover, then you could get the 10K to requalify for CP the following year and abandon US for another airline trying to get status on that airline. I disagree with this, since you want to enjoy the benefits of CP status - why start over on another airline? And you are building for the following year. If you fly 150K for 6 years - I think you're entitled to 3 years of comp'd CP status due to carryover...

I agree that AW elites will be moved to CP, even if they were >75K and <100K. Doing anything less would just be dumb.

The problem with the carry-over arguement, building credit for future years, is that every year there is the "will they/won't they" question. Until they say it is a permanent feature, there is always the temptation to stray elsewhere one the balance is over 200k. The value of building credits for 3 years out gets somewhat marginal given the uncertainties in both the rollover and the marketplace in general.

Rather than concentrating on miles, I get most of my elite statuses by segments.

For example, I almost took a job in Phoenix. That would mean, no matter what carrier I flew (except for Southwest) I'd be getting 4 segments/week. I would have no trouble getting 200 segments/year.

In fact, if I had taken that job, I would probably have split it between NW and US, winding up top tier elite on both airlines.

On a less dramatic note, my current commute would not possible generate enough EQMs to get to top tier. However, by booking multi-segment trips, I can easily get to Platinum.

Not sure if any carrier allows segment carryover, though.

Not sure if any carrier allows segment carryover, though.

US has the past few years.

Just look at United. 1Ks are fighting to get upgrades and they had to create UGS (another, but unpublished level) to allow their best customers to actually be able to upgrade.

Are you speaking from your own experience? Not mine. My upgrade success ratio is 100% as 1K this year, flying out of Dulles of all places. Now, Premier Exec is a little different, but 1K is fabulous. 6 SWU's plus 2 for each 50 EQM above 100 - I'll get 8-10 SWU's this year. 4 CR-1's per year - confirmed at time of booking when available. and 4 500 milers for every 10,000 BIS miles. With half of my (UA) BIS miles from paid international C, I never run out of upgrades.

Plus .... UA actually has a product that can be considered F, not just big seats and free drinks. Real glass, cloth napkins, hot nuts, you get the picture.

Just in from my TA - "America West Airlines recently changed their seat assignment policy so that no exit row or elite seats can be assigned until after the ticket is purchased/issued. (not when you reserve it) This means it is no longer possible to determine what seat you will be able to get until after you have committed yourself. Strange policy, I know, but I didn’t write it!"

I don't fly them so I don't care, but this could be a bad sign of things to come on US...

Not sure if any carrier allows segment carryover, though.


Carryover has been for miles and segments over 100(k), so the same points apply.

The problem with the carry-over arguement, building credit for future years, is that every year there is the "will they/won't they" question. Until they say it is a permanent feature, there is always the temptation to stray elsewhere one the balance is over 200k. The value of building credits for 3 years out gets somewhat marginal given the uncertainties in both the rollover and the marketplace in general.

I agree, with the aviation market in turmoil, it is hard to justify having just one top elite status and loyalty to one airline without some added benefit.

If they have any sense they'll convert the top tier to CP regardless. They may well drop the CP qualification level to 75k -- it's not like they're in a position of strength with the customer base nor is it at all unusual in the competitive landscape.


Delta and company already dropped the top tier requirements. I wouldn't be surprised if DM follows suit. The only reason they may not is to maintain uniformity with the other *A brands. I can't see UA dropping it, and they might make it a condition (so the US 75k people don't trump their 75k people) of the merger NOT to drop the qualification.

But it is all speculative. I know DL dropped it to be in line with NW and CO. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens here.

Delta and company already dropped the top tier requirements. I wouldn't be surprised if DM follows suit. The only reason they may not is to maintain uniformity with the other *A brands. I can't see UA dropping it, and they might make it a condition (so the US 75k people don't trump their 75k people) of the merger NOT to drop the qualification.

But it is all speculative. I know DL dropped it to be in line with NW and CO. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens here.

There is no real uniformity among Star carriers. AC for instance has their lowest tiers set lower than US (15K and 35K). Spanair uses a points-based system rather than miles and segments. etc. etc. US can do whatever they feel best meets the needs of their business.

I'm just thankful that US is hanging around a bit longer w/ enhanced capacity.

Does anyone know for certain whether or not *A carriers are required to have 100k as the top tier threshold? Or something functionally equivalent?

Does anyone know for certain whether or not *A carriers are required to have 100k as the top tier threshold? Or something functionally equivalent?

BMI's top tier is 38,000 miles.

And keep in mind too, Star Gold and top tier are NOT equivalent on UA. Premier Exec is *G, at 50K/60segments.
I think the "cheapest" *G was AC at 35K. That may have changed in the last few years, but I don't think Star cares what the top tier is for any individual airline, only what the *G qualification level is. The exception being UA, who have a more comprehensive tie-up with US, obviously.

I'm new to this forum, coming over from HP as a silver. Am I correct in assuming I won't get upgrades unless I use miles? :confused:

I'm new to this forum, coming over from HP as a silver. Am I correct in assuming I won't get upgrades unless I use miles? :confused:

We're awaiting the details of the new program, but under the current DM program, unlimited upgrades are available at all levels. The windows to claims upgrades just differ (7,3,1 days), so you would get free upgrades if CP/Gold hadn't already claimed all of them. If the current HP program is similar, I can't imagine it will change much.

I'm new to this forum, coming over from HP as a silver. Am I correct in assuming I won't get upgrades unless I use miles? :confused:

If you mean, what is the likelihood of a silver/US3 getting an upgrade....

Small, small chance for markets like:
PHL-LAS
PHL-LAX
PHL-SFO
PHL-MCO
PHL-AUA
PHL-CLT

I sit next to US3 sometimes in markets like DEN, BOS, DFW. The unlimited upgrades really reduced the chance for US3's to upgrade because before, Golds/US2's didn't always use certificates on shorter flights.

[QUOTE=USLurker]If you mean, what is the likelihood of a silver/US3 getting an upgrade....

Small, small chance for markets like:
PHL-LAS
PHL-LAX
PHL-SFO
PHL-MCO
PHL-AUA
PHL-CLT
QUOTE]

So basically I'm screwed. I get consistently upgraded on HP out of PHL, I was just wondering how it worked at US.

As a US3 I have batted 12 for 15 on domestic upgrades. 4 out of 4 using Transatlantic Space Availables.

Most of those flights were at 100% F & Y.
The only upgrades I've missed....
1.) PHL-BNA Sunday after Thanksgiving
2.) BNA-CLT random Thursday but it seemed to be sold out revenue first
3.) PVD-PHL 6 a.m. flight after a previous day of 5 cancelled PHL flights in a row. I had a F seat on my previous night's cancelled 830p flight.

So basically I'm screwed. I get consistently upgraded on HP out of PHL, I was just wondering how it worked at US.

That's the way I am reading it. If you fly to PHL a lot like my wife, it will be a nasty trip. I never go to PHL, but travel to a lot of places back east where AA goes. So it looks like all of my AA Plat business stays and will not go to US and I will also switch my HP business to AA and make it an EP next year with AA. I plan to check out PHX PHL options for my wife so she can dump HP/US too.

IMHO Parker and crew are shooting themselves in the foot on the very first day. I've already cancelled an HP flight to DFW this month and am taking AA instead. I usually go HP when I can go direct, and AA when HP doesn't go there. But from now on in, it looks like I will only fly US when I absolutely have to. I'll consolidate everything with AA and look for another carrier as back up for flights in the West.

[QUOTE=USLurker]If you mean, what is the likelihood of a silver/US3 getting an upgrade....

Small, small chance for markets like:
PHL-LAS
PHL-LAX
PHL-SFO
PHL-MCO
PHL-AUA
PHL-CLT
QUOTE]

So basically I'm screwed. I get consistently upgraded on HP out of PHL, I was just wondering how it worked at US.

On PHL-MCO and PHL-CLT is rather easy for a US3 to get an upgrade even on a sold out flight if you fly the A321.

[QUOTE=TopGun]

On PHL-MCO and PHL-CLT is rather easy for a US3 to get an upgrade even on a sold out flight if you fly the A321.

The A321 and 767 are the exceptions. You see mostly the 757 on MCO.

One more to add. Totally forget about PHL-ORD. Flights are on 733's...and are impossible (virtually) to upgrade. I'm on this route at least 2x per month. I'm batting 1 for 18 so far this year...

One more to add. Totally forget about PHL-ORD. Flights are on 733's...and are impossible (virtually) to upgrade. I'm on this route at least 2x per month. I'm batting 1 for 18 so far this year...


Are you US2 as your handle implies? I have flown PHL-ORD RT many times and always have gotten the upgrade both as a US2 and a US1. And during "peak business travel" times.

If you mean, what is the likelihood of a silver/US3 getting an upgrade....

Small, small chance for markets like:
PHL-LAS
PHL-LAX
PHL-SFO
PHL-MCO
PHL-AUA
PHL-CLT




No one gets an upgrade to LAS (all flights are on F8 757s). Even US1's have said they frequently are not upgraded.

As a US3 I have gotten upgraded on PHL/CLT-LAX legs before, as well as PIT-MCO and PHL-MCO. If you can get a 767 from CLT-MCO, chances of the upgrade are very good. It's always good to look for the 321's which have F26, giving you a pretty good chance of getting upgraded. So far this year, I'm 100% on DCA-BOS flights, often with a companion.

No one gets an upgrade to LAS (all flights are on F8 757s). Even US1's have said they frequently are not upgraded.



Perhaps this is wishful thinking, but I wonder if they'll re-configure the F8 757's at the time they re-paint them?

Are you US2 as your handle implies? I have flown PHL-ORD RT many times and always have gotten the upgrade both as a US2 and a US1. And during "peak business travel" times.

Yes, I'm US2, about to become a US1 later this week :) . As mentioned, I'm 1 for 18 this year...even requesting the upgrade after the reservation is made. (I have to admit, I normally book somewhere around 7 days before departure). Even so....I call the Gold number, get Alan....am told that I have been placed on the list...then end up in seat 17C !
Lets see how it works as a US1.

Yes, I'm US2, about to become a US1 later this week :) . As mentioned, I'm 1 for 18 this year...even requesting the upgrade after the reservation is made. (I have to admit, I normally book somewhere around 7 days before departure). Even so....I call the Gold number, get Alan....am told that I have been placed on the list...then end up in seat 17C !
Lets see how it works as a US1.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Chairman's!!


We'll see how long it lasts post-merger. :confused:

One more to add. Totally forget about PHL-ORD. Flights are on 733's...and are impossible (virtually) to upgrade. I'm on this route at least 2x per month. I'm batting 1 for 18 so far this year...

This flight as a pretty low first class fare (I think as low as like $599 + tax) plus there is likely more paid F travel making Asia-bound connections on UA. As UA's F cabins are F8 often people get put onto US for the PHL-ORD segement.

Rather than concentrating on miles, I get most of my elite statuses by segments.

For example, I almost took a job in Phoenix. That would mean, no matter what carrier I flew (except for Southwest) I'd be getting 4 segments/week. I would have no trouble getting 200 segments/year.

In fact, if I had taken that job, I would probably have split it between NW and US, winding up top tier elite on both airlines.

On a less dramatic note, my current commute would not possible generate enough EQMs to get to top tier. However, by booking multi-segment trips, I can easily get to Platinum.

Not sure if any carrier allows segment carryover, though.

I was in the same boat as BigLar. I managed to carry Chairman's Preferred on US and GOLD on NW for 2 years. All my status is gained by segments. It's kept me in the US1 club for 5 years now. I just hope they keep the carryover for a few more years.

Already at 100 segments for this year and I have travel booked on US until Christmas already.

Top tier qualification requirements:

CO 75k
DL 75k

It would be different if there was a recipricol upgrade arrangement like NW & CO have.

CO has been talking about bringing out a new tier above their current Platinum status for the 2006 program year; such a tier would begin at 100k miles. But it appears their move is to do more than reward those that fly 100k+/year rather than penalize those that travel 75k-100k.

With that being said, I hope US awards CP status only to those on HP who meet the 100k threshold. By simpling bringing over HP "Platinums" as US "Golds" until they cross the 100k line, you're already gifting them access to tons of new routes/cities served.

CO has been talking about bringing out a new tier above their current Platinum status for the 2006 program year; such a tier would begin at 100k miles. But it appears their move is to do more than reward those that fly 100k+/year rather than penalize those that travel 75k-100k.

With that being said, I hope US awards CP status only to those on HP who meet the 100k threshold. By simpling bringing over HP "Platinums" as US "Golds" until they cross the 100k line, you're already gifting them access to tons of new routes/cities served.
So just because we have access to other cities that I don't have to fly to that's a gift? I've managed (other than my last trip which was overseas) to fly HP exclusively. Just adding another city isn't a gift to anyone unless they can use that city. It surely wouldn't be fair to bring over HP plats who only have 75K-99K miles as "new" US golds when HP has never had any reason for us to fly beyond 75K. 75K got you plat status...100K got you plat status just the same as 75K (albeit you could "gift" someone to Silver status @ 75K then again at 100K). We had no rollover or any reason to put more miles into HP so if you didn't really have to you didn't need to fly 100K on HP. So there aren't going to be alot of 100K fliers or 120 Segment (as is being predicted as the segment cutoff) fliers on HP and you will end up ticking off alot of HP plats with that kind of move rather than giving them Chairmans for the 2006 year and then give them a year when they know they have to shoot for 100K or 120 segments.

Lance

Perhaps this is wishful thinking, but I wonder if they'll re-configure the F8 757's at the time they re-paint them?


I remember a CS rep telling me early last year that he had been informed that they were returning to F16, but that idea has been crushed here, and was proven wrong at Roachfest. HP's are F14, which would at least be a small improvement if US's 757s were reconfigured to match that.

CO has been talking about bringing out a new tier above their current Platinum status for the 2006 program year; such a tier would begin at 100k miles. But it appears their move is to do more than reward those that fly 100k+/year rather than penalize those that travel 75k-100k.

Of course there has been a lot of speculation here on FT regarding comments made by CO brass at the CO DO back in April regarding some type of status above platinum. Any changes to the OP Elite program are still pretty speculative at this point...and nothing is official as far as I have heard. The only thing that seems certain is that the folks at CO OP are 'thinking about' something to reward those who fly significantly more than the current plat elite.

Now perhaps some have an 'inside source' or something at CO HDQ here in Houston or something...that would be another story.

Regarding one of my two orphaned AWA accounts. Boldface is mine.
America West Airlines
September 6, 2005

FlightFund & America West Club Merger Update
**********************************************
As you know, America West and US Airways are joining together to create the world’s largest low-fare, full service airline. One of the most important elements of our new airline will be the combination of the best features of each airline’s frequent flyer program and airport club network. We expect the merger to be finalized within a few weeks, and then you can begin to enjoy some of the initial rewards and services of the new airline.

The merger integration will take some time to complete, but we want you to know we will soon announce frequent flyer and airport club benefits for travel to begin this fall. These include:

-- Members of both Dividend Miles and FlightFund will be able to earn and redeem miles throughout our combined route network:
-- Miles and segments earned in 2005 will count towards either Dividend Miles Preferred or FlightFund Elite status
-- America West Club members will have access to airport clubs across the expanded network
-- A new club location will be opening at Los Angeles International Airport in the coming months

In the interim, we will continue to operate each frequent flyer program separately until we integrate accounts into the new US Airways Dividend Miles Program in 2006. In the future, active membership accounts and miles earned in both airlines’ programs will be combined into a single Dividend Miles account.

If you need to fly to a destination in the next few weeks that America West does not serve, we encourage you to purchase tickets on US Airways at usairways.com. You can accrue miles in Dividend Miles, and earn even more mileage credit towards the future, now. Again, the miles you earn in either program will be ultimately combined, so start earning more and flying US Airways today. Enroll in Dividend Miles at

The new US Airways will offer amenities and benefits that will set us apart from other low-fare airlines. Your miles keep on growing and never expire in either program as long as you keep your account active. Other frequent flyer programs expire all of your award credits and start over at a zero balance within a year or two, whether you are loyal or not.

As always, we will keep you informed via e-mail and at americawest.com with complete frequent flyer, club and merger details. Thank you for your continued loyalty to America West and FlightFund. We look forward to serving you in the future as the new US Airways.

Sincerely,

H. Travis Christ
Vice President, Sales and Marketing
America West Airlines

All FlightFund and Dividend Miles terms and conditions apply.
(copious disclaimers snipped)

Regarding one of my two orphaned AWA accounts. Boldface is mine.
(copious disclaimers snipped)

Thanks for copying that into the thread---interesting stuff. Some observations:

1. No reason for all the cranky-pants HP/US whining back and forth about who should get what status on the new airline. Fact is, if I'm competing with new US (ne'e HP) elites for upgrades on the routes I take--that's a GOOD thing. IMO. :-:

1a. In that spirit of rapprochement, goheels will gladly buy beers for any HP elites he sees on the road (or at our 9/30 meet in CLT!) ;)

2. :td: 120 segments for CP? Isn't Silver only 30, Gold only 60? Just another challenge for those of us relegated too often to RJ's and multiple segments (but paying as much in BlowFares as someone going transcon...sigh...though these days most of my extortion $$$ is going to DL b/c US forgot about that whole "middle of the country" area)

3. IMO, fourth tier is an insane proposition for an airline focused on being a LCC.

4. 6689. Extend a similar (but maybe even easier) offer to HP Plats in 4Q as their 'Olive Branch' to CP status.

5. 8675309. Make it the new 1-800 # for the new and improved CPlatinum desk.

Thanks for copying that into the thread---interesting stuff. Some observations:
......

5. 8675309. Make it the new 1-800 # for the new and improved CPlatinum desk.

Hmmm for a Good time call??? Ask for Jenny??? (Retro US AIRWAYS- 80s)
:D :D :D

2. :td: 120 segments for CP? Isn't Silver only 30, Gold only 60? Just another challenge for those of us relegated too often to RJ's and multiple segments (but paying as much in BlowFares as someone going transcon...sigh...though these days most of my extortion $$$ is going to DL b/c US forgot about that whole "middle of the country" area)

3. IMO, fourth tier is an insane proposition for an airline focused on being a LCC.

4. 6689. Extend a similar (but maybe even easier) offer to HP Plats in 4Q as their 'Olive Branch' to CP status.
2. Well Silver is 30, Gold is 60, Plat is 90 and the new Chairmans would be 120. Only sounds logical...30 segments between each tier.

3. I don't think it's insane but it's alot of miles. I believe they have the route network to support it and I know more than a few HP people that did it on HP so it's certainly doable.

4. I'm not sure how many took advantage of 6689 but that could be alot of artificial CPs coming over that would bump alot of Plats out of their upgrade possibilities. Why not just "give" us top tier status and let the rolling 12 months mileage sort us all out for upgrades.

Lance

With that being said, I hope US awards CP status only to those on HP who meet the 100k threshold. By simpling bringing over HP "Platinums" as US "Golds" until they cross the 100k line, you're already gifting them access to tons of new routes/cities served.

Nothing has been said here about current CP's who only do 75-99K miles this year. If HP platinums in this range get CP, then they would have to give a reprive to CP's with the same milage range. A fourth tier is needed to be fair.

Perhaps this is wishful thinking, but I wonder if they'll re-configure the F8 757's at the time they re-paint them?

Hi SS. One would think that the 757's would be pulled from the LAS routes or be more uniform with HP's 757's considering they need over-water-certified 757's for the new Hawaii service and hope to sell a lot of FC seats. I believe that many get rotated for Caribean routes such as Cancun. Perhaps its practical thinking as well as wishful thinking. :)

Nothing has been said here about current CP's who only do 75-99K miles this year. If HP platinums in this range get CP, then they would have to give a reprive to CP's with the same milage range. A fourth tier is needed to be fair.
I disagree. US Airways DM members never had a top tier of 75K so they had no reason to expect the top tier to be 75K. HP FF members were only required to fly 75K to reach top tier and that was all our EQMs were good for at that point (no rollover) Now if they change the plan with 3 months left in the year to include a top tier over those who were told 75K is top tier that is unfair. US DM members never were told just fly 75K and you are top tier.
CPs know they have to fly 100K by the end of the year. Current CPs will be charimans in the new DM so you aren't "giving" them anything for this year but you would be giving HP Plats something for the remainder of the year. That's why I think it's certainly fair to give HP Plats top tier status in the newly merged DM AT LEAST until the end of the program year at bare minimum. I know many would argue it should be done for 2006 as well but I would rather see a challenge to those (CP or Plats even) that hit 75K but not 100K to fly enough miles in the first 2 months to get back to chairmans. (Although I'll take it if they give it to me)

Lance

Nothing has been said here about current CP's who only do 75-99K miles this year. If HP platinums in this range get CP, then they would have to give a reprive to CP's with the same milage range. A fourth tier is needed to be fair.

I have a "feeling" that the new DM will have 4 tiers, Silver (25K), Gold (50K), Platinum (75K) and CP (100K).

Question will be how long will the upgrade windows be? (1,2,3,5 or 1,3,5,7?)

1-3-5-7 would be the smartest to keep things aligned with the way things are now, but from a IM perspective I wouldnt be surprised to see a collapse.

-JC

Does anybody want to venture a guess as to when Dividend Miles members will receive an "official" e-mail from CCY on the FF program mergers?

I have a "feeling" that the new DM will have 4 tiers, Silver (25K), Gold (50K), Platinum (75K) and CP (100K).

Question will be how long will the upgrade windows be? (1,2,3,5 or 1,3,5,7?)

Let's just hope that whatever they decide, we don't have another e-mail fiasco like last year, when CCY was congratulating people for hitting higher status levels than they actually earned!!!

Hi SS. One would think that the 757's would be pulled from the LAS routes or be more uniform with HP's 757's considering they need over-water-certified 757's for the new Hawaii service and hope to sell a lot of FC seats. I believe that many get rotated for Caribean routes such as Cancun. Perhaps its practical thinking as well as wishful thinking. :)

Does F seat configuration have anything to do with "over-water" certification? (Let's hope so!)

Let's just hope that whatever they decide, we don't have another e-mail fiasco like last year, when CCY was congratulating people for hitting higher status levels than they actually earned!!!

Let's hope the folks responsible for this screwup aren't part of the new Tempe gang. ^

Does anybody want to venture a guess as to when Dividend Miles members will receive an "official" e-mail from CCY on the FF program mergers?


I suspect we will hear from Tempe once the merger is finalized.....I've had enough of CCY.

I have a "feeling" that the new DM will have 4 tiers, Silver (25K), Gold (50K), Platinum (75K) and CP (100K).

Question will be how long will the upgrade windows be? (1,2,3,5 or 1,3,5,7?)


I like the idea. As a GP who is on target to hit 85k miles it gives me something to shoot for. I have 65K now with another 5K booked. All I aske is that they let the Platinums have access to the CP desk. :D

A small tease of what's to come...
http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2005/09/05/daily12.html

I don't care what happens just as long as I'm on top!! :)

I have a "feeling" that the new DM will have 4 tiers, Silver (25K), Gold (50K), Platinum (75K) and CP (100K).

Question will be how long will the upgrade windows be? (1,2,3,5 or 1,3,5,7?)


A poster on the HP forum thinks that the new windows will be 1,2,3 and 7. For US Golds, its a day later than they're used to, but HP golds have always waited until 2 days prior, so that is the compromise.

This info is now on the US website. Looks the same as the HP announcement only signed by John Reistrup.

http://www.usairways.com/dividendmiles/us_hp_joining_together.html

Not good enough.

They need to state that they plan to merge in x quarter and the plan will be a,b,c,d computed by......

Sorry, I just don't trust them to make the right decision. I've bailed to AA as my #1 carrier to pick up ExP and will find another carrier for the West as a secondary.

This info is now on the US website. Looks the same as the HP announcement only signed by John Reistrup.

http://www.usairways.com/dividendmiles/us_hp_joining_together.html


The announcement says something about combining the HP and US frequent flyer accounts including miles flown this year. Does anyone interpret that as also combining qualifying preferred miles?

This info is now on the US website. Looks the same as the HP announcement only signed by John Reistrup.

http://www.usairways.com/dividendmiles/us_hp_joining_together.html

In my inbox this morning:

Dear shell nyc

As you know, US Airways and America West are joining together to create the world’s largest low-fare full service airline. One of the most important elements of the new US Airways will be the combination of the best features of each airline’s frequent flyer program and airport club network. We expect the merger to be finalized within a few weeks, and then you can begin to enjoy some of the initial rewards and services of the new airline.
...


If all they were going to do was a "find-replace" on the letter, why couldn't CCY send it to DM members at the same time HP send it to FF members?

If all they were going to do was a "find-replace" on the letter, why couldn't CCY send it to DM members at the same time HP send it to FF members?

"The" programmer had a few days off. ;)

Reading the email and the post on the website(s), it looks like you will have to gain or retain elite status in either of the two programs, but combined mileage will not count. I see the rather nebulous line about 'soon' being able to earn miles on the expanded network, but with no dates set, how do you decide where to put the miles? I am about half-way to Silver requalification on both DM and FF programs.

. . .If all they were going to do was a "find-replace" on the letter, why couldn't CCY send it to DM members at the same time HP send it to FF members?

Interestingly, I'm a long-time HP Plat but have received not a single merger-related e-mail from HP. Instead, I receive them from DM, where I've been a base member with 15K miles for years (until very recently).

Perhaps between the two companies they'll be able to come up with one competent IT department.

Interestingly, I'm a long-time HP Plat but have received not a single merger-related e-mail from HP. Instead, I receive them from DM, where I've been a base member with 15K miles for years (until very recently).

Perhaps between the two companies they'll be able to come up with one competent IT department.

And I'm the opposite. I'm CP on US and received nothing from them and I'm nothing on HP with a few stray miles and received the update. Maybe they secretly share an IT department.... :eek:

Interestingly, I'm a long-time HP Plat but have received not a single merger-related e-mail from HP. Instead, I receive them from DM, where I've been a base member with 15K miles for years (until very recently).

Perhaps between the two companies they'll be able to come up with one competent IT department.

According to a recent article in the Arizona Republic, US outsources all of their IT to EDS, while HP does everything in house. The article said that HP plans to do everything IT related in house with "low cost labor."

Anyone have comments on that considering the recent changes to HP's web site?

I think they figure all the higher tier people know about the merger and don't need to be notified about it and only those without status or Silver need to be told of their intentions... :D

Either that or they don't us hearing the particulars as we'll start questioning why they are doing certain things...

Lance

I'm a US CP and received the e-mail. Now, I can't seem to get the weekly E-Saver e-mails, but that's a different story.

I'm a US CP and received the e-mail. Now, I can't seem to get the weekly E-Saver e-mails, but that's a different story.


I don't receive anything from US with the exception of my DM statement. I finally got E-savers when I signed up with a different e-mail address. I have been trying to figure out why I don't get anything, but I just figure they don't like me and I'm hoping it ends when Tempe takes over.

Sorry if this has been asked before, but does anyone know when one will be able to redeem DM's for flights on HP or on combined trips? Or is this already possible? (I'm asking for a friend - I know nothing about the DM program)

Sorry if this has been asked before, but does anyone know when one will be able to redeem DM's for flights on HP or on combined trips? Or is this already possible? (I'm asking for a friend - I know nothing about the DM program)

Likely sometime in 2006. That is when they announced that the programs will be combining.

Sorry if this has been asked before, but does anyone know when one will be able to redeem DM's for flights on HP or on combined trips? Or is this already possible?
From the latest announcement:
The merger integration will take some time to complete, but we want you to know we will soon announce reciprocal frequent flyer and airport club benefits for travel to begin this fall. These include:

Members of both Dividend Miles® and FlightFund® Programs will be able to earn and redeem miles throughout our combined route network.

I'm about 200 miles short of requalifying this year for FF silver. I have 2 flights on US scheduled this fall and I asked if I should use my FF number or my DM number in order to ensure qualification. She told me that all qualifying miles on both airlines would be combined. That is, my 25000 on HP and 15000 on US would qualify me for gold. ^

I'm about 200 miles short of requalifying this year for FF silver. I have 2 flights on US scheduled this fall and I asked if I should use my FF number or my DM number in order to ensure qualification. She told me that all qualifying miles on both airlines would be combined. That is, my 25000 on HP and 15000 on US would qualify me for gold. ^

Doesn't that still leave you 10,000 miles short of gold?

Doesn't that still leave you 10,000 miles short of gold?


Yikes, my bad LOL