Got this email today and while it is reassuring to know that we are retaining our current status until the new program rollout; I had hoped there would be more precise info on what/when to expect the new program. Late spring doesn't really tell us much, does it?

Am curious if all elites on both programs got a similar email too.

Dear xxxxxx,

As a valued Chairman's Preferred member, we want to make you aware of some important information about your membership.

The new Dividend Miles program will debut in late spring of 2006. At that time, we will be combining qualifying elite miles and segments earned in both US Airways' Dividend Miles and America West’s FlightFund programs into a single Dividend Miles account. When the new Dividend Miles program is introduced, we will send you updated membership credentials and benefits information.

In the meantime, your Chairman's Preferred status, membership card and existing benefits are valid until your new Dividend Miles membership credentials arrive. Please be sure to:

* Ignore the expiration date on your Chairman's Preferred membership card even if it expires in February 2006.
* Use your existing Chairman's Preferred membership card when you travel on US Airways, America West or our partners. We have advised employees, partners and airport security to honor cards with a February 2006 expiration date.
* Update your account information. If you have accounts in both programs, make sure your contact information is identical.
* Go to usairways.com/dm/preferred06 for program benefits and information

If you have any questions, please contact us at elitemerger@usairways.com.

All of us at US Airways are pleased to serve you. Thank you for flying with us and for continuing to be a loyal customer.

Sincerely,

John M. Reistrup

Am curious if all elites on both programs got a similar email too.

"All" is a strong word, but a similar e-mail was also sent to at least a number of HP elites (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=525180).

(I didn't receive it, but no matter what I do, or who I talk to, HP can't seem to get this CP on the e-mail distribution list. :( -- Poor me, huh? ;) )

Buried in the depths of the US website is an announcement that says Dividend Miles Prefered Status Extended (http://www.usairways.com/dividendmiles/preferredlevels/preferred06.htm).

It basically sounds as if they're not quite ready to transition into the "new" program on March 1st. So the good news is that for Silver and Gold Elites, the DM mileage bonus will accrue at the old rate of 50% and 100% respectively. I'm just guessing that "late spring" means April or May. In any case, it's a reprieve from the miles devaluation which will indeed apply to Silver and Gold members.

The new program will have 4 tiers of membership. The new program will add an interesting perk -- the ability for CPs to nominate a friend to Silver status. We're looking forward to being able to slide our son up to Silver status. Some years he has flown sufficient Silver qualifying miles, and other years he has come up short.

Time will tell when it all takes effect.

Barry

The HP & Northwest Airlines frequent flyer partnership will end on March 31, 2006. You can't credit NWA miles to US DM, so maybe they are waiting to discontinue FF until after this date?

The HP & Northwest Airlines frequent flyer partnership will end on March 31, 2006. You can't credit NWA miles to US DM, so maybe they are waiting to discontinue FF until after this date?

Then why wouldn't they give a firm date. I think it is system issues.

We have advised employees, partners and airport security to honor cards with a February 2006 expiration date.[/COLOR]

Uh huh...I can't wait to fight this one with the ID nazis. This means I actually have to hold a conversation with them testing the boundaries of the English language.

I guess this means I won't be getting my 2006 TA upgrades until the year is half over - sigh.

Never got the email referred to in the first post but got one about online check-in:

Dear NYCOMMUTER:
There is a simple way to avoid hassles and save time at the airport during this busy holiday season or anytime - online Flight Check-In at usairways.com, now available on both domestic and international flights.

Another brilliant move, US; not even reading a recycled December email before re-sending it.

Never got the email referred to in the first post but got one about online check-in:

Dear NYCOMMUTER:
There is a simple way to avoid hassles and save time at the airport during this busy holiday season or anytime - online Flight Check-In at usairways.com, now available on both domestic and international flights.

Another brilliant move, US; not even reading a recycled December email before re-sending it.

It is President's Day Weekend ;)

So does that still mean we get a FULL year of preferred 2006 status? For example, if the new DM program comes in June 2006, it'd better be valid until at least June 2007! I'd hate to be someone that qualified for a higher level in 2005 but because of merger issues I didn't get my new card/status until June 2006, only to have it expire 8 months later in Feb 2007.

So does that still mean we get a FULL year of preferred 2006 status? For example, if the new DM program comes in June 2006, it'd better be valid until at least June 2007! I'd hate to be someone that qualified for a higher level in 2005 but because of merger issues I didn't get my new card/status until June 2006, only to have it expire 8 months later in Feb 2007.

As soon as you qualify you get your new status and card. At least I did.

As soon as you qualify you get your new status and card. At least I did.
That's the problem (with the extended status in the email) ... I take it means if someone qualified in March 2006 for new status (whether upgrade or newbie), that would mean they would receive a card with the new status and an expiry date of February 2006?!?!

Uh huh...I can't wait to fight this one with the ID nazis. This means I actually have to hold a conversation with them testing the boundaries of the English language.[/QUOTE]

Especially outside the US it will be real fun to get into the clubs!
LH and TG lounge staff will be defenitely well informed!
This is absolutely unprofessional at least they should mail out some temporary cards to their Star Alliance Gold people or some sticker for the cards !
Sometimes you really get the feeling that this airline has some goofy management. What the hell is a reasonable explanation for not getting the cards together?

Buried in the depths of the US website is an announcement that says Dividend Miles Prefered Status Extended (http://www.usairways.com/dividendmiles/preferredlevels/preferred06.htm).

It basically sounds as if they're not quite ready to transition into the "new" program on March 1st. So the good news is that for Silver and Gold Elites, the DM mileage bonus will accrue at the old rate of 50% and 100% respectively. I'm just guessing that "late spring" means April or May. In any case, it's a reprieve from the miles devaluation which will indeed apply to Silver and Gold members.

The new program will have 4 tiers of membership. The new program will add an interesting perk -- the ability for CPs to nominate a friend to Silver status. We're looking forward to being able to slide our son up to Silver status. Some years he has flown sufficient Silver qualifying miles, and other years he has come up short.

Time will tell when it all takes effect.

Barry

Wouldn't it be fun to be able to nominate a CP to be downgraded to SP? Just kidding.

Hmm, I wonder if they will be extending the dating on the European companion upgrade certificates that they give out to CP.

If the cards expiry date is Feb 06 then good luck using them on the Star Alliance network. How are *A lounge wardens supposed to honour this ? If the card has exired, it has expired. Full stop.

. . . Wouldn't it be fun to be able to nominate a CP to be downgraded to SP?

Actually, it would be a delight to be able nominate a CEO or VP for downgrading if they fail to make the airline successful & profitable.

Let's see, now you only get 25% of your multi million dollar bonus and no stock warrants or pension bump ... and your health insurance benefits have been cut to resemble what your employees receive. ;)

Barry