Nov 1, 2013, 4:08 am
Last edit by: aacharya
Moderator Note: Please keep the wiki post limited to just the facts.
New UA Award/Upgrade Chart (vs. Current Chart)
Changes took effect for travel booked starting February 3, 2014. See UA Insider's post linked here for more info about the date change. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/22263212-post2366.html
Awards with *A partners now cost more than similar awards flown only on UA metal.
See below for the round-trip increases on partner metal :
Changes to upgrade policy for intra-Asia and northern South America flights
Questions and Answers
Q: If I book an award in January 2014 and then make changes in February or beyond (in routing, airline, origin, destination, etc), will it be repriced according to new mileage requirements, or will I keep the old pricing on that ticket?
Additional details on changing tickets booked prior to 2/3/14 per UA Insider:
Full details are in post #2588 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/22283437-post2588.html
Q: Do these rates apply for tickets purchased after Feb 3 or for travel after Feb 3? That is,if one purchases a ticket now, to fly on Mar 15, will that be new or old pricing?
Q: How will award pricing apply to mixed-carrier Saver Awards?
(reverted to J.Edward's rev)
New UA Award/Upgrade Chart (vs. Current Chart)
Changes took effect for travel booked starting February 3, 2014. See UA Insider's post linked here for more info about the date change. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/22263212-post2366.html
Awards with *A partners now cost more than similar awards flown only on UA metal.
- F awards on partners went up 40-80%
- J awards on partners went up 20-40%
- F and J awards on UA metal (or mixed carriers where UA metal is in premium cabin followed by partner segment in lower class) as well some Y awards increased by 5-20% (US to Europe in F up 19%, US to Middle East in F up 20% for example)
See below for the round-trip increases on partner metal :
US ✈ Southern South America: +10,000 J, +5,000 F
US ✈ Europe: +40,000 J, +85,000 F
US ✈ Northern/Central/Southern Africa: +40,000 J, +110,000 F
US ✈ Middle East: +5,000 Y, +40,000 J, +130,000 F
US ✈ Central Asia/India: +5,000 Y, +40,000 J, +120,000 F
US ✈ South Asia: +15,000 Y, +40,000 J, +120,000 F
US ✈ North Asia: +5,000 Y, +40,000 J, +100,000 F
US ✈ Japan: +5,000 Y, +30,000 J, +85,000 F
US ✈ Oceania: +30,000 J, +70,000 F
US ✈ Australia/New Zealand: +25,000 J, +100,000 F
RTW: +20,000 Y, +90,000 J, +100,000 F
US ✈ Europe: +40,000 J, +85,000 F
US ✈ Northern/Central/Southern Africa: +40,000 J, +110,000 F
US ✈ Middle East: +5,000 Y, +40,000 J, +130,000 F
US ✈ Central Asia/India: +5,000 Y, +40,000 J, +120,000 F
US ✈ South Asia: +15,000 Y, +40,000 J, +120,000 F
US ✈ North Asia: +5,000 Y, +40,000 J, +100,000 F
US ✈ Japan: +5,000 Y, +30,000 J, +85,000 F
US ✈ Oceania: +30,000 J, +70,000 F
US ✈ Australia/New Zealand: +25,000 J, +100,000 F
RTW: +20,000 Y, +90,000 J, +100,000 F
Changes to upgrade policy for intra-Asia and northern South America flights
- Complimentary Premier Upgrades and instant upgrades are not applicable
- Regional Premier Upgrades (for any fare class) and Global Premier Upgrades (for flights booked in fare class Z, P, S, T, L, K, G or N) can no longer be requested on or after November 1, 2013
- There is no co-pay exemption for MileagePlus Upgrade Awards requested on or after November 1, 2013
- The above changes do not apply to Copa-operated flights.
Questions and Answers
Q: If I book an award in January 2014 and then make changes in February or beyond (in routing, airline, origin, destination, etc), will it be repriced according to new mileage requirements, or will I keep the old pricing on that ticket?
Our existing change process will apply. Changes to awards that require a change in date do not result in a change to the award price. Any other change will require an add/collect in miles and fees for changes or cancellations will still apply as per our existing policies.
Changes that will not trigger a re-price for itineraries ticketed before February 3, 2014 include:
- Date/time (cabin, region, and award type can't change)
- Carrier on one or more segments (cabin, region, and award type can’t change)
- Origin/Destination within the same regions (carrier and cabin can’t change)
Q: Do these rates apply for tickets purchased after Feb 3 or for travel after Feb 3? That is,if one purchases a ticket now, to fly on Mar 15, will that be new or old pricing?
Updated handling for mixed UA-Partner United/partner award itineraries: As we shared with the initial announcement, the Star Alliance/Partner partner award pricing will apply to Business or First awards for itineraries that include at least one flight segment operated by a MileagePlus partner carrier in Business or First.
However, as a customer benefit we have made an exception for most itineraries which require connecting onto a MileagePlus/Star partner in First or Business for a short distance. Specifically, if a United/Copa award itinerary contains a connecting segment on a MileagePlus/Star partner that is wholly within one MileagePlus award region, then the United award price will apply.
However, as a customer benefit we have made an exception for most itineraries which require connecting onto a MileagePlus/Star partner in First or Business for a short distance. Specifically, if a United/Copa award itinerary contains a connecting segment on a MileagePlus/Star partner that is wholly within one MileagePlus award region, then the United award price will apply.
- For example: IAD-FRA in United BusinessFirst connecting to FRA-FCO in Lufthansa Business, will be priced at the United mileage award amount.
- Note that this exception will not apply to a few specific regions and routings, such as intra-Africa connecting segments and certain fifth-freedom routes (e.g. BKK-KUL operated by Lufthansa)
Changes to MileagePlus Award and Upgrade Policies - Eff. 3-Feb-2014
Nov 1, 2013, 10:32 pm
#871
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: ORD, LGA
Programs: AA EXP 2MM
Posts: 348
I agree.
I had SFO-LAX-MAD-LHR on AA/IB/BA J for next September (couldn't get anything direct out of SFO on UA or AA from LAX) and was saving my MP miles for a 2015 trip to Japan (with *A partners).
With this news I will cancel my AA award (and pay $175 fee) and save these miles for CX/JL J to Asia.
Instead I am "dumping" my MP miles and booked SFO-YVR-YYZ-LHR on UA/AC for the 50K miles (AC Exec First suites on A333 & B772 shouldn't be too hard to take).
I had SFO-LAX-MAD-LHR on AA/IB/BA J for next September (couldn't get anything direct out of SFO on UA or AA from LAX) and was saving my MP miles for a 2015 trip to Japan (with *A partners).
With this news I will cancel my AA award (and pay $175 fee) and save these miles for CX/JL J to Asia.
Instead I am "dumping" my MP miles and booked SFO-YVR-YYZ-LHR on UA/AC for the 50K miles (AC Exec First suites on A333 & B772 shouldn't be too hard to take).
Nov 1, 2013, 10:38 pm
#872
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: Free checked in bag on UA & DL. Free icecream at Marriott checkin.
Posts: 2,862
LOL. I just used up some of my last miles last month on J class tickets on LH to South Africa (had empty seats around me for all legs) leaving me with a grand total of 947 miles left in my account.
Wow, this depreciated faster than one would have expected. MileagePlus just became MileageNone.
Wow, this depreciated faster than one would have expected. MileagePlus just became MileageNone.
Nov 1, 2013, 10:48 pm
#873
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-Atlantic
Programs: AA Plat, UA Silver, DL Silver, Marriott Titanium, etc.
Posts: 4,210
Didn't see anybody highlight this change with NO WARNING:
>>> The following restrictions apply to "upgrades on flights to/from Northern South America and within Asia departing on or after February 1, 2014: (1) Complimentary Premier Upgrades and instant upgrades are not applicable; (2) Regional Premier Upgrades (for any fare class) and Global Premier Upgrades (for flights booked in fare class Z, P, S, T, L, K, G or N) can no longer be requested on or after November 1, 2013; (3) There is no co-pay exemption for MileagePlus Upgrade Awards requested on or after November 1, 2013. <<<
Folks, this change was effectively immediate, no grace period to request upgrades under the old rules for these regions.
Perhaps it is just as well, better to burn those miles first before using the upgrades.
Congrats United, you're now solidly in first place in the race to the bottom of FF programs. I've been telling folks to still give UA a close look as their main program because their ace in the hole is the integrity, stability, and value proposition of their award travel program. That's gone for good now I'm afraid.
>>> The following restrictions apply to "upgrades on flights to/from Northern South America and within Asia departing on or after February 1, 2014: (1) Complimentary Premier Upgrades and instant upgrades are not applicable; (2) Regional Premier Upgrades (for any fare class) and Global Premier Upgrades (for flights booked in fare class Z, P, S, T, L, K, G or N) can no longer be requested on or after November 1, 2013; (3) There is no co-pay exemption for MileagePlus Upgrade Awards requested on or after November 1, 2013. <<<
Folks, this change was effectively immediate, no grace period to request upgrades under the old rules for these regions.
Perhaps it is just as well, better to burn those miles first before using the upgrades.
Congrats United, you're now solidly in first place in the race to the bottom of FF programs. I've been telling folks to still give UA a close look as their main program because their ace in the hole is the integrity, stability, and value proposition of their award travel program. That's gone for good now I'm afraid.
Nov 1, 2013, 10:53 pm
#874
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
Aaron,
I think you guys made the right move conceptually, but the proof will be in the execution of how you treat your most loyal, revenue generating passengers. UA is forcing a major concession on part of your passenger base, I just hope you don't forget to treat your revenue generating passengers with kid gloves.
I think you guys made the right move conceptually, but the proof will be in the execution of how you treat your most loyal, revenue generating passengers. UA is forcing a major concession on part of your passenger base, I just hope you don't forget to treat your revenue generating passengers with kid gloves.
84fiero - I'm not sure how big of a minority we are but I'm pretty sure we're in the minority. It seems lots of posters on FT have no issue spending over 100,000+ miles to fly F to somewhere far away. For me, I'll take those 100,000 miles and use them for four coach seats. About fifteen years ago, I spent 100,000 miles to fly UA in F RT LAX/CDG. After it was over, I kicked myself for spending the miles just to sit up front. I'm not trying to start an argument and if others like it, I have no issue. But for me, I'll spend my miles in coach.
Originally Posted by GetSetJetSet
If we make the awards before 2/1/14 and then want to change the routing or dates of our flight, will changes to itineraries made before the cutoff remain at the level of original booking, or will changes to the itinerary trigger an increase to the new joke rates?
If we make the awards before 2/1/14 and then want to change the routing or dates of our flight, will changes to itineraries made before the cutoff remain at the level of original booking, or will changes to the itinerary trigger an increase to the new joke rates?
Nov 1, 2013, 11:12 pm
#875
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Dubai / NYC
Programs: EK-IO, UA-1K2MM, ETIHAD-GOLD, SPG-PLAT LIFETIME, JUMEIRAH SERIUS GOLD
Posts: 5,220
LAST STRAW..............GOOD BYE UA, HELLO AA. The Only reason I stuck it out this long with UA was for the F awards on LH. Id rather pay the fuel surcharges and take BA or just take CX to Asia. UA just took the ONLY reason I've stuck with them this long away
Come to think of it...I think this makes UA the MOST expensive awards for F class on partners. I said "hello AA" but I may be just as better off moving to LH or SQ (Airlines I already fly quite often on revenue tickets). While it will take 6-8 months to work my way to Senator, and longer to get HON w LH, I will still have my UA 1K for life anyway, w SQ I have my PPS. First awards are always east o get on SQ or LH/LX if your a member of their FF program and with these changes, the redemption levels will be much less
UA is raising a F award from USA-DXB on LH to almost the same redemption level as EK....but with EK I get so many bonuses, I can't even keep track. For this of us who use F awards, this change will bring UA down to just about the WORST FF program out there. 290,000 miles from DXB to NYC, no thank you......keep your miles......
DL has become a superior airline in many ways to UA, but the biggest reason I hear from others on why they won't switch is MP....ME THINKS DL HAS A MOLE HIDING WITHIN THE UA EXECUTIVE RANKS
Come to think of it...I think this makes UA the MOST expensive awards for F class on partners. I said "hello AA" but I may be just as better off moving to LH or SQ (Airlines I already fly quite often on revenue tickets). While it will take 6-8 months to work my way to Senator, and longer to get HON w LH, I will still have my UA 1K for life anyway, w SQ I have my PPS. First awards are always east o get on SQ or LH/LX if your a member of their FF program and with these changes, the redemption levels will be much less
UA is raising a F award from USA-DXB on LH to almost the same redemption level as EK....but with EK I get so many bonuses, I can't even keep track. For this of us who use F awards, this change will bring UA down to just about the WORST FF program out there. 290,000 miles from DXB to NYC, no thank you......keep your miles......
DL has become a superior airline in many ways to UA, but the biggest reason I hear from others on why they won't switch is MP....ME THINKS DL HAS A MOLE HIDING WITHIN THE UA EXECUTIVE RANKS
Last edited by chinatraderjmr; Nov 1, 2013 at 11:34 pm
Nov 1, 2013, 11:15 pm
#876
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: Free checked in bag on UA & DL. Free icecream at Marriott checkin.
Posts: 2,862
Wow. There goes the effectiveness of CPU... We had TODs on US legs and now it is just ruled out for foreign legs.
Didn't see anybody highlight this change with NO WARNING:
>>> The following restrictions apply to "upgrades on flights to/from Northern South America and within Asia departing on or after February 1, 2014: (1) Complimentary Premier Upgrades and instant upgrades are not applicable; (2) Regional Premier Upgrades (for any fare class) and Global Premier Upgrades (for flights booked in fare class Z, P, S, T, L, K, G or N) can no longer be requested on or after November 1, 2013; (3) There is no co-pay exemption for MileagePlus Upgrade Awards requested on or after November 1, 2013. <<<
Folks, this change was effectively immediate, no grace period to request upgrades under the old rules for these regions.
Perhaps it is just as well, better to burn those miles first before using the upgrades.
Congrats United, you're now solidly in first place in the race to the bottom of FF programs. I've been telling folks to still give UA a close look as their main program because their ace in the hole is the integrity, stability, and value proposition of their award travel program. That's gone for good now I'm afraid.
>>> The following restrictions apply to "upgrades on flights to/from Northern South America and within Asia departing on or after February 1, 2014: (1) Complimentary Premier Upgrades and instant upgrades are not applicable; (2) Regional Premier Upgrades (for any fare class) and Global Premier Upgrades (for flights booked in fare class Z, P, S, T, L, K, G or N) can no longer be requested on or after November 1, 2013; (3) There is no co-pay exemption for MileagePlus Upgrade Awards requested on or after November 1, 2013. <<<
Folks, this change was effectively immediate, no grace period to request upgrades under the old rules for these regions.
Perhaps it is just as well, better to burn those miles first before using the upgrades.
Congrats United, you're now solidly in first place in the race to the bottom of FF programs. I've been telling folks to still give UA a close look as their main program because their ace in the hole is the integrity, stability, and value proposition of their award travel program. That's gone for good now I'm afraid.
Nov 1, 2013, 11:16 pm
#877
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: BOM-SIN-EWR
Programs: UA*G (1K again), Sixt Plat, *was*: SQ QPP01 & SK EBS/EBG, LH SEN, AA EXP, 9wPlat
Posts: 8,606
+1!
Time for OneWorld - QR is going to kick some b*tt ex-India now being in OW.
I'm sure the numerous people on FT who 3 years ago were cheering on the merger and touting all the benefits it would bring are just as happy now as they were back then?
Here's hoping that AA-US doesn't go through or else we can all kiss this hobby goodbye. Mergers aren't good for customers...full stop.
Here's hoping that AA-US doesn't go through or else we can all kiss this hobby goodbye. Mergers aren't good for customers...full stop.
Wow.
This is appalling.
I've never seen a more brutal devaluation to any frequent flyer program to which I've been a participant.
The Star Alliance premium cabin award devaluations are excruciating. U.S. to Europe will become 70K each way for Star business, 110K each way for Star first. U.S. to Japan becomes 75K each way for Star business, 110K each way for Star first. U.S. to North/South/Central Asia goes up to 80K each way for Star business, 120/130/140K each way for Star first. And that's only some of the wide-reaching carnage.
This is appalling.
I've never seen a more brutal devaluation to any frequent flyer program to which I've been a participant.
The Star Alliance premium cabin award devaluations are excruciating. U.S. to Europe will become 70K each way for Star business, 110K each way for Star first. U.S. to Japan becomes 75K each way for Star business, 110K each way for Star first. U.S. to North/South/Central Asia goes up to 80K each way for Star business, 120/130/140K each way for Star first. And that's only some of the wide-reaching carnage.
LH was probably the one that led to this decision - they announced some weeks ago that all lower Y fares are now going to earn only *50%* of what they used to - and this is what UA will have to follow as well, so a double-whammy! (If you fly in Y - but P-class and Z-class on LH have already been reduced for EQM and PQM!)
I just cannot believe it - couldn't United have done a simple 10% increase every year???
Anyway, UA metal ex-India has just become *worse* than Air India (yes, believe it) in terms of catering, so there is no point flying their old BF product - the Gulf carriers are now going to blow all these legacies away - including LH...
*No loyalty program = No loyalty = No pax willing to suffer the horrible differences on UA/LH*
Last edited by SuperFlyBoy; Nov 1, 2013 at 11:22 pm
Nov 1, 2013, 11:19 pm
#878
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,450
It appears they are upgrading one of the three daily BOG flights to an int'l 757 beginning in Feb. I don't know how they expect to fill the cabin on the two domestic F 737 flights without CPUs, RPUs, or instant upgrades.
Nov 1, 2013, 11:20 pm
#879
formerly known as Tad's Broiled Steaks
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,412
I did see that this affected all airlines BUT UA, but rare is that moment that I actually want to fly with them...
Nov 1, 2013, 11:22 pm
#880
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 6,385
Don't be absurd. Cardholders didn't create the offers, they just accepted them. Chase and UA are responsible for this mess.
You remind me of the UA flight attendants I have heard over the years berating customers for driving the airline into bankruptcy by refusing to pay higher fares. Hey, we don't set the rates, we only buy 'em.
You remind me of the UA flight attendants I have heard over the years berating customers for driving the airline into bankruptcy by refusing to pay higher fares. Hey, we don't set the rates, we only buy 'em.
Nov 1, 2013, 11:26 pm
#881
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SFO / SJC
Programs: UA GLD 1MM, AA PLT 2MM, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold, HH Silver
Posts: 601
Given UA doesn't fly where I go, and family flies C, this is a big unfortunate devaluation. I let the GS rep take copious notes of my specific feelings to forward up the food chain, which they did apologetically and with pleasure. If you have status, let your displeasure be clearly known.
Nov 1, 2013, 11:30 pm
#882
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,603
I'm surprised to hear you say that.. Have you considered expressing your through to Martin Hand? IIRC, you had the convo with him earlier in the year..
Nov 1, 2013, 11:31 pm
#883
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: vx diamond
Posts: 377
I have never seen another program charge higher for alliance partners.
Nov 1, 2013, 11:31 pm
#884
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Programs: Hyatt LT Globalist, Marriot LT Titanium, UA 2.4MM, HH Gold, AS MVPG
Posts: 3,400
I called Global Services today and they confirmed that when any part of the itinerary is on non-UA metal, the *A chart applies. Thus, if I fly UA for 11 hours in C to Europe, then connect on, say, LH for another 1 hour in Y, that's a 70k *A C award, and not a 50k UA C award.
Given UA doesn't fly where I go, and family flies C, this is a big unfortunate devaluation. I let the GS rep take copious notes of my specific feelings to forward up the food chain, which they did apologetically and with pleasure. If you have status, let your displeasure be clearly known.
Given UA doesn't fly where I go, and family flies C, this is a big unfortunate devaluation. I let the GS rep take copious notes of my specific feelings to forward up the food chain, which they did apologetically and with pleasure. If you have status, let your displeasure be clearly known.
This chart also applies to Business/First Awards for itineraries that include travel on both United and at least one partner when at least one flight segment on a partner is in Business or First
Nov 1, 2013, 11:36 pm
#885
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,450
I called Global Services today and they confirmed that when any part of the itinerary is on non-UA metal, the *A chart applies. Thus, if I fly UA for 11 hours in C to Europe, then connect on, say, LH for another 1 hour in Y, that's a 70k *A C award, and not a 50k UA C award.
Given UA doesn't fly where I go, and family flies C, this is a big unfortunate devaluation. I let the GS rep take copious notes of my specific feelings to forward up the food chain, which they did apologetically and with pleasure. If you have status, let your displeasure be clearly known.
Given UA doesn't fly where I go, and family flies C, this is a big unfortunate devaluation. I let the GS rep take copious notes of my specific feelings to forward up the food chain, which they did apologetically and with pleasure. If you have status, let your displeasure be clearly known.