what's the point in signing to the explorer card?
Aug 25, 2014, 11:14 pm
#16
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: BDL
Programs: United MileagePlus Premier Gold
Posts: 84
Aug 26, 2014, 2:49 am
#17
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hyatt Place, Del Taco
Posts: 5,396
Explorer is a decent card, and it's one of the main reasons why I'm sticking w/ Star Alliance even though I'm in SEA where UA has scaled back. Explorer gives you no foreign transaction fees, free checked bags, priority boarding (you get none of those with AS card). With my UA status, the last two benefits are moot, but the waived foreign transaction fees is a huge necessity for me.
Smisek came from CO, and UA was a better airline too before the merger. But that's another topic.
Smisek came from CO, and UA was a better airline too before the merger. But that's another topic.
Aug 26, 2014, 8:04 am
#18
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: MSP
Posts: 482
I'm still learning all the ins-n-outs of UA. Do you mean booking a coach award and using miles to upgrade to business? I guess I could try searching for info, but where is the fun in that? 
I come from DL so the "miles to upgrade" thing is foreign to me.
I come from DL so the "miles to upgrade" thing is foreign to me.
Aug 26, 2014, 8:49 am
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,521
No. Getting the card makes you eligible for upgrades (CPUs where applicable) even on award tickets. You can search more for that topic - as it has its own thread.
Aug 26, 2014, 9:05 am
#20
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, CM Plat, Amex Plat, Hertz CP, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Gold, Vons Club
Posts: 6,854
Well I have had a good year with the Explorer Card. 50K UA Sign Up Bonus Miles $50 Credit for my first charge. Charged over 25K in 2014 and just had 10K additional miles hit my UA account. Due to 25K Spend, PQD waiver up to Platinum (which I will hit with miles but not PQD 
) so not a bad card after all. Like the Primary Auto Insurance Coverage, Baggage and Flight Delay Coverages as well. Safe Travels
) so not a bad card after all. Like the Primary Auto Insurance Coverage, Baggage and Flight Delay Coverages as well. Safe Travels
Aug 26, 2014, 10:02 am
#21
Join Date: Feb 2014
Programs: UA 1k, US Airways Silver, SPG PLT, Marriot Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 536
Well I have had a good year with the Explorer Card. 50K UA Sign Up Bonus Miles $50 Credit for my first charge. Charged over 25K in 2014 and just had 10K additional miles hit my UA account. Due to 25K Spend, PQD waiver up to Platinum (which I will hit with miles but not PQD ) so not a bad card after all. Like the Primary Auto Insurance Coverage, Baggage and Flight Delay Coverages as well. Safe Travels
) so not a bad card after all. Like the Primary Auto Insurance Coverage, Baggage and Flight Delay Coverages as well. Safe TravelsI may just suck it up and forego the CPU's after the first year to avoid the fees. I agree, it's a great card tho
Aug 26, 2014, 10:19 am
#22
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 836
Rusty,
You wanted the Presidential Plus card (which as stated doesn't exist any more), but that card was approximately $375 a year. So you were willing to pay the annual fee on that, but not the United Club card that is $395/year?
You get 2 free bags for 2 people in your reservation, plus lounge access with free drinks -- that alone usually makes the annual fee more than worth it. I won't even get into the rest of the benefits.
I don't understand why you only want elite miles and why you are so adament about not collecting redeemable miles.
In addition, as others have stated, if you are paying interest, you are better off sticking to a debit card and not getting any credit card as the EQM/PQD, Redeemable Miles, etc are not meant for you in that scenario.
Not trying to be mean here, but being honest. Advice: Stick to flying Hawaiian and pay with a debit card.
Sincerely,
You wanted the Presidential Plus card (which as stated doesn't exist any more), but that card was approximately $375 a year. So you were willing to pay the annual fee on that, but not the United Club card that is $395/year?
You get 2 free bags for 2 people in your reservation, plus lounge access with free drinks -- that alone usually makes the annual fee more than worth it. I won't even get into the rest of the benefits.
I don't understand why you only want elite miles and why you are so adament about not collecting redeemable miles.
In addition, as others have stated, if you are paying interest, you are better off sticking to a debit card and not getting any credit card as the EQM/PQD, Redeemable Miles, etc are not meant for you in that scenario.
Not trying to be mean here, but being honest. Advice: Stick to flying Hawaiian and pay with a debit card.
Sincerely,
Last edited by goalie; Aug 26, 2014 at 11:03 am Reason: ToS
Aug 26, 2014, 11:09 am
#23
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA Mileage Plus Premier Gold 1MM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,467
well i dont travel offer, but when i do go the mainland is useful to have. Your paying 500 dollars a year to use the lounge twice, thats a waste of money. I was a member of continental airlines, and it said to see what united has done to such a great airline with great customer service. United destory continental reputation.
Aug 26, 2014, 2:36 pm
#25
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: UA 1K MM, HHonors Diamond,PC, Marriott Rewards Gold
Posts: 1,118
Continental took over UA. Not a merger. All of your "ruined United" falls on CO who made so many miscalculations it's pathetic. Just remember 3/3. Shares versus Apollo was a big mistake by CO. Then there's MM program devaluation. Oh almost forgot selling upgrades for TOD instead of taking care of elites. Oh forgot about new airplanes with zero AVOD. Then there was that huge devaluation on International Star F. Oh forgot the effect of the new Platinum level. Oops almost forgot blocking of Expertflyer and lack of R/N release on international flights. These things are all CO.
Aug 27, 2014, 9:57 am
#27
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Charlottesville
Programs: UA Gold, VX Gold, AA PLT, DL Gold, MR Gold, HH Diamond, Hertz 5* Gold
Posts: 469
Explorer is a decent card, and it's one of the main reasons why I'm sticking w/ Star Alliance even though I'm in SEA where UA has scaled back. Explorer gives you no foreign transaction fees, free checked bags, priority boarding (you get none of those with AS card). With my UA status, the last two benefits are moot, but the waived foreign transaction fees is a huge necessity for me.
The primary (not secondary) CDW coverage is one of the non-obvious benefits. Most credit cards offer secondary coverage, which means claims go to your insurer first (and you will get surcharged on your policy renewal).
There's also roadside assistance, trip cancellation, trip delay or interruption, bag delay, bag loss, purchase protection, price protection, return protection, extended warranty, and all sorts of other benefits.
And, depending on your elite status, holding the card entitles you to complimentary upgrade eligibility on award tickets. And, yes, I have been upgraded on several saver economy award tickets this year alone.
Aug 27, 2014, 5:11 pm
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Posts: 10,910
Those are the obvious benefits to the Explorer card.
The primary (not secondary) CDW coverage is one of the non-obvious benefits. Most credit cards offer secondary coverage, which means claims go to your insurer first (and you will get surcharged on your policy renewal).
There's also roadside assistance, trip cancellation, trip delay or interruption, bag delay, bag loss, purchase protection, price protection, return protection, extended warranty, and all sorts of other benefits.
And, depending on your elite status, holding the card entitles you to complimentary upgrade eligibility on award tickets. And, yes, I have been upgraded on several saver economy award tickets this year alone.
The primary (not secondary) CDW coverage is one of the non-obvious benefits. Most credit cards offer secondary coverage, which means claims go to your insurer first (and you will get surcharged on your policy renewal).
There's also roadside assistance, trip cancellation, trip delay or interruption, bag delay, bag loss, purchase protection, price protection, return protection, extended warranty, and all sorts of other benefits.
And, depending on your elite status, holding the card entitles you to complimentary upgrade eligibility on award tickets. And, yes, I have been upgraded on several saver economy award tickets this year alone.
Aug 27, 2014, 8:40 pm
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 14
Rusty,
You wanted the Presidential Plus card (which as stated doesn't exist any more), but that card was approximately $375 a year. So you were willing to pay the annual fee on that, but not the United Club card that is $395/year?
You get 2 free bags for 2 people in your reservation, plus lounge access with free drinks -- that alone usually makes the annual fee more than worth it. I won't even get into the rest of the benefits.
I don't understand why you only want elite miles and why you are so adament about not collecting redeemable miles.
In addition, as others have stated, if you are paying interest, you are better off sticking to a debit card and not getting any credit card as the EQM/PQD, Redeemable Miles, etc are not meant for you in that scenario.
Not trying to be mean here, but being honest. Advice: Stick to flying Hawaiian and pay with a debit card.
Sincerely,
You wanted the Presidential Plus card (which as stated doesn't exist any more), but that card was approximately $375 a year. So you were willing to pay the annual fee on that, but not the United Club card that is $395/year?
You get 2 free bags for 2 people in your reservation, plus lounge access with free drinks -- that alone usually makes the annual fee more than worth it. I won't even get into the rest of the benefits.
I don't understand why you only want elite miles and why you are so adament about not collecting redeemable miles.
In addition, as others have stated, if you are paying interest, you are better off sticking to a debit card and not getting any credit card as the EQM/PQD, Redeemable Miles, etc are not meant for you in that scenario.
Not trying to be mean here, but being honest. Advice: Stick to flying Hawaiian and pay with a debit card.
Sincerely,
Aug 27, 2014, 8:43 pm
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 14
I don't think so, to be honest. I mean the card is great, and all but lacking some benefits that arent there at all. I would like to see earning pqd on any purchase, not just united. Earn pqd when you got grocery shopping for example.