Mar 12, 2015, 5:52 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Initial announcement thread - 2015 MileagePlus Change - RDMs Will Be Calculated by Spend, Not Distance
Update 2019 -- includes all partner flights on 016 ticket
for non-016 ticket , see Earning Status (PQP) on non-016 Tickets and Partner Metal
Spend-based mileage (RDM) earning for all UA metal flights effective March 1, 2015.
Redeemable Miles (RDM) changes highlights:
Multipliers based on Premier status: & (breakeven CPM)
For example, a 1K would earn 1100 miles for a $100 ticket while a Silver would earn 700 miles for the same ticket.
Note that for itineraries which span the March 1 changeover date, the existing scheme will apply to any segment departing prior to March 1 , the new scheme will apply to the segments departing March 1 or after.
Appears no extra mileage for using a Chase MP card than the standard card mileage earning
As there is a maximum number of miles per ticket earned - this disincentives purchasing any ticket (excluding government taxes and fees) over the following:
A way to avoid this is booking one-ways if the fare rules permit.
Premier Qualifying Miles (PQM) are not affected by this change.
Announcement Sitewww.mileageplusupdates.com
There is a tool on the site that allow you to enter how much you spent on a ticket along your premier status in order to calculate how many miles you will earn under the new system. The tool is aware of the miles per ticket limit.
There is a FAQ here: http://mileageplusupdates.com/faq.html
Relevant UA Insider posts:
Post 57: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/23008349-post57.html
Answered Questions:
Class of service bonuses have been discontinued under the new system. There is already an adjustment for 1K over general members.
For tickets that will earn award miles based on ticket price, the class-of-service bonus and Premier bonus will be included in the number of award miles you earn per dollar. Basically COS has been removed.
E-mail received by GS lists 1K and GS together.
Unanswered Questions:
Unknown, but the FAQ indicates that all UA and UAx flights issued by ANY airline would be subjected to the new earning rates. There are exceptions (group tickets, bulk tickets, etc) like "Specialty Tickets" as mentioned below.
It is mentioned in the FAQ: If applicable, Premier bonus award miles will be based on a member’s Premier status and the lower of the distance flown or miles awarded, per the chart above. Basically the bonus miles will be awarded but based on the lower number (i.e. distance flown for higher fares or the % based on fare). A 1K passenger purchasing F-fare from EWR-SFO would get only a 2565 mile bonus while a N-fare would get (50% of 2565) 1283 mile bonus. Still unclear what are the percentage bonus of each premier level but assume that it is the same (100% GS/1K, 75% Plat, 50% Gold, 25% Silver).
Specialty Tickets:
Update 2019 -- includes all partner flights on 016 ticket
for non-016 ticket , see Earning Status (PQP) on non-016 Tickets and Partner Metal
Spend-based mileage (RDM) earning for all UA metal flights effective March 1, 2015.
Redeemable Miles (RDM) changes highlights:
- Miles earned will now be based on the ticket price instead of the number of miles flown
- Ticket price is defined as base fare plus carrier-imposed surcharges (PQD)
- Class of service bonuses have been discontinued (e.g. X% more on A fares).
- There is a limit of 75,000 miles earned per ticket (see below for spending limits by status)
Multipliers based on Premier status: & (breakeven CPM)
- x5 General Members -- (20 cpm)
- x7 Silver -- (17.86 cpm)
- x8 Gold -- (18.75 cpm)
- x9 Plat -- (19.44 cpm)
- x11 1K/GS -- (18.18 cpm)
For example, a 1K would earn 1100 miles for a $100 ticket while a Silver would earn 700 miles for the same ticket.
Note that for itineraries which span the March 1 changeover date, the existing scheme will apply to any segment departing prior to March 1 , the new scheme will apply to the segments departing March 1 or after.
Appears no extra mileage for using a Chase MP card than the standard card mileage earning
As there is a maximum number of miles per ticket earned - this disincentives purchasing any ticket (excluding government taxes and fees) over the following:
- $6818.18 for 1K/GS
- $8333.33 for Platinum
- $9375.00 for Gold
- $10714.28 for Silver
- $15000.00 for General Members
A way to avoid this is booking one-ways if the fare rules permit.
Premier Qualifying Miles (PQM) are not affected by this change.
Announcement Sitewww.mileageplusupdates.com
There is a tool on the site that allow you to enter how much you spent on a ticket along your premier status in order to calculate how many miles you will earn under the new system. The tool is aware of the miles per ticket limit.
There is a FAQ here: http://mileageplusupdates.com/faq.html
Relevant UA Insider posts:
Post 57: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/23008349-post57.html
Hi everyone,
Today we’re announcing changes to how MileagePlus members will earn award miles in 2015. We’ve posted complete details and a FAQ on united.com, but I wanted to share an excerpt of the key points with you directly:
As of March 1, 2015, the award miles you earn on most United and United Express tickets will be based on your ticket price (that is, base fare plus carrier-imposed surcharges) and your MileagePlus status, instead of the distance you travel. The new criteria for earning award miles will look like this:
<portion removed for brevity>
The changes to earning award miles will apply to all MileagePlus members worldwide, and will be based on status at the time of flight on or after March 1, 2015. These changes will not affect the qualification requirements for 2015 Premier status. PQM and PQS will still be based on the number of paid flight miles traveled and the fare purchased. And where applicable, PQD will still be determined by the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges.
As mentioned above, there are more details and a FAQ posted online, and over the next few days we’ll be communicating this information to our members.
Today we’re announcing changes to how MileagePlus members will earn award miles in 2015. We’ve posted complete details and a FAQ on united.com, but I wanted to share an excerpt of the key points with you directly:
As of March 1, 2015, the award miles you earn on most United and United Express tickets will be based on your ticket price (that is, base fare plus carrier-imposed surcharges) and your MileagePlus status, instead of the distance you travel. The new criteria for earning award miles will look like this:
<portion removed for brevity>
The changes to earning award miles will apply to all MileagePlus members worldwide, and will be based on status at the time of flight on or after March 1, 2015. These changes will not affect the qualification requirements for 2015 Premier status. PQM and PQS will still be based on the number of paid flight miles traveled and the fare purchased. And where applicable, PQD will still be determined by the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges.
As mentioned above, there are more details and a FAQ posted online, and over the next few days we’ll be communicating this information to our members.
Unanswered Questions:
It is mentioned in the FAQ: If applicable, Premier bonus award miles will be based on a member’s Premier status and the lower of the distance flown or miles awarded, per the chart above. Basically the bonus miles will be awarded but based on the lower number (i.e. distance flown for higher fares or the % based on fare). A 1K passenger purchasing F-fare from EWR-SFO would get only a 2565 mile bonus while a N-fare would get (50% of 2565) 1283 mile bonus. Still unclear what are the percentage bonus of each premier level but assume that it is the same (100% GS/1K, 75% Plat, 50% Gold, 25% Silver).
Specialty Tickets:
Specialty tickets that earn award miles in the current program (including, but not limited to consolidator/bulk, group, tour and other tickets where the fare paid is not disclosed on the ticket) will earn award miles based on a percentage of the distance flown and the purchased fare class as of March 1, 2015. Please refer to the chart below for details.
Eligible fare classes
Flight operated by United and United Express
150% - J, C, D, Z, P, F, A
100% - Y, B, M
75% - E, U, H, Q, V, W
50% - S, T, L, K, G, N
Eligible fare classes
Flight operated by United and United Express
150% - J, C, D, Z, P, F, A
100% - Y, B, M
75% - E, U, H, Q, V, W
50% - S, T, L, K, G, N
RDM earnings for UA tickets / UA operated flights - based on spend (PQD, now PQPs)
Mar 8, 2015, 8:50 pm
#166
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 302
Except usually it is much more expensive to book it as two one ways.
Mar 8, 2015, 9:00 pm
#167
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: ORD / PHX
Programs: UA LT 1K 3MM (former 12 yr GS), Bonvoy Amb/LT Plat
Posts: 1,340
Mar 8, 2015, 9:19 pm
#168
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,825
Further, the cost of actually providing something has little to do with its utility to the end-user. The decision to fly an MR, or not, depends upon the individual's perception of the value of what is received.
Last edited by Mike Jacoubowsky; Mar 8, 2015 at 9:24 pm
Mar 9, 2015, 2:07 am
#170
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 12
Double speak
So here is my reply from 1KVoice at United.
"United has determined that only base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges will be eligible for award miles. Unfortunately, co-payments will not be included in the calculation."
So United want to award miles based on what money people give to them, but not copayments.
Seems clear United no longer want people like me flying with them. Time to search these forums for other networks who do want my $30K per annum in flight fees.
"United has determined that only base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges will be eligible for award miles. Unfortunately, co-payments will not be included in the calculation."
So United want to award miles based on what money people give to them, but not copayments.
Seems clear United no longer want people like me flying with them. Time to search these forums for other networks who do want my $30K per annum in flight fees.
Here is my main gripe. Why are united not giving miles on co-payments, that's real cash for them.
So for my UK to US flights, $1000 in copayments would be 11K miles at 1K if they gave miles.
I complained to united and their response was "Historically, we’ve based key elements of the loyalty program on how many miles our members fly with us. However, over the years members have told us that they want to be recognized for how much they pay to fly those miles".
So why not award miles on copayments? If united were awarding miles on copayments, I wouldn't be complaining. I don't expect miles on my airport tax payments, but I do expect miles based on cash I give United!
So on $3,000 return flight $750 of that is taxes, leaving $2,250 for united. I used to earn 24k miles as 1K on that flight. Now I am earning only 7,500 miles.
If united were awarding miles on actual cash I paid, i.e. included co-payments I would be getting 24,750 miles.
So United are being mendacious, they are not awarding miles based on how much I pay to them and how often I fly with them.
Now I have just asked United, if their users want a program based around what we pay them, why are co-payments not included? I wait to see what FAQ answer I get to that this time.
So for my UK to US flights, $1000 in copayments would be 11K miles at 1K if they gave miles.
I complained to united and their response was "Historically, we’ve based key elements of the loyalty program on how many miles our members fly with us. However, over the years members have told us that they want to be recognized for how much they pay to fly those miles".
So why not award miles on copayments? If united were awarding miles on copayments, I wouldn't be complaining. I don't expect miles on my airport tax payments, but I do expect miles based on cash I give United!
So on $3,000 return flight $750 of that is taxes, leaving $2,250 for united. I used to earn 24k miles as 1K on that flight. Now I am earning only 7,500 miles.
If united were awarding miles on actual cash I paid, i.e. included co-payments I would be getting 24,750 miles.
So United are being mendacious, they are not awarding miles based on how much I pay to them and how often I fly with them.
Now I have just asked United, if their users want a program based around what we pay them, why are co-payments not included? I wait to see what FAQ answer I get to that this time.
Mar 9, 2015, 2:48 am
#171
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bangkok or San Francisco
Programs: United 1k, Marriott Lifetime PE, Former DL Gold, Former SQ Solitaire, HH Gold
Posts: 11,886
Here is my main gripe. Why are united not giving miles on co-payments, that's real cash for them.
So for my UK to US flights, $1000 in copayments would be 11K miles at 1K if they gave miles.
I complained to united and their response was "Historically, we’ve based key elements of the loyalty program on how many miles our members fly with us. However, over the years members have told us that they want to be recognized for how much they pay to fly those miles".
So why not award miles on copayments? If united were awarding miles on copayments, I wouldn't be complaining. I don't expect miles on my airport tax payments, but I do expect miles based on cash I give United!
So on $3,000 return flight $750 of that is taxes, leaving $2,250 for united. I used to earn 24k miles as 1K on that flight. Now I am earning only 7,500 miles.
If united were awarding miles on actual cash I paid, i.e. included co-payments I would be getting 24,750 miles.
So United are being mendacious, they are not awarding miles based on how much I pay to them and how often I fly with them.
Now I have just asked United, if their users want a program based around what we pay them, why are co-payments not included? I wait to see what FAQ answer I get to that this time.
So for my UK to US flights, $1000 in copayments would be 11K miles at 1K if they gave miles.
I complained to united and their response was "Historically, we’ve based key elements of the loyalty program on how many miles our members fly with us. However, over the years members have told us that they want to be recognized for how much they pay to fly those miles".
So why not award miles on copayments? If united were awarding miles on copayments, I wouldn't be complaining. I don't expect miles on my airport tax payments, but I do expect miles based on cash I give United!
So on $3,000 return flight $750 of that is taxes, leaving $2,250 for united. I used to earn 24k miles as 1K on that flight. Now I am earning only 7,500 miles.
If united were awarding miles on actual cash I paid, i.e. included co-payments I would be getting 24,750 miles.
So United are being mendacious, they are not awarding miles based on how much I pay to them and how often I fly with them.
Now I have just asked United, if their users want a program based around what we pay them, why are co-payments not included? I wait to see what FAQ answer I get to that this time.
None of your numbers are making sense.
Mar 9, 2015, 2:57 am
#172
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 12
I've already explained, what portion of my flights were co-payments and what were cash and taxes.
You lost me on your calculations. You said you're 1K. That's 11X. So on the ticket you described as $2,250 you would get 24,750. (2,250 X 11). How did you get down to only 7,500 miles? That would imply that you paid $681 for your R/T (7,500 / 11). How did you get from $681 to $3,000? By paying $1,000 in upgrade costs? Where does that number come from?
None of your numbers are making sense.
None of your numbers are making sense.
Mar 9, 2015, 3:08 am
#173
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bangkok or San Francisco
Programs: United 1k, Marriott Lifetime PE, Former DL Gold, Former SQ Solitaire, HH Gold
Posts: 11,886
Yes. And they don't add up. $681 for a fare and $1,000 for co-payments don't come to $3,000. No where near it. And then you go $3,000 less $750 for taxes? Where did that come from? Particularly the $750 in taxes?
Mar 9, 2015, 6:03 am
#174
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Sunny SYDNEY!
Programs: UA Million Miler. (1.9M) Virgin Platinum. HH Diamond + SPG Gold
Posts: 32,330
Mar 9, 2015, 9:45 am
#175
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BWI
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, National Emerald Executive, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 15,180
I don't see any point to MRing for RDM, unless there was a really good promo. In most cases, if you need miles to top off for an award, it's cheaper just to buy them outright.
Mar 9, 2015, 10:26 am
#177
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
What does Delta do? Is UA just matching them?
Mar 9, 2015, 11:55 am
#179
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,782
If you had gotten 1,628 miles (including 1K bonus) of the old system -- it would have been 45% discount / rebate/ ....
Perhaps this is why most loyalty, reward systems are revenue based.
Mar 9, 2015, 12:47 pm
#180
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: 2000 miles from somewhere
Programs: EY Gold, GF Gold, IHG Plat, UA Gold
Posts: 58