May 1, 2021, 4:06 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is an archive thread, the active thread is "Dynamic Award Pricing" by UA; questions, experiences, .... {Archive}
The details:
Award travel updates
Introducing a broader range of award prices
Updates to award travel are on the horizon. For flights on or after November 15, 2019, we’ll no longer publish an award chart listing the set amount of miles needed for each flight.The details:
- Some award prices will be lower than what’s currently published in our chart. You may have already seen these prices, and you’ll be able to get them immediately.
- Other award prices may be higher than what you see today, especially if you’re traveling at a popular time. These prices will take effect immediately for travel November 15 or after.
- Starting November 15, we’re removing close-in fees, so you won’t be charged the extra fee of up to $75 for booking last-minute award travel.
- A flexible award travel calendar is available on united.com or in our app.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is changing?
For travel on or after November 15, we will no longer publish an award chart listing the set amount of miles needed for award flights. Award pricing will now fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including demand. Additionally, starting November 15, we will no longer charge a fee of up to $75 for award flights booked within 21 days of departure.When will these updates take effect?
The award pricing changes apply immediately to flights on or after November 15, 2019. Until then, award prices will be the same as or lower than what’s currently published in our award chart.How many miles will I need for award travel after November 15?
Award prices will now fluctuate based on a variety of factors. Some air awards will be available for less than what’s listed in our chart, which you may have already noticed. After November 15, award prices may also be higher, especially if you’re traveling at popular times. Use our flexible award calendar to get a monthly view of the award prices for a specific destination.Why are you making these changes?
Increasing award prices for the most in-demand flights allows us to offer better returns for our shareholders. If your award travel is flexible, these updates will help you make the most of your miles.How will these updates affect award travel availability?
United MileagePlus members with Premier® status and qualifying United Chase Cardmembers can continue to book award travel without blackout dates. For other members, most award flights that are available today will continue to be available after these updates take effect.Do the lowest-priced awards have any extra flight restrictions?
No. Our lowest priced awards do not have any added restrictions; the fare rules for all award travel apply.How can I find the lowest priced award for my travel?
The award calendar on united.com or in our app will continue to show the lowest available price for your destination.Will I earn miles on my flight if I book an award?
No. As with current award bookings, award travel in the future will not be eligible to earn miles with MileagePlus or any other loyalty program.What if I need to change my existing award?
If you need to change your award ticket, you will be issued a new ticket for which new pricing and additional fees may apply.What if I purchase a close-in award before November 15
The close-in booking fee will still apply to all tickets booked within 21 days of departure prior to November 15, 2019. We will not refund fees paid prior to November 15, even if travel occurs on or after November 15.
"Dynamic Award Pricing" by UA; questions, experiences, .... {Archive}
May 12, 2015, 2:22 pm
#286
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 8,994
I didn't see it in the initial post, but is the plan to bring dynamic pricing just for award seating, or will this impact upgrade awards as well? (I use miles almost exclusively for upgrades and not free flights, hence the question)
May 12, 2015, 2:29 pm
#287
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 5,825
We have not even fully fleshed out the first degree yet!
May 12, 2015, 6:04 pm
#288
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: DEN
Programs: UA MM Plat; AA MM Gold; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 15,866
I don't think that most business travelers use miles to buy their tickets when they're going to be reimbursed.
Last edited by Bonehead; May 12, 2015 at 6:27 pm
May 13, 2015, 6:47 am
#289
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AADULtArer
Posts: 5,656
What I haven't seen in this discussion (apologies if I missed it) is change fees. Platinum and above don't pay them for award tix. PQMs are waived for Chase CC holders who earn platinum. Under dynamic pricing won't all the platinums and above just exchange their tix every time the price dips?
May 13, 2015, 7:33 am
#290
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
May 13, 2015, 8:37 am
#291
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,156
LS has been saying this for quite some time, though I believe it is only his opinion without any type of other indication. If there is any thing other then speculation, I would be interested in knowing about it.
My opinion is this would be very unlikely. Hard to convince Chase that miles are valuable for credit card holders if you need to be 1K in order to have certain flights/cabins available to book.
My opinion is this would be very unlikely. Hard to convince Chase that miles are valuable for credit card holders if you need to be 1K in order to have certain flights/cabins available to book.
May 13, 2015, 9:14 am
#293
Join Date: Jan 2015
Programs: Marriott Titanium and LTP, Hilton Gold, United Silver
Posts: 786
If you have miles earned based directly on dollars spent and miles redeemed for fixed value, you just have a VERY limited cash-back program. This destroys the credit cards that provide no elite benefits, since you could just use a cash-back card instead for spending and do much better.
May 13, 2015, 9:27 am
#294
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,994
I moved 90%+ of my flying away from UA early last year and burned through most my 2 mln+ miles the year before - when they raised the mileage needed for awards.
UA is doing fine now, but when oil prices rise, look out! Unless they work to be the low cost provider, I do not see how they survive.
May 13, 2015, 9:48 am
#295
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: UA SP, DL SM MM, AS 75K, SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond.
Posts: 2,596
Related topic, has anyone but me noticed how the international biz and first awards have simply vanished? At least when looking out more than next week? I'm booking more on Delta, with the supposedly far inferior and less valuable program that is often referred to as "skypesos" because I'm finding saver awards there much more available, and my status on DL is only Silver M.
May 13, 2015, 9:59 am
#296
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 1,782
Related topic, has anyone but me noticed how the international biz and first awards have simply vanished? At least when looking out more than next week? I'm booking more on Delta, with the supposedly far inferior and less valuable program that is often referred to as "skypesos" because I'm finding saver awards there much more available, and my status on DL is only Silver M.
May 13, 2015, 10:43 am
#297
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: UA SP, DL SM MM, AS 75K, SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond.
Posts: 2,596
May 13, 2015, 11:06 am
#298
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: San Francisco/Tel Aviv/YYZ
Programs: CO 1K-MM
Posts: 10,761
Obviously, we don't know much so its pretty idle speculation. I'm sure once they unleash whatever devaluation they are planning, we'll be able to evaluate is more effectively than conjectures stacked upon each other.
:/
:/
May 13, 2015, 11:08 am
#299
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Oakland CA
Programs: DL Gold, AS MVPG, Globalist
Posts: 1,008
I think the first draft of dynamic award pricing may already be live. I'm finding saver awards available on combined segments now, when none is available on the individual segment. For example:
Fare bucket availability on those flights:
UA935:
F2, FN2, A2, ON0, O0, J9, JN9, C9, D0, Z0, ZN0, P0, PN0, R0, RN0, IN0, I0, Y9, YN9, B9, M9, E9, U9, H9, HN9, Q9, V9, W9, S9, T9, L9, K9, G0, N0, XN9, X9
UA1247:
F9, A9, JN9, C9, D9, Z9, ZN9, P9, PN9, R1, RN1, IN0, I0, Y9, YN9, B9, M9, E9, U9, H9, HN9, Q9, V9, W9, S9, T9, L9, K9, G9, N0, XN9, X0
So its X0 on the second segment, but they're willing to pair it with the X9 from the first and give it at the saver price.
Not sure if this is new, but I haven't seen it before. Previously you'd have to have all segments available at the saver level for a ticket to price at that level.
Fare bucket availability on those flights:
UA935:
F2, FN2, A2, ON0, O0, J9, JN9, C9, D0, Z0, ZN0, P0, PN0, R0, RN0, IN0, I0, Y9, YN9, B9, M9, E9, U9, H9, HN9, Q9, V9, W9, S9, T9, L9, K9, G0, N0, XN9, X9
UA1247:
F9, A9, JN9, C9, D9, Z9, ZN9, P9, PN9, R1, RN1, IN0, I0, Y9, YN9, B9, M9, E9, U9, H9, HN9, Q9, V9, W9, S9, T9, L9, K9, G9, N0, XN9, X0
So its X0 on the second segment, but they're willing to pair it with the X9 from the first and give it at the saver price.
Not sure if this is new, but I haven't seen it before. Previously you'd have to have all segments available at the saver level for a ticket to price at that level.
May 13, 2015, 11:35 am
#300
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: CLE
Programs: UA GS+LT UC, AA EXP+LT PLT, Fairmont LT PLT, Marriott PLT, Hilton DIA, Hyatt Glob, Avis CHM
Posts: 4,669
Not new.
The opposite is also true where 2 UA segments with saver space won't have any space when married. I've blogged about it before.
The opposite is also true where 2 UA segments with saver space won't have any space when married. I've blogged about it before.
