Will UA restore the 500 mile minimums for elites?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,686
Will UA restore the 500 mile minimums for elites?
Similar to other unnamed carriers , do you think UA would restore 500 mile minimums for their elites?
#2
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: MBS/FNT/LAN
Programs: UA 1K, HH Gold, Mariott Gold
Posts: 9,620
[Comments about moderation deleted per FT TOS.]
Maybe keep discussion in the original UA "elimination" thread? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=823719
But to answer you question... I hope so, but we should write, e-mail and call and advise CO has re-instated this for thier elites
Maybe keep discussion in the original UA "elimination" thread? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=823719
But to answer you question... I hope so, but we should write, e-mail and call and advise CO has re-instated this for thier elites
Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; Sep 22, 2008 at 3:23 pm Reason: See above
#3
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Always on the move
Programs: Something lifetime here and there
Posts: 1,867
My bet is yes, since AA and now CO has 500 minimums.
#5
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: PDX
Programs: DL Plat, UA Plat 1MM, AS MVP, Hyatt Discoverist, Avis Presidents Club, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 3,938
I was delighted to get 500 miles for a number of LH segments in the past few weeks.
Here's hoping for UA to follow CO's lead in this and move away from following US in *anything*!
Here's hoping for UA to follow CO's lead in this and move away from following US in *anything*!
#6
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Atlntida, Canelones, Uruguay (MVD) and rarely GNV
Programs: AV LifeMiles, CM ConnectMiles, BA Exec Club. Former:ex-ASGold, ex-UA1K, ex-COPlat, ex-NWGold.
Posts: 2,673
As do the DL/NW combine. And DL mgmt has stated they think keeping the minimum makes sense for Delta.
With 4 of the 6 network carriers having the 500 mile minimum (or 3 of the 5, if you count DL/NW as one) at least for elites (which is what CO did to bring it back - only for elites), UA/US are outliers at the low end now. I think it would behoove UA to move out of the basement in this area, especially with its newest "hot date" (CO) bringing it back.
With 4 of the 6 network carriers having the 500 mile minimum (or 3 of the 5, if you count DL/NW as one) at least for elites (which is what CO did to bring it back - only for elites), UA/US are outliers at the low end now. I think it would behoove UA to move out of the basement in this area, especially with its newest "hot date" (CO) bringing it back.
#7
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,102
Na, they won't, because that helps customers, and makes them just a teensy bit happier. That's not how UA rolls.
#8
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: DEN, or so it says...
Programs: UA1K/RCC, Avis CHM, NWA Plat, SPG Plat
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#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,904
Quite possibly. And to align things even more they will also match those unnamed carrier's international C/F redemption rates by jacking it up by 20-40K.
#10
Moderator: Smoking Lounge; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: SFO
Programs: Lifetime (for now) Gold MM, HH Gold, Giving Tootsie Pops to UA employees, & a retired hockey goalie
Posts: 28,866
here's hoping (and yes, only for elites as it's the little things that keep loyalty)
#11
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SEA
Programs: 1K 2MM
Posts: 605
I hope they do, since I'm sure not flying SEA-PDX, or PDX-EUG, on UAX anymore unless they revert. The minimum 500 AS miles, more frequent flights on QX, not to mention the free wine/beer, all are working against my UA loyalty here....
#12
Join Date: Sep 2002
Programs: The opinions expressed here are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the airlines I worked for.
Posts: 1,893
It may not make much sense from and RDM and EQM earning perspective, but I am purchasing my short haul travel solely on price and schedule now and crediting the AA/NW/DL/AS flights to AS Mileage Plan (or in the case of VX, to eleVAte). Sure, I don't earn 1,352 miles (338 x 4) for a SFO-LAX roundtrip (instead I earn 1000 on AA), but the measly mileage difference hardly makes up for the $50+ fare difference. It's funny - before I wouldn't even look at AA or AS for these routes because the EQMs would help me requalify for elite status.
Again, it may not make sense to all FlyerTalkers. But the elimination of 500 mile minimums and plated meals in domestic Business class demonstrates the utter disdain United has for its elites and premium cabin travellers.
And here I thought loyalty programs were supposed to drive...loyalty. Silly me
(btw I don't hold a grudge on this issue - I would be happy to give the short haul business back to UA if it comes to its senses)
#13
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
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#14
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,330
I gotta say, I hope this comes back soon. I am doing a hell of a lot of SMF-SFO-XXX connection flights. The 86 miles between SMF and SFO kills me!
And I gotta weigh in...AS has a cool product, but their connections from SMF to points north from there are horrible! 3+ hours on most routes. And UA is usually only $20 or $30 more expensive. And often times, cheaper.
I do like the free beer/wine on-board the Horizon flights tho! That kicks azz! And the Jones Sugar Free Black Cherry soda can't be beat!
Plus, AS doesn't fly n/s to IAD, which is where my family lives. So...come on UA...stop being such cheap schmucks to those of us who swing the true $$$ your way regularly.
PS...I heard CO got rid of the 500 mile minimums too. Did they keep them for elites???
And I gotta weigh in...AS has a cool product, but their connections from SMF to points north from there are horrible! 3+ hours on most routes. And UA is usually only $20 or $30 more expensive. And often times, cheaper.
I do like the free beer/wine on-board the Horizon flights tho! That kicks azz! And the Jones Sugar Free Black Cherry soda can't be beat!
Plus, AS doesn't fly n/s to IAD, which is where my family lives. So...come on UA...stop being such cheap schmucks to those of us who swing the true $$$ your way regularly.
PS...I heard CO got rid of the 500 mile minimums too. Did they keep them for elites???
#15
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Boston
Programs: UA 1K, SPG
Posts: 1,577
I have just written to UA asking them to match CO on this, and, like many here, I really hope they do.