Location: Newport Beach, California, USA (Recently of San Francisco)
Programs: Clawed my way back to 1P on UA
Posts: 28,405
Mainline for Elites Only! (April Fool's)
Quote:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In an effort to better serve its business customers, effective June 1st, only those passengers with elite status (Premier, Premier Executive, 1K and Global Services) will be able to book seats on United mainline aircraft. Those passengers without status will be able to book United Express flights and may standby for United mainline flights for a small fee. United spokesman Rahsaan Johnson explained that this change in policy was necessary because, "Particularly after the merger with Continental, the new United Airlines has far more elite-level fliers than any other airline. If we can't provide them with benefits they appreciate, we won't be able to keep their business and it is these fliers who provide more than 80% of the airline's revenue."
United Express flights will, after June 1st, be renamed, "United Super Saver." "We want our non-status customers to regard our new program as a financial benefit," said Johnson, unveiling the program's motto: "Small planes for a small price." There will be some upward adjustment of fares for those elites traveling on United mainline aircraft, "but not so much as to discourage our most valued fliers from staying loyal to United's quality service." This is simply United's way of saying, "Yes, we know who you are!"
"There will be some upward adjustment of fares for those elites traveling on United mainline aircraft, "but not so much as to discourage our most valued fliers from staying loyal to United's quality service."
Interesting, I cant access that link.
This is an interesting statement. I would guess that the majority of their elites are business travelers for which it seems they are missing the fact that most businesses will require travelers to book the "cheapest flight within reason".
If this doesn't fall within a 5 to 10% swing, I know my company will not allow it.
Location: Chicago, Houston, or somewhere in between
Posts: 1,641
You got me!
This release is so convincing that I spent 10 minutes trying to remember when I'd written it. Happy April Fools Day... and thanks for spelling my name correctly! Bravo.
Location: Newport Beach, California, USA (Recently of San Francisco)
Programs: Clawed my way back to 1P on UA
Posts: 28,405
Quote:
Originally Posted by UA Insider
This release is so convincing that I spent 10 minutes trying to remember when I'd written it. Happy April Fools Day... and thanks for spelling my name correctly! Bravo.
Rahsaan
Ooops. Sorry, I didn't mean to "out" you. When I wrote the release I did a quick Google search for, "United spokesman," and your name came up, so I used it for "authenticity." Glad you like the release.
That's a good one-for today of course!
