I'm a former CO Plat who averaged between 75-1000k miles a year. I fly from DTW and for years on CO I flew about 80% of my flights through Houston. When the merger occurred, the milage from DTW-IAH changed to less. Another former CO Plat I met at DTW jokes that they moved the airport when we merged b/c all of a sudden we were earning less miles on DTW-IAH flights.
I fly every 4 weeks to the day. Sometimes I have an additional flight or 2 per year. This year I will just reach Gold status this week! Last year I was Plat 75k by now. I'm not going to get into a Continental versus United argument, b/c there's no point. I'm now earning less miles b/c of the routes offered, and it sure DIDN'T add up.
I haven't dropped from Platinum in so many years I can't even recall! I guess my question is, is Gold Elite worth anything on United? I'm barely getting the upgrades as a Platinum member (Last minute upgrades) and now they're charging 20K for mileage upgrades? I'm flying to Tampa through Washington DC and the 1st flight is an ERJ so why bother wasting 20K for one 3 hour flight? And the upgrades we were given as gifts at the start of the year? One was used on a trip that had to be cancelled last January. When I rebooked they told me that United would give me the earned upgrade back as soon as the merger was completed. I STILL haven't received that upgrade. I've called, but nothing. And as a Gold Elite for 2013, I don't believe we get any free upgrades or earned upgrades- whatever they're called.
I'm just wondering- am I the only one? I fly as often and to the same places but this year I ended up with WAYYY less miles than last year. I know achieving Elite status isn't easy, but once you've been Platinum, dropping down sucks. I just wonder if there are more people like me who wonder where all the miles went? I GET that we now earn less from DTW-IAH but it wasn't by a huge amount. And I had to fly often through EWR this year b/c most flights to IAH this year were more expensive AND were on ERJs. I never liked those planes and the flight to IAH is 3 hours- too long for the metal tube, as I call it.
I love my upgrades and love United's fleet. Being able to watch tv from gate to gate is nice. I'm just wondering how many of us flew to the same destinations this year but ended up with less elite miles. I guess I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it to give it another year, or just finally switch to Delta, as we have the hub right here at DTW.
How often do Gold Elites get upgraded? DO they get upgraded? I truly wish I had the time & money to fly 25K in the next month, but it's not going to happen. I'm going to have to start playing the hand I'm dealt. I just pray it allows for upgrades next year b/c I've sure become used to 1st Class, LOL!
Anyone else? I know there are DTW based people who dropped too, but are we the only ones who had to be rerouted and take less miles than usual on regular flights? Somehow, I don't think so.
Programs: UA 1K MM, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Silver, Hilton Silver
Posts: 19,756
When you say "less miles" DTW-IAH, are we talking 1,2,3, ... miles or are you talking something more than that? There was a short period of time many route mileages were reduced (and even then ut was usually under 10-20 miles) but that was reversed.
But it hardly seems this is the reason you are short making Plat. You must have flown less or more direct routings or ????
When you say "less miles" DTW-IAH, are we talking 1,2,3, ... miles or are you talking something more than that? There was a short period of time many route mileages were reduced (and even then ut was usually under 10-20 miles) but that was reversed.
When was it reversed? Pre-merger IAH-EWR earned 1415 PQM's; now it earns 1400 even (for example).
I will barely make gold after being 1k this year. I flew less due to cutbacks at work, not any problem per se with United. I dont think ill miss 1k, I rarely made the complimentary upgrade anyway...usually missing it by one, strangest thing and a bit aggravating. I am glad to keep gold, as that provides some perks when traveling internationally (lounge access as I am letting my United Club membership expire due to it being a poor value IMO). I do like to board early too and will be able to do that on all Star Alliance flights.
I stopped flying because its no longer any fun. This doesn't have anything to do with the merger but with the hassle of travel in general. I retired in 2000 and decided to see the world and scuba dive in as many places I could get too. I purchased my own tickets and could fly any airline but received good service from CO and United since the merger was announced.
I almost accomplished my entire bucket list but I will only fly now when I can't drive.
I'm dropping down to Gold this year too - I'll make it by ~120 miles on December 24th
American and Delta are both viable options for me, so I'll be making a decision in 2013 about future loyalty.
For the first time in many yrs I will be dropping below plat (got MM status last yr so I will still get gold level). Personal travel used to get me about half of the miles but it imho its not enjoyable any more. I'm also considering dropping the pres club membership for 2013
although thats true for the amount of Bonus miles that 1 earns. Bonus miles based on Status doesnt have any affect on what Elite Level you earn, so if the OP is dropping that means they have less BIS miles this yr then yrs past Plat is 75k bis and Gold is 50k
I guess my question is, is Gold Elite worth anything on United? I'm barely getting the upgrades as a Platinum member (Last minute upgrades) and now they're charging 20K for mileage upgrades?
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How often do Gold Elites get upgraded? DO they get upgraded?
Answers to the upgrade question depend on route.
As for whether or not gold is worth it... Gold means you essentially guarantee yourself in E+. It's not First, but it's not E either.
