As a 1K who's flown around 130k EQM annually the last several years I am not outraged by this change but I am disappointed by the reduction in CR-1s. They are useful for upgrading on routes where UDU competition is fierce and for sponsoring upgrades for my wife when she travels on a separate itinerary. While this change is arguably a win for those who travel over 150k EQM it's a loss for those of us in the 100-149 range.

I sympathize with 1Ks who've qualified on segments in the past and are now looking at needing 120. I had year with 120 EQS of travel several years ago, and it was tough. I spent a lot of time waiting out delays sitting in terminals and on the tarmac that year.

I understand the concern that some 1Ks game the system, delivering little value to UA in exchange for the benefits they receive. But these changes don't distinguish between the folks who make 1K with an annual spend of $5k and those who spend $20k or more. Not everyone on FT is in the $5k camp.