Originally Posted by GlencoeGuy

So at 95 segments, and will hit 1k in a couple of weeks... The increase to 120 segments was not welcome news.

I've probably read the first 5-6 and the last 2-3 pages of this thread, so if someone else made this point (and kudos to those who have read all nearly 900 posts -- and get a life) forgive me.

I did see a couple of posts where they pointed out the 25K miles = 30 segments rubric would seem to make the 100K miles = 120 segments more "fair" ...

Well, aside from setting up all those that fly those miles (and more) for the upcoming increase in requirements for 1K to 120K miles (ala other airlines), I think United has done something pretty unfair here... Basically, my point is that there are other ways to earn EQM than BIS miles. I'm not aware of any credit card promotions, points, etc. that offer EQS -- but I'm happy to be educated!

Segment folks really do earn it the hard way, and I've also seen many sympathetic responses from FAs and pilots when I explain that I basically take the bus back and forth from O'Hare to Philly each week. Which is like a lot of other short-hop folks around the country. I have tried hard to stay loyal to United, even when I probably could have gotten a cheaper fare (and MP miles) on USScareways. I wish that United's UDU system was sophisticated enough to track frequent destination bus-flyers/commuters like me (i.e., back and forth every week to the same place) to throw us a bone once in a while. As it is, the planets have to be aligned on the sixth Tuesday of the 13th month for there to be a snowball's chance at a UDU if you're a 1P or even a 1K on a lower fare.

OK, whining over. I guess I should just take my exit row (only if I book early enough in advance) and double miles, and call it a day... But a 20% increase in segments to re-qualify for 1K just sucks, big time!