Originally Posted by
Uncle Kraut
So I'm quite familiar with all the downsides of the UA-CO merger at this point. However, we can't really change that anymore, and I'd like to focus on some of the positives. Help me brainstorm what good we--as in UA flyers--are getting out of this!
Here's what I can come up with on the fly:
- expanded routes
- lots more E+ seating once CO's fleet is converted
- 737's back in the fleet (for those that missed them)
- a couple new hubs
For those other positive thinkers out there, what can you come up with?
1) UA 1Ps now get same day confirmed standby and unconfirmed standby for
free!
Big plus for UA 1Ps! ^
2) Free wifi and free booze for everyone in UA business class lounges. ^
3) Award change fees will now cost less money for lower tier UA elites (still free for top tier). ^
4) Unlimited Domestic upgrades may have never happened if the merger was not being planned. (CO has had UDU for a very long time; change was part of UA alignment with CO FF program). Overall, I think a greater number of UA flyers benefit from UDU compared to those who rather pay for 500 mile upgrades. ^
5) Same day standby now allows different routings (when seats are available)! ^
This is a major help if your flight is sold out F class and a different route has lots of open seats - can help you get an upgrade or a better economy seat. Also, a shorter more direct routing is often preferable but may have cost more when you bought the ticket. Now you can change to the routing you like most (on day of flight, if there is inventory).
6) Business Class award availability on Virgin Atlantic is much better than most star carriers (and a top quality product). ^ We at UA can now transfer our miles to CO for free to instantly access Virgin Atlantic award redemption seats.
7) Ability to book most of star alliance redeeming our miles online (using CO website). ^
8) Award tickets (round trip) now allow BOTH stopover and open jaw. ^ Before we at UA had to choose one or the other.