Originally Posted by
uastarflyer
Pardon for peeing in the punch bowl, but this is a net negative in the aggregate....
If you're a MM, you're jonesing.
If you're a 1K, you feel you have survived the storm.
If you're anything else, you just got hosed. And that's the vast majority.
I have to disagree. I am happy with the ZP (Zero P) / PP / Premier Platinum elite benefits. They have retained many of the things that are important to me (including award ticket flexibility) and taken away 25% of my RDM bonus. I can live with this.
1P and 2P do look less attractive though, and I think if I were in the 0 - 25,000 annual mile range, I would just get the Explorer Card (or the PP Card if I want lounge access), and buy E+ when I wanted it.
Originally Posted by
illa bells
A (non-middle) E+ seat at booking was THE big perk that kept me exclusively on UA for the past several years. It was worth the sometimes substantial premium I paid to fly them. However, I won't pay a premium for the "chance" of getting such a seat; I'll just go with an E- window/aisle seat on whichever airline is cheapest or more convenient.
In your situation (non or low level elite) this is exactly the strategy you should be following! You don't fly enough to make status that useful. When you do fly, buy the cheapest ticket on the airline that best meets your schedule, and if there is the desire on your part, buy the amenities you want a la carte...
Originally Posted by
mre5765
If a 2P isn't regularly getting an aisle or window E+ seat (or getting upgraded
) then he has no incentive to be a 2P. He's better off being a kettle on another airline: saving his money to buy the lowest fare, and using the savings to purchase the odd upgrade on any airline, or any other travel perk. The now closed thread on the speculation of Lucky's blog entry makes it clear that many 2Ps have come to that conclusion. Many 2Ps will give up on the great game of FFP loyalty.
For a 2P (or non elite), I think you are right on: 'Give up on the great game of FFP loyalty!'
'Always buy the lowest fare, use the savings to purchase the perks / upgrades that you value.'
Originally Posted by
JenGal
But this misses the point of some sub-important elites. People won't necessarily switch to another program. They just won't care about being loyal to anyone. The argument that there is nothing better out there is moot (not your agrument, but others).
Agree with you too: for low level flyers (definitely 0 - 25,000 miles, and probably even 25,000 - 50,000 miles), there is no reason to maintain loyalty to a single airline! (unless you are just passing through these levels on your way to ZP or 1K..., or similar status on AA or DL.)
Originally Posted by
StatusJon
I'm really leaning towards giving up on mileage running.
As you should... Unless you are going to exceed 50,000 miles per year, I don't see how MR'ing makes any sense...
Originally Posted by
mreed911
Either way, it seems VERY likely that the stated benefit of being a UA credit card holder will become "Complimentary UA Premier Silver status," which given the annual fee values Silver status at < $100/year.
This would not surprise me at all. The only question is: For which CC would they offer this as a benefit? Probably not the Explorer card, so it would have the be the higher level Presidential Plus like card... Do you think they would offer 2P and Lounge Access on the same card?