Originally Posted by
jchiguy1
We 1Ks are a relatively small but very vocal group. PMUA understood our value and treated us very well. PMCO never even had a 100,000 mile level and always treated all elites basically the same. This is precisely what SMI/J has brought to United and, while the overall result of his actions is still in doubt, we are not going to just lie back and take it. I have been a loyal UA flyer all of my adult life (2.4 million miles to this point) and even I am thinking about buying CP ($3999)from US and putting up with connections in CLT,PHL and PHX. Doug and company at least understand the value of the 100,000 mile flyer and treat us with some degree of respect.
This is exactly what worries me about staying with United long term. Just about every advantage that being a 1K offered on the day of flight is gone. No 1K only check in, no carpet for 1K/GS/F/C only, no priority in meal selection. And once the dust settles from PSS integration, we'll find out if the 1K desk can still work the magic it used to be able to.
Originally Posted by
adambrau
Our society has grown so negative, all people do is complain. I remember when I joined FT in 2001 how the UA thread was so informative (and the 1K program better) but I really don't see what the alternatives are, if you fly to Asia a lot. I think DL might be a better airline and more up to date on tech innovations, but their FF program sucks. AA is more generous but they don't fly much to Asia if building up your BIS status is important. And who know what will happen to AA's program going through bankruptcy.
I never thought I'd say this, but I'm actually hoping that Doug Parker takes over AA. Yes, I know mergers are bad for FF programs in general, and raise costs, for all it's faults, US does recognize the 1K flyer, and if a US/AA merger came about, both cultures would have a history of catering to its best customers.