I agree that the new award flights would be cheaper - and that it good news - though we need to remember that these redemptions would be for a Basic ticket. That doesn't mean much if you're Gold or Platinum member, but to compare it to the current redemptions for non-elite flyer who wants to check one item and to eat something onboard - there isn't a big difference.

Of course all prices - award and cash - would be pretty sweet under the promo period. But seems like after that it would be hard to still call UP a low-cost company, especially since the quoted prices are only base prices (lowest available, probably with limited stock on each flight) and most tickets would be more expensive.

According to the information on flyup.com - the taxes are yet to be added to the prices mentioned. Or maybe I misunderstood that. They indicate the amount of points needed and the fuel surcharge - but it's written that taxes need to be added for the total price of the award. Which, BTW, makes little sense if you take, for example, an award flight to PRG: under the promo period, a Basic ticket can be bought for 69$ or 75 points + 32$ fuel surcharge + taxes (?).

Seems to me like the big winners would be Gold and Platinum elite members who will be able to get most of the Smart benefits with Basic tickets. For non-elites this new company is basically bad news.