I have been both AC SE & UA1K simultaneously each year since 2004.

Not once since 2004 have I even for day consider leaving United .AC SE several times. In 2016 I will be giving up my SE status.
11 years of 1K United has made changes to the benefits like any other FFP.

Only one (1) that I am not happy RDM pegged to spend.
This changed has reduce my RDM earning by 40%.

I have been able to cover that shortfall by purchasing RDM @ rate of .019cents per RDM. Because UA's upgradeable international fares & even lowest business fares are typically 40%-45% lower than AC.
with added cost of purchasing RDM, I still save hundreds of dollars over AC's fare & get 100% EQM & Same amount of RDM as I would with AC.
Conclusion yes I am not happy however I am still saving hundreds of dollars.

Below is a comprehensive list of current benefits UA gives its 1K that are important to me.

AC SE can compare & decide which status is better or best suits their travel pattern.


1.All fares including the lowest publish fare earn 100% EQM.

2.Upgrade instruments equavilent to UA & AA.

Currently UA 1K with 100K of EQM get 6 Global = 3 Roundtrip to Australia. Plus 4 Regionals & unlimted comp upgrade in 48 states, Hawaii & Canada.
Assume AC keeps the current rate of E-credits on the lowest flex to distances of 5000+, to match UA 6 Global : AC would have to give me 162E-credits. At least 60 E-Credits for the 4 Regional which I can use for confirmable transcon & Hawaii.

In addition comp upgrade in Within Canada,48 states & Canada & Hawaii.

3. Allowed to upgrade @ time of ticketing subject to upgradeable space being available.

4. Free 24 hour confirmable change on any fare including international flights

5.No cancellation fees on award booking changes & cancellations

6. No fuel surcharges on all award bookings not limited to AC metal only.

7.Reducing their lowest upgradeable fare to LH, UA, AA levels. Example current YYZ-SYD UA lowest upgradable fare is $2300.00.
There are other benefits are not that important to me, the above save me $$$$.

UA spend is USD 12000.00 no increase for 2016 @ today’s exchange rate of 1.35 C$16,200.

Canadians & other international based UA 1K are not required to meet the minimum spend of USD 12K.

For 20K AC I expect to receive minimum same benefits as UA 1K minimum.

8.UA GPU can be used to upgrade on LH flights Systemwide. I fly LH F by upgrading from business with my UA GPU

9.UA allows waitlist on award travel on UA metal. One can book XN (Special 1K award code) waitlist IN (1K business) up to 2 dates or 2 flights. when the WL clears. No change fee
10. United is generous with compensations if there are issues with service both on ground or in flight. Unlike AC where no IFE for 14 hour flight compensation be 5% discount code on base fare only.

If AC 2017 benefits are less than above, I will hand in my SE. I am AC Gold for life. If I give up SE in 2017, For travel within Canada will do only award travel & still get Gold benefits.



Below are links review of AC & UA Hard & soft product by reviewers who are neither apologist for UA or AC.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolm...ve-air-canada/
http://www.traveller.com.au/airline-...economy-giil3v
http://www.traveller.com.au/flight-t...-sydney-gj8px3

Contrary to other poster has posted, United will consider a status match not to 1K but to gold. This is current as 1 hour ago from UA MP.

As it is end of the year, United I was told will not look @ request until next January. The suggestion was the request should be made no early than 3rd. week in Jan next year.
Contact details for the request:
www.united.com/contactmp

Eleven years ago Why Fly enlightened me on UA 1K program. I owe WF ton of gratitude. If it was not for WF I would be still drinking AC's koolaid.

Returning the favor. If any SE is interested in moving to United, I am happy to give pointers to ensure the outcome of the request is successful.