I have been a business flyer on United (and prior to that on Continental) for more than 20 years. Since last year I noticed that United Business Class prices to fly to Asia destinations are way out of line of all other airlines, and to boot, many of these flights are not even direct flights.
It appears to me that United decided to dump regular business people from their preferred customer list, preferring to focus on fliers who do not pay attention to ticket cost (Government Employees, Corporate flyers where flight hour guideline trumps any other driver for ticket class, Independently rich people, etc.,). I found the trend distressing as I cannot justify paying $11,000 for a flight with connections booked a month in advance where another reputable airline only charges $5,200 on the same Business Class, with the same amenities and direct flight. It is endemic to all destinations in Asia Pacific. I guess I will have to switch alliance to other airlines. On average United Business class is more than twice of other airlines, for no discernible benefits.