Originally Posted by
lhrsfo
The perverse thing about UA's new program is that, at least for MMers, it disincentivizes being involved in MP at all. Like many, I start the year with a very rough idea of my likely trips over the year but not at all clear. If I knew precisely what I was going to do, I could research and buy the tickets to ensure that I achieved my status. But I don't have any clear idea. It's perfectly possible that I'd hit Plat or 1K, but equally likely I won't. So, I conclude that it's better not to bother at all, and aim for status in a program which allows a static target rather than a moving target - and, as a MM, that is probably better as a non *A program. So I read the new MP as meaning that I switch from flying UA or its partners as a matter of strong preference to NOT flying them as a matter of strong preference. Odd.
I'm in exactly the same boat. From what I can deduce at this point, the changes will mean I'll be flying mostly LH/LX, buying PE when possible, and using my UA upgrade points to fly in business on LH. Moreover, it means that 2020 appears to be the last year I'll be above Gold after perhaps two decades of 1K thanks to a split residence that includes a non-US address exempting me from spending requirements. If I really want to maintain 1K, then flying AC (the horror!) might be the best option with its 40% net credit on P fares. I had, in the back of my head, a slowly growing itch to attempt 2MM before the end of my flying career, but as of right now, that does not seem likely since there are substantial advantages to NOT flying UA metal from here on.
After 2020, it might well be time to investigate other alliances; unfortunately *A serves my flying pattern better than the other two, and the flag carrier of my foreign address, to which I am emotionally tied if nothing else, is a *A member.