(Bumping this old thread to ask a related question...)

I see this option occasionally (as in the screenshot posted above) - though the numbers in the screenshot are quaintly low compared to what I currently see (not germane to my question, but worth noting in case anybody thinks I've found some great deal).

My question is around WHEN this benefit kicks in...

I see this "special member pricing" once in a while (I'm pretty sure) because I hold a United credit card. My spouse (who does not have a United card) never sees it. It's a benefit of the card, I get that.

I have a friend who just recently got the same United card that I have. He was approved for the card, it arrived, he activated it, and is actively spending on the card. He's looking to book an award flight soon.

My friend does NOT see this "special member pricing." I assume he will once the benefit kicks in, but it hasn't yet (it's only been a couple weeks since he got the cad). We are wondering when it will kick in.
Does anyone know the timing of that? Is it triggered by a specific event?

It didn't start when he was approved for the card, when the card was activated, or when charges started to post, or when the first payment was made to the card (at my suggestion, he paid off his balance early, in hopes that might trigger the benefit...it did not).

I suppose it could kick in once he has completed the minimum spend required for the signup bonus (though I thought the benefit was tied to having the card, not necessarily completing the signup spend). Maybe it kicks in after X days/weeks/months. Or maybe united's IT has a loose connection and it won't ever kick in...

Does anyone know or recall from experience how long it takes for this card benefit to kick in or what exactly triggers it? Thanks for any insights.