Originally Posted by Hotspring
Nowadays, not only do I have difficulties in booking business class redemption tickets, I couldn't even use my SWUs, confirmed in advance. It is because UA is now selling the standby confirm seat, E+, business class tickets at check in time. Last week, I tried to standby for an earlier flight at Las Vegas. The GA told me that it should be okay. But when at the time of boarding, only 1 only in. I was stunned! What is the point of being a 1K. I was really upset about that. UA has changed. Its mentality of getting a few bucks, in sacraficing its most loyal members the usual benefit makes me think twice to spend any extra money in order to attain that 1K status.
Can't say I've had the same experience. I have made three international round trips this year - one to FRA, one to PEK, one to PVG. Got upgraded on every flight. I am tapped out of SWU's now, and have to use miles to upgrade. At 30K miles per direction to upgrade with miles and a higher qualifying fare required, I already miss my 6 SWU's!