I have been booking code-share flights thru UA website for a while now and until a little earlier this year, have had no problems with my MP# being recognized as Star Alliance Gold and Zone 1.

However, yesterday, I flew my second US leg in a couple of weeksthis time it came up with Zone 6 versus the Zone 4 from 2 weeks ago.

I asked the ticket agent, who was useless and told me that I must not have flown enough - AFTER I showed him my 1K card, even.

At least the gate agent there was nice enough to just mark my boarding pass with Zone 1.

I called the 1K desk while waiting for the flight - the 1K desk said that USAir has stopped honoring pre-boarding (and apparently the orange Priority tags on luggage) for at least UA premiers. They further went on to say that because of what USAir is doing, UA is doing the same.

If this really is becoming a trend, it will definitely change how I am booking tickets - sometimes seats are not as important, but the almighty pre-board is imperative!!!