Here is the link to the new "perks" for united for next year!
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum50/HTML/023325.html

[This message has been edited by why fly (edited November 11, 2003).]

Rupert. I think it time to share your plans with us....... soon

Excellent move to recognize revenue by counting class of service premium towards status (re)qualification.

It also appears that UA is really going to address the EBay/SWU problem by making it harder to transfer (if it's possible at all). It might be a move to make it such that only 1K & companion could use SWUs (like the AC upgrades) and that will make the 1K tier a lot more attractive than it is now given that no 1K = no SWU.

Some good moves overall.

If the past is any indication...we will know after the fact.

As in say, effective July 1, 2004, right in the middle of the year.

He promised to communicate. Well put up or shut up. We are now getting close to the time when people are planning trips into next year so its not unreasonable to know what the terms are going to be. I already have flights booked into 2004, albeit none on AC - no trust left.

Altaflyer: Congratulations on your 3000th post.

If United can disclose the terms of their FF program, so can AC. Rupert claimed it could not be done for competitive reasons. What a crock!!!!

I vote for details to arrive in mailboxes in February/early March. The propaganda dept is probably hard at work right now.

As the outlines of Edmund and Tenzing shrink into the distance...

If the SWU are Sweetspots "like this year" this program "ROCKS" Buy 3 Q fares to ASIA and get upgraded! Great deal!

Actually it's been confirmed that they will be very close to the SweetsSpots. (Upgrade from most fares)

Although they will be electronic meaning they will be extremely hard to transfer (like the current HK-50, lot of work to get it transferred and to get it done correctly).

WOW here are the fares this is a lot better [for some] than AC! If you are an international flyer, this works amazing!

Six SWUs for 1Ks with 100,000 Elite Qualifying Miles or 100 Elite Qualifying Segments in 2003.
� Two more SWUs for 1Ks with 100,000 flight miles** or 100 flight segments in 2003.
� In 2004, SWUs will be electronic rather than paper certificates, making them easier to track and bank for later use.
� 2004 SWUs will be eligible in Region 1 from all booking classes except Z and G, and in Region 2 from all booking classes except Z, S, T, K, L and G.

Hopefully the folks at Aeroplan are watching what UA has done with this announcement and are taking notes.

After the erosion of the differences between the benefits at the Elite level and Super Elite level in the 2003 programme, it would be nice to see some balance restored. Early notification of 2004 benefits would certainly be nice too.

While next year will be my first year as a Super Elite, reasonable SE benefits in 2004 will help ensure that it�s not my last.

Fingers crossed.

mpc1

I agree AC has got to address the upgrades, it has to give us some upgrades from lower fares to be competitive. At the very least, for SE but some improvement for E.

I have watched Aeroplan (and AC) gradually strip benefits for members. The program is not competitive anymore for Elites. I have not been able to use an upgrade certificate this year. I refuse to pay a higher price for an H domestic fare and step up to the Aero lottery booth. International fares...forget it. I am not paying Y for Europe and H for other international destinations.

As you well know, I have been an ardent AC fan for over 40 years. I have been Elite for the past 7 years and Prestige for 4 years before that. I have watched a program slowly stripped of benefits to the point where it has become of questionable use to me.

I realize that the airline is facing tough times and had to adapt. There are still measure that could have been taken to convey the message that frequent flyers' business is valued. Everything is now a cash grab: booking rewards with an agent; advance seat selection; etc. How about waving these fees for your best customers?

Sadly, I am coming to the conclusion that only a massive defection to other airlines will get the attention of Dorval.

All I ask from AC is a little respect and the message that I, the loyal customer, am valued and my business is recognized.