A multiplier for non-economy fares...such a novel idea. AA does that now.

How many flyers would buy 2 expensive $12K J fares (or the like) and say "I've got my EXP status now." Probably very few and far in between and meaningless within the stats. Very high probability that some that just spend $24K+ with your airline did it flying multiple times. The issue with also an EQM kicker is that some high spend flyers are buying expensive tickets on short routes. Think of someone buying 2 or more last minute tickets weekly on the DCA/LGA shuttle with some other International J flights thrown in. They might make the $24K EQDs but not make the 100K EQMs.

I think y'all are missing that low dollar folks on UA can benefit because the PQD component now includes non 016 flights (i.e. non UA flight nos.) (i.e. Singapore marketed and operated, etc.) The divisor is 5 or 6. Those who want to do it on mileage can if very strategic and come out under 9K (I.e. flying NYC to SIN) a a few times in PE or the like. The 24K number is steep but not quite as steep as you might think (nor the 18K number for that part).

Safe Travels

I am likely to change. I fly ORD to LHR almost monthly. With a few smaller trips and one short mile run, i will end with 16000 in spend and 100,000 miles of credit on 26 segments. Nowhere near 1K status under the changes. United has completely devalued by international spend by requiring 56 segments and 18K or 24K without a segment number. I am pretty sure someone else will provide me greater value to my loyalty.

Personally id welcome this change. I’m at 65k eqm but over $17k in spend. I’m going to struggle to hit 100k eqm and May miss exp this year

Right, I guess what I am suggesting is to essentially use the current EQD determination as the sole basis for elite status. Perhaps include fee spend as well.

UA was never an airline I aspired to fly. Honestly think I only flew them during IRROPS when USAir was *A. Haven’t even established a MPlus account despite having status privileges via Marriott status.

Seriously considering UA now as with my flying patterns 1K is very attainable versus naturally obtaining PLT on AA.

That's still a strict requirement. For EWR - SIN it would take ~8 RT in PE to achieve (or 7 plus 4 segments in UA), which is still way harder to MR.

The program is quite similar to CX MPC now which encourages segments over distance.

Based on those numbers under UA’s new system you still wouldn’t qualify for top tier. So why exactly would you welcome a change that doesn’t benefit you?

Of course AA will follow UA. They intend to win the race to the bottom.

Sure I would. I have 51 segments and will hit over $18k this month

Sounds like a switch to UA might be a better fit for you.

Every airline doesn’t need to have the exact same elite status requirements.

I never considered united as an option before. Was always a toss up between delta or aa. Got to say the new ua program could get me to switch in 2020

i do a number of trips to nyc and hate lga with a burning passion. Newark would be far better.

And hotels and rental car companies. Only airlines have hung onto a system that rewards one based on a non-financial metric. It seems those days are rapidly coming to an end.

My only issue with all of this is ALL spend (excluding taxes and non-airline fees) should count towards the EQD total -- airfare, change fees, club memberships, seat charges, miles redemption fees, and so forth.

Indeed, more my point was that one could get 1K again for under 15K without the waiver for foreign residency. UA is now more like DL and AA that it was. Foreign carriers in J or PEY are the new mileage runs it would appear for UA denizens.

Safe Travels