Scared of merger
Dec 31, 2010 | 10:48 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,608
Scared of merger
I'm kindof scared of this merger, and while I see some benefits, I also fear that we will loose some of our current benefits. I'm very concerned about award fees for instance.
Currently, Platinums (75K fliers) pay $0 to change/redeposit an award ticket. Golds pay $25 and Silvers pay $50.
At United, 75K fliers (Premier Exec), Gold fliers (Premier Exec) and Silver fliers (Premier) all have to pay $150! The only ones exempt are 100K (1K) members.
So are our award ticket fees going to shoot up next year?
Currently, Platinums (75K fliers) pay $0 to change/redeposit an award ticket. Golds pay $25 and Silvers pay $50.
At United, 75K fliers (Premier Exec), Gold fliers (Premier Exec) and Silver fliers (Premier) all have to pay $150! The only ones exempt are 100K (1K) members.
So are our award ticket fees going to shoot up next year?
Dec 31, 2010 | 10:58 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,092
Many of us are afraid of what this merger will bring (especially those of us who are UA 1Ks who have a lot to lose). 
My guess as to the 75K level and award fees is that CO has a significant customer base at that level, and while that level will probably no longer be top tier, it will still carry many of the benefits you are accustomed to seeing, particularly SDC and award fee waivers.
As for timelines for these types of changes, you probably won't see anything until the 2012 program year.
My guess as to the 75K level and award fees is that CO has a significant customer base at that level, and while that level will probably no longer be top tier, it will still carry many of the benefits you are accustomed to seeing, particularly SDC and award fee waivers.
As for timelines for these types of changes, you probably won't see anything until the 2012 program year.
Dec 31, 2010 | 12:52 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA LT Plat, UA 1k/1mm+, National EE, IC Plat, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 2,605
Although it should be mentioned that Smisek has shown no qualms shooting us Plats the bird so far...
Dec 31, 2010 | 1:44 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus. Eurobonus Millionaire
Posts: 38,711
you say that? This year I have SWUs. My other benefits remain the same.
Dec 31, 2010 | 1:48 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: San Francisco/Tel Aviv/YYZ
Programs: CO 1K-MM
Posts: 10,859
My other benefits remain the same.
ha ha ha
Dec 31, 2010 | 1:58 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: EAU
Programs: UA 1K, CO Plat, NW Plat, Marriott Premiere Plat, SPG Plat, Priority Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,761
Dec 31, 2010 | 3:05 pm
#7
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA LT Plat, UA 1k/1mm+, National EE, IC Plat, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 2,605
In time, I think you'll see what I mean. Smisek is interested in only one thing...quick money. And that strategy is squarely at odds with the idea of a great loyalty/frequent flier program.
Dec 31, 2010 | 3:13 pm
#8
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: SEA
Programs: AA Executive PLatinum CO Platinum DL Gold Hyatt Diamond Hilton no more :)
Posts: 1,958
Dec 31, 2010 | 3:50 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus. Eurobonus Millionaire
Posts: 38,711
Next year I'll have six slightly restricted SWUs vs. four unrestricted ones. The fare classes are not that restrictive. I'll gladly take six ver four, thank you. At worst, I consider that a wash.
As far as R availability is concerned, I've never had a problem clearing the BF upgrade list.
ver four, thank you. At worst, I consider that a wash.As far as R availability is concerned, I've never had a problem clearing the BF upgrade list.
Dec 31, 2010 | 4:02 pm
#11
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: SEA
Programs: AA Executive PLatinum CO Platinum DL Gold Hyatt Diamond Hilton no more :)
Posts: 1,958
Next year I'll have six slightly restricted SWUs vs. four unrestricted ones. The fare classes are not that restrictive. I'll gladly take six ver four, thank you. At worst, I consider that a wash.
As far as R availability is concerned, I've never had a problem clearing the BF upgrade list.
ver four, thank you. At worst, I consider that a wash.As far as R availability is concerned, I've never had a problem clearing the BF upgrade list.
Dec 31, 2010 | 4:08 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus. Eurobonus Millionaire
Posts: 38,711
Dec 31, 2010 | 4:11 pm
#13
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: SEA
Programs: AA Executive PLatinum CO Platinum DL Gold Hyatt Diamond Hilton no more :)
Posts: 1,958
Dec 31, 2010 | 4:17 pm
#14
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: KEWR / SPG Plat, HH Diamond, DL Plat, ZE 5*, AA Plat, UA Nobody
Posts: 885
You should be scared - I got scared a few minutes ago when I saw this....
Dec 31, 2010 | 4:45 pm
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Plat
Posts: 13,343
Everyone is going to lose something. PMUA had perks A, B, C, D, E, and PMCO had perks C, D, E, F, G. UACO will probably have B, C, D, E, F only.