ROP Program changes
Mar 9, 2019, 12:13 pm
#17
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 425
That and the 50% award were my biggest fears. "First we will spin them some good news. The devil will be in the detail we disclose later."
Remember the changes announced a few years ago: "Our ROP members wanted better award availability" So we made significant increases to the mileage costs. Of course that would increase availability because fewer members could afford the awards.
With airlines "enhancements" always seem to hide a disadvantage for the passenger.
Remember the changes announced a few years ago: "Our ROP members wanted better award availability" So we made significant increases to the mileage costs. Of course that would increase availability because fewer members could afford the awards.
With airlines "enhancements" always seem to hide a disadvantage for the passenger.
Mar 9, 2019, 4:48 pm
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: WLG/BKK
Programs: TG*G, NZ*GE, QF G, Accor Gold
Posts: 10,194
I am glad I burned my GUP on a AKL-BKK-ZRH return (K->J), and burned the 50% award for Mrs TK in J for the same trip. This really is excellent value and I suppose such 'optimisation' might make these 2 benefits a target of cost cutting.
I requalified TG*G on Jan 01, and the Auckland office had me booked by Jan 04 for flights in Sep 19.
I have noted previously that the cheapest K fare AKL-ZRH was around USD 1200, however the fine print said this was non-upgradable. I needed to buy a K fare that allowed upgrades, which cost quite a bit more at approx USD1600. And the more expensive K class still only earns 75% miles....
I requalified TG*G on Jan 01, and the Auckland office had me booked by Jan 04 for flights in Sep 19.
I have noted previously that the cheapest K fare AKL-ZRH was around USD 1200, however the fine print said this was non-upgradable. I needed to buy a K fare that allowed upgrades, which cost quite a bit more at approx USD1600. And the more expensive K class still only earns 75% miles....
Last edited by Thai-Kiwi; Mar 10, 2019 at 12:55 am
Mar 9, 2019, 6:59 pm
#19
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,324
ROP is a program, where differences between lower class/lower fares and J/F class/more expensive fares are smaller than at other airline programs. There are also no bonus miles for members with Gold or Platinum Status
I expect changes in those two areas
I expect changes in those two areas
Mar 9, 2019, 10:07 pm
#20
Join Date: May 2001
Location: RNO, NV, USA.
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 5,062
Mar 16, 2019, 8:01 am
#22
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Programs: Asia Miles, Royal Orchid Plus, World Perks
Posts: 108
A few years ago they tried to increase the cost of awards while adding tier miles for silver gold and plat. This came with a huge backlash so they postponed this move. With both SQ (twice) and CX increased in award cost last year, I guess this is expected to happen.
Just hope it is a moderate increase.
Just hope it is a moderate increase.
Mar 16, 2019, 8:03 am
#23
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Programs: Asia Miles, Royal Orchid Plus, World Perks
Posts: 108
UA Gold is 50,000 miles in a calendar year. You must also fly at least 4 UA flights and there is a UA dollar spend requirement (which can be waived with CC spend). TG Gold is 50,000 miles in any 12 month period, or 80,000 miles in 24 months. Gold status last 2 years. On UA you must requalify yearly.
Mar 22, 2019, 9:08 pm
#25
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,324
Mar 22, 2019, 10:00 pm
#26
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Programs: Asia Miles, Royal Orchid Plus, World Perks
Posts: 108
A few years ago they tried to increase the cost of awards while adding tier miles for silver gold and plat. This came with a huge backlash so they postponed this move. With both SQ (twice) and CX increased in award cost last year, I guess this is expected to happen.
Just hope it is a moderate increase.
Just hope it is a moderate increase.
It is a very steep increase in award prices.
Mar 22, 2019, 10:51 pm
#27
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Asia Pacific
Programs: Accor Diamond, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, SQ Gold, Qatar Platinum
Posts: 238
The new ROP award chart is terrible for redeeming return ticket. Got to plan next year trips to burn ROP miles before the new chart applied 
Mar 22, 2019, 10:59 pm
#28
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Bangkok & Dublin
Programs: Thai ROP Platinum; BA Gold; Marriott Bonvoy Titanium For Life; IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 375
THAI MAX EXPRESS
Beginning 01 April 2019, THAI Max Express is a new option to purchase a paid ticket using only miles for roundtrip travel in Royal First Class or Royal Silk Class. THAI Max Express can be used only for travel departing from Bangkok to all THAI destinations in Europe.
Does this mean that I can use reward miles to buy a ticket that will actually earn Tier Status points? If so, that is a radical change. Load up the miles on your credit card spending, then use them to buy a First Class round trip ticket to London, and earn 35,568 miles? Sounds way too easy to me!!!
Mar 22, 2019, 11:24 pm
#29
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Asia Pacific
Programs: Accor Diamond, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, SQ Gold, Qatar Platinum
Posts: 238
This is very interesting......possibly.........
THAI MAX EXPRESS
Beginning 01 April 2019, THAI Max Express is a new option to purchase a paid ticket using only miles for roundtrip travel in Royal First Class or Royal Silk Class. THAI Max Express can be used only for travel departing from Bangkok to all THAI destinations in Europe.
Does this mean that I can use reward miles to buy a ticket that will actually earn Tier Status points? If so, that is a radical change. Load up the miles on your credit card spending, then use them to buy a First Class round trip ticket to London, and earn 35,568 miles? Sounds way too easy to me!!!
THAI MAX EXPRESS
Beginning 01 April 2019, THAI Max Express is a new option to purchase a paid ticket using only miles for roundtrip travel in Royal First Class or Royal Silk Class. THAI Max Express can be used only for travel departing from Bangkok to all THAI destinations in Europe.
Does this mean that I can use reward miles to buy a ticket that will actually earn Tier Status points? If so, that is a radical change. Load up the miles on your credit card spending, then use them to buy a First Class round trip ticket to London, and earn 35,568 miles? Sounds way too easy to me!!!
Mar 22, 2019, 11:41 pm
#30
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Bangkok & Dublin
Programs: Thai ROP Platinum; BA Gold; Marriott Bonvoy Titanium For Life; IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 375
It is the case....just check under "Spend Miles" on the ROP website........but the milage required is HUUUUUUGE.....
