Merger Update – May 2011 (Includes boarding & check-in changes)
May 18, 2011, 1:26 pm
#91
Join Date: Sep 2010
Programs: SPG Plat, HH Silver, UA 1K, DL Silver
Posts: 190
Regional and System Wide Upgrades
I am sure this has been mentioned somewhere else, but just got this in an email:
"A note about upgrades.
We understand how important upgrades are to you. Currently, elite members of both programs enjoy unlimited upgrades on domestic flights on both United and Continental. This summer, you'll be able to use your Regional and Systemwide upgrades on Continental flights (with a few limitations). And once we have completed our merger, you will enjoy your upgrade benefits across our worldwide network. Rest assured, we are working to make your upgrade experience consistent across our worldwide network, as quickly as possible."
Right after my trip to Greece.
"A note about upgrades.
We understand how important upgrades are to you. Currently, elite members of both programs enjoy unlimited upgrades on domestic flights on both United and Continental. This summer, you'll be able to use your Regional and Systemwide upgrades on Continental flights (with a few limitations). And once we have completed our merger, you will enjoy your upgrade benefits across our worldwide network. Rest assured, we are working to make your upgrade experience consistent across our worldwide network, as quickly as possible."
Right after my trip to Greece.
May 18, 2011, 1:27 pm
#92
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 7,418
Sorry if I missed the announcement in another thread, but in the email that came to announce these changes it also included a change to upgrades with miles/copay.
http://www.united.com/page/article/1,,53714,00.html
From what I can tell the miles amounts as well as copays have gone up a fair amount on a number of international segments.
http://www.united.com/page/article/1,,53714,00.html
From what I can tell the miles amounts as well as copays have gone up a fair amount on a number of international segments.
May 18, 2011, 1:29 pm
#93
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: ORD, MBS
Programs: UA Plat., 1.52 MM
Posts: 2,053
I don't think $mi$ek has ever flown United from Hub to Hub, I've been on BWI-SFO flights that were 30+ people on the Red Carpet, and what does he think, he can just call up 1st class and global service? there will have been 10 premiers waiting in that blue line blocking it for 20+ minutes already.
This may work in smaller airports, but where is the $ loyalty? Plus credit card holders get access to that line?
This is absolutely awful.
This may work in smaller airports, but where is the $ loyalty? Plus credit card holders get access to that line?
This is absolutely awful.
Guess what? ........ We "Like" it.... Ain't we? Now click "Share".
May 18, 2011, 1:29 pm
#94
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: San Francisco
Programs: AS MVP Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 700
Appreciate the update. Will be interested to see how everything plays out at ORD when I'm there this weekend.
May 18, 2011, 1:32 pm
#95
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,603
What's happening to our airline??? No more pillows in domestic F? Gauze blankets? 
$mi$ek strikes again. Again, so much for a merger of equals and a combination of the best of both worlds...
btw, did anybody else notice that they left 1K off of the sign in the email?
$mi$ek strikes again. Again, so much for a merger of equals and a combination of the best of both worlds...
btw, did anybody else notice that they left 1K off of the sign in the email?
May 18, 2011, 1:40 pm
#96
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 99
Just sent this email to the Global Services email address:
Hello,
I am writing about the newly annouced Premier Access changes that will affect the check in counters, security lines, and boarding red/blue carpet lane. As someone who has been Global Services for the past 3 years and 1K for many years prior, I have come to greatly value the convenience of having an exclusive area for check-in, security lines, and the ability to board via the carpeted lanes. I believe these benefits should continue to be restricted to 1K and Global Services members. By expanding the eligible pool for these benefits to anyone who is Premier or higher, the lines for these services will increase to the point that they will provide little or no benefit over the regular lines.
As someone who travels as frequently as I do, every minute I save is important, and I believe these changes will greatly lengthen the travel experience for your most loyal and highest revenue flyers. I urge you to reconsider or at least retain some degree of benefits separation in the airport for 1K members and above. As it stands now, I believe you are going to greatly dissatisfy a large base of your customers, and if the incremental benefits for being 1K are going to be greatly reduced, I could forsee a great many customers choosing to stay at lower levels of the Premier program rather than flying the extra amount it takes to become 1K.
Hello,
I am writing about the newly annouced Premier Access changes that will affect the check in counters, security lines, and boarding red/blue carpet lane. As someone who has been Global Services for the past 3 years and 1K for many years prior, I have come to greatly value the convenience of having an exclusive area for check-in, security lines, and the ability to board via the carpeted lanes. I believe these benefits should continue to be restricted to 1K and Global Services members. By expanding the eligible pool for these benefits to anyone who is Premier or higher, the lines for these services will increase to the point that they will provide little or no benefit over the regular lines.
As someone who travels as frequently as I do, every minute I save is important, and I believe these changes will greatly lengthen the travel experience for your most loyal and highest revenue flyers. I urge you to reconsider or at least retain some degree of benefits separation in the airport for 1K members and above. As it stands now, I believe you are going to greatly dissatisfy a large base of your customers, and if the incremental benefits for being 1K are going to be greatly reduced, I could forsee a great many customers choosing to stay at lower levels of the Premier program rather than flying the extra amount it takes to become 1K.
May 18, 2011, 1:42 pm
#97
Original Member, Ambassador: External Miles and Points Resources
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Digital Nomad Wandering the Earth - Currently in LIMA, PERU
Posts: 58,600
Yeah, it's such a tough decision to continue to reduce the benefits of high level UA elites. I've been 1K for more than 10 years. Guess it's really time to make the "not so tough anymore" decision to move over to the dAArk side. Clearly, the new UA dislikes its loyal 1K customers. Some reduction of benefits are understandable due to business reasons. But the new boarding process, the elimination of 1K check-in, and elimination of 1K security lines at the major airports clearly shows that the new UA has a clear disdain of the 1Ks.
I was planning to make 1K this year and see what happens after the completion of the single operating certificate. But it's obvious that I shouldn't bother to wait. I already qualified for 1P next year, not that I am likely to use its benefits next year as it stands now. The SWUs are next to useless now with the NC space essentially have gone to zero for advanced bookings. I've not had a SWU clear so far this year. Time to vote with the wallet.
I was planning to make 1K this year and see what happens after the completion of the single operating certificate. But it's obvious that I shouldn't bother to wait. I already qualified for 1P next year, not that I am likely to use its benefits next year as it stands now. The SWUs are next to useless now with the NC space essentially have gone to zero for advanced bookings. I've not had a SWU clear so far this year. Time to vote with the wallet.
I'm starting to think the same. I definitely think 1P is worth having, at least for another year, but I can't justify shooting for 1K again under these conditions. Just this week's news - no pillows and no more 1K-only check-in - is pushing me over the edge. I'm at around 40k EQM and will probably earn the next 10k for 1P in Q3 to get 2 more CR-1s, and then I'm done.
I'm considering a paid r/t in J/F on AA to try out their domestic and int'l services, but otherwise I may just stop flying so much.
I'm considering a paid r/t in J/F on AA to try out their domestic and int'l services, but otherwise I may just stop flying so much.
We see this with the NC0/W fare situation and the migration of former 1k benefits either up to the GS level or down to the mid-tier elite level.
The funny thing is that as a MM I am (for now, at least, until they potentially Contenited the program) a mid-tier flyer for life...so I can stop flying Contenited altogether and still enjoy 'top' mid-tier benefits on the few occasions that I do end up on a Contenited flight! No more striving to make 1k...I can take the cheaper Z fare to Europe on other carriers and save a bunch of dough and still get top level check-in, boarding and seats on Contenited when I do fly them! @:-)
Actually, that was the FIRST thing I noticed.
May 18, 2011, 1:48 pm
#98
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 99
I tend to agree with these posts: 1ks are getting our benefits diluted as the Contenited approach appears to be targeting the mid-tier flier rather than catering to the top tier flyer.
We see this with the NC0/W fare situation and the migration of former 1k benefits either up to the GS level or down to the mid-tier elite level.
The funny thing is that as a MM I am (for now, at least, until they potentially Contenited the program) a mid-tier flyer for life...so I can stop flying Contenited altogether and still enjoy 'top' mid-tier benefits on the few occasions that I do end up on a Contenited flight! No more striving to make 1k...I can take the cheaper Z fare to Europe on other carriers and save a bunch of dough and still get top level check-in, boarding and seats on Contenited when I do fly them! @:-)
Actually, that was the FIRST thing I noticed.
We see this with the NC0/W fare situation and the migration of former 1k benefits either up to the GS level or down to the mid-tier elite level.
The funny thing is that as a MM I am (for now, at least, until they potentially Contenited the program) a mid-tier flyer for life...so I can stop flying Contenited altogether and still enjoy 'top' mid-tier benefits on the few occasions that I do end up on a Contenited flight! No more striving to make 1k...I can take the cheaper Z fare to Europe on other carriers and save a bunch of dough and still get top level check-in, boarding and seats on Contenited when I do fly them! @:-)
Actually, that was the FIRST thing I noticed.
May 18, 2011, 1:48 pm
#99
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Colorado
Programs: Lifetime UA 1K, Lifetime Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,261
Premier Access forgot about 1K
Did anyone get the Premier Access Email from United today? It lists the priority order as follows:
Global Services
Presidential Platinum
First Class
Business Class
OnePass Elite
Mileage Plus Premier
Star Alliance Gold/Silver
It wil apply to:
Priority lanes and ticket counters at check-in
Priority security lanes (where available)
Priority blue carpet boarding lanes at gates
Priority baggage handling
Is United really stupid enough to forget about 1K, or is this intentional?
Global Services
Presidential Platinum
First Class
Business Class
OnePass Elite
Mileage Plus Premier
Star Alliance Gold/Silver
It wil apply to:
Priority lanes and ticket counters at check-in
Priority security lanes (where available)
Priority blue carpet boarding lanes at gates
Priority baggage handling
Is United really stupid enough to forget about 1K, or is this intentional?
May 18, 2011, 1:50 pm
#100
Join Date: Mar 2009
Programs: UA 1K MM, Marriott Titanium, HH Gold
Posts: 644
May 18, 2011, 1:51 pm
#101
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Global Services 1MM,, AA Exec Plat. Hilton Honors Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 606
I thought I was the only one who caught that! Yes, you're right- they forgot 1K.
Also, this is a pretty clear indication that the loyalty program will maintain the "premier" designations!
Also, this is a pretty clear indication that the loyalty program will maintain the "premier" designations!
Did anyone get the Premier Access Email from United today? It lists the priority order as follows:
Global Services
Presidential Platinum
First Class
Business Class
OnePass Elite
Mileage Plus Premier
Star Alliance Gold/Silver
It wil apply to:
Priority lanes and ticket counters at check-in
Priority security lanes (where available)
Priority blue carpet boarding lanes at gates
Priority baggage handling
Is United really stupid enough to forget about 1K, or is this intentional?
Global Services
Presidential Platinum
First Class
Business Class
OnePass Elite
Mileage Plus Premier
Star Alliance Gold/Silver
It wil apply to:
Priority lanes and ticket counters at check-in
Priority security lanes (where available)
Priority blue carpet boarding lanes at gates
Priority baggage handling
Is United really stupid enough to forget about 1K, or is this intentional?
Last edited by globetraveler; May 18, 2011 at 1:53 pm Reason: Adding...
May 18, 2011, 1:53 pm
#102
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: LHR (sometimes CLE, SFO, BOS, LAX, SEA)
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 5,893
May 18, 2011, 1:54 pm
#103
Join Date: Mar 2009
Programs: UA 1K MM, Marriott Titanium, HH Gold
Posts: 644
Maybe it's an intentional statement about what new UA really thinks of 1Ks.
May 18, 2011, 1:54 pm
#104
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 7,418
It also does not list Premier Executive.
May 18, 2011, 1:57 pm
#105
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: LHR (sometimes CLE, SFO, BOS, LAX, SEA)
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 5,893
Can all elites now use the IAD intl->domestic security line?
I have an oddly specific question.
One big frustration in IAD is clearing customs in a series of hot, poorly air conditioned rooms which are really more like zoos:
(1) You wait to have your passport stamped in an enormous cattle queue -- no big deal (especially if you bite the bullet and buy Global Entry)
(2) You wait to pick up and re-check your bags -- no big deal because (1) is so slow
(3) You wait to re-clear security so you can enter the secure part of the terminal. Here there is a special line that says Global Services/United First. Whether people traveling in domestic first class (or domestic upgraded F) are allowed to use it has never been clear. In fact most agents seem to be making up the rules as they go along -- last time I was there, an agent was trying to keep out people she thought of as riff-raff (not GS, F, or uniformed crew) and eventually threw up her hands in frustration and walked away.
My oddly specific question:
Now that it appears that there's just one "Premier Access" product for all elites, will all 1K/1P/2P members be able to use this special line in IAD?
One big frustration in IAD is clearing customs in a series of hot, poorly air conditioned rooms which are really more like zoos:
(1) You wait to have your passport stamped in an enormous cattle queue -- no big deal (especially if you bite the bullet and buy Global Entry)
(2) You wait to pick up and re-check your bags -- no big deal because (1) is so slow
(3) You wait to re-clear security so you can enter the secure part of the terminal. Here there is a special line that says Global Services/United First. Whether people traveling in domestic first class (or domestic upgraded F) are allowed to use it has never been clear. In fact most agents seem to be making up the rules as they go along -- last time I was there, an agent was trying to keep out people she thought of as riff-raff (not GS, F, or uniformed crew) and eventually threw up her hands in frustration and walked away.
My oddly specific question:
Now that it appears that there's just one "Premier Access" product for all elites, will all 1K/1P/2P members be able to use this special line in IAD?