Merger Update: 2012 MileagePlus Program Details
Oct 12, 2011, 12:50 pm
#1546
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,216
Adding my voice to those expressing disgust that UAL is "elevating" its top-tier experience by dragging down the 2P's. Relegating 2Ps to E+ middle seats at check-in, rather than a stress-free reserved seat, is a terrible move on UAL's part. After all those years reserved seating for 2Ps (except exit rows), I guess the computers have decided that UAL prefers to lose the 2Ps and sell their E+ seats rather than provide a modest benefit to the folks who generally buy their 25k miles of tickets. If this policy isn't reversed, I will definitely re-examine my travel plans for the 2012; if there is a good chance I won't make 1P that year, I'll let the bottom line price determine whose metal I fly (which probably won't be UAL).
UA is proving surprisingly adept at alienating all of its elite tiers, except maybe GS. The game continues on....
Oct 12, 2011, 2:02 pm
#1547
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Maryland
Programs: United, Turkish
Posts: 640
Adding my voice to those expressing disgust that UAL is "elevating" its top-tier experience by dragging down the 2P's. Relegating 2Ps to E+ middle seats at check-in, rather than a stress-free reserved seat, is a terrible move on UAL's part. After all those years reserved seating for 2Ps (except exit rows), I guess the computers have decided that UAL prefers to lose the 2Ps and sell their E+ seats rather than provide a modest benefit to the folks who generally buy their 25k miles of tickets. If this policy isn't reversed, I will definitely re-examine my travel plans for the 2012; if there is a good chance I won't make 1P that year, I'll let the bottom line price determine whose metal I fly (which probably won't be UAL).
Oct 12, 2011, 4:49 pm
#1548
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: glendale,ca,us
Posts: 121
"the #1 thing to do is to not open the e-mail with "On our mileage run last weekend..." "
It simply means if you don't have any good things to say then it would nice not to say anything. There is nothing wrong stating it was a Mileage Run because it was as I am trying to get my qualification as PE. Thanks
I don't even know what this means or how it applies.It simply means if you don't have any good things to say then it would nice not to say anything. There is nothing wrong stating it was a Mileage Run because it was as I am trying to get my qualification as PE. Thanks
Oct 12, 2011, 5:01 pm
#1549
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 67,134
You might look as a way of saying, I have gone the extra mile (punt intended) but there are two ways to look at the statement.
Oct 12, 2011, 5:37 pm
#1550
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: glendale,ca,us
Posts: 121
I think you are missing the reason for the feedback. Self-identifying yourself as a MR may create the impression you are a low-yield/low profit customer and might negatively impact the UA response.
You might look as a way of saying, I have gone the extra mile (punt intended) but there are two ways to look at the statement.
You might look as a way of saying, I have gone the extra mile (punt intended) but there are two ways to look at the statement.
Oct 12, 2011, 6:55 pm
#1551
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 7,441
Oct 12, 2011, 7:24 pm
#1552
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: San Diego
Programs: IHG Spire Amb, HH Diamond, DL Diamond and 1MM
Posts: 3,612
Come Over to Delta!
These are the bonus levels:
Level United Delta
25k 25% 25%
50k 50% 100%
75k 75% 100%
100k 100% ----
125k ---- 125%
Yes, the biggest knocks on Delta are lack of award availability (on Delta metal), and no meaningful international upgrades.
For the second objection, the solution is partner awards.
These are my last two redemptions, which were on AF and KL in biz class:
LAX-(CDG)-VIE/PRG-(AMS)-CDG-LAX for 100k Skymiles
LAX-(CDG)-(AMS)-JNB-CDG-LAX for 140k Skymiles
For international upgrades, one just has to decided if that's a deal breaker or not.
A unique feature to Delta Skymiles is rollover EQM's -- the excess miles for the year's status level roll into next year's qualification. For a Delta flyer, this means that there is never a wasted mileage run -- the status will either count for the current year or a future year.
This is arguable, but my personal opinion is that Delta's in-flight service and airport lounges are superior to United.
Last edited by Bowgie; Oct 12, 2011 at 9:11 pm Reason: Forgot 75k levels
Oct 12, 2011, 7:53 pm
#1553
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Colorado
Programs: Lifetime UA 1K, Lifetime Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,261
Not trying to pile on but the other advantage of Delta is that there is no level above Diamond (e.g. GS). And for long time Delta fliers, they appear to count MM status as a tiebreaker.
I can fully understand why United rewards GS fliers but the downside is that it basically ruined 1K, especially for people flying 100-300K miles a year.
All the hotels and airlines seem to be going to upsells for better rooms and seats. Like most analytics-based programs, this will only work temporarily. It is likely to cause a longer term change in that flyers will stop caring about loyalty and pick the cheapest flight they can buy-up on.
I can fully understand why United rewards GS fliers but the downside is that it basically ruined 1K, especially for people flying 100-300K miles a year.
All the hotels and airlines seem to be going to upsells for better rooms and seats. Like most analytics-based programs, this will only work temporarily. It is likely to cause a longer term change in that flyers will stop caring about loyalty and pick the cheapest flight they can buy-up on.
Oct 12, 2011, 9:26 pm
#1554
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: UA Million Miler (lite). NY Metro area.
Posts: 15,127
The title of this thread is: "Merger Update: 2012 MileagePlus Program Details"
As you have read throughout this thread, there are many people who find some of the changes to be positive. I want to hear their opinions, and understand why they think these changes are not as bad as some percieve them to be.
If you just want to b1tch about the changes, there are a number of other threads opened that are clearly titled as places to air your complaints. (for example: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...-shaft-mp.html)
As you have read throughout this thread, there are many people who find some of the changes to be positive. I want to hear their opinions, and understand why they think these changes are not as bad as some percieve them to be.
If you just want to b1tch about the changes, there are a number of other threads opened that are clearly titled as places to air your complaints. (for example: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...-shaft-mp.html)
Don't for a second think UA isn't magnifying any positive comment posted here. YMMV. If 10% of this thread has been positive, UA, with their rose colored glasses, must be thinking we're in favor of the changes.
Oct 12, 2011, 10:05 pm
#1555
Formerly known as CollegeFlyer
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: JRA
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA PLT, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hertz 5*
Posts: 6,716
I think you are missing the reason for the feedback. Self-identifying yourself as a MR may create the impression you are a low-yield/low profit customer and might negatively impact the UA response.
You might look as a way of saying, I have gone the extra mile (punt intended) but there are two ways to look at the statement.
You might look as a way of saying, I have gone the extra mile (punt intended) but there are two ways to look at the statement.
Oct 12, 2011, 10:20 pm
#1556
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 5,825
Not b1tchinging at all. Just being a Flyertalker. I'm voicing my opinion.
Don't for a second think UA isn't magnifying any positive comment posted here. YMMV. If 10% of this thread has been positive, UA, with their rose colored glasses, must be thinking we're in favor of the changes.
Don't for a second think UA isn't magnifying any positive comment posted here. YMMV. If 10% of this thread has been positive, UA, with their rose colored glasses, must be thinking we're in favor of the changes.
Recall the initial tenor of this thread. Generally positive, recognition that the changes do not benefit everyone.
Oct 13, 2011, 6:20 am
#1557
Join Date: May 2003
Programs: UA1k; Bonvoy Titanium; Hilton Gold; IHG Gold; AA Plat Pro
Posts: 1,796
Not trying to pile on but the other advantage of Delta is that there is no level above Diamond (e.g. GS). And for long time Delta fliers, they appear to count MM status as a tiebreaker.
I can fully understand why United rewards GS fliers but the downside is that it basically ruined 1K, especially for people flying 100-300K miles a year.
I can fully understand why United rewards GS fliers but the downside is that it basically ruined 1K, especially for people flying 100-300K miles a year.
Oct 13, 2011, 8:25 am
#1558
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 5,825
Probably Delta Plat or Diamond is a different experience, but:
I had gained Delta Gold status through a promotion they ran with my AMEX card. In looking to book a flight to BDL from SFO, found a Delta ticket far less expensive than UA and decided to give them a try.
Overall, the experience did not seem all that different from being a mid tier on UA... Upgraded on 1 out of 4 flights. Way, way down on the upgrade list for the popular routes / times. F on the Delta 757 was 'eh' - about the same as UA. (PDB provided when I was in F; I ordered an alcoholic cocktail. I thought it was very funny when in response to my drink order, the FA said 'Well, aren't you naughty!') No E+ on Delta really could be a deal breaker for me, E+ really does make a flight a lot better...
So, if earning 25 or 50% more RDM's really makes that much of a difference for you, give Delta a try if they have a flight schedule that meets your needs.
In my case, I think that even when I drop to low status / low amount of flying, I will still either try to earn 2P, or buy the annual E+ option, and stick with UA (assuming also that I am still SFO based).
One very small thing I liked better on DL: I drink a lot of water on flights. DL has 10 oz plastic cups, which I like better than the smaller 8 oz cups they provide on UA!
I had gained Delta Gold status through a promotion they ran with my AMEX card. In looking to book a flight to BDL from SFO, found a Delta ticket far less expensive than UA and decided to give them a try.
Overall, the experience did not seem all that different from being a mid tier on UA... Upgraded on 1 out of 4 flights. Way, way down on the upgrade list for the popular routes / times. F on the Delta 757 was 'eh' - about the same as UA. (PDB provided when I was in F; I ordered an alcoholic cocktail. I thought it was very funny when in response to my drink order, the FA said 'Well, aren't you naughty!') No E+ on Delta really could be a deal breaker for me, E+ really does make a flight a lot better...
So, if earning 25 or 50% more RDM's really makes that much of a difference for you, give Delta a try if they have a flight schedule that meets your needs.
In my case, I think that even when I drop to low status / low amount of flying, I will still either try to earn 2P, or buy the annual E+ option, and stick with UA (assuming also that I am still SFO based).
One very small thing I liked better on DL: I drink a lot of water on flights. DL has 10 oz plastic cups, which I like better than the smaller 8 oz cups they provide on UA!
Oct 13, 2011, 10:20 am
#1559
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: What I write is my opinion alone..don't read into it anything not written.
Posts: 9,687
I'm with you on this. I always bring an empty bottle of water with me to the airport and fill it up after security. I drink lots of water and even more on planes and except on intl upper cabin flights, the supply never meets my demand. 25% more water/serving would help a bit.
Oct 13, 2011, 10:27 am
#1560
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: YVR SFO
Programs: UA G
Posts: 4,866
Anyone know what the award penalty fees will be for Premier Platinums? Will there still be free routing change and re-deposit?