Merger Update: 2012 MileagePlus Program Details
#1441
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 5,825
In my case, most of my travel for biz is not over a Saturday night and often booked relatively last minute, so it often comes from the higher fare buckets. My personal travel I try to get the best fare while staying in the alliance and if possible on my prefered carrier. UA will miss my biz tickets, and I fly a lot domestically on biz, but they probably don't care as much on my personal travel.
I have already started my guerilla campaign against UA. I had a little time while on a leisure trip to pick out 15 people from my address book and email them about what UA was doing, suggesting they move their biz, and giving a link on how to do a challenge to AA. I included several links to FT. I also suggested they pass the message on to other CO/UA flyers. When I get back to work, I am going to start talking face to face to colleagues who fly CO or UA and let them know what is happening and what their options are. My goal is to make it a UA-free workplace!
I have already started my guerilla campaign against UA. I had a little time while on a leisure trip to pick out 15 people from my address book and email them about what UA was doing, suggesting they move their biz, and giving a link on how to do a challenge to AA. I included several links to FT. I also suggested they pass the message on to other CO/UA flyers. When I get back to work, I am going to start talking face to face to colleagues who fly CO or UA and let them know what is happening and what their options are. My goal is to make it a UA-free workplace!
#1442
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 21
I sent an e-mail to [email protected] over the weekend and already got a call Monday morning from a Continental employee. They must have looked up my phone number through the e-mail address being attached to my OnePass profile.
He apologized for any frustration so far and said his job was to consolidate all the feedback from these changes and then bring it back to the board of directors. He also mentioned that the more people raise their voices, the more likely it will be that they will revisit some of the program choices.
So please make your voice heard and e-mail Jeff Smisek directly.
He apologized for any frustration so far and said his job was to consolidate all the feedback from these changes and then bring it back to the board of directors. He also mentioned that the more people raise their voices, the more likely it will be that they will revisit some of the program choices.
So please make your voice heard and e-mail Jeff Smisek directly.
#1443
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
#1444
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,755
I sent an e-mail to [email protected] over the weekend and already got a call Monday morning from a Continental employee. They must have looked up my phone number through the e-mail address being attached to my OnePass profile.
He apologized for any frustration so far and said his job was to consolidate all the feedback from these changes and then bring it back to the board of directors. He also mentioned that the more people raise their voices, the more likely it will be that they will revisit some of the program choices.
So please make your voice heard and e-mail Jeff Smisek directly.
He apologized for any frustration so far and said his job was to consolidate all the feedback from these changes and then bring it back to the board of directors. He also mentioned that the more people raise their voices, the more likely it will be that they will revisit some of the program choices.
So please make your voice heard and e-mail Jeff Smisek directly.
In my case, most of my travel for biz is not over a Saturday night and often booked relatively last minute, so it often comes from the higher fare buckets. My personal travel I try to get the best fare while staying in the alliance and if possible on my prefered carrier. UA will miss my biz tickets, and I fly a lot domestically on biz, but they probably don't care as much on my personal travel.
I have already started my guerilla campaign against UA. I had a little time while on a leisure trip to pick out 15 people from my address book and email them about what UA was doing, suggesting they move their biz, and giving a link on how to do a challenge to AA. I included several links to FT. I also suggested they pass the message on to other CO/UA flyers. When I get back to work, I am going to start talking face to face to colleagues who fly CO or UA and let them know what is happening and what their options are. My goal is to make it a UA-free workplace!
I have already started my guerilla campaign against UA. I had a little time while on a leisure trip to pick out 15 people from my address book and email them about what UA was doing, suggesting they move their biz, and giving a link on how to do a challenge to AA. I included several links to FT. I also suggested they pass the message on to other CO/UA flyers. When I get back to work, I am going to start talking face to face to colleagues who fly CO or UA and let them know what is happening and what their options are. My goal is to make it a UA-free workplace!
You said earlier that you similarly abandoned Delta. Now United.
There go the two largest carriers.
I guess if AA irks you, you'll be on Greyhound?
Last edited by iluv2fly; Oct 4, 2011 at 5:13 pm Reason: merge
#1445
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Maine
Programs: UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Plat, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 707
UA aren't just driving away low-tier elites, they are also driving away those traveling to Asia who fill up the back of the bus. UA now only allows one free checked bag for GMs going to Asia (Japan for some odd reason still gets 2). You better believe that travel agents who deal with Asia will be letting their clients know of the $70 2nd bag fee.
Rumors are that DL will be charging for 2nd bag to Asia as well now too, race to the bottom for the American carriers it seems.
#1446
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BWI
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, National Emerald Executive, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 15,180
United highlighted the opportunity to earn additional miles and upgrades by booking Y/B fares (post 1340). It would be interesting to see United's response to a high PRASM 2P/1P who states the following;
- High PRASM, mostly last minute business travel
- Cannot take advangage of the Y/B uprgade & additional miles, due to company booking policies.
- United 25k/50k elite levels are not competitive with AA/DL/US
- Requested a status match with other airline
- Will no longer be using United for last minute business travel
This is the type of email that United should be most worried about.
- High PRASM, mostly last minute business travel
- Cannot take advangage of the Y/B uprgade & additional miles, due to company booking policies.
- United 25k/50k elite levels are not competitive with AA/DL/US
- Requested a status match with other airline
- Will no longer be using United for last minute business travel
This is the type of email that United should be most worried about.
They told me that I would likely be upgraded on those fares and that UA's the only one that offers E+. They completely ignored the bag. Also mentioned that they forwarded the message on to MP.
At any rate, I responded with the following:
If Y/B fare does is not upgraded for whatever reason (paid F, GS, etc), I'm STILL stuck in E- on a very expensive fare.
Y/B upgrades do not help me internationally. My only option is either a mileage upgrade, buy up with cash, or sit in E-. Maybe if I'm lucky, I'd get an E+ middle. Given that the average fare I could find to Europe was in the neighborhood of $3000 for a B ticket, not being guaranteed E+ is unacceptable, especially with higher level elites traveling on cheaper tix.
I suggested making E+ available, regardless of status, for anyone paying for a Y/B ticket. This isn't anything new as UA used to do this in the past.
I also mentioned that while I haven't decided what I'm doing yet, I'm seriously considering US and AA.
My only knock on US is the lack of EQM bonus for Y/B fares. UA gives 50% more which isn't insignificant. US only gives bonuses for C and F across all star carriers. Y/B are screwed.
I agree that UA doesn't start to beat US out until 75k, but UA still beats them at that point. AA's the only real competition
Last edited by iluv2fly; Oct 4, 2011 at 5:14 pm Reason: merge
#1448
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: MCO
Programs: UA 1K, AA Plat, TK Elite, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 26
UA/CO combined Elite Status Question
I just received my upgraded OnePass status cards but in the letter, it notes that my status will expire January 31, 2012. I called the OnePass line but there was a lengthy wait so I figured I would check here as well.
I assume it means the OnePass Elite benefits expire January 31, 2012 when the MileagePlus benefits are merged. I just want to make sure that my status isn't going to expire in four months.
As always, thanks for the help and insight.
I assume it means the OnePass Elite benefits expire January 31, 2012 when the MileagePlus benefits are merged. I just want to make sure that my status isn't going to expire in four months.
As always, thanks for the help and insight.
#1449
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Chicago, Kailua-Kona, Cairns
Programs: UA 1K >2MM, IC Plat, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 740
The US immigration honors the card as a member of APEC, but does not issue cards to US citizens. Hence I'm able to blast thru US immigration to the consternation of my fellow passengers.
Having been subjected to an extensive AFP and FBI investigation prior to my Australian permanent residency, and again on my citizenship application, I am loathe to subject myself to any further intrusiveness by the US government.
The more likely scenario is that they've listened intently to their customers, both the high-mileage as well as the mid-level flyers; parsed the numbers, and showed up with a plan that meets everyone's needs.
I'm very happy with the changes, especially the provision for spouses who should be recognized for the sacrifices *they* make being married to those who's careers require them to travel extensively. It's a smart move.
Last edited by iluv2fly; Oct 4, 2011 at 5:14 pm Reason: merge
#1450
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K/MM, MC Life Plat, HH Gold
Posts: 722
That would be the cynical view.
The more likely scenario is that they've listened intently to their customers, both the high-mileage as well as the mid-level flyers; parsed the numbers, and showed up with a plan that meets everyone's needs.
I'm very happy with the changes, especially the provision for spouses who should be recognized for the sacrifices *they* make being married to those who's careers require them to travel extensively. It's a smart move.
The more likely scenario is that they've listened intently to their customers, both the high-mileage as well as the mid-level flyers; parsed the numbers, and showed up with a plan that meets everyone's needs.
I'm very happy with the changes, especially the provision for spouses who should be recognized for the sacrifices *they* make being married to those who's careers require them to travel extensively. It's a smart move.
This was one of two major features that I envied from the CO program (the other being the 24-hour window for flight changes), although I completely understand why some us are unhappy about the change.
#1451
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: United 1K, Delta PM, Hilton Diamond, Starwood Gold, National Exec. Elite
Posts: 1,406
Restricted Fare Upgrades
I wonder if United will call the new System Wide Upgrades, Restricted Fare Upgrades. Its very frustrating because I do all my travel booking via Egencia and have no visibility into the fare until the itin is built. Then I can never remember if Y or B is higher than K because they don't make any sense. Thus, I fly in coach with perfectly good SWUs that expire every year.
#1452
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Vxj, SE/Washington, DC
Programs: AA ExPlat, UA 1K (2MM)
Posts: 1,159
My letter to Mr. Smisek:
"While the changes to the 1K program do not effect my girlfriend or myself, the company I do occasional courier work and does approximately $200K in business has asked me to request a status match with Delta as they will be moving their business from UA due to many of their employees are Premier Executive and they are unwilling to sit back and accept the 50% bonuses, a vast majority are willing to accept 75%, but unfortunately not enough of the employees fit into that new category..
I hope United will revisit these changes by offering Gold 75%, Platinum 100% and 1K 110% and make it something everyone can swallow by still maintaining a reason to move up in tiers beyond just the Gold level."
Will be interesting to see the response, I suggest others ask for the same levels as I think they what everyone would be happy with.
"While the changes to the 1K program do not effect my girlfriend or myself, the company I do occasional courier work and does approximately $200K in business has asked me to request a status match with Delta as they will be moving their business from UA due to many of their employees are Premier Executive and they are unwilling to sit back and accept the 50% bonuses, a vast majority are willing to accept 75%, but unfortunately not enough of the employees fit into that new category..
I hope United will revisit these changes by offering Gold 75%, Platinum 100% and 1K 110% and make it something everyone can swallow by still maintaining a reason to move up in tiers beyond just the Gold level."
Will be interesting to see the response, I suggest others ask for the same levels as I think they what everyone would be happy with.
#1453
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: EAU
Programs: UA 1K, CO Plat, NW Plat, Marriott Premiere Plat, SPG Plat, Priority Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,712
1 bag vs. 2: how does this compare to other airlines for 25k EQM?
#1454
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
ETA: And regardless, no it doesn't. MileagePlus in 2012 says: Premier Silver: One bag, up to 50lbs. (23 kg.)
Policy may vary when flying on Copa Airlines.
I just received my upgraded OnePass status cards but in the letter, it notes that my status will expire January 31, 2012. I called the OnePass line but there was a lengthy wait so I figured I would check here as well.
I assume it means the OnePass Elite benefits expire January 31, 2012 when the MileagePlus benefits are merged. I just want to make sure that my status isn't going to expire in four months.
As always, thanks for the help and insight.
I assume it means the OnePass Elite benefits expire January 31, 2012 when the MileagePlus benefits are merged. I just want to make sure that my status isn't going to expire in four months.
As always, thanks for the help and insight.
#1455
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: United Premier 1K
Posts: 33
Like everyone else, I'm bummed about the new plan.
I know most of us are getting the shaft with bonus miles, but I didn't see anything in the new 2012 MileagePlus program regarding EQM/PQM bonuses for JCDZ/YB class fares.
Does anyone if this is changing and what it looks like?
I know most of us are getting the shaft with bonus miles, but I didn't see anything in the new 2012 MileagePlus program regarding EQM/PQM bonuses for JCDZ/YB class fares.
Does anyone if this is changing and what it looks like?