"Expert Mode" Changes
#151
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA 1K & 2MM, Bonvoy Titanium & LTP, HH Gold, Accor Silver, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 2,350
The hilarious thing in this, is that the information was ONLY available in EXPERT mode. I promise you, the rank and file customers who would in theory get confused by this, are NOT surfing united.com in expert mode. In fact I'll bet my mortgage that those consumers don't even know that an expert mode exists.
#152
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: CRP
Programs: UA 1K and 1MM, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Marriott Gold, IHG Diamond
Posts: 300
If GPUs are changed to be redeemable on any fare class (as AA does), then I can tolerate this decision. Otherwise, I agree with mitchmu.
#153
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA EXP, BA Silver, Marriott Plat., Hertz Pres. Circle, Avis First
Posts: 917
This really is the heart of this change. I have started considering SWUs worthless a few years ago, since the ability to upgrade an international flight at the time of booking became so rare. As a result, I have been using both SWUs and CR1s for domestic flights only (and many of mine just expire from non-use). My employer buys me $7k+ tickets for my 4-5 international flights per year, but since Z fares cannot be upgraded and the J fares are so ludicrously high on UA I just fly on CX, SQ, BA, etc. Now that the upgrades can't readily be used domestically (without lots of lengthy, annoying phone calls), what really is their value? For me, they are nearly worthless at this point...
#154
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: IAH
Programs: UA/CO-GS/PPlat,AA-Gold,SPG-Plat,Hilton-Diamond,Marriott-Plat,Hertz-Pres_Circe
Posts: 824
The hilarious thing in this, is that the information was ONLY available in EXPERT mode. I promise you, the rank and file customers who would in theory get confused by this, are NOT surfing united.com in expert mode. In fact I'll bet my mortgage that those consumers don't even know that an expert mode exists.
2 seperate issues. Better GPU's would be nice, but there is absolutely no reasonable rationale for this move which makes it more difficult to actually purchase tickets from UA. (I get all the info I need to buy the ticket I want instead of having to call).
#155
Join Date: May 2008
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold, Hertz Prez; Former UA GS
Posts: 313
I believe AA is still matching..
I don't fly United anymore, but I lurk the UA forum because it's entertaining to keep up with CO's latest shenanigans and to see the remaining United fliers clinging to the remnants of what used to be a good airline. I hope this is another big wake up call...time to jump ship! She was fatally stricken on March 3. It's only going to get worse.
I continue to wish the very best to the good flight crews and ground staff.
The other airlines definitely have their problems, but they pale in comparison to what has seemingly become the norm for the new United.
The grass is greener...
I cant speak for AA, but in the last week on two Delta flights I was genuinely thanked for my business. They even send thank you emails for booking business class.
I continue to wish the very best to the good flight crews and ground staff.
The other airlines definitely have their problems, but they pale in comparison to what has seemingly become the norm for the new United.
The grass is greener...
I cant speak for AA, but in the last week on two Delta flights I was genuinely thanked for my business. They even send thank you emails for booking business class.
#156
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: CLE
Programs: UA Gold, OZ silver,
Posts: 553
Horrible news... I use that feature every time I look for flights.
#157
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,427
#158
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K MM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 4,768
What does it matter if the site lists whether we're waitlisted, when wait listing simply does not work?
#159
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: Continental
Posts: 1,588
They should have a listing that says: "Upgrade sold out from under you"
#160
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: 1K 1MM; Bonvoy Ambassador; Nat'l EE; Hertz PC; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,465
This, coupled with a 3 hour MX delay DCA-EWR Thursday that I had to find a way to get around (DCA-LGA cab to EWR) to make my HKG flight has seriously sent me in a huge rage. I just can't see how these people think this is a good idea. SMI/J at his best again.
#161
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: UA MileagePlus 2MM
Posts: 1,567
i agree the spin on the reasons for this move is bogus, but in the end I am always going to choose UA regardless of price. so long as i can select the fare bucket when when looking at flights, for instance if I want a W or B fare, I don't really care if I can see what is available. the travel experience has deteriorated in general and i have started to buy B and P fares so i can get the EQM bonus and travel less and keep 1K. like many others, it is the the bs corporate skew for 'enhancements' which is annoying, I am sure Shannon had to take many deep breaths while spinning this one haha. Not her fault obviously, and in some ways it is kind of comical. But I am too far invested in UA to switch, I just must accept the changes and hope for the best. Onward!
#162
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA 1K since 1998 & 3 Million Miler & ex-GS; DL Diamond 2015-2022; BAEC Silver; Bonvoy LT Titanium
Posts: 1,018
Disappointed. Very disappointed.
UA: I will not be playing your silly game.
UA: I will not be playing your silly game.
#163
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,645
We don't know whether or not R will continue to show in EF, do we?
This could be a simple dumbing down of their already pathetic web site.
This could be a simple dumbing down of their already pathetic web site.
#164
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: IAH
Programs: UA-1k, AA-EP, HH-D, Marriott-G,HPass-PL, Avis-Pres, Hertz-Pres
Posts: 95
Use these daily! What a horrible decision, I hope they reconsider!
#165
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K/1MM; Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist,
Posts: 180
New low. Bad customer service was not enough. They had to kill the remaining automated benefits online. Why would anyone bother and continue too book United?