2013 Mileage Plus Program Speculation
 

The end of Q3 is around the corner and I haven't heard anything about what 2013 might bring for MP elites.

Have you heard any rumours? Are you anticipating any increased benefits, or are you afraid of degradations? What change might send you running to AAnother AAirline? Does the recent 'Expert Mode' issue give you confidence that UA will now look out for elites or does it make you worry that they'll sell you out for CCs and TODs?

Last year I was worried about the possibility of minimum spend but I've hit that spurious figure and then some. This year I wonder if 1K will require 125k PQM or if Star Gold will be limited to Platinum and up.

What do you think?

Please, no more major changes.

Almost every change made by this management has been negative to our FF benefits.

Also, please don't give them any ideas.

Best I could hope for is to remove or lessen the GPU/SWU restrictions. I think this would alleviate a lot of the problems with the expert mode discussions. At least mine anyway.

To the contrary, IMO, anyone who takes "comfort" or "confidence" in the newUA based on their miserable performance on ExpertMode is either not paying attention to what the company WANTED to do, or they are blind as a bat.

Dave

Don't really have any insights but on the above two items, i really hope not. For one thing, it would make UA non-competitive with other airlines. Why would I want to be in a program that requires me to fly 25k additional miles to get top tier status with UA when AA or DL and others offer it for 100k? (and better elite treatment, too!). On the *A gold status, I don't know of any *A airlines that require more than 50k for *A gold status. In fact, on some you can get it for less. So UA would be the only one requiring higher PQM for gold. Other alliances also offer their gold equivalent at 50k so again, UA would no longer be competitive in that regard.

Of course, thats all rational conjecture/hope on my part. And we all know UA has been anything but rational since the $misek takeover :mad::td:

My guess is that UA holds steady with the status quo in 2013.

Revenue based program in 2013? I say it won't happen.

Loosen up SWU restrictions (less than W fare)? I don't think this will happen either. UA is neither best in class (AA) nor worst in class (DL) on this front.

From a high level elite perspective, I don't see any of the important things changing - 1K line, SDC, no charge changes to award bookings, mileage bonuses for status levels, YBM ups, etc.

One thing that may change - they have been trying to kill RPU's for a year... I'd guess they will wait until 2014 to implement this change though.

If anything, I see them tweaking credit card benefits (or a new card?) adding further benefit to this valuable source of revenue.

If they are getting hurt by the departure of elites (some of whom who are even VVF'ers), then I would not be surprised to see a DEQM promotion. (yes, UA-NYC, I am not claiming that it is impossible that VFF'ers are leaving, just that we can not prove it with the numbers the airlines present publicly. :))

Reduced capacity and higher prices? These will affect all of us, not just elites...

Actually, DL's program is 25K/50K/75K/125K. They don't have a specific 100K level, it is 125K.

REALLY hoping UA doesn't follow suit on this, if they are, I'm following my wife to AA.

Looking at the competition, I would not be surprised to see the new year bring:

• fare class restrictions on RPUs (like AS). The same earning requirements as in 2012 (100k miles earns 4, versus 8 in sUA.)
• 5–10% increases in award ticket mileage cost, justified because UA has the "best award ticket availability in the industry". Maybe 2014 will bring fuel surcharges on partner awards (like AA).
• same-day standby remains free, but same-day confirmed change carries a fee for Platinum and below (like AA).
• discounted, instead of free, access to international E+ for Gold and lower elites (like DL).

Off the top of my head I can't think of any obvious innovations. Some creative options that I'd be surprised to see:

• Confirmable upgrade space reserved for you at time of booking, instead of hoping there is still room after ticketing happens.
• Free 7-day fare holds for elite members; coupled with no free 24-hour cancellation for flights booked within 7 days of travel.
• "Drink chits" in 2013 valid for drinks, IFE, or Wi-Fi (but not food) on flights where those things cost money. But: drink chit expiration dates strictly enforced.
• Blocked middle seats for GS and full-fare passengers flying in coach on the 787.

Thanks for the correction, didn't realize that was the case for DL.

Just took a quick look at DL benefits, they do offer some nicer perks for higher tiers, at least on paper. Their miles seem to be worthless, though, based on my limited experience trying to use them...

UA won't. DL goes to 125k because they have rollover and because they throw tons of EQM out on credit card spend.

Their SWUs are also best used in your bathroom.

No worries, and DITTO. ;)
I think the program COULD see changes in:
RPUs,
Award mileage increases, and
Some type of (relatively minor) spend qualification for higher level elites.

I believe management would LOVE to spitcan RPUs if they could get away with it, but still may take some time, as noted upthread.
Award increases would probably not be the end of the world, and any spend qualification wouldn't hurt very many here anyway.

All of which is to say that "I don't think much will happen"


Dave

Yep...if their SWUs were worth at least what UAs were I would have switched to DL pretty shortly after 3/3.

2013 Mileage Plus Program Speculation
 

Interesting.

Empty middle seat could be a revenue enhancer with a refund if the flight were oversold.

Funny comment about drink chits, I would love to see MP elite cards or CCs loaded with drinks or miles à la SAS. Want Duty Free, E+ or booze in Y? You can pay with miles. Let UA get rid of RDM liability and pax can feel like they got a bargain.

And DL SkyPesos are a joke. For WAS-CPT in biz the choice is 315,000 RDM through ATL or 120,000 on SA with better service. No question.

SQ sends me $150 in free onboard duty free certificates when reaching PPS. They are used just like cash. Would be nice if UA did such a thing for GS at least (PPS=GS)

Are you debating matching to AA? Switch now rather than speculate.