Jun 18, 2013, 7:18 am
Last edit by: iluv2fly
Please read these sources before posting in this thread:If you have calculated the PQDs for a trip at less than 80% of the total cost, you are very likely doing something wrong. Have you made sure to include the International Surcharge (YQ)? Have you read all of the materials linked above, and the frequently made points listed below?
Specific Unanswered Questions
Please limit these to specific, technical questions about the implementation of the PQD program.FMP (Frequently Made Points)
The following points have been made repeatedly in this thread (please feel free to add more concise points):Related Threads
Moderator's Note:- First post from UA Insider (post 1)
- http://www.mileageplusupdates.com/faqs.html
- Additional answers from UA Insider (post 1387)
- more information about questions posed in this thread published to mileageplusupdates.com, per UA Insider
Specific Unanswered Questions
Please limit these to specific, technical questions about the implementation of the PQD program.
- Will there be a calculator that shows PQD, and will that calculator be accurate?
- What exactly will count toward PQD?
United states:
Base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges
Flights flown by United, United Express, or Copa Airlines
Flights operated by a Star Alliance® or a MileagePlus partner airline and issued on a United ticket (ticket number starting with 016)
Economy Plus purchases
will count towards PQD.
Thus:
- The amount of co-pay when using miles to upgrade..
- The cost of PQMs/RDMs purchased when using the premier / award accelerator..
- The value of ETCs (or is it considered a discount from the fare?). (still uncertainty on this since prelim PQDs appeared to include) -Note: the Mileage plus site indicates ETC's count towards PQD (12/16/13 imgonnafly)
- The face value e-certs and travel vouchers.. (still uncertainty on this since prelim PQDs appeared to include)
- The cost of a paid upgrade..
- An extra seat purchase (such as for a customer of size or a musical instrument); it does not presently count toward PQM.
- Change fees.
- How will PQD be determined for UA metal segments without 016 stock ticket?
- What happens if I depart in December and return in January?
Just like PQM, PQD for the applicable part of fare for the segment is credited based on the departure date (year) of the segment flown. Segment fares are calculated using standard rules of the past. For the case cited there would be PQD credited in DEC 2013 (no value) and PQD applied to 2014 applicable to 2014 and 2015 status renewal. - How will UA evaluate the address issue for the PQD exemption?
- It is not clear how the timing of achieving the minimum PQD requirement will impact earning RPUs and GPUs. Examples:
- If someone crosses 75K PQM in say April, but doesn't hit $7500 PQD until December by which time has accrued 200K PQM, will he/she get 10 RPUs all at once? (and 10 GPUs assuming $10k PQD in December)
- Do only 1Ks/GSs earn additional RPUs by flying beyond the 100k mark?
- If a 1K crosses the 100,000 PQM mark in January 201x, the $10,000 PQD mark on December 31 201x, and ends up flying a total of 200,000 PQMs for the year 201x, how many RPUs / GPUs will be earned?
- Will Platinums earn 2 RPUs when crossing the 75k mark but none at incremental levels thereafter (e.g. a Plat who flies 100k EQMs, but does not meet the 1K spend, would *not* earn two more RPUs)?
- If someone crosses 75K PQM in say April, but doesn't hit $7500 PQD until December by which time has accrued 200K PQM, will he/she get 10 RPUs all at once? (and 10 GPUs assuming $10k PQD in December)
- How does IRROPs affect earning of PQDs?
The following points have been made repeatedly in this thread (please feel free to add more concise points):
- You might not be hitting the PQD minimums as easily as you think you are, given exceptions, taxes, and the existence of cheap fares.
- It is possible for leisure travelers and even some business travelers to average well under 10cpm. This doesn't just affect "leisure 1Ks" and people on the edge of categories.
- Presidential Plus card members (exempted from Silver/Gold/Plat PQD requirements) are most likely exempted because the FlexPQM program would complicate matters.
- Manufacturing $25,000 spend might not actually be so hard. There's a whole forum on it.
- The exceptions don't really make sense where there is a revenue-sharing joint venture in place, such as with LH on TATL routes.
- Leaving UA for AA over objections to dollar-based status may be futile because all the majors will likely go to this model with the possible exception of the AS program which allows you to bank your DL and AA miles into one account (DL has already).
- UA is tracking spend on UA metal now.
- YQ, also known as the "international surcharge," is a carrier-imposed surcharge and is included in PQD.
2014 version of this thread can be found here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-airlines-mileageplus/1536552-mileageplus-premier-qualifying-dollar-pqd-requirement-discussion-thread-2014-a-15.html
iluv2fly
Moderator, UA
MileagePlus Premier Qualifying Dollar (PQD) Requirement Discussion [ARCHIVE]
Jun 18, 2013, 8:59 am
#181
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
Programs: UA 1K MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 67,136
Chairman's Preferred is not EXP, so actually they don't.
And seriously, you think AA would be willing to sell unlimited domestic space-available upgrades (without competition from anyone below EXP unless they want to pay $ or use an instrument) + 8 SWUs for $4,000 or less? When DL and UA are requiring 10K in airfare spend, and have much worse SWUs and benefits (AA's upgrade from any fare class and use award buckets, IIRC)? OK, then. I wouldn't be making any firm plans continued availability of buy-up, but hey, it's your funeral...
And seriously, you think AA would be willing to sell unlimited domestic space-available upgrades (without competition from anyone below EXP unless they want to pay $ or use an instrument) + 8 SWUs for $4,000 or less? When DL and UA are requiring 10K in airfare spend, and have much worse SWUs and benefits (AA's upgrade from any fare class and use award buckets, IIRC)? OK, then. I wouldn't be making any firm plans continued availability of buy-up, but hey, it's your funeral...
Jun 18, 2013, 8:59 am
#182
Suspended
Join Date: May 2009
Location: DFW
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, Hilton HHonors Gold
Posts: 2,863
Just when you thought UA management couldn't get any dumber.
Yesterday, Jeff Smisek acknowledged in a WSJ article that drastic changes to MP last year hurt United, and then this note comes out today.
Are they trying to drive away their mid-tier customers?
If UA wants to compete on premium product, then I'm sorry, it ain't gonna work. I've gotten the chance to fly in domestic F due to CPUs and mile-based upgrades this year. I've even been tricked by one of UA's buy-up at ticketing but it's not really a buy-up shenanigans into paying for domestic F. And the product, by and large, has been inconsistent. Sometimes it's good. Most times it's meh. And I have noticed the reductions in food quantity - and I'm not just talking about the hot nuts here.
That said, all that's left is the "kettles." And UA's product for them is inferior to the WN, JetBlue, Virgin, etc. equivalents. I have plenty of "kettle" friends who absolutely refuse to fly UA and even deride me for doing so - they have zero loyalty and they don't like getting nickel-and-dimed for E+/bags/WiFi (does UA even have WiFi onboard yet?).
Seriously, though, this is not hard. UA's management has forgotten that airlines are businesses and that businesses exist for one reason: to serve their customers. Without customers, any business will DIE.
Yesterday, Jeff Smisek acknowledged in a WSJ article that drastic changes to MP last year hurt United, and then this note comes out today.
Are they trying to drive away their mid-tier customers?
If UA wants to compete on premium product, then I'm sorry, it ain't gonna work. I've gotten the chance to fly in domestic F due to CPUs and mile-based upgrades this year. I've even been tricked by one of UA's buy-up at ticketing but it's not really a buy-up shenanigans into paying for domestic F. And the product, by and large, has been inconsistent. Sometimes it's good. Most times it's meh. And I have noticed the reductions in food quantity - and I'm not just talking about the hot nuts here.
That said, all that's left is the "kettles." And UA's product for them is inferior to the WN, JetBlue, Virgin, etc. equivalents. I have plenty of "kettle" friends who absolutely refuse to fly UA and even deride me for doing so - they have zero loyalty and they don't like getting nickel-and-dimed for E+/bags/WiFi (does UA even have WiFi onboard yet?).
Seriously, though, this is not hard. UA's management has forgotten that airlines are businesses and that businesses exist for one reason: to serve their customers. Without customers, any business will DIE.
Jun 18, 2013, 9:00 am
#183
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: The Netherlands
Programs: UA 1K 1MM
Posts: 79
pitty..but...
2015 the year my 1K will change in 1MM...and be the end of 1K...
no more MR
no more MR
Jun 18, 2013, 9:00 am
#184
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,194
Jun 18, 2013, 9:01 am
#185
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: PDX
Programs: UA Global Services / Million Miler, Marriott Ambassador / Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 594
The point remains regardless.
Jun 18, 2013, 9:01 am
#186
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Syd
Programs: UA 1k 1MM, VA G
Posts: 886
Got to say I wish this had been in practice for years. I have been paying easily $2500 or more x 2 (for myself and my child) for flights and sometimes barely making silver but then I hear of USA residents making 1K on $2,500. Spend didnt mean a thing, now it does. Probably too little, too late for me however.
not sure what your doing wrong.....
noticed this gem....
Originally Posted by United
For the 2014 Premier Program, when you meet all the requirements for the respective status, we will deposit Regional Premier Upgrades (RPU) and Global Premier Upgrades (GPU) in your account.
You will earn two RPU upon qualifying for Premier Platinum status.
You will earn six GPU and two RPU upon qualifying for Premier 1K status.
After qualifying for Premier 1K, you will earn two more RPU for every additional 25,000 PQM or 30 PQS and two more GPU for every additional 50,000 PQM or 60 PQS. This change goes into effect January 1, 2014, for upgrades earned for 2014 activity
You will earn two RPU upon qualifying for Premier Platinum status.
You will earn six GPU and two RPU upon qualifying for Premier 1K status.
After qualifying for Premier 1K, you will earn two more RPU for every additional 25,000 PQM or 30 PQS and two more GPU for every additional 50,000 PQM or 60 PQS. This change goes into effect January 1, 2014, for upgrades earned for 2014 activity
if true this really sux!
Jun 18, 2013, 9:01 am
#187
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: United 1k ; SW A+ Preferred; Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 634
Trend actually started with Southwest, which went with a "points earned are based on airfare" system almost two years ago. DL was next, AA/US will be once they merge.
Those who think AA or US are a safe option can't see the forest for the trees.
Those who think AA or US are a safe option can't see the forest for the trees.
Jun 18, 2013, 9:01 am
#188
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Las Vegas
Programs: DL Platinum, AA Lifetime Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Radisson Premium
Posts: 6,638
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 6_1_4 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/536.26 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/6.0 Mobile/10B350 Safari/8536.25)
DL DM is worth the spend. AA EXP too if they do it. UA 1K is not. You drastically cut benefits and now are quibbling about spend?
You can kiss my loyalty GOODBYE
DL DM is worth the spend. AA EXP too if they do it. UA 1K is not. You drastically cut benefits and now are quibbling about spend?
You can kiss my loyalty GOODBYE
Jun 18, 2013, 9:02 am
#189
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,455
Jun 18, 2013, 9:02 am
#190
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Italy
Programs: UA 1k 1MM
Posts: 84
This is pulled from the program rules website that was linked to in the first post. I don't think just any international address will be exempt.
The Premier qualifying dollar (PQD) requirement only applies to members whose primary MileagePlus account address is in the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. Those who use military or diplomatic addresses (APO, DPO or FPO) are exempt from the PQD requirement.
The Premier qualifying dollar (PQD) requirement only applies to members whose primary MileagePlus account address is in the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. Those who use military or diplomatic addresses (APO, DPO or FPO) are exempt from the PQD requirement.
Jun 18, 2013, 9:03 am
#191
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 82
Also, these deepest discount travelers are still filling seats at a profit to UA that would otherwise go empty. In my case, including taxes I've spent $8,870 to get to 100k in 2013. I also track how much the cheapest alternative fare was, and those total $7430. That's $1,440 loyalty dollars that UA has earned from me that it risks losing at the thresholds they've set.
What's worse is, if you drop my spending by 15% to account for taxes, on my current spend, I wouldn't even make Platinum.
I'm on track to hit between 125 and 150k this year, so I'll still clear the $10k threshold easily, but i doubt that I'll do so in 2014.
I can live without the CPUs and RPUs, but I'll really miss the GPUs.
Last edited by Pedro Gonzales; Jun 18, 2013 at 9:10 am
Jun 18, 2013, 9:03 am
#192
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,169
Jun 18, 2013, 9:03 am
#193
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Clinging to the edifices of a decadent past from the biggest city in America nobody really cares about.
Programs: (ಠ_ಠ)
Posts: 9,077
Jun 18, 2013, 9:04 am
#194
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Always on the move
Programs: Something lifetime here and there
Posts: 1,867
Jun 18, 2013, 9:05 am
#195
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,452
- smiling with every single interaction
- Welcome back, Mr. J.Edward. Nice to see you again. We appreciate your loyalty.
- Thank you for your business, Mr. J.Edward.
How difficult is that? The fact that such attention to detail is absent is attributable to a lack of emphasis from the top, not a morale/labor issue or otherwise.