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]
Jul 1, 2013, 2:21 am
#2656
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: United States
Programs: Hilton, marriott, IHG, Club Carlson, United Airlines,timeshare owner
Posts: 213
I have not been on this forum except hit or miss for years until the "changes" can someone please tell me what TOD is?
Thank you
Thank you
Jul 1, 2013, 2:42 am
#2657
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Houston
Programs: UA - 1K, Marriott - Gold, Hilton - Gold, Global Entry,
Posts: 634
Tens of Dollars - UA offering upgrades at OLCI or at the airport kiosk to F for less than the buy-up differential i.e. a non-status GM getting an offer for $99 to upgrade to F.
Last edited by XCstud; Jul 1, 2013 at 2:51 am Reason: added response to another question
Jul 1, 2013, 4:00 am
#2658
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: WN A-list, UA Silver, Hyatt Glob, HH DM, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 441
Because that is one of the benefits (and promises) of status. If it is not there, people will be less willing to be loyal to the airline. So they are indirectly paying to sit upfront when they choose to fly the same airline, rather than the cheapest available.
Jul 1, 2013, 4:16 am
#2659
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AADULtArer
Posts: 5,929
The time of getting upfront by simply flying an airline " a lot" is over.
Jul 1, 2013, 8:12 am
#2660
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Gold
Posts: 282
I am pretty shocked by these changes
While most of you seem to be taking this all in stride, I am pretty shocked by these changes.
I fly transcon about 10 times a year on NYC-SFO, usually paying about $400-450 round-trip. I then do a few other trips to Chicago and Austin and some trips to LA and San Diego. I thought this constituted flying "a lot" and being loyal?
I always put my business on United even when their fares are higher in the attempt to retain my status. I sure *thought* I was loyal...
At this rate, it sounds like my CPM is about $0.08/average based on my math. I currently qualify for Premier Gold. Now I will lose my elite status with this new program under these same flying guidelines.
Seems hardly worth it to try anymore. I'd rather just find a way to get miles and upgrade on multiple airlines.
I fly transcon about 10 times a year on NYC-SFO, usually paying about $400-450 round-trip. I then do a few other trips to Chicago and Austin and some trips to LA and San Diego. I thought this constituted flying "a lot" and being loyal?
I always put my business on United even when their fares are higher in the attempt to retain my status. I sure *thought* I was loyal...
At this rate, it sounds like my CPM is about $0.08/average based on my math. I currently qualify for Premier Gold. Now I will lose my elite status with this new program under these same flying guidelines.
Seems hardly worth it to try anymore. I'd rather just find a way to get miles and upgrade on multiple airlines.
Jul 1, 2013, 8:20 am
#2661
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Hyatt GLOB, Marriott Lifetime PLT, UA 1K 1MM.
Posts: 1,731
I fly transcon about 10 times a year on NYC-SFO, usually paying about $400-450 round-trip. I then do a few other trips to Chicago and Austin and some trips to LA and San Diego. I thought this constituted flying "a lot" and being loyal?
At this rate, it sounds like my CPM is about $0.08/average based on my math. I currently qualify for Premier Gold. Now I will lose my elite status with this new program under these same flying guidelines.
At this rate, it sounds like my CPM is about $0.08/average based on my math. I currently qualify for Premier Gold. Now I will lose my elite status with this new program under these same flying guidelines.
personal opinions aside, DL did the same thing with MQD's, UA is going with PQD's, i think it's a safe bet to assume that AA will do the same thing post-merger. i'm not saying i agree or disagree with this, but the fact of the matter is that it looks like the freight train is coming for the major legacy carriers and that's what the future's going to look like. i, for one, have pretty much resigned myself to the fact that this is will be the new reality.
Jul 1, 2013, 8:59 am
#2662
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA MileagePlus (Premier Gold); Hilton HHonors (Gold); Chase Ultimate Rewards; Amex Plat
Posts: 6,817
I'm not so sure that AA will match UA/DL in this case (or that they'd be so stupid to state it explicitly). Have you looked at AA's earning rates? https://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/e...quirements.jsp
All they need to do is add a requirement that a certain number of AAdvantage elite qualifying points must be earned on AA, and maybe additionally tweak the earning rates of some of the fares. Then like NH, the'd have a de facto, unstated spending requirement.
All they need to do is add a requirement that a certain number of AAdvantage elite qualifying points must be earned on AA, and maybe additionally tweak the earning rates of some of the fares. Then like NH, the'd have a de facto, unstated spending requirement.
Jul 1, 2013, 9:15 am
#2663
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AADULtArer
Posts: 5,929
I fly transcon about 10 times a year on NYC-SFO, usually paying about $400-450 round-trip. I then do a few other trips to Chicago and Austin and some trips to LA and San Diego. I thought this constituted flying "a lot" and being loyal?
I think all the airlines are making an effort to compress their top tiers to the people that dont just spend, but they make money, i.e. PROFIT, on. It makes sense for them to do this. It wont matter who you are with, UA, DL, or AA - they will all follow this model.
Jul 1, 2013, 10:32 am
#2664
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Silicon Valley
Programs: United Mileage Plus 1K, 2MM, LT RCC
Posts: 203
I am about 325,000 miles from achieving 3 Million miles and lifetime 1K. Historically I usually just qualify for for 1K each year. Given the new dollar requirement it seems that I should go for qualifying within the next 2 1/2 years by flying about 125,000 a year (which should get me over $10k) a year and then qualify for lifetime mid-year in year 3, thereby avoiding future $10k requirements. Anything wrong with my logic (other than a change in lifetime qualifying)?
Jul 1, 2013, 10:41 am
#2665
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,174
I am about 325,000 miles from achieving 3 Million miles and lifetime 1K. Historically I usually just qualify for for 1K each year. Given the new dollar requirement it seems that I should go for qualifying within the next 2 1/2 years by flying about 125,000 a year (which should get me over $10k) a year and then qualify for lifetime mid-year in year 3, thereby avoiding future $10k requirements. Anything wrong with my logic (other than a change in lifetime qualifying)?
Jul 1, 2013, 10:55 am
#2666
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA MileagePlus (Premier Gold); Hilton HHonors (Gold); Chase Ultimate Rewards; Amex Plat
Posts: 6,817
I am about 325,000 miles from achieving 3 Million miles and lifetime 1K. Historically I usually just qualify for for 1K each year. Given the new dollar requirement it seems that I should go for qualifying within the next 2 1/2 years by flying about 125,000 a year (which should get me over $10k) a year and then qualify for lifetime mid-year in year 3, thereby avoiding future $10k requirements. Anything wrong with my logic (other than a change in lifetime qualifying)?
Jul 1, 2013, 12:07 pm
#2667
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: SEA, OGG(I wish)
Programs: was UA 1K now Gold, cuz UA 1.3 MM; HA,DL,AS (no status in these), Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,238
Jul 1, 2013, 12:35 pm
#2668
Suspended
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,961
If your point is that people's opinions seem to be heavily influenced by their own personal self-interest, I couldn't agree more.
Jul 1, 2013, 12:52 pm
#2669
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Illinois.
Programs: Switched from UA 1K to AA so I could earn EQD's on partners. Mid-tier on most major hotel programs.
Posts: 542
Will be happy with the change, if GPU's mean something
*If* the 2015 United decides to offer GPU's that are of any value to me, then I will be happy with the changes. I know it's wishful thinking, but perhaps United will decide to improve 1K status if there are fewer 1K's.
I made 1K for the first time late last year, solely from 3 biz fares to Asia and one economy ticket to Europe that I paid to upgrade. Thus I don't care about domestic upgrades like most of you. However, I've been sorely disappointed with 1K and just booked my latest international trip on AA.
I won't buy a Y ticket to Asia and "hope" to upgrade with a GPU. To me, a GPU only has value if I can upgrade to first (which will never happen because I would only likely buy Z or P fares) or get confirmed R space. . . also something that seems about as likely as winning the lottery (nil, since I don't play). Instead, I'd rather just buy a biz fare on another airline if there's a better deal and skip trying to obtain 1K if GPU's end up not being worth anything to me. . .
I would much rather have two GPU's that I can actually use to the half-dozen I have sitting in my account today. If United could take my $12-$15K PQD's per year and give me 2-4 non-restricted GPU's, I'd be happy.
I made 1K for the first time late last year, solely from 3 biz fares to Asia and one economy ticket to Europe that I paid to upgrade. Thus I don't care about domestic upgrades like most of you. However, I've been sorely disappointed with 1K and just booked my latest international trip on AA.
I won't buy a Y ticket to Asia and "hope" to upgrade with a GPU. To me, a GPU only has value if I can upgrade to first (which will never happen because I would only likely buy Z or P fares) or get confirmed R space. . . also something that seems about as likely as winning the lottery (nil, since I don't play). Instead, I'd rather just buy a biz fare on another airline if there's a better deal and skip trying to obtain 1K if GPU's end up not being worth anything to me. . .
I would much rather have two GPU's that I can actually use to the half-dozen I have sitting in my account today. If United could take my $12-$15K PQD's per year and give me 2-4 non-restricted GPU's, I'd be happy.
Jul 1, 2013, 1:38 pm
#2670
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: DFW
Programs: UA peon (+decades 1K), AA Exec Plt
Posts: 1,117
*If* the 2015 United decides to offer GPU's that are of any value to me, then I will be happy with the changes. I know it's wishful thinking, but perhaps United will decide to improve 1K status if there are fewer 1K's.
I made 1K for the first time late last year, solely from 3 biz fares to Asia and one economy ticket to Europe that I paid to upgrade. Thus I don't care about domestic upgrades like most of you. However, I've been sorely disappointed with 1K and just booked my latest international trip on AA.
I won't buy a Y ticket to Asia and "hope" to upgrade with a GPU. To me, a GPU only has value if I can upgrade to first (which will never happen because I would only likely buy Z or P fares) or get confirmed R space. . . also something that seems about as likely as winning the lottery (nil, since I don't play). Instead, I'd rather just buy a biz fare on another airline if there's a better deal and skip trying to obtain 1K if GPU's end up not being worth anything to me. . .
I would much rather have two GPU's that I can actually use to the half-dozen I have sitting in my account today. If United could take my $12-$15K PQD's per year and give me 2-4 non-restricted GPU's, I'd be happy.
I made 1K for the first time late last year, solely from 3 biz fares to Asia and one economy ticket to Europe that I paid to upgrade. Thus I don't care about domestic upgrades like most of you. However, I've been sorely disappointed with 1K and just booked my latest international trip on AA.
I won't buy a Y ticket to Asia and "hope" to upgrade with a GPU. To me, a GPU only has value if I can upgrade to first (which will never happen because I would only likely buy Z or P fares) or get confirmed R space. . . also something that seems about as likely as winning the lottery (nil, since I don't play). Instead, I'd rather just buy a biz fare on another airline if there's a better deal and skip trying to obtain 1K if GPU's end up not being worth anything to me. . .
I would much rather have two GPU's that I can actually use to the half-dozen I have sitting in my account today. If United could take my $12-$15K PQD's per year and give me 2-4 non-restricted GPU's, I'd be happy.
Your not using your GPUs?
I see lots of TPAC availability. I don't see anybodies Biz fares cheaper than United's W.
Non-restricted GPUs for any open bucket in the prospective class would make me a very happy camper.