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]
Aug 4, 2013, 10:27 pm
#3001
Suspended
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,961
That's always been the idea of all frequent flyer programs. They incentivize your employees to fly more than they otherwise would, and to fly on UA even if another airline is more convenient and cheaper.
Aug 4, 2013, 10:58 pm
#3002
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,761
I could see change fees (and SDC) as included or not -- but so far UA has not stated they are included.
I get folks think certain items should be included and UA may decide to add them to the list or may not. But what I don't get is this insistence that this is a disaster that not every little detail is firm at this point. Are folks going to change their plans for 2014 based on SDC fees not included????
I am more glad we got 5 months notice of a major change with major detials -- and look forward to more being rolled out as we get closer.
ETC are effectively discounts provided to compensate for an issue. It seems reasonable UA would count the net revenue after applying the discount. I don't understand the "Do they count two, zero, or one times?"
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Aug 4, 2013 at 11:10 pm Reason: typo
Aug 5, 2013, 12:47 am
#3003
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
If I purchase a K fare and want to upgrade to a W I don't get any further elite benefits.... but if I upfare to a B then I do. Should I get credit for one but not the other?
Aug 5, 2013, 1:07 am
#3004
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,413
It's not a "should" situation. UA makes the rules. Period.
Aug 5, 2013, 1:45 am
#3005
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
UA hasn't stated anything since the initial proclamation. We don't know the complete set of rules that we'll need to play by. 
Anyway, you might want to go back and read my post that you quoted. The word you focused on - 'should' - did not hold the meaning you claim it to have.
As it was in relation to an explanation postulated by WineCountryUA your post is trying to counter an argument that I did not put forth.
Anyway, you might want to go back and read my post that you quoted. The word you focused on - 'should' - did not hold the meaning you claim it to have.
As it was in relation to an explanation postulated by WineCountryUA your post is trying to counter an argument that I did not put forth.
Aug 5, 2013, 2:26 am
#3006
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,503
True, but now that incentive is far more explicit than before, and unless every airline adopts qualifying dollars as part of their program, it could backfire on those that maintain it. My employer currently allows flexibility in choosing carriers when I travel on the company dime. That forebearance could go away if PQD programs increase the overall travel spend.
Last edited by halls120; Aug 5, 2013 at 5:37 am
Aug 5, 2013, 4:42 am
#3007
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AADULtArer
Posts: 5,656
Option 1 - take booking privileges away from your employees and centralize the flight booking process - not nice for your employees, but guarantees those who fly DL and UA will not abuse cost controls
Option 2 - stop all travel on DL and UA and redirect spend to US/AA and LCCs
Option 2 - stop all travel on DL and UA and redirect spend to US/AA and LCCs
Top priority of biz travel is biz effectiveness, not price.
If you are solely focussed on the middle line, you are losing on the top line.
Aug 5, 2013, 4:56 am
#3008
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Zurich
Programs: UA 1k, BA silver, HH D
Posts: 220
I have now talked to two agents who have suggested that United "does not recommend issuing tickets on United card stock for itineraries that do not involve a United flight." When explaining that I'm trying to learn how to play by the rules in anticipation of next year's changes, I am told that the "terms and conditions of the program can change at any time, and you [I] will have to accept these changes." I understand this to mean, "We will do everything in our power to ensure we only let people accrue revenue qualifying flights if United is part of the itinerary."
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Aug 5, 2013, 5:37 am
#3009
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,166
I have now talked to two agents who have suggested that United "does not recommend issuing tickets on United card stock for itineraries that do not involve a United flight." When explaining that I'm trying to learn how to play by the rules in anticipation of next year's changes, I am told that the "terms and conditions of the program can change at any time, and you [I] will have to accept these changes." I understand this to mean, "We will do everything in our power to ensure we only let people accrue revenue qualifying flights if United is part of the itinerary."
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Aug 5, 2013, 5:40 am
#3010
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,503
I have now talked to two agents who have suggested that United "does not recommend issuing tickets on United card stock for itineraries that do not involve a United flight." When explaining that I'm trying to learn how to play by the rules in anticipation of next year's changes, I am told that the "terms and conditions of the program can change at any time, and you [I] will have to accept these changes." I understand this to mean, "We will do everything in our power to ensure we only let people accrue revenue qualifying flights if United is part of the itinerary."
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Aug 5, 2013, 7:03 am
#3011
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MFR
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,879
I have now talked to two agents who have suggested that United "does not recommend issuing tickets on United card stock for itineraries that do not involve a United flight." When explaining that I'm trying to learn how to play by the rules in anticipation of next year's changes, I am told that the "terms and conditions of the program can change at any time, and you [I] will have to accept these changes." I understand this to mean, "We will do everything in our power to ensure we only let people accrue revenue qualifying flights if United is part of the itinerary."
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Aug 5, 2013, 7:13 am
#3012
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 5,825
Would that make you happy?
Aug 5, 2013, 7:43 am
#3013
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: NYC / MIA / AMS
Programs: UA 1k
Posts: 499
So for those people if they are a few 1000/miles from plat/1k well worth it, UA knows this and will keep the Elite Maximizer, they may actually lower the price if it doesnt could for PQD's but i don't think its going away.
Aug 5, 2013, 8:05 am
#3014
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
A question which has yet to be posed, at least it does not appear in the wiki, is when does the address on record determine if the MP member get a waiver or not.
Do I need to declare by Jan 1 2013? Can I wait until Dec 31 2013 (not that I would)?
Does a mid-year change of address effect the PQD waiver?
Do I need to declare by Jan 1 2013? Can I wait until Dec 31 2013 (not that I would)?
Does a mid-year change of address effect the PQD waiver?
Aug 5, 2013, 8:35 am
#3015
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SJC, SFO, YYC
Programs: AA-EXP, AA-0.41MM, UA-Gold, Ex UA-1K (2006 thru 2015), PMUA-0.95MM, COUA-1.5MM-lite, AF-Silver
Posts: 13,437
I have now talked to two agents who have suggested that United "does not recommend issuing tickets on United card stock for itineraries that do not involve a United flight." When explaining that I'm trying to learn how to play by the rules in anticipation of next year's changes, I am told that the "terms and conditions of the program can change at any time, and you [I] will have to accept these changes." I understand this to mean, "We will do everything in our power to ensure we only let people accrue revenue qualifying flights if United is part of the itinerary."
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
How to book 016 PQD earning tickets when no UA, UX, Copa metal flights are on itinerary.
So yeah, if it doesn't count toward PQD, no skin off my nose.
