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]
Oct 16, 2013, 10:34 am
#3421
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP MM, HHonors Lifetime Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Ti, UA Silver
Posts: 5,039
Oct 16, 2013, 10:39 am
#3422
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: JZRO
Posts: 9,169
RNE, not doubting UA will provide PQD breakdowns (eventually). For those booking 2014 travel now, get your slide rules out.
Oct 16, 2013, 12:17 pm
#3423
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BWI
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, National Emerald Executive, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 15,180
Oct 22, 2013, 1:24 am
#3425
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: LAS - I'm All In!
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott PP
Posts: 3,639
Anyone think there is going to be a PQD for lifetime in the future?
Oct 22, 2013, 2:53 am
#3426
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,352
UA can change the program at any time without notice. They have retained this right forever. But changing the MM qualification after millions of people are already on the way there will be the biggest "stick a fork in it, she's done" move that UA could make to its FF program at this time.
That and awarding less than 100% PQM on the lower fares...which I still say is coming very soon (personal opionion).
-RM
Oct 22, 2013, 7:57 am
#3427
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Near SEA
Programs: UA MM, AS MVPG75K, Marriott Lifetime Gold
Posts: 7,969
Oct 22, 2013, 9:21 am
#3428
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: 67,247
I suppose it would benefit UA on already-expensive domestic routes where even the S & T fares are $600-$700+... make those suddenly offer only 50% PQM the "benefit" of paying a high price for a low fare bucket goes away.
Oct 22, 2013, 9:29 am
#3429
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AADULtArer
Posts: 5,797
Lower miles and PQM on low fares makes sense (and is already done on other airlines)
Putting a PQD on lifetime status would be tough - for no other reason than things like inflation over the 5-20 years people take to acheive the milestones..
Oct 24, 2013, 8:09 am
#3430
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: Star Alliance Gold/UA Mileage Plus Premier 1K
Posts: 257
getting credit for money but not miles
Next spring I'm flying IAD-MUC-BLQ and then BLQ-BRU-IAD. MUC-BLQ is on LH, BLQ-BRU is on SN.
I've checked the website and it's very clear that I won't get mileage credit (fare class doesn't qualify) for the short, intra-Europe flights.
What I'm wondering about is whether UA will try to subtract any PQDs from the overall itinerary. Looking at my receipt, the overall ticketing is all UA, starting with the magic 016.
So, it seems to me that i will get mileage credit for the UA metal long haul flights only, but PQD credit for the entire trip. Do you agree?
I've checked the website and it's very clear that I won't get mileage credit (fare class doesn't qualify) for the short, intra-Europe flights.
What I'm wondering about is whether UA will try to subtract any PQDs from the overall itinerary. Looking at my receipt, the overall ticketing is all UA, starting with the magic 016.
So, it seems to me that i will get mileage credit for the UA metal long haul flights only, but PQD credit for the entire trip. Do you agree?
Oct 24, 2013, 8:20 am
#3431
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Posts: 10,914
Next spring I'm flying IAD-MUC-BLQ and then BLQ-BRU-IAD. MUC-BLQ is on LH, BLQ-BRU is on SN.
I've checked the website and it's very clear that I won't get mileage credit (fare class doesn't qualify) for the short, intra-Europe flights.
What I'm wondering about is whether UA will try to subtract any PQDs from the overall itinerary. Looking at my receipt, the overall ticketing is all UA, starting with the magic 016.
So, it seems to me that i will get mileage credit for the UA metal long haul flights only, but PQD credit for the entire trip. Do you agree?
I've checked the website and it's very clear that I won't get mileage credit (fare class doesn't qualify) for the short, intra-Europe flights.
What I'm wondering about is whether UA will try to subtract any PQDs from the overall itinerary. Looking at my receipt, the overall ticketing is all UA, starting with the magic 016.
So, it seems to me that i will get mileage credit for the UA metal long haul flights only, but PQD credit for the entire trip. Do you agree?
Oct 24, 2013, 8:26 am
#3432
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
What I'm wondering about is whether UA will try to subtract any PQDs from the overall itinerary. Looking at my receipt, the overall ticketing is all UA, starting with the magic 016.
So, it seems to me that i will get mileage credit for the UA metal long haul flights only, but PQD credit for the entire trip. Do you agree?
So, it seems to me that i will get mileage credit for the UA metal long haul flights only, but PQD credit for the entire trip. Do you agree?
This whole PQD thing is going to be a mess when multiple carriers are involved and lack of information [i.e. when I book how do I know what $$$ goes to what]. I would like for UA to supply a highly detailed breakdown all the way down to taxes/fees and provide a clear and concise segregation of what will count and what will not. What about flights on partner ticket stock but on UA metal, how much of that fare will be credited? I want this information to be available before I make any purchasing decision.
May seem unrealistic, but hey, I am not the one who made the decision to add PQD. This is one of many reasons why offering reduced EQM on lower booking classes is much more transparent and more suitable since this information is readily available across the board.
Oct 24, 2013, 8:29 am
#3433
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: Star Alliance Gold/UA Mileage Plus Premier 1K
Posts: 257
well no, i'm not sure
Are you sure you won't get credit? If they are a continuation of the transatlantic flight you should. But again, depends on fare class. What is your fare class. There are some that get 0 if you originate in Europe and stay in Europe but do if they are part of a transatlantic.
Oct 24, 2013, 10:10 am
#3434
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA MileagePlus (Premier Gold); Hilton HHonors (Gold); Chase Ultimate Rewards; Amex Plat
Posts: 6,736
No, I highly doubt it. This would be a nightmare to construct and then to implement. And it could only affect those who are new MP members, not any of the existing members since the data was never stored by UA in the past.
UA can change the program at any time without notice. They have retained this right forever. But changing the MM qualification after millions of people are already on the way there will be the biggest "stick a fork in it, she's done" move that UA could make to its FF program at this time.
That and awarding less than 100% PQM on the lower fares...which I still say is coming very soon (personal opionion).
-RM
UA can change the program at any time without notice. They have retained this right forever. But changing the MM qualification after millions of people are already on the way there will be the biggest "stick a fork in it, she's done" move that UA could make to its FF program at this time.
That and awarding less than 100% PQM on the lower fares...which I still say is coming very soon (personal opionion).
-RM
There are plenty of reasons for them to change the AND to an OR. They'd probably get a lot more people doing F buy-ups. People would think "If I do this (exorbitantly priced) F buy-up, I will get status for next year." And for people seeking status, UA would be able to get away with giving far fewer RDMs for it (especially for existing elites who wouldn't get their bonuses either), far fewer lifetime miles, etc.
Last edited by STS-134; Oct 24, 2013 at 10:33 am
Oct 24, 2013, 10:29 am
#3435
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: 67,247
"Lowest price: $237 (50% PQM). Full PQM: $450." Etc.
You'd get a few people who would buy up who wouldn't have before--vs. now just punishing everyone who doesn't buy higher fares from the get-go.