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]
Dec 23, 2013, 1:17 pm
#4021
Join Date: Sep 2008
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Starwood Gold
Posts: 951
8 days to go before the new year, and "How will PQD be determined for UA metal segments without 016 stock ticket?" still goes unanswered. Pathetic.
Dec 23, 2013, 1:28 pm
#4022
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,844
My itinerary has more than one flight. How do you determine the PQD for each?
We use an industry-standard method to determine the portion of the ticket’s base fare and carrier-imposed surcharge value to allocate to each eligible flight segment. This method takes into account both the distance of the flight and the cabin you purchased.
We use an industry-standard method to determine the portion of the ticket’s base fare and carrier-imposed surcharge value to allocate to each eligible flight segment. This method takes into account both the distance of the flight and the cabin you purchased.
Dec 23, 2013, 3:26 pm
#4023
Join Date: May 2004
Location: US
Programs: UA Lifetime Gold, IHG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 973
For 2015, I wouldn't be surprised to see:
* PQD requirement for all MP members regardless of physical mailing address
* PQD requirement for all MP members regardless of physical mailing address
Dec 24, 2013, 5:07 am
#4024
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Anywhere I need to be.
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold, NEXUS, GE, ABTC/APEC, South Korea SES, eIACS, PP, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 16,046
Yes it only applies to Platinum and below. Hope they keep it for 2015 and beyond. My opinion is that they should not tinker with this until they see how DL and AA (if they introduce a PQD type requirements) do it.
I doubt this will happen as it will drive away almost all of its international members. May they might restrict this for 1k and Plats.
I doubt this will happen as it will drive away almost all of its international members. May they might restrict this for 1k and Plats.
The second part is true.
Dec 24, 2013, 6:47 am
#4025
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Costa Rica
Programs: UA 1K, Priority Platinum, Marriot Gold, Delta Platinum
Posts: 308
For 2015, I wouldn't be surprised to see:
* PQD requirement for all MP members regardless of physical mailing address
* Credit card PQD waiver only for Premier Gold and Premier Silver
* 3 free overweight bags becomes a benefit for Platinum and 1K only. Gold limited to 2 bags.
* Platinum can only bring 2 others into E+, 1K can bring 4, and GS can bring 8.
* Upgrades become harder as UA will be selling more TODs at cheaper prices
If 2 or more of these become reality, then the writing will really be on the wall for what MP will become (if it isn't already). Unless Smisek gets booted, then all bets are off and maybe things will actually improve.
* PQD requirement for all MP members regardless of physical mailing address
* Credit card PQD waiver only for Premier Gold and Premier Silver
* 3 free overweight bags becomes a benefit for Platinum and 1K only. Gold limited to 2 bags.
* Platinum can only bring 2 others into E+, 1K can bring 4, and GS can bring 8.
* Upgrades become harder as UA will be selling more TODs at cheaper prices
If 2 or more of these become reality, then the writing will really be on the wall for what MP will become (if it isn't already). Unless Smisek gets booted, then all bets are off and maybe things will actually improve.
All of the others I do see them being imposed.
Dec 24, 2013, 7:49 am
#4026
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,614
For 2015, I wouldn't be surprised to see:
* PQD requirement for all MP members regardless of physical mailing address
* Credit card PQD waiver only for Premier Gold and Premier Silver
* 3 free overweight bags becomes a benefit for Platinum and 1K only. Gold limited to 2 bags.
* Platinum can only bring 2 others into E+, 1K can bring 4, and GS can bring 8.
* Upgrades become harder as UA will be selling more TODs at cheaper prices
If 2 or more of these become reality, then the writing will really be on the wall for what MP will become (if it isn't already). Unless Smisek gets booted, then all bets are off and maybe things will actually improve.
* PQD requirement for all MP members regardless of physical mailing address
* Credit card PQD waiver only for Premier Gold and Premier Silver
* 3 free overweight bags becomes a benefit for Platinum and 1K only. Gold limited to 2 bags.
* Platinum can only bring 2 others into E+, 1K can bring 4, and GS can bring 8.
* Upgrades become harder as UA will be selling more TODs at cheaper prices
If 2 or more of these become reality, then the writing will really be on the wall for what MP will become (if it isn't already). Unless Smisek gets booted, then all bets are off and maybe things will actually improve.
All of the others I do see them being imposed.
I saw a TOD for $99 on a 3 hour flight(lunch served too) with F2 and full economy!!!! Who wouldn't buy that... This was offered to my +1 who is GM and $149 to me as a plat...
Dec 24, 2013, 7:50 am
#4027
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: JZRO
Posts: 9,169
Prices will do nothing but go up, making it easier for everyone to hit PQD requirements. And you thought Jeff hated you. Pshaw!
Dec 24, 2013, 7:59 am
#4028
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,581
Dec 24, 2013, 8:49 am
#4029
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AADULtArer
Posts: 5,682
+1. Everything may happen but the PQD for international MP members. 6CPM is considered a MR and most my flights for work are booked within a week of flight and well over 10 CPM , even on a K fare.
I saw a TOD for $99 on a 3 hour flight(lunch served too) with F2 and full economy!!!! Who wouldn't buy that... This was offered to my +1 who is GM and $149 to me as a plat...
I saw a TOD for $99 on a 3 hour flight(lunch served too) with F2 and full economy!!!! Who wouldn't buy that... This was offered to my +1 who is GM and $149 to me as a plat...
Lunch, schmunch. I would save the calories and geta helluva nice dinner for 99 bucks - even in SFO...
Dec 24, 2013, 9:05 am
#4030
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,167
Dec 24, 2013, 9:09 am
#4031
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,614
As a plat, already confirmed in 2nd row E+, I declined. Upgrades cleared for myself and companion anyways
And on a more related note, I am around $5400 spend so far with 80K PQM
Last edited by SKYEG; Dec 24, 2013 at 9:25 am
Dec 24, 2013, 9:16 am
#4032
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,428
Dec 24, 2013, 10:00 am
#4034
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Washington DC
Programs: Former 1k, Lifetime UA Gold, Starwood Gold; Avis Preferred; Hertz Gold
Posts: 1,732
Looking at the new website - I think the way I could get screwed here is by flying *A and not getting the 016 issued ticket. I could easily fly 100k miles but if you do it the wrong way you might not get the 10k spend necessary to qualify. I'm going to need to spend a LOT more time on the phone with their agents. I hope it's worth it to them.
Dec 24, 2013, 10:35 am
#4035
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,450
Looking at the new website - I think the way I could get screwed here is by flying *A and not getting the 016 issued ticket. I could easily fly 100k miles but if you do it the wrong way you might not get the 10k spend necessary to qualify. I'm going to need to spend a LOT more time on the phone with their agents. I hope it's worth it to them.