Oct 30, 2013, 3:36 pm
Last edit by: Ocn Vw 1K
UA Insider's reply in posts 247 and 254 of this thread:
Hi everyone,
We recognize the importance and value to you of accessible and transparent information about United flights. It’s a meaningful part of your travel planning, and we are committed to providing useful information that is both accurate and preserves the integrity of United’s data and systems.
While we are committed to data transparency, Expert Flyer has been accessing united.com in an unauthorized fashion to retrieve UA availability. In addition, these activities have consumed significant united.com bandwidth that could otherwise be used by regular consumers. As a result, we had to take this action to protect the security and integrity of United’s systems.
Thank you for your understanding as to why we had to take this action. We continue to look at ways in which we can provide you with timely and useful information (some of which you will see in new releases of our own digital channels) as well as with partners that have authorized access to our data.
Aaron Goldberg
Sr. Manager - Customer Experience Planning
United Airlines
We recognize the importance and value to you of accessible and transparent information about United flights. It’s a meaningful part of your travel planning, and we are committed to providing useful information that is both accurate and preserves the integrity of United’s data and systems.
While we are committed to data transparency, Expert Flyer has been accessing united.com in an unauthorized fashion to retrieve UA availability. In addition, these activities have consumed significant united.com bandwidth that could otherwise be used by regular consumers. As a result, we had to take this action to protect the security and integrity of United’s systems.
Thank you for your understanding as to why we had to take this action. We continue to look at ways in which we can provide you with timely and useful information (some of which you will see in new releases of our own digital channels) as well as with partners that have authorized access to our data.
Aaron Goldberg
Sr. Manager - Customer Experience Planning
United Airlines
UA Blocking Expert Flyer and KVS Access to R and Elite Award Searches.
Oct 30, 2013, 11:33 am
#166
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1K (MM), DL, AA, AS, HHonors, SPG, Kimpton, Hyatt, IC PC, Marriott Titanium (LT PLT), Hertz PC
Posts: 7,231
Oct 30, 2013, 11:34 am
#167
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: PDX
Programs: DL Plat, UA Plat 1MM, AS MVP, Hyatt Discoverist, Avis Presidents Club, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 3,938
FWIW, and I know its not worth much, I tweeted about this today and got a sweet auto reply from @united: We are looking into this, thank you. ^LS
I generally agree with much of what has been said here. This is not a customer friendly move. Its pretty easy to see why they're doing it -- it removes our ability to see their actual (nonexistent) elite award inventory, and it prevents us from grabbing UG space that would otherwise be sold or go to those who don't jump the queue. This leaves revenue on the table.
I do think that we're massively overestimating the impact on the United flyer community though. This impacts a very small percentage of flyers. I can't tell you how many 1K and even GS flyers I know who have no idea how to use their GPU and Miles to UG beyond calling in and getting wait listed -- if that. Most people won't notice this.
I generally agree with much of what has been said here. This is not a customer friendly move. Its pretty easy to see why they're doing it -- it removes our ability to see their actual (nonexistent) elite award inventory, and it prevents us from grabbing UG space that would otherwise be sold or go to those who don't jump the queue. This leaves revenue on the table.
I do think that we're massively overestimating the impact on the United flyer community though. This impacts a very small percentage of flyers. I can't tell you how many 1K and even GS flyers I know who have no idea how to use their GPU and Miles to UG beyond calling in and getting wait listed -- if that. Most people won't notice this.
Oct 30, 2013, 11:35 am
#168
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: PDX
Programs: UA, AS, AA, DL
Posts: 260
Human-answered CS calls cost UA a non-trivial number of dollars each. A week or two of highly-elevated call volume (which may or may not get in the way of revenue tickets being book), might give some UA middle manager a clue as to how stupid this move was.
Oct 30, 2013, 11:36 am
#169
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
One point about KVS...while KVS should still have access to UA award inventory, I don't think there is access to R inventory nor is there a way to set alerts a la EF. Also, note that I find AVAILABILITY searches on KVS for UA flights to be inaccurate/incomplete, so I suggest testing thoroughly before running headlong into a KVS subscription.
Hopefully, we can get some more detailed info from KVS Rep directly.
Oct 30, 2013, 11:37 am
#170
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: EWR
Programs: UA Gold, UA MM, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,329
Thanks for perpetuating the GS stereotype!
I suspect that most 1Ks' spend is similar to mine - that is, not quite enough to reach GS (especially out of SFO) but quite substantial nonetheless. The number who reach 1K on sub-$10K spend is likely quite limited (though disproporitionately represented on this forum).
I suspect that most 1Ks' spend is similar to mine - that is, not quite enough to reach GS (especially out of SFO) but quite substantial nonetheless. The number who reach 1K on sub-$10K spend is likely quite limited (though disproporitionately represented on this forum).
My spend is well above the "new" PQD threshold but not quite the 30K "rumored to be needed" for GS. My flying is 90% personal travel 10% business. Im having a hard time thinking of a single change that i like. The only thing i still love about UA is their SDC policy but I don't see that leasing either. Its certainly not enough to keep me.
Last edited by Weez_1000; Oct 30, 2013 at 11:48 am Reason: Edit: Sorry Ocn Vw, I was scrolled up and didn't see your request before my post.
Oct 30, 2013, 11:39 am
#171
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: SMF
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA EXP
Posts: 1,537
I'm not normally one to advocate picking up torches and pitchforks, and marching on the castle. But this action is targeted specifically at 1Ks, and United is clearly relying on apathy to carry them through it.
SNIP
After the last 18 months, I'm not sure why this is the last straw, but it's time to light the torches and march. SNIP.
SNIP
After the last 18 months, I'm not sure why this is the last straw, but it's time to light the torches and march. SNIP.
A personally targeted email from American Airlines offering me substantial status bump, and various very appealing incentives to switch my business to them. Coincidence? I don't know! Timely? Absolutely.
I am going to take them up on it and see how the grass is on the other side.
Very sad. 14 years as 1k almost 2mmer gone like that.
Lurker
Oct 30, 2013, 11:40 am
#172
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Boston
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 272
FWIW, and I know its not worth much, I tweeted about this today and got a sweet auto reply from @united: We are looking into this, thank you. ^LS
I generally agree with much of what has been said here. This is not a customer friendly move. Its pretty easy to see why they're doing it -- it removes our ability to see their actual (nonexistent) elite award inventory, and it prevents us from grabbing UG space that would otherwise be sold or go to those who don't jump the queue. This leaves revenue on the table.
I do think that we're massively overestimating the impact on the United flyer community though. This impacts a very small percentage of flyers. I can't tell you how many 1K and even GS flyers I know who have no idea how to use their GPU and Miles to UG beyond calling in and getting wait listed -- if that. Most people won't notice this.
I generally agree with much of what has been said here. This is not a customer friendly move. Its pretty easy to see why they're doing it -- it removes our ability to see their actual (nonexistent) elite award inventory, and it prevents us from grabbing UG space that would otherwise be sold or go to those who don't jump the queue. This leaves revenue on the table.
I do think that we're massively overestimating the impact on the United flyer community though. This impacts a very small percentage of flyers. I can't tell you how many 1K and even GS flyers I know who have no idea how to use their GPU and Miles to UG beyond calling in and getting wait listed -- if that. Most people won't notice this.
Oct 30, 2013, 11:45 am
#173
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NorCal - 1K 2MM
Posts: 2,089
One point about KVS...while KVS should still have access to UA award inventory, I don't think there is access to R inventory nor is there a way to set alerts a la EF. Also, note that I find AVAILABILITY searches on KVS for UA flights to be inaccurate/incomplete, so I suggest testing thoroughly before running headlong into a KVS subscription.
Oct 30, 2013, 11:47 am
#174
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 1,812
Ugh. My EF account just got renewed this month too.
Oct 30, 2013, 11:47 am
#175
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Hyatt GLOB, Marriott Lifetime PLT, UA 1K 1MM.
Posts: 1,728
somewhat side question, can someone explain the difference between R and RN? i just realized i don't actually know.
Oct 30, 2013, 11:50 am
#176
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Boston
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 272
R is the upgrade space (using miles, cop-pay etc.) for everyone. RN is supposed to be the upgrade space specifically for elites (using miles, RPU, GPU etc.) , and should have a better availability than R. However I personally haven't seen RN>R (though maybe others have).
Oct 30, 2013, 11:54 am
#177
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: Delta Gold Medallion
Posts: 449
to each their own. everyone's got things they're willing to tolerate and things they won't. switching to half cashews, streaming-IFE and the myriad of other things are all things that don't personally bother me. redemption opens and GPU's are sacred to me though. the W requirement irked me seriously, but i still clear regularly at booking so it hasn't chased me away yet. taking away expert mode, while not confirmed, isn't inconceivable. there's just three things for me i need to know. is there space available to upgrade at booking, how many seats are there and is there any way for me to check on a daily basis if inventory has opened up. expert mode does that for me. if they get rid of that, that puts us all in the W lottery but completely blind. that's a game i won't play because it could potentially cost me thousands of dollars.
but again, it's all what's important to you. seriously screwing with the GPU process is something that would actually drive me away. it just hasn't happened yet so i never found a compelling reason to leave. looks like one might be coming in 2014 though.
but again, it's all what's important to you. seriously screwing with the GPU process is something that would actually drive me away. it just hasn't happened yet so i never found a compelling reason to leave. looks like one might be coming in 2014 though.
Oct 30, 2013, 11:54 am
#178
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: SMF
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA EXP
Posts: 1,537
Oct 30, 2013, 11:56 am
#179
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: SPI
Programs: AA Gold, UA LT Plat, Mar LTT
Posts: 18,147
Oct 30, 2013, 12:04 pm
#180
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: CRP
Programs: UA 1K and 1MM, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Marriott Gold, IHG Diamond
Posts: 300
Why does ExpertFlyer pull its data from United rather than from ANA?