Nov 1, 2013, 4:08 am
Last edit by: aacharya
Moderator Note: Please keep the wiki post limited to just the facts.
New UA Award/Upgrade Chart (vs. Current Chart)
Changes took effect for travel booked starting February 3, 2014. See UA Insider's post linked here for more info about the date change. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/22263212-post2366.html
Awards with *A partners now cost more than similar awards flown only on UA metal.
See below for the round-trip increases on partner metal :
Changes to upgrade policy for intra-Asia and northern South America flights
Questions and Answers
Q: If I book an award in January 2014 and then make changes in February or beyond (in routing, airline, origin, destination, etc), will it be repriced according to new mileage requirements, or will I keep the old pricing on that ticket?
Additional details on changing tickets booked prior to 2/3/14 per UA Insider:
Full details are in post #2588 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/22283437-post2588.html
Q: Do these rates apply for tickets purchased after Feb 3 or for travel after Feb 3? That is,if one purchases a ticket now, to fly on Mar 15, will that be new or old pricing?
Q: How will award pricing apply to mixed-carrier Saver Awards?
(reverted to J.Edward's rev)
New UA Award/Upgrade Chart (vs. Current Chart)
Changes took effect for travel booked starting February 3, 2014. See UA Insider's post linked here for more info about the date change. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/22263212-post2366.html
Awards with *A partners now cost more than similar awards flown only on UA metal.
- F awards on partners went up 40-80%
- J awards on partners went up 20-40%
- F and J awards on UA metal (or mixed carriers where UA metal is in premium cabin followed by partner segment in lower class) as well some Y awards increased by 5-20% (US to Europe in F up 19%, US to Middle East in F up 20% for example)
See below for the round-trip increases on partner metal :
US ✈ Southern South America: +10,000 J, +5,000 F
US ✈ Europe: +40,000 J, +85,000 F
US ✈ Northern/Central/Southern Africa: +40,000 J, +110,000 F
US ✈ Middle East: +5,000 Y, +40,000 J, +130,000 F
US ✈ Central Asia/India: +5,000 Y, +40,000 J, +120,000 F
US ✈ South Asia: +15,000 Y, +40,000 J, +120,000 F
US ✈ North Asia: +5,000 Y, +40,000 J, +100,000 F
US ✈ Japan: +5,000 Y, +30,000 J, +85,000 F
US ✈ Oceania: +30,000 J, +70,000 F
US ✈ Australia/New Zealand: +25,000 J, +100,000 F
RTW: +20,000 Y, +90,000 J, +100,000 F
US ✈ Europe: +40,000 J, +85,000 F
US ✈ Northern/Central/Southern Africa: +40,000 J, +110,000 F
US ✈ Middle East: +5,000 Y, +40,000 J, +130,000 F
US ✈ Central Asia/India: +5,000 Y, +40,000 J, +120,000 F
US ✈ South Asia: +15,000 Y, +40,000 J, +120,000 F
US ✈ North Asia: +5,000 Y, +40,000 J, +100,000 F
US ✈ Japan: +5,000 Y, +30,000 J, +85,000 F
US ✈ Oceania: +30,000 J, +70,000 F
US ✈ Australia/New Zealand: +25,000 J, +100,000 F
RTW: +20,000 Y, +90,000 J, +100,000 F
Changes to upgrade policy for intra-Asia and northern South America flights
- Complimentary Premier Upgrades and instant upgrades are not applicable
- Regional Premier Upgrades (for any fare class) and Global Premier Upgrades (for flights booked in fare class Z, P, S, T, L, K, G or N) can no longer be requested on or after November 1, 2013
- There is no co-pay exemption for MileagePlus Upgrade Awards requested on or after November 1, 2013
- The above changes do not apply to Copa-operated flights.
Questions and Answers
Q: If I book an award in January 2014 and then make changes in February or beyond (in routing, airline, origin, destination, etc), will it be repriced according to new mileage requirements, or will I keep the old pricing on that ticket?
Our existing change process will apply. Changes to awards that require a change in date do not result in a change to the award price. Any other change will require an add/collect in miles and fees for changes or cancellations will still apply as per our existing policies.
Changes that will not trigger a re-price for itineraries ticketed before February 3, 2014 include:
- Date/time (cabin, region, and award type can't change)
- Carrier on one or more segments (cabin, region, and award type can’t change)
- Origin/Destination within the same regions (carrier and cabin can’t change)
Q: Do these rates apply for tickets purchased after Feb 3 or for travel after Feb 3? That is,if one purchases a ticket now, to fly on Mar 15, will that be new or old pricing?
Updated handling for mixed UA-Partner United/partner award itineraries: As we shared with the initial announcement, the Star Alliance/Partner partner award pricing will apply to Business or First awards for itineraries that include at least one flight segment operated by a MileagePlus partner carrier in Business or First.
However, as a customer benefit we have made an exception for most itineraries which require connecting onto a MileagePlus/Star partner in First or Business for a short distance. Specifically, if a United/Copa award itinerary contains a connecting segment on a MileagePlus/Star partner that is wholly within one MileagePlus award region, then the United award price will apply.
However, as a customer benefit we have made an exception for most itineraries which require connecting onto a MileagePlus/Star partner in First or Business for a short distance. Specifically, if a United/Copa award itinerary contains a connecting segment on a MileagePlus/Star partner that is wholly within one MileagePlus award region, then the United award price will apply.
- For example: IAD-FRA in United BusinessFirst connecting to FRA-FCO in Lufthansa Business, will be priced at the United mileage award amount.
- Note that this exception will not apply to a few specific regions and routings, such as intra-Africa connecting segments and certain fifth-freedom routes (e.g. BKK-KUL operated by Lufthansa)
Changes to MileagePlus Award and Upgrade Policies - Eff. 3-Feb-2014
Feb 2, 2014, 5:46 am
#2446
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (3MM), DL PM, BONVOY TITANIUM, HYATT GLOBALIST, HILTON DIAMOND, IHG DIAMOND AMB, et al
Posts: 5,913
-FlyerBeek
Feb 2, 2014, 5:53 am
#2447
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, UA Platinum, Alaksa MVP 75K, Air Berlin Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,389
Change in dates involving the same carrier and class of service shouldn't trigger a re-price. Anything else, like adding a stopover, sounds like it will. The de-value has been extended until 3FEB, so if you can add the stopover prior to then, I'd do it.
I booked a trip with a stopover a few days ago. The agent assured me as long as I keep the same class of service with the same airlines including the stopover, any change in dates would keep the original pricing.
I booked a trip with a stopover a few days ago. The agent assured me as long as I keep the same class of service with the same airlines including the stopover, any change in dates would keep the original pricing.
MEL-BKK-TPE-JFK booked for late Dec. knowing I needed a January date. Today the date I needed magically showed award space so I changed dates on the website. When making the changes ONLY the EXACT same flights listed as $0 and 0 miles. Other flights, even operated by same carrier, and same routing, just different times, showed +45,000 miles. I'm sure I could've circumvented this by calling in since new rates haven't technically gone into effect. But if it's indicative of what's to come, not looking good. Maybe it's just the website, or something deployed early on accident...but a data point.
Feb 2, 2014, 6:48 am
#2448
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: In a plane over Europe; I mean in the back of a plane over Europe !!!
Programs: HHonors, Scandic, Priority Club, Marriott, AF/KL FB, BAEC, AB TB, LH M&M
Posts: 860
Impressed
I do not like the increase of the numbers of miles required for an award travel but I really like the clear communication and support it was provided.
I really like the little two day delay in activating the changes.
And yes, I was able to get the all the award flights I desired, 4 RTs at saver level, at the exact dates I wished. Incredible for someone like to me, used to struggling with tight availability of my European FFPs (AB, AF, AZ, BA, LH).
And a big thanks to Marriott travel certificates, that provided me a way to get all the required miles.
I really like the little two day delay in activating the changes.
And yes, I was able to get the all the award flights I desired, 4 RTs at saver level, at the exact dates I wished. Incredible for someone like to me, used to struggling with tight availability of my European FFPs (AB, AF, AZ, BA, LH).
And a big thanks to Marriott travel certificates, that provided me a way to get all the required miles.
Feb 2, 2014, 7:18 am
#2449
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Radisson Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 3,623
The agent initially told me that a $100 change fee would be assessed for this change, I told her I thought it should be free, she checked with someone and agreed. I just had to pay $5 in additional taxes. So I hope we can continue to do this after the changeover.
Feb 2, 2014, 7:59 am
#2450
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: London; Bangkok; Las Vegas
Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA MM Gold; Marriott Lifetime Titanium; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,745
Except it does...at least on the website. I'm not sure if IT is working on something now, but noticed a change just now when updating an award ticket.
MEL-BKK-TPE-JFK booked for late Dec. knowing I needed a January date. Today the date I needed magically showed award space so I changed dates on the website. When making the changes ONLY the EXACT same flights listed as $0 and 0 miles. Other flights, even operated by same carrier, and same routing, just different times, showed +45,000 miles. I'm sure I could've circumvented this by calling in since new rates haven't technically gone into effect. But if it's indicative of what's to come, not looking good. Maybe it's just the website, or something deployed early on accident...but a data point.
MEL-BKK-TPE-JFK booked for late Dec. knowing I needed a January date. Today the date I needed magically showed award space so I changed dates on the website. When making the changes ONLY the EXACT same flights listed as $0 and 0 miles. Other flights, even operated by same carrier, and same routing, just different times, showed +45,000 miles. I'm sure I could've circumvented this by calling in since new rates haven't technically gone into effect. But if it's indicative of what's to come, not looking good. Maybe it's just the website, or something deployed early on accident...but a data point.
Feb 2, 2014, 8:32 am
#2451
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 62
I have in writing from two seperate customer service agents that you if you have a segment in a lower class of service on a premium class award ticket you can move up if the higher class of service becomes available without a reprice of the award.
I believe repricing will only happen if you make a change that would trigger a change fee for a regular mileageplus member.
I believe repricing will only happen if you make a change that would trigger a change fee for a regular mileageplus member.
Feb 2, 2014, 8:37 am
#2452
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 13
This is for post-February 3 travel? Do you mean they documented your PNR with this information when you say have it "in writing?" In May, I have a mixed C/F award on LH (C-Class) & TG (F-Class)...hoping that I can move up to F on LH once it becomes available without any additional mileage charge!
Feb 2, 2014, 8:45 am
#2453
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: UA 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 678
Trying to book my first award travel before these changes take place. Couple questions as a 1K:
1. If I book EWR-ORD-NRT-ORD-EWR, can I change the dates/routing (still EWR start and NRT end) for without incurring the increase in mileage? From what I've read, I can do a date change if there's availability but unsure if I have to keep the same connection points.
2. If I decide I see a better date in business class, I'm assuming a change to saver business would incur the increase in mileage?
3. Is there anything stopping me from booking something and just keep changing the dates further and further out or is there a limitation on how far you can stretch it?
1. If I book EWR-ORD-NRT-ORD-EWR, can I change the dates/routing (still EWR start and NRT end) for without incurring the increase in mileage? From what I've read, I can do a date change if there's availability but unsure if I have to keep the same connection points.
2. If I decide I see a better date in business class, I'm assuming a change to saver business would incur the increase in mileage?
3. Is there anything stopping me from booking something and just keep changing the dates further and further out or is there a limitation on how far you can stretch it?
Feb 2, 2014, 9:46 am
#2454
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: BUF
Programs: SPG Plt, HHonors Gold, UA Gold, PC Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 880
Trying to book my first award travel before these changes take place. Couple questions as a 1K:
1. If I book EWR-ORD-NRT-ORD-EWR, can I change the dates/routing (still EWR start and NRT end) for without incurring the increase in mileage? From what I've read, I can do a date change if there's availability but unsure if I have to keep the same connection points.
2. If I decide I see a better date in business class, I'm assuming a change to saver business would incur the increase in mileage?
3. Is there anything stopping me from booking something and just keep changing the dates further and further out or is there a limitation on how far you can stretch it?
1. If I book EWR-ORD-NRT-ORD-EWR, can I change the dates/routing (still EWR start and NRT end) for without incurring the increase in mileage? From what I've read, I can do a date change if there's availability but unsure if I have to keep the same connection points.
2. If I decide I see a better date in business class, I'm assuming a change to saver business would incur the increase in mileage?
3. Is there anything stopping me from booking something and just keep changing the dates further and further out or is there a limitation on how far you can stretch it?
2. It will reprice
3. If you aren't an upper elite, you will still pay the change fee to change dates. You will have to use the trip completely by one year of ticketing... So gotta go and return by February 2015
Feb 2, 2014, 10:54 am
#2457
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, UA Platinum, Alaksa MVP 75K, Air Berlin Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,389
It could be that individual agent's interpretation of the new rules, and not the official rules. Plus UA doesn't have to honor what an agent wrote, if they did in fact tell you the wrong info, even though the agent is a representative of United.
If anything I suspect if escalated, situations like this will be handled on a case by case basis.
If anything I suspect if escalated, situations like this will be handled on a case by case basis.
Feb 2, 2014, 11:11 am
#2458
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 13
It could be that individual agent's interpretation of the new rules, and not the official rules. Plus UA doesn't have to honor what an agent wrote, if they did in fact tell you the wrong info, even though the agent is a representative of United.
If anything I suspect if escalated, situations like this will be handled on a case by case basis.
If anything I suspect if escalated, situations like this will be handled on a case by case basis.
Feb 2, 2014, 11:14 am
#2459
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, UA Platinum, Alaksa MVP 75K, Air Berlin Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,389
Feb 2, 2014, 11:21 am
#2460
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, UA Nobody, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,372
It could be that individual agent's interpretation of the new rules, and not the official rules. Plus UA doesn't have to honor what an agent wrote, if they did in fact tell you the wrong info, even though the agent is a representative of United.
If anything I suspect if escalated, situations like this will be handled on a case by case basis.
If anything I suspect if escalated, situations like this will be handled on a case by case basis.
That said unless I had in writing for my specific reservation I certainly wouldn't rely on it.