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
#2461
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Northern Calif./Eastern Ida.
Programs: Amethyst Premier Plutonium Medallion
Posts: 20,624
there's going to be more going on tomorrow than meets the eye.
i've encountered a huge amount of resistance making changes to a flight booked as a stopover and single open jaw. several agents have repeatedly quoted additional miles for changes.
the itinerary is complex but not that bad:
SMF-IAD-BOS-ZRH(stop)-ATH(dest)-IST-YYZ-DEN
simply trying to change the YYZ-DEN segment to an earlier flight with XN availability, I just had an agent tell me I was "lucky" to be able to book it in the first place
hang onto your butts folks it's going to be a nasty, wild ride starting tomorrow.
i've encountered a huge amount of resistance making changes to a flight booked as a stopover and single open jaw. several agents have repeatedly quoted additional miles for changes.
the itinerary is complex but not that bad:
SMF-IAD-BOS-ZRH(stop)-ATH(dest)-IST-YYZ-DEN
simply trying to change the YYZ-DEN segment to an earlier flight with XN availability, I just had an agent tell me I was "lucky" to be able to book it in the first place
hang onto your butts folks it's going to be a nasty, wild ride starting tomorrow.
#2462
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,738
there's going to be more going on tomorrow than meets the eye.
i've encountered a huge amount of resistance making changes to a flight booked as a stopover and single open jaw. several agents have repeatedly quoted additional miles for changes.
the itinerary is complex but not that bad:
SMF-IAD-BOS-ZRH(stop)-ATH(dest)-IST-YYZ-DEN
simply trying to change the YYZ-DEN segment to an earlier flight with XN availability, I just had an agent tell me I was "lucky" to be able to book it in the first place
hang onto your butts folks it's going to be a nasty, wild ride starting tomorrow.
i've encountered a huge amount of resistance making changes to a flight booked as a stopover and single open jaw. several agents have repeatedly quoted additional miles for changes.
the itinerary is complex but not that bad:
SMF-IAD-BOS-ZRH(stop)-ATH(dest)-IST-YYZ-DEN
simply trying to change the YYZ-DEN segment to an earlier flight with XN availability, I just had an agent tell me I was "lucky" to be able to book it in the first place
hang onto your butts folks it's going to be a nasty, wild ride starting tomorrow.
I was able to do 2 changes last night within 24 hours of the booking on this more complex itinerary than yours.
Initial LAX-ICN//ICN-FRA-MXP//MXP-IST-YYZ
1st change on the date of ICN-FRA-MXP when the LH phantom inventory became real so more desirable date was bookable.
The same date change was met with RTW comment on Jan 31st, but was done without a single word on Feb 1st.
Called back to do 2nd change to add US flights FLL-PHX-LAX to arrive LAX the day before (forced overnight).
FLL-PHX-LAX-ICN//ICN-FRA-MXP//MXP-IST-YYZ
Both times agents had no resistance at all. Less than 5 minutes call on each. Though the e-tickets never came but that is another story of UA IT, not agent's issue. (I finally found out using "get receipt" option found in the phone tree, could resolve this issue without having to keep calling back.)
Last edited by Happy; Feb 2, 2014 at 12:40 pm
#2463
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,738
I also have one itinerary paid in F but booked in YN (already waitlisted I) on UA and again in X on AC.
Would use email to get this clarified.
#2464
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: LAX
Programs: UA MM | BA Silver
Posts: 7,192
I actually just did this yesterday. Business class award ticket, had segments in economy, then business seats became available.
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.
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.
#2465
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 235
the reality of being restricted to UA metal is starting to set in -- looking for J/F awards on UA metal only from NYC to ROM is super bleak, even 330 days out. (i'd be booking for spring 2015)
#2466
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: SAN
Posts: 1,396
there's going to be more going on tomorrow than meets the eye.
i've encountered a huge amount of resistance making changes to a flight booked as a stopover and single open jaw. several agents have repeatedly quoted additional miles for changes.
the itinerary is complex but not that bad:
SMF-IAD-BOS-ZRH(stop)-ATH(dest)-IST-YYZ-DEN
simply trying to change the YYZ-DEN segment to an earlier flight with XN availability, I just had an agent tell me I was "lucky" to be able to book it in the first place
hang onto your butts folks it's going to be a nasty, wild ride starting tomorrow.
i've encountered a huge amount of resistance making changes to a flight booked as a stopover and single open jaw. several agents have repeatedly quoted additional miles for changes.
the itinerary is complex but not that bad:
SMF-IAD-BOS-ZRH(stop)-ATH(dest)-IST-YYZ-DEN
simply trying to change the YYZ-DEN segment to an earlier flight with XN availability, I just had an agent tell me I was "lucky" to be able to book it in the first place
hang onto your butts folks it's going to be a nasty, wild ride starting tomorrow.
To make matters worse, he clearly had no idea what the rules are. I don't remember what he was saying but he really didn't understand SO / OJ etc.
#2467
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,156
There is a huge decrease in the available flights now...if you want to keep things to reasonable redemption levels for J/F.
Also, really painful not to have expanded award inventory for elites on UA metal.
#2468
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: NOC/LAX
Posts: 432
Friday night I called and inquired specifically about making changes to dates and carrier. This was right around the time they announced the extension to the 3rd. The agent said they had just received written instructions not only about the extension but answers to questions like this. She read the following to me three times. I copied it word for word.
She said this contradicted what they had previously been told and expressed regret that they had been giving people the wrong info.
I've also sent an email and am waiting to hear back.
Changes to carrier, on one or more segments: no change to award price as long as cabin, region, and award type remain the same. We will honor pre-February 3, 2014 price.
I've also sent an email and am waiting to hear back.
Last edited by hedur; Feb 2, 2014 at 2:09 pm Reason: typo
#2469
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO (San Fran)
Programs: United, Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Elite
Posts: 75
I am going to blow some points to go from SFO -> SE Asia (32.5K -> 40K soon). I dont' really know which dates I want to go yet, so if I book random dates, and then change them (I am Platinum), will I be required to pay the +7500 after the change? What if I cancel the whole trip (do I get the fees back)? Your input is greatly appreciated!
#2470
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: 66,756
Will likely depend on the nature of the changes -- date only, no change in cabin, routing or carriers, appears to be a safe situation.
Whether or no a change in routing or carrier or cabin if paid fo will work is TBD.
Anything more is most likely a definitive yes on repricing.
for a plat, yes.
#2471
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO (San Fran)
Programs: United, Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Elite
Posts: 75
at this point there is conflcting info this.
Will likely depend on the nature of the changes -- date only, no change in cabin, routing or carriers, appears to be a safe situation.
Whether or no a change in routing or carrier or cabin if paid fo will work is TBD.
Anything more is most likely a definitive yes on repricing.
for a plat, yes.
Will likely depend on the nature of the changes -- date only, no change in cabin, routing or carriers, appears to be a safe situation.
Whether or no a change in routing or carrier or cabin if paid fo will work is TBD.
Anything more is most likely a definitive yes on repricing.
for a plat, yes.
#2472
Moderator, Hertz; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: KRK
Programs: UA 1MM, BA GGL, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond and others
Posts: 12,689
Well with the extension I booked myself a nice Middle East flight
KRK-FRA-DOH
23:45hrs in DOH
DOH-DXB
5 days in DXB
DXB-MCT
3.5days in MCT
MCT-BAH
22:30hrs in BAH
BAH-IST-MUC-KRK
all in I, 55K miles. Basically all the flights are intl config as they are some 5th freedom flights. There's a mix of LH,LX,TK, and UA there.
KRK-FRA-DOH
23:45hrs in DOH
DOH-DXB
5 days in DXB
DXB-MCT
3.5days in MCT
MCT-BAH
22:30hrs in BAH
BAH-IST-MUC-KRK
all in I, 55K miles. Basically all the flights are intl config as they are some 5th freedom flights. There's a mix of LH,LX,TK, and UA there.
#2473
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,738
Well with the extension I booked myself a nice Middle East flight
KRK-FRA-DOH
23:45hrs in DOH
DOH-DXB
5 days in DXB
DXB-MCT
3.5days in MCT
MCT-BAH
22:30hrs in BAH
BAH-IST-MUC-KRK
all in I, 55K miles. Basically all the flights are intl config as they are some 5th freedom flights. There's a mix of LH,LX,TK, and UA there.
KRK-FRA-DOH
23:45hrs in DOH
DOH-DXB
5 days in DXB
DXB-MCT
3.5days in MCT
MCT-BAH
22:30hrs in BAH
BAH-IST-MUC-KRK
all in I, 55K miles. Basically all the flights are intl config as they are some 5th freedom flights. There's a mix of LH,LX,TK, and UA there.
Did you book all this online or call to book?
#2474
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: LAX IAH AMS
Programs: UA GS 1MM
Posts: 1,266
New Years trip just booked... LAX-ICN Asiana F, PEK-IAH Air China F. And this will be my last *A award travel for a looong while!
#2475
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
Friday night I called and inquired specifically about making changes to dates and carrier. This was right around the time they announced the extension to the 3rd. The agent said they had just received written instructions not only about the extension but answers to questions like this. She read the following to me three times. I copied it word for word.
"Changes to carrier, on one or more segments: no change to award price as long as cabin, region, and award type remain the same. We will honor pre-February 3, 2014 price."
She said this contradicted what they had previously been told and expressed regret that they had been giving people the wrong info.
I've also sent an email and am waiting to hear back.
"Changes to carrier, on one or more segments: no change to award price as long as cabin, region, and award type remain the same. We will honor pre-February 3, 2014 price."
She said this contradicted what they had previously been told and expressed regret that they had been giving people the wrong info.
I've also sent an email and am waiting to hear back.