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
Nov 1, 2013, 8:57 pm
#841
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Sedona
Programs: UA Platinum, SW A-list
Posts: 110
Can't really think of anyting pithy to say so I'll leave it at this: UA is crunching the numbers and executing their strategy based on UA's perception of what's best for their shareholders. With this as yet another example of "the new United," I too share crunch the numbers, factor in the intangibles, and decide if I wish to continue my loyalty to UA. I suspect I'll join soon join the growing ranks of ex-UA elites, but maybe that's what UA really wants. Interesting strategy.
Nov 1, 2013, 8:59 pm
#842
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,740
Of course it exists, and availability ain't bad either. Just that you dont have a booking engine that is easy to work with.
We traveled on 100K low level flying AZ and AF J to ARN, OJ till SVO, and return from AMS via FCO.
This evening I spent 2 hours looking at each and every single direct flight to JNB from anywhere in the Star A network - NOTHING available in J and only Y is available on an IST-JNB on TK for the months from June to Sept.
Moreover, the only available J would be on Egypt Air via Cairo and Ethiopia via Africa.
So, before one makes blanket statement on how DL Skymiles are useless, one needs to have some basic fact check first.
Nov 1, 2013, 9:02 pm
#843
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: San Antonio
Programs: AS MVP
Posts: 2,276
Try booking to Europe on AA and then tell me if they haven't devalued. A year ago seats existed on most routes and dates at some point. I was looking last night for seats on AA BGI-JFK-FCO for a relative, and there are zero dates with sAAver availability JFK-FCO in coach or business. Only a month ago there were sAAver business seats on the BGI-MIA and BGI-JFK routes, now there are none. Ever. AA has used the convenient 'blame BA for the surcharges' excuse while doubling the price of many if not most of their awards.
Nov 1, 2013, 9:06 pm
#844
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: LHR
Programs: AA EXP, SPG PLT
Posts: 584
Try booking to Europe on AA and then tell me if they haven't devalued. A year ago seats existed on most routes and dates at some point. I was looking last night for seats on AA BGI-JFK-FCO for a relative, and there are zero dates with sAAver availability JFK-FCO in coach or business. Only a month ago there were sAAver business seats on the BGI-MIA and BGI-JFK routes, now there are none. Ever. AA has used the convenient 'blame BA for the surcharges' excuse while doubling the price of many if not most of their awards.
Nov 1, 2013, 9:14 pm
#845
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: BA/AA/AS/B6/WN/ UA/HH/MR and more like 'em but most felicitously & importantly MUCCI
Posts: 19,718
I just called Chase to request my Chip-embedded Sapphire card and mentioned in passing what happened with United today and the rep said that the phone has been ringing off the hook with people calling and blaming chase for this.....who are these fools?? 
I mean didnt we as the cardholder population help create this debacle???
I mean didnt we as the cardholder population help create this debacle???You remind me of the UA flight attendants I have heard over the years berating customers for driving the airline into bankruptcy by refusing to pay higher fares. Hey, we don't set the rates, we only buy 'em.
Nov 1, 2013, 9:16 pm
#846
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,896
Changes in stopovers coming Feb 1.
A stopover is permitted on roundtrip award travel only. One stopover is permitted, unless otherwise noted. Additional mileage may be required for Saver Awards within the continental U.S., Alaska and Canada. For travel booked on or after February 1, 2014, a stopover is permitted only on certain roundtrip itineraries. Additional mileage may be required.
A stopover is permitted on roundtrip award travel only. One stopover is permitted, unless otherwise noted. Additional mileage may be required for Saver Awards within the continental U.S., Alaska and Canada. For travel booked on or after February 1, 2014, a stopover is permitted only on certain roundtrip itineraries. Additional mileage may be required.
Nov 1, 2013, 9:17 pm
#847
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: los angeles, calif.
Programs: Alaska Airlines Gold MVP
Posts: 7,170
Exactly. AAdvantage SAAver awards are easy to find and redeem with a little patience. Just booked LAXHKG First/NRTLAX Business for a mere 127,500 miles on the exact dates I wanted, and it only took about a week of smart searches.
Nov 1, 2013, 9:17 pm
#848
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 721
That's my favorite part: dump a major devaluation on us with no advance notice.
Nov 1, 2013, 9:21 pm
#849
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: ORD, LGA
Programs: AA EXP 2MM
Posts: 348
Yeah, I get that. I understand this deval is huge. As I said, I'm not trying to start an argument. They're your miles use them as you want.
I've earned 650,000 miles this year and will probably get another 50k by year's end.. I look at those miles as 15-25 Y tickets - not 4-6 F tickets. It's probably just me but I would rather sit in back then spend a bunch of miles to sit up front.
Like the man said.....One man's ceiling is another man's floor.
I've earned 650,000 miles this year and will probably get another 50k by year's end.. I look at those miles as 15-25 Y tickets - not 4-6 F tickets. It's probably just me but I would rather sit in back then spend a bunch of miles to sit up front.
Like the man said.....One man's ceiling is another man's floor.
YMMV
Although I recognize it isn't the best economic value of miles, I use a lot of miles to buy domestic coach tickets for my parents (who live on social security and a very small 401k) so they can visit or join us on our vacations. And while I am disappointed that it is now even less likely I will be able to fly LH F on an award I am thankful that the 25K domestic saver ticket was not eliminated.
We need to give thanks to United. For a long time now, they've given us the opportunity to use their program to fly airlines far superior to their own. Aboard far better products, in better lounges, indulging in superior food and drinks, and with customer service that is more friendly and respectful than you get on United. Without United, many of us would have not had the opportunity to experience what a joy it could be to fly on other carriers.
United continues to be a giver. Give, give, give they do. And today, again, they gift us another example of how other airlines can be so much better.
Thank you United, thank you for allowing us to know what a joy it could be to fly with another airline.
United continues to be a giver. Give, give, give they do. And today, again, they gift us another example of how other airlines can be so much better.
Thank you United, thank you for allowing us to know what a joy it could be to fly with another airline.
Last edited by iluv2fly; Nov 2, 2013 at 2:01 am Reason: merge
Nov 1, 2013, 9:24 pm
#850
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Honolulu
Programs: UA 1K 1.7mm
Posts: 449
HKG-SIN CPU's still apply after Feb1?
Not clear on this, do CPU's still apply on this route after feb1?
Tahnks
.
Tahnks
.
Nov 1, 2013, 9:28 pm
#851
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: 67,104
Can't really think of anyting pithy to say so I'll leave it at this: UA is crunching the numbers and executing their strategy based on UA's perception of what's best for their shareholders. With this as yet another example of "the new United," I too share crunch the numbers, factor in the intangibles, and decide if I wish to continue my loyalty to UA. I suspect I'll join soon join the growing ranks of ex-UA elites, but maybe that's what UA really wants. Interesting strategy.
Nov 1, 2013, 9:31 pm
#852
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 5,825
This evening I spent 2 hours looking at each and every single direct flight to JNB from anywhere in the Star A network - NOTHING available in J and only Y is available on an IST-JNB on TK for the months from June to Sept.
Moreover, the only available J would be on Egypt Air via Cairo and Ethiopia via Africa.
So, before one makes blanket statement on how DL Skymiles are useless, one needs to have some basic fact check first.
Moreover, the only available J would be on Egypt Air via Cairo and Ethiopia via Africa.
So, before one makes blanket statement on how DL Skymiles are useless, one needs to have some basic fact check first.
I don't frequent the DL forum that much, but aren't you the poster who constantly says 'I can find award tickets', only to have everyone else disagree with you?
Hopefully some of the helpful souls in the UA forum can help you find some award tickets on *. How many miles do you have?
What is your origin? Is JNB your final destination?
June, July, August, September of 2014.
DL has a direct flight from ATL, right? How does summer 2014 availability look on their flight?
Nov 1, 2013, 9:31 pm
#853
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: San Antonio
Programs: AS MVP
Posts: 2,276
I got exactly what I wanted and had a wide range of choices on AA metal when I booked this month's Europe trip for 4, back in March. Award seats available now vs March is no comparison.
Nov 1, 2013, 9:36 pm
#854
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 721
No.
1The following restrictions apply to upgrades on flights to/from Northern South America and within Asia departing on or after February 1, 2014: (1) Complimentary Premier Upgrades and instant upgrades are not applicable; (2) 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; (3) There is no co-pay exemption for MileagePlus Upgrade Awards requested on or after November 1, 2013.
1The following restrictions apply to upgrades on flights to/from Northern South America and within Asia departing on or after February 1, 2014: (1) Complimentary Premier Upgrades and instant upgrades are not applicable; (2) 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; (3) There is no co-pay exemption for MileagePlus Upgrade Awards requested on or after November 1, 2013.
Nov 1, 2013, 9:38 pm
#855
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Programs: Delta Skymiles (Silver), PriorityClub (Platinum), BA, AA, CO, Hilton Honor, SPG
Posts: 344
One thing I want to point out
South Asia (HKG example) ✈ Australia/New Zealand: From 30K to 17.5K.
Am I looking it correctly??
While
South Asia ✈ Japan: From 15K to 22.5K... it is crazy!
South Asia (HKG example) ✈ Australia/New Zealand: From 30K to 17.5K.
Am I looking it correctly??
While
South Asia ✈ Japan: From 15K to 22.5K... it is crazy!
