Kacee

There has been none of the "thinning of the ranks" predicted when UA first implemented PQD six years ago, nor when they raised the number to $12k a few years later. To the contrary, I'm fairly certain there are substantially more 1Ks now than there were then. I expect more of the same at the $15k level.

Kmxu

I do not agree. I know a few 1K friends/colleagues. They are all giving up 1K status for next year due to the PQD raise from 12K to 15K. Compared to the raise from 10K to 12K a few years back, this raise from 12K to 15K poses a bigger problem for some people. The 1K herds will be smaller next year, which is my prediction.

narvik

I also think this time around it will affect quite a few people. More than previously.
The P class devaluation to reach PQM coupled with $15K PQD will be tough for quite a few, and I doubt there's sufficient up-and-coming lower ranks to take their place...
We shall see, or not: hard to say if we will even notice an increase or decrease.

restlessinRNO

I believe you are correct. Raising the PQD from $12K to $15K definitely poses a bigger problem for many people. It is more difficult to reach $15K spend on economy tix alone. It becomes more likely that you must be prepared to buy business class tix.

iapetus

Wow!

I was fairly certain that I would be one of those people thusly affected by the raise in the PQD requirement. To the contrary, I don't think that this will be a problem for me. I'm already nearly 60% of the way there with the travel I have booked (not yet flown), and I have at least two more TATLs and much more domestic travel to book. I'm actually more worried about the PQM this year, but I think that's an easier problem to solve.

cmhua777

narvik

(bolding mine)

The bolded part is the problem!

iapetus

+1 Not all businesses pay for their business travelers to fly in J. :shrug:

Aussienarelle

Most of my travel is international and through the end of July I will have >100,000 PQMs and $9,000 PQDs. My GPU for my flight on Sunday went unused so back into the pool.

GPUs going unused makes me think not worth the effort to meet the PQD requirement. I believe there are a number of us who fly on our own dime (not OPM). With more PP availability that is probably going to be my choice on UA international red eye flights.

Artpen100

On one point, the availability of discount business on UA definitely seems to vary with the dates of travel. Sometimes you can't find less that $9K on dates when I routinely traveled for $3K in the past, other times there are lots of $2.8K options, and even PZ at booking. Overall, cheap business on UA TATL does seem less available.

I also think that that 15K PQD requirement will have an impact on the number of 1Ks. I will probably not make it next year, barring a major change, and I was thinking just this morning as I was boarding a flight that I will miss it next year. The loss of GPUs will be offset by the fact that miles and copay are not really that much different. Also, with the food on BA becoming so much better, and my last TATL on them so pleasant, I was thinking of buying PE on BA and upgrading with Avios from credit cards more often anyway unless PZ is available or it is a direct flight at a comparable cost. Certainly if UA is more expensive. I am not anti-UA but also not loyal - if other airlines offer better business class for cheaper, I am happy to switch.

zdog2x

I had given up for this year with the new PQD given a change in work to a startup where there is no international and they want to save money at every corner, but a couple of TATL flights with Ms. for pleasure I might just make it.

One the upgrades front, just used my last 2018 upgrade (extended GPU) for EWR-DEN; 20 seat 7-900 and I got the only upgrade. Lots of corp non-revs in J so might have been a factor.

In 2020 I don't see how I can make 15/100 - or whatever they raise it to.

SS255

I'm sort of in the same boat. I very rarely have to travel for work, so I've been making 1K (for the past 8 years) on my own dime. Looking at my current numbers and planned travel, I will sail over 100K PQM's, but will have to stretch a bit to hit $15K PQD's. I will likely do it this year, as most of my GPU's do clear. (I can't say the same for my RPU's -- I usually lose one or two per year -- and not for lack of trying.)

As the ability to book PP in advance increases, the GPU's will become less valuable. If I'm not striving for 1K, booking PP and using miles and co-pay if I can't get a good P fare will probably outweigh the 1K benefits if it becomes a matter of stretching by $3K or more.

IADFlyer123

My 6 GPUs are going to go to waste this year. Tried using them early in the year, nothing cleared. With a young child and wanting to spend more time with family, means I much rather stay home and only travel on family trips together. Will be dropping from 1k to Gold next year for sure.

nomad420

In 2017 I must have dumped 10 of them. It was pathetic. I threw them at EVERYTHING I flew with minimal clearance. Last year same experience. Cleared some earlier this year on domestic flights, mostly short hauls. Then got GS status bestowed upon me literally on the last day of Jan. I would say the only benefit I have noted is that instruments do seem to clear easier as GS but unfortunately until I hit 100K this year I now only have a few left. Funny, when you have them you can't use them and when you seemingly can use them you don't have them.

chavala

I've already used all mine except 1, which I plan to extend until mid-2020.
I'm flying all combo tickets (GPU in one direction / P or Z in the other). It makes it a LOT easier if you're only looking for PZ one way -- of course I still have to be flexible and it's mostly Tue or Wed travel, and plan I ahead.
I never EVER wait list. I only use them if confirmed at booking. I never threw out a GPU or gave one away. (RPUs yes)

The title of this thread is dumb. They are not useless.