Jan 1, 2014, 6:30 am
Last edit by: chrisl137
Please read these sources before posting in this thread: If you have calculated the PQDs for a trip at less than 80% of the total cost, you are very likely doing something wrong. Have you made sure to include the International Surcharge (YQ)? Have you read all of the materials linked above, and the frequently made points listed below?
Specific Unanswered Questions
Please limit these to specific, technical questions about the implementation of the PQD program. FMP (Frequently Made Points)
The following points have been made repeatedly in this thread (please feel free to add more concise points): Related Threads
Moderator's note:- First post from UA Insider (post 1)
- http://www.mileageplusupdates.com/faqs.html
- Additional answers from UA Insider (post 1387)
- more information about questions posed in this thread published to mileageplusupdates.com, per UA Insider
Specific Unanswered Questions
Please limit these to specific, technical questions about the implementation of the PQD program.
- Will there be a calculator that shows PQD, and will that calculator be accurate?
- What exactly will count toward PQD?
United states:
Base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges
Flights flown by United, United Express, or Copa Airlines
Flights operated by a Star Alliance® or a MileagePlus partner airline and issued on a United ticket (ticket number starting with 016)
Economy Plus purchases
The value of ETCs if used as a form of payment on the checkout page
will count towards PQD.
Thus:- The amount of co-pay when using miles to upgrade..
- The cost of PQMs/RDMs purchased when using the premier / award accelerator..
- The face value e-certs and travel vouchers.. (still uncertainty on this since prelim PQDs appeared to include)
- The cost of a paid upgrade..
- An extra seat purchase (such as for a customer of size or a musical instrument); it does not presently count toward PQM.
- Change fees.
- How will PQD be determined for UA metal segments without 016 stock ticket?
- What happens if I depart in December and return in January?
Just like PQM, PQD for the applicable part of fare for the segment is credited based on the departure date (year) of the segment flown. Segment fares are calculated using standard rules of the past. For the case cited there would be PQD credited in DEC 2013 (no value) and PQD applied to 2014 applicable to 2014 and 2015 status renewal. - How will UA evaluate the address issue for the PQD exemption?
- It is not clear how the timing of achieving the minimum PQD requirement will impact earning RPUs and GPUs. Examples:
- If someone crosses 75K PQM in say April, but doesn't hit $7500 PQD until December by which time has accrued 200K PQM, will he/she get 10 RPUs all at once? (and 10 GPUs assuming $10k PQD in December)
- Do only 1Ks/GSs earn additional RPUs by flying beyond the 100k mark?
- If a 1K crosses the 100,000 PQM mark in January 201x, the $10,000 PQD mark on December 31 201x, and ends up flying a total of 200,000 PQMs for the year 201x, how many RPUs / GPUs will be earned?
- Will Platinums earn 2 RPUs when crossing the 75k mark but none at incremental levels thereafter (e.g. a Plat who flies 100k EQMs, but does not meet the 1K spend, would *not* earn two more RPUs)?
- If someone crosses 75K PQM in say April, but doesn't hit $7500 PQD until December by which time has accrued 200K PQM, will he/she get 10 RPUs all at once? (and 10 GPUs assuming $10k PQD in December)
- How does IRROPs affect earning of PQDs?
- If one travels on a non-016 ticket originally booked non-UA/Copa metal, will one earn PQDs if rebooked onto UA?
- If one travels on a non-016 ticket originally booked on UA/Copa metal, but is rebooked onto non UA/Copa metal, will one still get credit for PQDs in these scenarios:
- The UA/Copa segment was the source of the irrops?
- The segment of another carrier causes the irrops, the carrier is a *A or UA/Copa partner?
- The segment of another carrier causes the irrops, the carrier is not a *A or UA/Copa partner?
The following points have been made repeatedly in this thread (please feel free to add more concise points):
- You might not be hitting the PQD minimums as easily as you think you are, given exceptions, taxes, and the existence of cheap fares.
- It is possible for leisure travelers and even some business travelers to average well under 10cpm. This doesn't just affect "leisure 1Ks" and people on the edge of categories.
- Presidential Plus card members (exempted from Silver/Gold/Plat PQD requirements) are most likely exempted because the FlexPQM program would complicate matters.
- Manufacturing $25,000 spend might not actually be so hard. There's a whole forum on it.
- The $25,000 spend can be done across multiple Chase MP cards, as long as the cards are tied to the same MileagePlus account.
- The exceptions don't really make sense where there is a revenue-sharing joint venture in place, such as with LH on TATL routes.
- Leaving UA for AA over objections to dollar-based status may be futile because all the majors will likely go to this model with the possible exception of the AS program which allows you to bank your DL and AA miles into one account (DL has already).
- UA is tracking spend on UA metal now.
- YQ, also known as the "international surcharge," is a carrier-imposed surcharge and is included in PQD.
- How to book 016 PQD earning tickets when no UA, UX, Copa metal flights are on itinerary.
- Do You Think UA Will Lose a Lot of Revenue With Less MR?
- Any Drawbacks from having MP account registered to foreign address?
- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...nited-com.html
- Incorrect/Ineligible PQD/PQM/RDM Information showing on my itinerary.
Previous thread can be found here:
MileagePlus Premier Qualifying Dollar (PQD) Requirement Discussion [ARCHIVE]
iluv2fly
Moderator, UA
MileagePlus Premier Qualifying Dollar (PQD) Requirement Discussion Thread
Jul 6, 2014, 5:13 pm
#451
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: DL SM, UA MP.
Posts: 12,729
Jul 6, 2014, 7:32 pm
#452
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,703
Not true, your yearly PQD is visible on the summary portion of View Account Activity. Mine matches up with my spreadsheet perfectly (which had to do before this year).
Jul 7, 2014, 2:21 am
#453
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,172
Jul 21, 2014, 5:38 am
#454
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Slightly to the left of center
Posts: 3,475
Non-U.S. resident waiver
Hi all -
I am asking what I originally thought would be an easy answer. I can't tell if UA has changed waiver, or if their wording is just vague.
I have been a U.S. resident throughout my life as a UA member but was relocated overseas for a one-year work assignment this year. I legitimately have an overseas address.
In the original UA write-up:
1. those residing in the USA have the PQD requirement.
2. Those who live abroad do not. Or am I over-simplifying this?
When I look at a UA page now, item 1 is still there, but item 2 seems to apply only to those in the military or with a diplomatic address.
http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont...r/qualify.aspx
My questions are:
1. Will MP members living abroad (but arn't military or diplomats) still have PQD requirement waived for 2015?
2. Anyone know the logic behind this? Hard to be a loyal UA flyer living abroad, yet they seem to offer this relaxed criteria for us.
I am asking what I originally thought would be an easy answer. I can't tell if UA has changed waiver, or if their wording is just vague.
I have been a U.S. resident throughout my life as a UA member but was relocated overseas for a one-year work assignment this year. I legitimately have an overseas address.
In the original UA write-up:
1. those residing in the USA have the PQD requirement.
2. Those who live abroad do not. Or am I over-simplifying this?
When I look at a UA page now, item 1 is still there, but item 2 seems to apply only to those in the military or with a diplomatic address.
http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont...r/qualify.aspx
My questions are:
1. Will MP members living abroad (but arn't military or diplomats) still have PQD requirement waived for 2015?
2. Anyone know the logic behind this? Hard to be a loyal UA flyer living abroad, yet they seem to offer this relaxed criteria for us.
Jul 21, 2014, 9:06 pm
#455
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
Hi all -
I am asking what I originally thought would be an easy answer. I can't tell if UA has changed waiver, or if their wording is just vague.
I have been a U.S. resident throughout my life as a UA member but was relocated overseas for a one-year work assignment this year. I legitimately have an overseas address.
In the original UA write-up:
1. those residing in the USA have the PQD requirement.
2. Those who live abroad do not. Or am I over-simplifying this?
When I look at a UA page now, item 1 is still there, but item 2 seems to apply only to those in the military or with a diplomatic address.
http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont...r/qualify.aspx
My questions are:
1. Will MP members living abroad (but arn't military or diplomats) still have PQD requirement waived for 2015?
2. Anyone know the logic behind this? Hard to be a loyal UA flyer living abroad, yet they seem to offer this relaxed criteria for us.
I am asking what I originally thought would be an easy answer. I can't tell if UA has changed waiver, or if their wording is just vague.
I have been a U.S. resident throughout my life as a UA member but was relocated overseas for a one-year work assignment this year. I legitimately have an overseas address.
In the original UA write-up:
1. those residing in the USA have the PQD requirement.
2. Those who live abroad do not. Or am I over-simplifying this?
When I look at a UA page now, item 1 is still there, but item 2 seems to apply only to those in the military or with a diplomatic address.
http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont...r/qualify.aspx
My questions are:
1. Will MP members living abroad (but arn't military or diplomats) still have PQD requirement waived for 2015?
2. Anyone know the logic behind this? Hard to be a loyal UA flyer living abroad, yet they seem to offer this relaxed criteria for us.
The Premier® qualifying dollars (PQD) requirement only applies to members whose primary MileagePlus account address is in the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. Those who use military or diplomatic addresses (APO, DPO or FPO) are exempt from the PQD requirement.
Jul 22, 2014, 11:43 am
#456
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 287
International Surcharge for PQDs: Question
I'm trying to project PQDs for the end of the year for my husband. On a roundtrip to Zurich later this summer, the airfare is $951 and the "International Surcharge" is $516.
The wiki says that "Base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges" count towards PQDs; and the thread about PQDs says "international surcharges" count. So, does all of that $516 count towards PQDs? If only some of it counts, how does one figure out how much counts?
Thanks.
The wiki says that "Base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges" count towards PQDs; and the thread about PQDs says "international surcharges" count. So, does all of that $516 count towards PQDs? If only some of it counts, how does one figure out how much counts?
Thanks.
Jul 22, 2014, 11:44 am
#457
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,478
I'm trying to project PQDs for the end of the year for my husband. On a roundtrip to Zurich later this summer, the airfare is $951 and the "International Surcharge" is $516.
The wiki says that "Base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges" count towards PQDs; and the thread about PQDs says "international surcharges" or "YQ" count. So, does all of that $516 count towards PQDs? If only some of it counts, how does one figure out how much counts?
Thanks.
The wiki says that "Base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges" count towards PQDs; and the thread about PQDs says "international surcharges" or "YQ" count. So, does all of that $516 count towards PQDs? If only some of it counts, how does one figure out how much counts?
Thanks.
Jul 23, 2014, 6:26 am
#459
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MFR
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,885
Has anyone else had trouble getting full PDQ credit before a ETC was applied?
I used a "20% Off E-Certificate".
The website says:
Will I earn PQD if I purchase a ticket using a credit, such as an electronic travel certificate, as a form of payment?
Yes. When a ticket is purchased and a dollar-value credit is applied as a form of payment for some or all of the ticket value, the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharge amount quoted before applying the credit will count toward PQD for eligible flights.
I received this from MP:
"[chavala], the Travel Certificate was something you received from United for disservice to be used on a future flight. You do not earn that amount of PQD, since you did not buy it. Plus that amount was taken off of the future flight you used it on.
Am I missing something?
I used a "20% Off E-Certificate".
The website says:
Will I earn PQD if I purchase a ticket using a credit, such as an electronic travel certificate, as a form of payment?
Yes. When a ticket is purchased and a dollar-value credit is applied as a form of payment for some or all of the ticket value, the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharge amount quoted before applying the credit will count toward PQD for eligible flights.
I received this from MP:
"[chavala], the Travel Certificate was something you received from United for disservice to be used on a future flight. You do not earn that amount of PQD, since you did not buy it. Plus that amount was taken off of the future flight you used it on.
Am I missing something?
Jul 23, 2014, 6:33 am
#460
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,168
If you're using a certificate with a value in %, it is not treated as a form of payment -- rather a pre-purchase discount -- and therefore the PQD for the flight becomes what you paid.
See http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont.../PQD-FAQs.aspx, "Will I earn PQD if I purchase a ticket using a discount code (such a percent-off or dollar-off certificate or offer code)?":
Yes. When a discount (such as percent-off or dollar-off certificate or code) is applied, it adjusts the base fare to reflect a new discounted price. This new base fare is displayed along with any carrier-imposed surcharges, and this total amount will count toward PQD on eligible flights. Please check your ticket receipt for the discounted base fare and the carrier-imposed surcharges.
Jul 23, 2014, 6:38 am
#461
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MFR
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,885
If you're using a ETC with a value in dollars, it is treated as a form of payment and you get the full PQD.
If you're using a certificate with a value in %, it is not treated as a form of payment -- rather a pre-purchase discount -- and therefore the PQD for the flight becomes what you paid.
See http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont.../PQD-FAQs.aspx, "Will I earn PQD if I purchase a ticket using a discount code (such a percent-off or dollar-off certificate or offer code)?":
I've had no problems getting credit for tickets purchased with a $-off ETC, and I've avoided %-off ETCs for this reason... though since I crossed $10k PQM yesterday and I'm only aiming for gold (with plat as a reach), it's now of little consequence.
If you're using a certificate with a value in %, it is not treated as a form of payment -- rather a pre-purchase discount -- and therefore the PQD for the flight becomes what you paid.
See http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont.../PQD-FAQs.aspx, "Will I earn PQD if I purchase a ticket using a discount code (such a percent-off or dollar-off certificate or offer code)?":
I've had no problems getting credit for tickets purchased with a $-off ETC, and I've avoided %-off ETCs for this reason... though since I crossed $10k PQM yesterday and I'm only aiming for gold (with plat as a reach), it's now of little consequence.
I've already met the PQM req for next year but am short $266 PQD.
Now I have to do a....
..what are we calling them now? MR (= money run) ?
Jul 23, 2014, 7:32 am
#462
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: 67,146
The former count as a discount from the base fare and thus reduce the PQD you will earn. The latter count as a form of payment and thus do not affect PQD.
If you've received full PQD when using one of the 016-style certs, you may see a stealth correction made to your PQD at some point in the future--so be warned!
Jul 23, 2014, 8:06 am
#463
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
Has anyone else had trouble getting full PDQ credit before a ETC was applied?
I used a "20% Off E-Certificate".
The website says:
Will I earn PQD if I purchase a ticket using a credit, such as an electronic travel certificate, as a form of payment?
Yes. When a ticket is purchased and a dollar-value credit is applied as a form of payment for some or all of the ticket value, the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharge amount quoted before applying the credit will count toward PQD for eligible flights.
I received this from MP:
"[chavala], the Travel Certificate was something you received from United for disservice to be used on a future flight. You do not earn that amount of PQD, since you did not buy it. Plus that amount was taken off of the future flight you used it on.
Am I missing something?
I used a "20% Off E-Certificate".
The website says:
Will I earn PQD if I purchase a ticket using a credit, such as an electronic travel certificate, as a form of payment?
Yes. When a ticket is purchased and a dollar-value credit is applied as a form of payment for some or all of the ticket value, the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharge amount quoted before applying the credit will count toward PQD for eligible flights.
I received this from MP:
"[chavala], the Travel Certificate was something you received from United for disservice to be used on a future flight. You do not earn that amount of PQD, since you did not buy it. Plus that amount was taken off of the future flight you used it on.
Am I missing something?
The easiest way to tell after the fact is to look at your e-ticket receipt - and add the lines that say base fare and international surcharge (if applicable) and that total should be your total PQD earned.
When booking, the way to tell if you'll earn full PQD or not is in the way you need to add the information. If you have something starting with either 016 or 1016 (I think its the latter, but I could be wrong), and need to add this in the "promotion code" box before submitting your search, it discounts the base fare and PQD is earned on the discounted amount. If you used something where you searched normally, it brought up the fare, and then selected as a form of payment an electronic travel certificate and added a PIN code in, then you get PQD for the full amount (base fare + international surcharge).
Jul 23, 2014, 8:32 am
#464
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,168
But are your $$-off ETCs the CS voucher type (e.g. a number starting with 016), or the TCV sort which have a PIN?
The former count as a discount from the base fare and thus reduce the PQD you will earn. The latter count as a form of payment and thus do not affect PQD.
If you've received full PQD when using one of the 016-style certs, you may see a stealth correction made to your PQD at some point in the future--so be warned!
The former count as a discount from the base fare and thus reduce the PQD you will earn. The latter count as a form of payment and thus do not affect PQD.
If you've received full PQD when using one of the 016-style certs, you may see a stealth correction made to your PQD at some point in the future--so be warned!
Jul 23, 2014, 8:48 am
#465
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MFR
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,885
