How many are REALLY leaving UA? [2014 edition]
Jun 18, 2014, 5:28 pm
#736
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,684
I have been conflicted on what to do.
We have been hub captive in Houston but are moving to Portland, OR. UA's PDX-EWR morning flight is a good fit for my work schedule and better than DL's PDX-JFK timing (and location).
With UA cutting SEA/LAX from PDX my options for the west coast are limited to connections in SFO, which isn't always convenient.
The mileage earning cuts will impact me (in some cases significantly) but I understand why they are doing it.
My biggest problems are operational reliability, service during issues, and just the product offering being poor. I have had a number of cancelled and delayed flights where I offered solutions and was promptly shut down by agents (both phone and in person). In one instance I was in paid F and delayed enough for really tight connection in DEN. I asked to be put on DL via SLC and was told "there's no space on DL", yet I was able to buy an F seat on DL with no problems with the same flight numbers I fed UA.
AS is really attractive to me. They no longer have a PDX-NYC flight but using them for west coast flights seems like a great way to get around and their product looks decent.
I am wondering if I should just completely switch to a mix of DL/AS...
We have been hub captive in Houston but are moving to Portland, OR. UA's PDX-EWR morning flight is a good fit for my work schedule and better than DL's PDX-JFK timing (and location).
With UA cutting SEA/LAX from PDX my options for the west coast are limited to connections in SFO, which isn't always convenient.
The mileage earning cuts will impact me (in some cases significantly) but I understand why they are doing it.
My biggest problems are operational reliability, service during issues, and just the product offering being poor. I have had a number of cancelled and delayed flights where I offered solutions and was promptly shut down by agents (both phone and in person). In one instance I was in paid F and delayed enough for really tight connection in DEN. I asked to be put on DL via SLC and was told "there's no space on DL", yet I was able to buy an F seat on DL with no problems with the same flight numbers I fed UA.
AS is really attractive to me. They no longer have a PDX-NYC flight but using them for west coast flights seems like a great way to get around and their product looks decent.
I am wondering if I should just completely switch to a mix of DL/AS...
Jun 18, 2014, 7:13 pm
#737
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: DL SM, UA MP.
Posts: 12,729
Would the AS program be viable if you mostly plan to fly DL, AF/KLM, AA and BA to accumulate the miles and probably redeem for awards?
Jun 18, 2014, 7:22 pm
#738
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Northern Calif./Eastern Ida.
Programs: Amethyst Premier Plutonium Medallion
Posts: 20,640
The changes to the cabin are bad no doubt, but AS isn't going under. Now, that's not to say they might not merge with someone eventually, but their following is fiercely loyal.
Jun 18, 2014, 7:51 pm
#740
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Suburban Philadelphia
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,392
Jun 18, 2014, 7:59 pm
#741
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,453
Jun 18, 2014, 8:07 pm
#742
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,019
If someone was to leave 3/1/15, they might as well leave January 1. Why accumulate 2015 PQM/PQD mileage for 2016 if you're leaving 3/1/15? Might as well be at your new carrier of choice 1/1/15.
Many will stay because UA still (for them) provides convenience and schedule.
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Jun 18, 2014 at 9:26 pm
Jun 18, 2014, 8:10 pm
#743
Join Date: Oct 2008
Programs: UA 1k MM
Posts: 96
The loyalty has been obliterated...
The 2014 PQD fiasco is the thing that will push me away - I'll end the year with >100k EQM's, but several of the flights have been code-shares so although my 016 ticket costs will be considerably greater than $10k, my $$s on UA metal will be a couple of thousand under the $10k limit. So no 1K next year and time to move on...
Actually as a 1MM there are still some perks that they haven't snatched away yet so I'll fly UA if ever the price is low enough to justify the crappy product, but what the latest devaluations have done is turn a loyal consecutive 10+ year 1K into a 'whatever is cheapest and most convenient' shop-arounder. And with the limited PHX and PDX options after US departed, that's unlikely to be UA.
Actually as a 1MM there are still some perks that they haven't snatched away yet so I'll fly UA if ever the price is low enough to justify the crappy product, but what the latest devaluations have done is turn a loyal consecutive 10+ year 1K into a 'whatever is cheapest and most convenient' shop-arounder. And with the limited PHX and PDX options after US departed, that's unlikely to be UA.
Jun 18, 2014, 8:15 pm
#744
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: 대한민국 (South Korea) - ex-PVG (上海)
Programs: UA MM / LT Gold (LT UC), DL SM, AA PLT (AC), OZ, KE; GE and Korean SES (like GE); Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,995
On UA: 2010 105,000 (1k); 2011: 120,000 miles (1k); 2012: 117,000 miles (1k); 2013: 118,000 miles (1k); 2014: 0 (zero) miles. Yes, I have left (for AA).
Jun 18, 2014, 8:46 pm
#745
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,019
The 2014 PQD fiasco is the thing that will push me away - I'll end the year with >100k EQM's, but several of the flights have been code-shares so although my 016 ticket costs will be considerably greater than $10k, my $$s on UA metal will be a couple of thousand under the $10k limit. So no 1K next year and time to move on...
Actually as a 1MM there are still some perks that they haven't snatched away yet so I'll fly UA if ever the price is low enough to justify the crappy product, but what the latest devaluations have done is turn a loyal consecutive 10+ year 1K into a 'whatever is cheapest and most convenient' shop-arounder. And with the limited PHX and PDX options after US departed, that's unlikely to be UA.
Actually as a 1MM there are still some perks that they haven't snatched away yet so I'll fly UA if ever the price is low enough to justify the crappy product, but what the latest devaluations have done is turn a loyal consecutive 10+ year 1K into a 'whatever is cheapest and most convenient' shop-arounder. And with the limited PHX and PDX options after US departed, that's unlikely to be UA.
Take some time to read the rules. If you are where you say you are in $ and miles, you'll probably be 1K again. The $10k does not have to all be on UA metal. Only 4 UA segments are needed. It could be a $300 round-trip with a connection each way. The 016 codeshares count toward the $10k. I just a took an ANA flight. Those dollars showed up in my PQD total.
Are you claiming none of the money you've spent on 016 codeshares is showing up in your account total? Have you looked?
UA may lose customers just because said passengers don't read/comprehend.
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Jun 18, 2014 at 10:41 pm
Jun 19, 2014, 5:08 am
#746
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: JZRO
Posts: 9,169
This!
Jun 19, 2014, 5:58 am
#747
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plt, Hilton Gold, BA Silver, GE
Posts: 347
UA left me for dead so I've REALLY left, right? ;-)
Only 1 UA flight in 2014 so far. 1 more paid UA flight then done.
Only 1 UA flight in 2014 so far. 1 more paid UA flight then done.
Last edited by GDaoV; Jun 19, 2014 at 5:58 am Reason: .
Jun 19, 2014, 6:20 am
#748
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Programs: UA Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 23
Jun 19, 2014, 6:25 am
#749
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: KAUS
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 1,118
I am leaving as of today.
Well, I do have to fly home on Tuesday.
And I will burn my banked miles.
But no more revenue from me, SMI/J. Go suck eggs.
Well, I do have to fly home on Tuesday.
And I will burn my banked miles.
But no more revenue from me, SMI/J. Go suck eggs.
Jun 19, 2014, 8:13 am
#750
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Since the BoSox and ChiSox won it, now it is the Cubs turn to take the Series. Go Cubs Go!
Posts: 3,685
I would not be so certain that it will have a major impact upon your customer experience, especially due to the emphasis on TODs and ancillary revenue.