Jun 10, 2014, 5:09 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Earning miles on United flights
Spend-based mileage (RDM) earning for all UA metal flights effective March 1, 2015.
Redeemable Miles (RDM) changes highlights:
Fare multipliers based on Premier status:
For example, a 1K would earn 1100 miles for a $120 (assuming $20 in taxes/fees) ticket while a Silver would earn 700 miles for the same ticket.
As there is a maximum number of miles per ticket earned - this disincentives purchasing any ticket (excluding government taxes and fees) over the following:
A way to avoid this is booking one-ways if the fare rules permit.
Premier Qualifying Miles (PQM) are not affected by this change.
Announcement Site
Post 57: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/23008349-post57.html
Answered Questions:
Spend-based mileage (RDM) earning for all UA metal flights effective March 1, 2015.
Redeemable Miles (RDM) changes highlights:
- Miles earned will now be based on the ticket price instead of the number of miles flown (see partner flights on non-016 tickets exception )
- Ticket price is defined as base fare plus carrier-imposed surcharges (same as PQDs)
- Class of service bonuses have been discontinued (e.g. X% more on A fares).
- There is a limit of 75,000 miles earned per ticket (see below for spending limits by status)
- UA flights regardless of ticket stock will use the ticket price to determine RDMs
- Partner flight on 016 ticket stock will use the ticket price to determine RDMs
- Partner flights on non-016 ticket stock will use a flight mileage-based system to determine RDMs with a fare class multiplier (see the partner page for detials
- Speciality / Bulk tickets with PQDs will use a flight mileage-based system to determine RDMs with a fare class multiplier, see Specialty tickets
Fare multipliers based on Premier status:
- x5 General Members
- x7 Silver
- x8 Gold
- x9 Plat
- x11 1K/GS
For example, a 1K would earn 1100 miles for a $120 (assuming $20 in taxes/fees) ticket while a Silver would earn 700 miles for the same ticket.
As there is a maximum number of miles per ticket earned - this disincentives purchasing any ticket (excluding government taxes and fees) over the following:
- $6818.18 for 1K/GS
- $8333.33 for Platinum
- $9375.00 for Gold
- $10714.28 for Silver
- $15000.00 for General Members
A way to avoid this is booking one-ways if the fare rules permit.
Premier Qualifying Miles (PQM) are not affected by this change.
www.mileageplusupdates.com
There is a tool on the site that allow you to enter how much you spent on a ticket along your premier status in order to calculate how many miles you will earn under the new system. The tool is aware of the miles per ticket limit.
There is a FAQ here: http://mileageplusupdates.com/faq.html
Relevant UA Insider posts:There is a tool on the site that allow you to enter how much you spent on a ticket along your premier status in order to calculate how many miles you will earn under the new system. The tool is aware of the miles per ticket limit.
There is a FAQ here: http://mileageplusupdates.com/faq.html
Post 57: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/23008349-post57.html
Hi everyone,
Today we’re announcing changes to how MileagePlus members will earn award miles in 2015. We’ve posted complete details and a FAQ on united.com, but I wanted to share an excerpt of the key points with you directly:
As of March 1, 2015, the award miles you earn on most United and United Express tickets will be based on your ticket price (that is, base fare plus carrier-imposed surcharges) and your MileagePlus status, instead of the distance you travel. The new criteria for earning award miles will look like this:
<portion removed for brevity>
The changes to earning award miles will apply to all MileagePlus members worldwide, and will be based on status at the time of flight on or after March 1, 2015. These changes will not affect the qualification requirements for 2015 Premier status. PQM and PQS will still be based on the number of paid flight miles traveled and the fare purchased. And where applicable, PQD will still be determined by the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges.
Today we’re announcing changes to how MileagePlus members will earn award miles in 2015. We’ve posted complete details and a FAQ on united.com, but I wanted to share an excerpt of the key points with you directly:
As of March 1, 2015, the award miles you earn on most United and United Express tickets will be based on your ticket price (that is, base fare plus carrier-imposed surcharges) and your MileagePlus status, instead of the distance you travel. The new criteria for earning award miles will look like this:
<portion removed for brevity>
The changes to earning award miles will apply to all MileagePlus members worldwide, and will be based on status at the time of flight on or after March 1, 2015. These changes will not affect the qualification requirements for 2015 Premier status. PQM and PQS will still be based on the number of paid flight miles traveled and the fare purchased. And where applicable, PQD will still be determined by the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges.
Class of service bonuses have been discontinued under the new system. There is already an adjustment for 1K over general members.
For tickets that will earn award miles based on ticket price, the class-of-service bonus and Premier bonus will be included in the number of award miles you earn per dollar. Basically COS has been removed.
E-mail received by GS lists 1K and GS together.
2015 MileagePlus Change - RDMs Will Be Calculated by Spend, Not Distance
Jun 10, 2014, 9:16 am
#256
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: UA:1k; MR: PLT; Hilton: Gold
Posts: 1,324
so my stupid CVG-EWR one way segment i booked yesterday for $450 dollars (B fare or something like that) next week is now netting me 4950 RDM instead of 1500.
i find myself stuck on short midcons on last minute fares a lot (my back is probably thrown out by now from RJ hell) and it's not because i want to, that's just where my customers are and it's the nature of my job, so it's just the situation i'm in. i do find it annoying when i'm stuck on $1000+ RT's to places like CVG, DSM, CLE, etc., and just get like 1500 RDM for it. everyone's situation is different, but that's the one i'm always in.
the system overall seems annoying for all my personal trips, it seems better for me (personally at least) for all my work trips. which is the brunt of my flying.
shrug. so many changes in the last couple years i'm just kind of numb and shellshocked now.
i find myself stuck on short midcons on last minute fares a lot (my back is probably thrown out by now from RJ hell) and it's not because i want to, that's just where my customers are and it's the nature of my job, so it's just the situation i'm in. i do find it annoying when i'm stuck on $1000+ RT's to places like CVG, DSM, CLE, etc., and just get like 1500 RDM for it. everyone's situation is different, but that's the one i'm always in.
the system overall seems annoying for all my personal trips, it seems better for me (personally at least) for all my work trips. which is the brunt of my flying.
shrug. so many changes in the last couple years i'm just kind of numb and shellshocked now.
In the same boat. However, it's still annoying that we end up with this mismatched program where RDM are based on money spent, but PQM are based on distance traveled. I'm going to forever be stuck in this no-man-land where I get "stuck" at gold, despite spending ~$15k a year
Jun 10, 2014, 9:16 am
#257
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: UA-1K MM, AA-Gold, DL-Silver, AS-MVP
Posts: 2,509
I usually do TPAC in C/J, but I'm not rejoicing. UA has been pushing too many changes and inconsistent about its product (not to mention sub-par product). Even though my flying is all OPM, this year I've reduced flying to just meet 1K. Next year I'm not even sure if I'll bother with 1K, might as well switch to ME3 or other decent carriers who offer superior product and value my business.
Jun 10, 2014, 9:17 am
#258
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: ANP
Programs: UA 1k, Marriott Plat, HH gold, Avis/Hertz Pres
Posts: 1,408
do we get 100% of the fare paid or not? this hasn't been answered. We were fooled with PQD, now what about RDM
Jun 10, 2014, 9:20 am
#259
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
Here is break-even point for cents per mile for flyer flying exactly at the PQM thresholds:
Silver: 17.75 cpm
Gold: 18.75 cpm
Platinum: 19.44 cpm
1K: 18.18 cpm
If you purchases premium fares (with various fare bonuses), your break-even point cpm is even higher. If you fly more than the threshold PQM (25K for Silver, 100K for 1K), your break-even point cpm is also higher.
Silver: 17.75 cpm
Gold: 18.75 cpm
Platinum: 19.44 cpm
1K: 18.18 cpm
If you purchases premium fares (with various fare bonuses), your break-even point cpm is even higher. If you fly more than the threshold PQM (25K for Silver, 100K for 1K), your break-even point cpm is also higher.
Jun 10, 2014, 9:21 am
#260
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, mid-tier with pretty much everyone else
Posts: 873
You'll earn based on base fare + carrier imposed surcharges. Government taxes and 9/11 fees won't count.
Jun 10, 2014, 9:22 am
#261
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Houston (IAH,HOU) / Kāʻanapali (JHM,OGG)
Programs: UA GS 2MM, AA P 2MM, DL PM, US P, VS G, SPG LT P, HH D, HYATT P, PC P, AVIS PC, HERTZ PLAT
Posts: 970
What is with the 75k mile cap?! So, as a 1K, if I buy a fare higher than $6,800 I am penalized? 
"For tickets that will earn award miles based on ticket price, the class-of-service bonus and Premier bonus will be included in the number of award miles you earn per dollar."
Anybody have a clue what this means? If I am 1k and earn 11x miles per dollar, how is class-of-service accounted for? Or, I am guessing that is yet to be published, but it sounds like there will be additional miles if you fly a premium cabin.
"For tickets that will earn award miles based on ticket price, the class-of-service bonus and Premier bonus will be included in the number of award miles you earn per dollar."
Anybody have a clue what this means? If I am 1k and earn 11x miles per dollar, how is class-of-service accounted for? Or, I am guessing that is yet to be published, but it sounds like there will be additional miles if you fly a premium cabin.
Jun 10, 2014, 9:22 am
#262
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Arlington, VA
Programs: UA 1K, AA PLT, SPG PLT
Posts: 1,612
What does this mean from the FAQ:
"The new options for using miles will be available in early 2015 – be sure to watch your email for more details."
Are they already planning a even NEWER set of redemption values, but haven't communicated them and WON'T until this new earning levels basically start???
-jeremy
"The new options for using miles will be available in early 2015 – be sure to watch your email for more details."
Are they already planning a even NEWER set of redemption values, but haven't communicated them and WON'T until this new earning levels basically start???
-jeremy
Jun 10, 2014, 9:24 am
#263
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Ohio
Posts: 245
united mp ship is def sinking -.- can we get some good news for once? so much taking away
Jun 10, 2014, 9:24 am
#264
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: UA 1K MM, HHonors Diamond,PC, Marriott Rewards Gold
Posts: 1,118
I will suffer the same redux from my ORD to PVG flights. Was 28000 as a 1K now will be 16000-18000. The 50000 mile loss will force me to abandon my United club membership. I'm sure UA won't care.
I'll hit MM soon and game moves to AA for better service and 8SWU THAT WORK ON ALL FARES.
I'll hit MM soon and game moves to AA for better service and 8SWU THAT WORK ON ALL FARES.
Jun 10, 2014, 9:24 am
#265
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: LAX
Posts: 556
How about credit card hoarders? Get the extra two miles like Amex card on DL? How is Chase think?
Jun 10, 2014, 9:25 am
#266
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: UA-1K MM, AA-Gold, DL-Silver, AS-MVP
Posts: 2,509
What does this mean from the FAQ:
"The new options for using miles will be available in early 2015 – be sure to watch your email for more details."
Are they already planning a even NEWER set of redemption values, but haven't communicated them and WON'T until this new earning levels basically start???
-jeremy
"The new options for using miles will be available in early 2015 – be sure to watch your email for more details."
Are they already planning a even NEWER set of redemption values, but haven't communicated them and WON'T until this new earning levels basically start???
-jeremy
UA is incredibly good and consistent about following DL (all the bad stuff, none of the good stuff).
Jun 10, 2014, 9:25 am
#267
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: San Antonio
Programs: UA-1K,2MM
Posts: 15
The only real winners in this are the international flyers (especially to Asia and Australia) who purchase C or higher fares. They will get the fare bonus and with the 11 miles per dollar (often on a $6-12K fare) will hit the max at 75,000 miles for the trip.
I just take exception with UA saying that this "will make the Mileage Plus program even better". Don't pee down my neck and tell me that it's raining.
I just take exception with UA saying that this "will make the Mileage Plus program even better". Don't pee down my neck and tell me that it's raining.
Jun 10, 2014, 9:26 am
#268
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MCO
Programs: DL DM/MM, Marriott Plat Premier, HH Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 4,081
I suspect that people who swear never to fly an airline again almost always end up eventually flying the airline again... the fare just has to be a few dollars cheaper.
Why do you think Spirit is so successful despite their atrocious product and aggravating fees?
I really don't think UA is going to have the slightest trouble filling its planes after this "change-I-think-you'll-like".
Why do you think Spirit is so successful despite their atrocious product and aggravating fees?
I really don't think UA is going to have the slightest trouble filling its planes after this "change-I-think-you'll-like".
Do you think UA wants to fill their planes only with those who are looking for the cheapest fare? They are DOA as a legacy if they can’t regain corp contracts, become consistently profitable, and offer a competitive product including their FFP.
Wouldn’t be surprised at all to see UA throw Smisek under the bus and bring in new mgmt.
Jun 10, 2014, 9:26 am
#269
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: AA EXP, AA Million Miles, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,586
What does this mean from the FAQ:
"The new options for using miles will be available in early 2015 – be sure to watch your email for more details."
Are they already planning a even NEWER set of redemption values, but haven't communicated them and WON'T until this new earning levels basically start???
-jeremy
"The new options for using miles will be available in early 2015 – be sure to watch your email for more details."
Are they already planning a even NEWER set of redemption values, but haven't communicated them and WON'T until this new earning levels basically start???
-jeremy
Further evidence that this airline isn't really interested in protecting/maintaining benefits for elites. (e.g. gut the RDM program, while making it easier for nonelites to get access to elite benefits).
Jun 10, 2014, 9:26 am
#270
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,477
So if cabin crew did not like changes, they strike; pilots' benefits were cut, they strike; ground handlers funds were cut, they strike...
How about a UA Frequent Flyer strike?
That is, to ask all UA members to not fly on UA metal on 1st March 2015 to stage your anger!
To do this is simple, ask members here to try to avoid travel on UA on 1st March. And if you do need to travel on 1st March, try to use another FFP number or simple take the UA number out and retro claim.
Nothing can be achieved through this but only a small message to UA and to get some publicity.
How about a UA Frequent Flyer strike?
That is, to ask all UA members to not fly on UA metal on 1st March 2015 to stage your anger!
To do this is simple, ask members here to try to avoid travel on UA on 1st March. And if you do need to travel on 1st March, try to use another FFP number or simple take the UA number out and retro claim.
Nothing can be achieved through this but only a small message to UA and to get some publicity.