Mike Jacoubowsky

I think this is the first I've read of someone making an argument that the value of ones' "work" should enter into any sort of equation about elite status. Which means I'm probably mis-reading your post. :-)

The number of miles flown correlates only marginally into an airline's view of passenger value. At some point somebody has to pay the bills; it's a pretty simple equation. If the average cost to fly someone one mile runs $.08 and the customer flying 200,000 miles/year on cheap fares is paying $.05... then that customer is worth a lot less than someone who flies 50,000 miles/year and pays $.15/mile (assuming the same seat in Y for each).

Boghopper

I think that's right. Also, don't eqms on delta roll over?

I think I'm starting to convince myself to consider delta. Through the Starwood delta connection I've actually gotten a couple of upgrades on delta flights.

Boghopper

If it doesn't make any difference, why would codbaua do it?

emofeng

Welp. I knew I should have left UA early this year. UA Plat 2015. No Status on UA from 2016 and beyond. Will burn all UA Miles in one big trip!

nova08

2015 will be my first year in 4 years I don't make 1K...it will also be my first year I have no airline brand loyalty and fly purely on schedule and product.

Boghopper

The other guy is just a lot more profitable than you in their opinion, and that's the behavior they want to reward. I still think they're discounting the value of us 'low rollers' who fly 125k+ at less than their magic $0.10 (now $0.11) per mile. Somebody has to fill the cheap seats and the kettles are paying a lot less than that. Maybe they make up for it with the add on shakedown. But what do I know?

LeaveYourDailyHell

I have to say, as an independent entrepreneur who pays for all my own travel out of pocket, this is very disappointing, especially when combined to the new mileage accrual rules for 2015.

It's funny because they're essentially selling Premier status, but once you buy it, you get very little. I'm UA Platinum this year, but with the exception of lounge access when traveling internationally, I feel like my level of priority is very similar to what I got as a CO Silver way back when.

At this rate, United would be better doing away with MileagePlus altogether, and selling services formerly offered to Premier members ŕ la carte.

Boghopper

The official announcement is out, and pretty smug and surprisingly honest.

limey1K

I was hoping for GSLite announcement along the lines of 125K PQM, 150 PQS, $25K PQD

Boghopper

+1 on the matched status. The SO loves it and leaving it gives me pause. But even if I manage to make 12k next year the 14k after that will be even harder and continuous 20% increases will certainly put it out of my reach in pretty short order. Lifetime gold (for now) and the match means that I'll probably still use chase cards and book award tickets on ua's partners, but flying for elite status will go where it's wanted. The delta waiver is sounding more and more intriguing.

vandrei

You're not the only leisure 1K out there.

I am at $7,577 PQD and 88,013 PQM this year, and I had already decided to make a dollar/mileage run next month to hit 1K, but now I'm ambivalent.

I can make 1K this year, and maybe even next year...but UA has done little or nothing for me to justify additional spend beyond current levels. In fact, this announcement will likely deter me from buying a HVF ticket next month!

UA could save even more money than that by outsourcing its IT operations to DL.

IAH-OIL-TRASH

Really? A pretty high percentage international segment of the oil industry (integrated, independent, and service) is locked into UA out of Houston. Combination of convenience and/or corporate contracts.

Maybe you are referring to the segment of flyers who have a choice of carriers that are equally convenient/inconvenient. A think most travelers actually choose their carrier because of convenience, not because of the particular frequent flyer program.

Sure, Delta provides a better flying experience, and sure, AA has a better frequent flyer program (for some customers), but I can guarantee you won't find a lot of people in Houston switching carriers, because UA remains MORE CONVENIENT. I'd say that for a lot of SF-based travelers, also. ORD people have a choice, but a lot of travelers would find their traveling more cumbersome if they had to use another carrier besides United (or AA, or DL).

Would I rather UA flight experience be more like DL's? Sure, but I'm not flying out of IAH or Hawaii on Delta. It would be a PITA. I want the convenience of UA's route network, domestically and internationally, that fits my travel patterns. If I was in Atlanta, I can guarantee I'd be a DL Elite. If I was in Charlotte, I'd be a AA elite.

The incentive to fly is convenience, and in a lot of markets, UA recognizes that (to the detriment of service/benefits).

UA may lose people who have a choice, and ORD or LAX may be places they'll lose people who have an option. Less so at IAH or SFO.

cfischer

what a pathetic joke indeed. This airline lacks service, reliability and innovation. Why doesn't UA just strike a deal with Delta and become part of SkyPesos? It's the same program anyways ...

Boghopper

I think your exactly right in that codbaua still thinks it's running a Houston operation. At ord, sfo, ewr, and IAD they're getting chosen because of ancillary benefits, because in every other way their competition is far superior. The new RDM scheme next year tells you exactly who they're trying to woo. I guess we'll just have to see if it works. They are clearly culling the low rollers like me, and don't seem to care. The email that finally went out this afternoon made it clear that I am not one of their best customers (despite statements to the contrary lots of times before).

keitherson

United following Delta's lead?

I am SHOCKED