2015 MileagePlus Change - Reduction in luggage allowance for Premier Gold
Nov 19, 2014, 5:13 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: LHR
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, mLife Platinum
Posts: 380
2015 MileagePlus Change - Reduction in luggage allowance for Premier Gold
Just noticed that as of February 1st, Premier Gold members will have a reduced domestic allowance of 2 bags of 70lbs each.
It appears international (presumed TATL and TPAC) will remain unchanged at 3x70lbs.
For all United Economy® tickets issued or re-issued before February 1, 2015, Premier Gold members are eligible for three complimentary checked bags at 70 pounds (32 kg) each. For United Economy tickets issued or re-issued on or after February 1, 2015, Premier Gold members are eligible for two complimentary checked bags at 70 pounds (32 kg) each for travel between the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For travel to and from select international markets, Premier Gold members are eligible for three complimentary checked bags at 70 pounds (32 kg) each. To determine specific checked baggage service charges, please use the Baggage Calculator.
It appears international (presumed TATL and TPAC) will remain unchanged at 3x70lbs.
For all United Economy® tickets issued or re-issued before February 1, 2015, Premier Gold members are eligible for three complimentary checked bags at 70 pounds (32 kg) each. For United Economy tickets issued or re-issued on or after February 1, 2015, Premier Gold members are eligible for two complimentary checked bags at 70 pounds (32 kg) each for travel between the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For travel to and from select international markets, Premier Gold members are eligible for three complimentary checked bags at 70 pounds (32 kg) each. To determine specific checked baggage service charges, please use the Baggage Calculator.
Nov 19, 2014, 6:37 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
Programs: UA 1K, MM *G for life, BAEC Gold
Posts: 10,224
Not an unreasonable change but UA should have the courtesy to inform people - ie its Gold members - in advance. By definition, these customers fly frequently and are unlikely to check the rules ahead of each flight so are most likely to be caught out at the airport by the change.
Nov 19, 2014, 7:19 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Former 1KMM now free as UA Gold MM, former HH D, Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 1,121
A seldom used benefit, but when I needed it was valuable and showed UA was willing to do something extra for all of my business.
I think I'm going to start checking a bag of rocks in each direction in protest.
I think I'm going to start checking a bag of rocks in each direction in protest.
Nov 19, 2014, 7:22 am
#6
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: CT/NY
Programs: UA 1K/1MM, AA EXP, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 6,020
Baggage allowance change for Gold members:
For all United Economy® tickets issued or re-issued before February 1, 2015, Premier Gold members are eligible for three complimentary checked bags at 70 pounds (32 kg) each. For United Economy tickets issued or re-issued on or after February 1, 2015, Premier Gold members are eligible for two complimentary checked bags at 70 pounds (32 kg) each for travel between the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For travel to and from select international markets, Premier Gold members are eligible for three complimentary checked bags at 70 pounds (32 kg) each. To determine specific checked baggage service charges, please use the Baggage Calculator.
Nov 19, 2014, 7:37 am
#7
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,140
Nov 19, 2014, 7:46 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 1,580
They continue to chip away. I don't do three bags, but I'm sure we'll be losing our 70 lbs at some point, and that will hurt me. I've learned to expect less and less from the "friendly" skies and shop around more.
Nov 19, 2014, 7:55 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 19,506
Don't get me wrong. I don't "appreciate" the change even though it's real affect on my life and travel plans will be zero. But, as others have pointed out, it's a harbinger of things to come.
It would take about 50,000,000 RDM and (guaranteed c. 2008) lifetime GS status for me to take UA Insider's job.
Nov 19, 2014, 8:46 am
#12
Join Date: Oct 2008
Programs: UA 1K, 1MM
Posts: 504
I have never checked 3 bags, so I don't actually think this is a problem per se (plus I'm going to hit Plat for next year)... but it is just a further devaluation - next time plats will lose a bag, then 1ks...
they just keep chipping away
they just keep chipping away
Nov 19, 2014, 9:07 am
#13
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: What I write is my opinion alone..don't read into it anything not written.
Posts: 9,686
I would rather see (3) @ 50 lbs than (2) @ 70. A 55 lb bag is considered "heavy" for weight and balance calculations. Heavy bags are often overpacked resulting in damage and I would bet lead to more LTI of people moving them.
"Heavy" and "overweight" do not mean the same thing, heavy is one over 50 lbs, overweight is one in excess of the standard weight without incurring an "overweight charge". I think it would make more sense to make these two terms have the same effective meaning, if only for standardization.
"Heavy" and "overweight" do not mean the same thing, heavy is one over 50 lbs, overweight is one in excess of the standard weight without incurring an "overweight charge". I think it would make more sense to make these two terms have the same effective meaning, if only for standardization.
Nov 19, 2014, 9:30 am
#14
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,455
Nov 19, 2014, 9:34 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Posts: 10,909
Not an unreasonable change but UA should have the courtesy to inform people - ie its Gold members - in advance. By definition, these customers fly frequently and are unlikely to check the rules ahead of each flight so are most likely to be caught out at the airport by the change.