2015 MileagePlus Program Updates Announced (Master/Consolidated Thread)
 

Start the ByeUnited and see what happens. Good luck! It's a great idea.
As for intl travel and airlines with good FF program, one criteria to not expect is the easy upgrade. Since ual has limited the easy upgrade, it's pointless to expect it from other airlines. Easy upgrades used to be standard, now they're probably the 25% exception.

Using Miles after Program Change
 

I'm aware that the method in which a flyer earns miles changes, however, are there any changes in the way a flyer can use those miles or is that remaining unchanged?

Sure that will be the next "change you'll like".

So far no changes since the redemption rates changes effective Feb 2014. My gut feeling is that be no additional redemption rate changes in 2015 given those recent changes. I hope not -- the latest set of changes have been enough.

back in March it changed already with higher redemption rates

i have seen anecdotal evidence of stringent tightening of advanced availability so one could argue that it has changed for the worse in that regard too. i'm sitting on 320K that i want to use to book travel to NZ in December 2015 and looking at the end of the calendar right now (Oct 2015) it's a very grim situation to be me.

So here's an unintended consequence of the new "donor" policy. For example, assume

PAX 1 has status 1
PAX 2 has status 2

PAX 1 donates miles to PAX 2 for a free ticket, and both PAX 1 & 2 are on the same PNR.

Previously, PAX 1's MP# would initially be in the reservation for PAX 1 and his/her status would be shown, but PAX 2's would be blank and the BP would have no status listed. If PAX 2's MP number was manually entered, and the BP reprinted, then PAX 2's own status would show.

Now (and since a new software load on November 12 as explained to me by a GS agent), tickets bought prior to November 12 will not be able to properly show PAX 2's own status on BPs, even if the MP# is manually entered. The very kind GS agent confirmed this is a consequence of the aforementioned changes, and no one as of yet has a work-around.

To put it another way, PAX 2's own status cannot be displayed if the miles for PAX 2's ticket came from another account.

So be sure to bring your MP card if you want recognition/benefits.

Thx for the explanation. So I was mixing up 2 things here.
I'm not a hardcore traveler like most people on this site, but I do make an effort to make it to 25.000 PQM (no business trips) every year in order to keep my silver status which has been worth less and less over the years.
I don't do it to get the upgrades, because silver is simply not enough. It's always a nice suprise if an upgrade does clear though, but I never expect it to.
I do it to skip the long lines at security in some (busy) airports, to board the plane before most people can. I'm suffering a very bad knee injury and I like to get seated before everyone is pushing to get to the back of the plane. And since I always have to catch a connecting flight, like to have my carry on as close to me as possible, in case it's a tight connection.
I thought I did it for the free bag, but apparently, that rule doesn't apply for overseas flights. For overseas flights everyone can check in one bag for free. I figured as a silver I get one bag for free on top of that (I believe Delta works that way)... no such thing

Well, I get it's very very frustrating for a lot of people, but for now I can be relieved they're not touching the way to earn status for non-us residents. I usually spend twice a year between $800 and $1500 a ticket in economy and a lil more if I fly a one way in BF, but that's including all the taxes. I'm not sure, but that is probably not enough to qualify for silver

I hate the steady "drip, drip" of the loss of benefits and feel really trapped since I'm closing in on one million miles. I've already given up on any more 1K status since I don't come near the $10K spend, so now I just have to gut it out for another two-three years before MM kicks in.

The loss of benefits for companions is a big negative for me. Most of my miles are spent on domestic travel for my family members and the extra baggage allowance and E+ seating are big benefits.

I hope that when I hit MM the lifetime Gold status will still apply but that may also be a pipe dream given the trajectory of status devaluation.

The PS changes are insane because the co-pays are so outrageous. 20,000 miles + $250 copay + cost of ticket or 25K for a BusinessFirst award? No one can be that stupid.

They are ridiculously uncompetitive both in product and in offers for this route. Period.

Until you factor in no saver award availability on this route anymore ;)

I'm not so sure about that.

One requires upgrade space, the other requires saver award space. Which do you think would be easier?

just to understand ,does this mean you now wont be able to make unlimited free changes to award tkts if the mile donor has 1k status but the flyer doesnt?

if that is the case-then there is no point me staying 1k anymore

Doubt that will be true, the miles will still belong to the elite. However during travel the passagner will travel based on their status, not the donor's.

Neither easy, but upgrade space is just difficult whereas saver J space is nearly impossible.