Mar 12, 2015, 5:52 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Initial announcement thread - 2015 MileagePlus Change - RDMs Will Be Calculated by Spend, Not Distance
Update 2019 -- includes all partner flights on 016 ticket
for non-016 ticket , see Earning Status (PQP) on non-016 Tickets and Partner Metal
Spend-based mileage (RDM) earning for all UA metal flights effective March 1, 2015.
Redeemable Miles (RDM) changes highlights:
Multipliers based on Premier status: & (breakeven CPM)
For example, a 1K would earn 1100 miles for a $100 ticket while a Silver would earn 700 miles for the same ticket.
Note that for itineraries which span the March 1 changeover date, the existing scheme will apply to any segment departing prior to March 1 , the new scheme will apply to the segments departing March 1 or after.
Appears no extra mileage for using a Chase MP card than the standard card mileage earning
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 Sitewww.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:
Post 57: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/23008349-post57.html
Answered Questions:
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.
Unanswered Questions:
Unknown, but the FAQ indicates that all UA and UAx flights issued by ANY airline would be subjected to the new earning rates. There are exceptions (group tickets, bulk tickets, etc) like "Specialty Tickets" as mentioned below.
It is mentioned in the FAQ: If applicable, Premier bonus award miles will be based on a member’s Premier status and the lower of the distance flown or miles awarded, per the chart above. Basically the bonus miles will be awarded but based on the lower number (i.e. distance flown for higher fares or the % based on fare). A 1K passenger purchasing F-fare from EWR-SFO would get only a 2565 mile bonus while a N-fare would get (50% of 2565) 1283 mile bonus. Still unclear what are the percentage bonus of each premier level but assume that it is the same (100% GS/1K, 75% Plat, 50% Gold, 25% Silver).
Specialty Tickets:
Update 2019 -- includes all partner flights on 016 ticket
for non-016 ticket , see Earning Status (PQP) on non-016 Tickets and Partner Metal
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
- Ticket price is defined as base fare plus carrier-imposed surcharges (PQD)
- 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)
Multipliers based on Premier status: & (breakeven CPM)
- x5 General Members -- (20 cpm)
- x7 Silver -- (17.86 cpm)
- x8 Gold -- (18.75 cpm)
- x9 Plat -- (19.44 cpm)
- x11 1K/GS -- (18.18 cpm)
For example, a 1K would earn 1100 miles for a $100 ticket while a Silver would earn 700 miles for the same ticket.
Note that for itineraries which span the March 1 changeover date, the existing scheme will apply to any segment departing prior to March 1 , the new scheme will apply to the segments departing March 1 or after.
Appears no extra mileage for using a Chase MP card than the standard card mileage earning
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.
Announcement Sitewww.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:
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.
As mentioned above, there are more details and a FAQ posted online, and over the next few days we’ll be communicating this information to our members.
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.
As mentioned above, there are more details and a FAQ posted online, and over the next few days we’ll be communicating this information to our members.
Unanswered Questions:
It is mentioned in the FAQ: If applicable, Premier bonus award miles will be based on a member’s Premier status and the lower of the distance flown or miles awarded, per the chart above. Basically the bonus miles will be awarded but based on the lower number (i.e. distance flown for higher fares or the % based on fare). A 1K passenger purchasing F-fare from EWR-SFO would get only a 2565 mile bonus while a N-fare would get (50% of 2565) 1283 mile bonus. Still unclear what are the percentage bonus of each premier level but assume that it is the same (100% GS/1K, 75% Plat, 50% Gold, 25% Silver).
Specialty Tickets:
Specialty tickets that earn award miles in the current program (including, but not limited to consolidator/bulk, group, tour and other tickets where the fare paid is not disclosed on the ticket) will earn award miles based on a percentage of the distance flown and the purchased fare class as of March 1, 2015. Please refer to the chart below for details.
Eligible fare classes
Flight operated by United and United Express
150% - J, C, D, Z, P, F, A
100% - Y, B, M
75% - E, U, H, Q, V, W
50% - S, T, L, K, G, N
Eligible fare classes
Flight operated by United and United Express
150% - J, C, D, Z, P, F, A
100% - Y, B, M
75% - E, U, H, Q, V, W
50% - S, T, L, K, G, N
RDM earnings for UA tickets / UA operated flights - based on spend (PQD, now PQPs)
Mar 9, 2015, 1:01 pm
#181
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: 2000 miles from somewhere
Programs: EY Gold, GF Gold, IHG Plat, UA Gold
Posts: 58
That would be you. 
Giving you 12k miles for less than $100 is a major loss for the airline. The math simply shows it to be unsustainable. So now they give you less than 1k miles and the benefits are more in line with the costs.
That is the intent of this change. Quit rewarding low cost flyers at the same rate that they reward high value flyers.
Now, with your more detailed explanation the calculation might be different. You should be able to go to your MP account and see a breakdown by segment flown. At least you could do that prior to March 1.
Check that out and report those numbers back, if you would.
Giving you 12k miles for less than $100 is a major loss for the airline. The math simply shows it to be unsustainable. So now they give you less than 1k miles and the benefits are more in line with the costs.That is the intent of this change. Quit rewarding low cost flyers at the same rate that they reward high value flyers.
Now, with your more detailed explanation the calculation might be different. You should be able to go to your MP account and see a breakdown by segment flown. At least you could do that prior to March 1.
Check that out and report those numbers back, if you would.
Note that the 3/4/ EWR-YHZ was put in Y as I was put on different flight at the gate (mistake form gate agent)
3/4/2015 United 896-K class Singapore-Hong Kong...................110...........66........... 76...........1,603...........1...........$22
3/4/2015 UA Express 4373-Y class New York/Newark-Halifax 1,570...........942...........2,512...........921. ..........1.5...........$314
3/4/2015 United 180-K class Hong Kong-New York/Newark 465...........279...........744...........8,060... ........1...........$93
2/18/2015 United 179-K class New York/Newark-Hong Kong 8,060...........4,030...........12,090...........8 ,060...........1...........$184
2/16/2015 UA Express 4597-L class Halifax- Newark 614...........307...........921...........614..... ......1...........$164
Mar 9, 2015, 1:51 pm
#182
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: STS/SFO
Programs: UA MM, AS MVP Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium, National Exec Elite
Posts: 182
Perhaps I missed the memo with the new scheme…
According to the matrix, we aren't 630 base miles for Seattle-LAX. Mind you, there was a slew of other bonus and pqms.
But when I care most now are the miles that count toward million miler status.
Any insight as to where this calculation is listed?
According to the matrix, we aren't 630 base miles for Seattle-LAX. Mind you, there was a slew of other bonus and pqms.
But when I care most now are the miles that count toward million miler status.
Any insight as to where this calculation is listed?
The calculation of PQM and lifetime miles should not change.
Mar 9, 2015, 1:53 pm
#183
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: STS/SFO
Programs: UA MM, AS MVP Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium, National Exec Elite
Posts: 182
Here we are:
Note that the 3/4/ EWR-YHZ was put in Y as I was put on different flight at the gate (mistake form gate agent)
3/4/2015 United 896-K class Singapore-Hong Kong...................110...........66........... 76...........1,603...........1...........$22
3/4/2015 UA Express 4373-Y class New York/Newark-Halifax 1,570...........942...........2,512...........921. ..........1.5...........$314
3/4/2015 United 180-K class Hong Kong-New York/Newark 465...........279...........744...........8,060... ........1...........$93
2/18/2015 United 179-K class New York/Newark-Hong Kong 8,060...........4,030...........12,090...........8 ,060...........1...........$184
2/16/2015 UA Express 4597-L class Halifax- Newark 614...........307...........921...........614..... ......1...........$164
Note that the 3/4/ EWR-YHZ was put in Y as I was put on different flight at the gate (mistake form gate agent)
3/4/2015 United 896-K class Singapore-Hong Kong...................110...........66........... 76...........1,603...........1...........$22
3/4/2015 UA Express 4373-Y class New York/Newark-Halifax 1,570...........942...........2,512...........921. ..........1.5...........$314
3/4/2015 United 180-K class Hong Kong-New York/Newark 465...........279...........744...........8,060... ........1...........$93
2/18/2015 United 179-K class New York/Newark-Hong Kong 8,060...........4,030...........12,090...........8 ,060...........1...........$184
2/16/2015 UA Express 4597-L class Halifax- Newark 614...........307...........921...........614..... ......1...........$164
Mar 10, 2015, 7:25 am
#184
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: UA MP 1K 1MM
Posts: 50
I noticed today when I cut a ticket there is a new line under "traveler information" showing the award miles, PQM, PQS, PDQ, and a sub-menu showing the detailed calculations. However the calcs for my itinerary do not include the international surcharge which at almost $175 is about 15% of the total ticket price. I think it was previously stated that international surcharge is part of ticket price for PQD purposes. Is this a glitch or a change? Maybe it is a SHARES problem. When pricing the itinerary before purchase, the "taxes and fees" show as about $55 but after cut the taxes and fees show as $231, exactly the difference of the intl surcharge.
Mar 10, 2015, 8:58 am
#185
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: PDX/HIO
Programs: AS MVPG; Hertz Pres; Tanquery Million Minier
Posts: 375
UA: PDX-DEN-AUS - 1062 RDMs
AS: AUS-SEA-PDX - 5094 award miles
I'm still booking some trips with UA, but when the schedule is similar it's certainly no contest with AS at the moment.
AS: AUS-SEA-PDX - 5094 award miles
I'm still booking some trips with UA, but when the schedule is similar it's certainly no contest with AS at the moment.
Mar 10, 2015, 9:23 am
#186
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: where lions are led by donkeys...
Programs: Lifetime Gold, Global Entry, Hertz PC, and my wallet
Posts: 20,350
I noticed today when I cut a ticket there is a new line under "traveler information" showing the award miles, PQM, PQS, PDQ, and a sub-menu showing the detailed calculations. However the calcs for my itinerary do not include the international surcharge which at almost $175 is about 15% of the total ticket price. I think it was previously stated that international surcharge is part of ticket price for PQD purposes. Is this a glitch or a change? Maybe it is a SHARES problem. When pricing the itinerary before purchase, the "taxes and fees" show as about $55 but after cut the taxes and fees show as $231, exactly the difference of the intl surcharge.
Mar 10, 2015, 9:56 am
#187
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,346
Is it correct that *none* of the taxes/fees/etc are included in PQD? For example I'm currently in FLL and paid roughly $490 for the r/t ticket. The airfare paid was $415 and taxes are $75. When looking at PQD calculations I am getting credit for $417 (most likely because of rounding on several segments). Is that correct? I assume so but just wanted to check.
Thanks,
RM
Thanks,
RM
Mar 10, 2015, 10:42 am
#188
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
impossible to defintively answer without seeing the full fare construction, but looks about right. 85% is a typically PQD yield for a mid-price domestic economy ticket.
Mar 10, 2015, 12:47 pm
#189
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 5
Premier Gold Member Burned by United's new MP Policy
I'm a Million Miler. Just completed a trip from San Francisco to Europe. First segment was SFO-LHR before March 1, so I received 8052 award miles (5368 flight miles x 1.5 bonus). Trip home from Barcelona via Lisbon/Newark to SFO. Flight miles = 6232. Award miles = 5432. Should have been 9348 on the return, so the new program has already ripped me off by 3916 miles. Welcome to 2015! Thanks, United. 
Mar 10, 2015, 12:55 pm
#190
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,029
No, you should have been awarded 5432 according to the rules. You haven't been awarded less than United says they'll give you, so in what way have you been ripped off???? You're getting less that you did before, but you haven't been "ripped off". It is what it is.
Mar 10, 2015, 1:03 pm
#191
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: LHR (sometimes CLE, SFO, BOS, LAX, SEA)
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 5,895
Will this change encourage you to spend more money on UA flights — or, in particular, to switch your low-cost-per-mile trips to another airline while leaving your high-cost-per-mile trips on UA?
Mar 10, 2015, 1:06 pm
#192
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: WAS/ BOM
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,567
I'm a Million Miler. Just completed a trip from San Francisco to Europe. First segment was SFO-LHR before March 1, so I received 8052 award miles (5368 flight miles x 1.5 bonus). Trip home from Barcelona via Lisbon/Newark to SFO. Flight miles = 6232. Award miles = 5432. Should have been 9348 on the return, so the new program has already ripped me off by 3916 miles. Welcome to 2015! Thanks, United.
Mar 10, 2015, 1:51 pm
#194
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
I'm a Million Miler. Just completed a trip from San Francisco to Europe. First segment was SFO-LHR before March 1, so I received 8052 award miles (5368 flight miles x 1.5 bonus). Trip home from Barcelona via Lisbon/Newark to SFO. Flight miles = 6232. Award miles = 5432. Should have been 9348 on the return, so the new program has already ripped me off by 3916 miles. Welcome to 2015! Thanks, United.
Mar 10, 2015, 2:00 pm
#195
Join Date: Feb 2014
Programs: UA Plat, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 677
I'm a Million Miler. Just completed a trip from San Francisco to Europe. First segment was SFO-LHR before March 1, so I received 8052 award miles (5368 flight miles x 1.5 bonus). Trip home from Barcelona via Lisbon/Newark to SFO. Flight miles = 6232. Award miles = 5432. Should have been 9348 on the return, so the new program has already ripped me off by 3916 miles. Welcome to 2015! Thanks, United.