May 12, 2016, 11:29 am
Last edit by: Surface Interval
May 2016 -- UA ran a targeted (unknown numbers) program to provide status bumps for some.
This included
- Some GM receiving a free E+ subscription,* some given Silver or Gold
- Some Silvers were bumped to Premier Gold status
- Some Golds were bumped to Premier Platinum status (no RPUs)
- Some Plats were bumped to Premier 1K status (no RPUs, no GPUs)
(* If given an E+ subscription, it will not appear under the "Subscriptions" section in one's MP account, but a message appears during the booking process that confirms E+ seats are available to such people. The E+ subscription is good only for U.S. flights, and maybe only for continental U.S. flights.)
Status bumps appear to generally be 1 level but there have been some reportedly 2 levels bumps (too small in number to have a high confidence level).
These status bumps are effective until end of January 2017.
The status bumps are only effective on UA/UX flights and does not include a bump in *A status. No MP card with bumped status will be provided (limiting ability to use for *A lounge access per UA e-mail). NOTE: there are a few reports of peoples digital cards reflecting the gifted bump in status. 2nd NOTE: There are also reports that the bumpees are getting the *A status associated with their bump in status.
No reports of equivalent bumps to GS.
Some were notified by email -- others noticed their bumps by viewing their online account.
The quantity, demographics or reason for this target promo have not be announced by UA. UA has acknowledged the program on some social media outlets (Twitter Link 1, Twitter Link 2, ...) More details can be found on this UA offer page TB3330. UA has suggested posting feedback at https://unitedairtime.com .
This included
- Some GM receiving a free E+ subscription,* some given Silver or Gold
- Some Silvers were bumped to Premier Gold status
- Some Golds were bumped to Premier Platinum status (no RPUs)
- Some Plats were bumped to Premier 1K status (no RPUs, no GPUs)
(* If given an E+ subscription, it will not appear under the "Subscriptions" section in one's MP account, but a message appears during the booking process that confirms E+ seats are available to such people. The E+ subscription is good only for U.S. flights, and maybe only for continental U.S. flights.)
Status bumps appear to generally be 1 level but there have been some reportedly 2 levels bumps (too small in number to have a high confidence level).
These status bumps are effective until end of January 2017.
The status bumps are only effective on UA/UX flights and does not include a bump in *A status. No MP card with bumped status will be provided (limiting ability to use for *A lounge access per UA e-mail). NOTE: there are a few reports of peoples digital cards reflecting the gifted bump in status. 2nd NOTE: There are also reports that the bumpees are getting the *A status associated with their bump in status.
No reports of equivalent bumps to GS.
Some were notified by email -- others noticed their bumps by viewing their online account.
The quantity, demographics or reason for this target promo have not be announced by UA. UA has acknowledged the program on some social media outlets (Twitter Link 1, Twitter Link 2, ...) More details can be found on this UA offer page TB3330. UA has suggested posting feedback at https://unitedairtime.com .
UA doing some targetted MP up-status changes [May, 10, 2016]
May 10, 2016, 3:44 pm
#106
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Boston MA
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott T, HH D, IHG SA.
Posts: 150
The email said:
"We'd love for you to experience all the great things we are changing here at United®, on the ground and in the air. That's why we're welcoming you to Premier® Platinum status, valid until January 31, 2017.
Go ahead and try out your new status level. You'll find your new Premier benefits are designed to give you more comfort and convenience, along with additional bonus award miles and priority services.
And try out our latest improvements: a cutting-edge fleet, chef-designed meals, satellite-fed Wi-Fi, more on-time flights and many more changes. Fly United again and you'll see the difference."
"We'd love for you to experience all the great things we are changing here at United®, on the ground and in the air. That's why we're welcoming you to Premier® Platinum status, valid until January 31, 2017.
Go ahead and try out your new status level. You'll find your new Premier benefits are designed to give you more comfort and convenience, along with additional bonus award miles and priority services.
And try out our latest improvements: a cutting-edge fleet, chef-designed meals, satellite-fed Wi-Fi, more on-time flights and many more changes. Fly United again and you'll see the difference."
May 10, 2016, 3:46 pm
#107
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 324
I got bumped from nothing to Silver; my wife didn't. She and I flew PIT-LHR together last year, and I also flew once for work. Nothing for either of us this year so far.
I haven't been anything on United in, well, ever -- used to be a Silver on USAirways for a number of years.
Only thing I can think of that MIGHT have gotten me a slot in the random upgrade lottery is my employer.
Weird, but I'll take it. The "free E+" seating is nice when I'm flying alone, but if I'm with my wife we're usually placed in E+ seating for free anyway (she's in a wheelchair). I don't expect to ever get lucky enough for a "Complimentary Premier Upgrade".
Still, this little promo does make me more likely to pick United for any trips we take this year, so I guess it's having the intended result.
I haven't been anything on United in, well, ever -- used to be a Silver on USAirways for a number of years.
Only thing I can think of that MIGHT have gotten me a slot in the random upgrade lottery is my employer.
Weird, but I'll take it. The "free E+" seating is nice when I'm flying alone, but if I'm with my wife we're usually placed in E+ seating for free anyway (she's in a wheelchair). I don't expect to ever get lucky enough for a "Complimentary Premier Upgrade".
Still, this little promo does make me more likely to pick United for any trips we take this year, so I guess it's having the intended result.
May 10, 2016, 3:47 pm
#108
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Anywhere but home
Programs: UA 1K/MM, DL GM/MM, HH Dia, PC Plat, MR Gold, ALL Sil,
Posts: 4,552
1K for the last several years and of course no love. While I'm happy for those who got the free elite boost, it certainly dilutes the value of each tier since we'll be competing with even more folks for E+ seats and the precious few first upgrades.
Miles not posting, delayed flights, horrid IT, and now this. A big
Miles not posting, delayed flights, horrid IT, and now this. A big
May 10, 2016, 3:48 pm
#109
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 11
This auto-upgrade really only helps the lower tiers. Without receiving RPU and GPUs, there is little advantage for the higher level upgrades. For me, going from Plat -> 1K, the most substantial new benefit is being able to use the 1K 1Call phone line. Can anyone comment on whether this dedicated line is much better than the standard? On the other hand, now I will be competing with a whole slew of newly upgraded gold's who will eat up more E+ seating.
With everyone being bumped up equally, there should be no change in the hierarchy of CPUs.
EDIT: Just found out 1K's get complimentary drink and food item on North American flights. Pretty solid, my 5 drink tickets (from plat) flew by way too quickly so this certainly counts as a good benefit (~$10/flight).
With everyone being bumped up equally, there should be no change in the hierarchy of CPUs.
EDIT: Just found out 1K's get complimentary drink and food item on North American flights. Pretty solid, my 5 drink tickets (from plat) flew by way too quickly so this certainly counts as a good benefit (~$10/flight).
Last edited by Tikka2; May 10, 2016 at 4:16 pm
May 10, 2016, 3:54 pm
#110
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA LT Plat, UA 1k/1mm+, National EE, IC Plat, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 2,605
If this is not a mistake (and it's looking like it's not), and depending on how widespread this is, this could be considered Munoz's first BIG move as CEO with regards to loyalty/retention.
I wonder if this has anything to do with the pressure they've been under from the activist investors to boost loyalty/revenue...
I wonder if this has anything to do with the pressure they've been under from the activist investors to boost loyalty/revenue...
1K for the last several years and of course no love. While I'm happy for those who got the free elite boost, it certainly dilutes the value of each tier since we'll be competing with even more folks for E+ seats and the precious few first upgrades.
Miles not posting, delayed flights, horrid IT, and now this. A big
Miles not posting, delayed flights, horrid IT, and now this. A big
May 10, 2016, 3:54 pm
#111
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 674
Nothing for me. I have the credit card and I have a flight booked in 2 weeks. I also flew 3 weeks ago round trip.
May 10, 2016, 3:55 pm
#112
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 21
Also upgraded to Plat from Gold. It's not clear to me the benefit except for RPUs. Hooray for dilution, I guess?
May 10, 2016, 3:55 pm
#113
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Southern California
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, Marriott Titanium & LT Platinum, Avis PC, Hertz PC
Posts: 713
I am a MM and just received an email that I will be a Plat until the end of Jan 2017.
May 10, 2016, 3:57 pm
#114
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 52
I'm a 1MM with relatively little flying in the last two years (<50K PQMs per year). Upgraded from gold to platinum. Companion has not (yet) been upgraded to match.
May 10, 2016, 3:57 pm
#115
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Posts: 10,909
May 10, 2016, 3:58 pm
#116
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
Still 1K. Mystatus website reminded me that I should keep flying to reach 1K status.
Possibly because they are not sending out new cards, and certain lounge dragons require a physical card for lounge access?
Possibly because they are not sending out new cards, and certain lounge dragons require a physical card for lounge access?
May 10, 2016, 3:59 pm
#117
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 9
I'll keep you all posted.
Denise
May 10, 2016, 4:01 pm
#118
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,028
So how DOES this work? I have now been give the E+ subsription but how do I use it? I made a test reservation and it charged me for the E+ seat.
I'm thinking this is a glitch. A $499 "GIFT" from UA for someone who RARELY flies with them? not to mention there doesn't seem to be anyway to activate the subscription.
I'm thinking this is a glitch. A $499 "GIFT" from UA for someone who RARELY flies with them? not to mention there doesn't seem to be anyway to activate the subscription.
May 10, 2016, 4:01 pm
#119
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 11
The roll-out is still ongoing. It's very tough to implement a change this large for all users simultaneously. I would be VERY surprised if they don't upgrade everyone (or at least build in their CPU algorithm to place *true* 1K's above the *upgraded* 1K's) . That would be a big slap to the face, and exactly how you lose high $$$ customers.
May 10, 2016, 4:05 pm
#120
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SFO, ORD, IAD
Programs: UA Plat, AA Plat Pro, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Plat
Posts: 353
This tweet from UA says it is only for select members: https://twitter.com/united/status/730145391266529280