My disappointment with 1K, How to get more out of your 1K status.
Feb 27, 2018, 6:11 pm
#181
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1MM, MP 1K, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 462
Comped whatever is ordered and confused the heck out of him. The
Feb 27, 2018, 6:37 pm
#183
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Boston
Programs: United 1k, Delta Platinum, American Gold, Marriott Titanium and lifetime Platinum
Posts: 53
To the OP....if it makes you feel any better, I've been 1K forever. 2 years ago I did what you did to try to hit GS. Didn't happen and now I look back at all the silly connections and wasted time and wonder what I was thinking. 1K is no big deal. You get to line up in Group 1 with half of the passengers on the plane. Upgrades are rare. Upgrade certificates, for me, are worthless as there is never anything available when I book and I'd rather not chance it, so I just book first class. Maybe that's what they had in mind with these things. There have been times when I've had 30-40 Regional and Global upgrades in my account and didn't use any of them because of the lack of availability...even if the cabin is empty when I book.
But, I doubt if any airline is any better. Is what it is. Would rather keep the majority of my miles with United as their partners seem to have pretty good business availability in places we want to visit on vacation. That said, I'm now platinum on American and fly Delta, Jet Blue, and even Southwest if I don't have to connect. Went from close to $50k on united (not good enough for GS) to just over $20k the past couple of years. Always enough for 1k...not worth the aggravation beyond.
But, I doubt if any airline is any better. Is what it is. Would rather keep the majority of my miles with United as their partners seem to have pretty good business availability in places we want to visit on vacation. That said, I'm now platinum on American and fly Delta, Jet Blue, and even Southwest if I don't have to connect. Went from close to $50k on united (not good enough for GS) to just over $20k the past couple of years. Always enough for 1k...not worth the aggravation beyond.
Feb 27, 2018, 8:11 pm
#184
Join Date: May 2010
Location: MidCal
Programs: UA MM 1K, UC, Lifetime HH Diamond, Avis President’s Club
Posts: 353
I'm a first-time 1K this year. And I'm pretty happy with it. I've been upgraded twice on widebody flights -- FCO-ORD (GPU); IAH-LAX(CPU) -- so far this year, and it was pretty nice. But perhaps my expectations were more commensurate with reality? And I definitely feel as though United personnel mean it a little more when they thank me for my business.
My GPU may not clear for my ORD-MUC flight next month. But I really like the idea that it might. That was something I never had until 1K.
I should cross the million-mile mark in early 2019. I'm hoping that make 1K this year 'cause I'd much rather gift mrs. iapetus 1K status than platinum status (though I think she'd appreciate either).
My GPU may not clear for my ORD-MUC flight next month. But I really like the idea that it might. That was something I never had until 1K.
I should cross the million-mile mark in early 2019. I'm hoping that make 1K this year 'cause I'd much rather gift mrs. iapetus 1K status than platinum status (though I think she'd appreciate either).
Feb 27, 2018, 8:26 pm
#185
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,393
Feb 27, 2018, 10:14 pm
#187
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: 6 year GS, now 2MM Jeff-ugee, *wood LTPlt, SkyPeso PLT
Posts: 6,526
So let's see....SPG has a "loyalty program" which seeks to get your travel $$$$ in return for giving you status. But it's all on your own to figure out how to get room upgrades or to use the suite night awards. If you don't ask (or even sometimes fight for) then you won't get, you'll get that same standard room you booked. Oh right, because the upgrade is the fact that standard room is now on floor 20 instead of floor 10. That's an upgrade! A huge one! (#sarcasm)
Guess SPG fails marketing 101 too. Oh and Marriott. Wait, American Airlines too? I mean have you tried using your miles for a saver award on AA in the past 2 years? I mean the list is endless.
Guess SPG fails marketing 101 too. Oh and Marriott. Wait, American Airlines too? I mean have you tried using your miles for a saver award on AA in the past 2 years? I mean the list is endless.
) and (1) I have never been unable to find a redemption when I looked in over 20 years in the program, and (2) I often get upgraded. On personal, overseas trips, I don't even bother with the "suite awards" as I get upgraded in the usual course.My experience with the SPG program as been the polar opposite of my MileageMinus experience. YMMV.
Feb 27, 2018, 10:31 pm
#188
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1MM GS, Marriott Platinum Elite, Hilton Diamond, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 283
I take it that you are not part of the SPG program, as basically everything you say is wrong. I was a lifetime PLT when they first started that program (the hotel desk manager at my stay in Orlando personally delivered my card with a bottle of champagne when I checked in, very classy ) and (1) I have never been unable to find a redemption when I looked in over 20 years in the program, and (2) I often get upgraded. On personal, overseas trips, I don't even bother with the "suite awards" as I get upgraded in the usual course.
My experience with the SPG program as been the polar opposite of my MileageMinus experience. YMMV.
) and (1) I have never been unable to find a redemption when I looked in over 20 years in the program, and (2) I often get upgraded. On personal, overseas trips, I don't even bother with the "suite awards" as I get upgraded in the usual course.My experience with the SPG program as been the polar opposite of my MileageMinus experience. YMMV.
They’re not equivalent of course to a hotel program but I get upgraded a ton as GS and (as a 1K before that) more frequently than at hotels.
Feb 28, 2018, 6:16 am
#189
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: DL Gold, UA nothing (ex-GS), Marriott lifetime Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 920
Personally I hate the fact that as a GS on a $800 one way ticket I will not get upgraded because someone on a $200 ticket can buy-up for $79, and it is definitely influencing how I buy tickets, but this is life. Basically the world we live in is one where a set of people
can afford first class and private jets, and the other 99% are treated as cargo (even if they buy-up).
can afford first class and private jets, and the other 99% are treated as cargo (even if they buy-up).
Feb 28, 2018, 9:17 am
#190
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: 6 year GS, now 2MM Jeff-ugee, *wood LTPlt, SkyPeso PLT
Posts: 6,526
Wow where are you going that you always get upgraded by SPG? I’ve only been platinum 4 years and I’ve been upgraded to a suite only a handful of times out of hundreds of room nights. But I usually take what I’m assigned and rarely make a fuss at check-in. People rag on Hilton HHonors but I’ve actually had better luck being upgraded with them as a gold/diamond at the same SPG locations.
They’re not equivalent of course to a hotel program but I get upgraded a ton as GS and (as a 1K before that) more frequently than at hotels.
. Recently is certainly higher than my average (which I would say is probably 50% upgrades), but I have never, not once gotten a bad room via Starwood. And I might add that when on business a room upgrade is sort of useless to me, a standard room is just fine.
The bottom line is that I am Starwood loyal, they get every sale I can give them! The contrast in my treatment by Starwood, where I always feel welcomed is a very different experience than I got as a GS post 2-2012 (when I was told when UA just took away my upgraded seat and put me in Y in the middle "its complementary, you have no right to that seat") as a 1K in 2014, or as a MM gold since then. The little things matter, When I board on BG2 on UA my ticket beaps, I walk to my E+ seat. When I board DL, the agent says "M. Spin, thanks for your business" or "M. Spin, thanks for flying DL" or "M. Spin, thanks for being Plt with us" And on DL i'm often up front... Again YMMV
Feb 28, 2018, 10:51 am
#191
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Colorado
Programs: Lifetime UA 1K, Lifetime Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,261
I guess I would ask what level of hotel you are staying at? My last 10 stays, I have been upgraded 8 times to a room better than my purchased room (W Seattle x2; W Times Square; Westin Times Square; Le Maridian Phili x3, Westin Grand Vancouver). And the W Times square was the presidential suite, which was mega cool, with a round bed! The two times I was not upgraded were in small cites at four points, and I'm not sure they had upgraded rooms . Recently is certainly higher than my average (which I would say is probably 50% upgrades), but I have never, not once gotten a bad room via Starwood.
And I might add that when on business a room upgrade is sort of useless to me, a standard room is just fine. The bottom line is that I am Starwood loyal, they get every sale I can give them! The contrast in my treatment by Starwood, where I always feel welcomed is a very different experience than I got as a GS post 2-2012 (when I was told when UA just took away my upgraded seat and put me in Y in the middle "its complementary, you have no right to that seat") as a 1K in 2014, or as a MM gold since then.
The little things matter, When I board on BG2 on UA my ticket beaps, I walk to my E+ seat. When I board DL, the agent says "M. Spin, thanks for your business" or "M. Spin, thanks for flying DL" or "M. Spin, thanks for being Plt with us" And on DL i'm often up front... Again YMMV
. Recently is certainly higher than my average (which I would say is probably 50% upgrades), but I have never, not once gotten a bad room via Starwood.And I might add that when on business a room upgrade is sort of useless to me, a standard room is just fine.
The bottom line is that I am Starwood loyal, they get every sale I can give them! The contrast in my treatment by Starwood, where I always feel welcomed is a very different experience than I got as a GS post 2-2012 (when I was told when UA just took away my upgraded seat and put me in Y in the middle "its complementary, you have no right to that seat") as a 1K in 2014, or as a MM gold since then.The little things matter, When I board on BG2 on UA my ticket beaps, I walk to my E+ seat. When I board DL, the agent says "M. Spin, thanks for your business" or "M. Spin, thanks for flying DL" or "M. Spin, thanks for being Plt with us" And on DL i'm often up front... Again YMMV
Feb 28, 2018, 11:03 am
#192
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: West Palm Beach, FL
Programs: UA 1k, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 363
To the OP....if it makes you feel any better, I've been 1K forever. 2 years ago I did what you did to try to hit GS. Didn't happen and now I look back at all the silly connections and wasted time and wonder what I was thinking. 1K is no big deal. You get to line up in Group 1 with half of the passengers on the plane. Upgrades are rare. Upgrade certificates, for me, are worthless as there is never anything available when I book and I'd rather not chance it, so I just book first class. Maybe that's what they had in mind with these things. There have been times when I've had 30-40 Regional and Global upgrades in my account and didn't use any of them because of the lack of availability...even if the cabin is empty when I book.
But, I doubt if any airline is any better. Is what it is. Would rather keep the majority of my miles with United as their partners seem to have pretty good business availability in places we want to visit on vacation. That said, I'm now platinum on American and fly Delta, Jet Blue, and even Southwest if I don't have to connect. Went from close to $50k on united (not good enough for GS) to just over $20k the past couple of years. Always enough for 1k...not worth the aggravation beyond.
But, I doubt if any airline is any better. Is what it is. Would rather keep the majority of my miles with United as their partners seem to have pretty good business availability in places we want to visit on vacation. That said, I'm now platinum on American and fly Delta, Jet Blue, and even Southwest if I don't have to connect. Went from close to $50k on united (not good enough for GS) to just over $20k the past couple of years. Always enough for 1k...not worth the aggravation beyond.
For me, the extra legroom at booking, is by far the most important thing. I should just view the rest of the stuff as a bonus. Unfortunately my work does not pay for E+, so I still have to have UA Gold or equivalent on any airline to get that number one priority.
Feb 28, 2018, 12:51 pm
#193
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: 6 year GS, now 2MM Jeff-ugee, *wood LTPlt, SkyPeso PLT
Posts: 6,526
I'm top tier on all the hotel chains and almost never get upgraded to a suite in the US. They almost always give me a "nice" normal room, but not a suite. Outside the US it is a different story - I get suites almost everywhere I stay. I was just in India and got huge suites at the Marriott and Ritz Carlton. I guess there are so many elites in the US that we are just normal.
E.g. at the LeMaridian PHL, I almost always get a "mini-suite"; I've gotten the big three room suite twice. Ditto the W SEA, I almost always get a "mini-suite" , I've gotten the huge three room suite on the top floor twice in probably 50 says.
Feb 28, 2018, 1:26 pm
#194
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: West Palm Beach, FL
Programs: UA 1k, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 363
I'm top tier on all the hotel chains and almost never get upgraded to a suite in the US. They almost always give me a "nice" normal room, but not a suite. Outside the US it is a different story - I get suites almost everywhere I stay. I was just in India and got huge suites at the Marriott and Ritz Carlton. I guess there are so many elites in the US that we are just normal.
I also always get upgraded in SAC, AUS, Albany, Richmond and Seattle and about 60% of the time in NYC.
Likewise LHR too.
My best ever (SO lucky) was a free award ticket from the Citi card and I used it at the Hilton Park Lane London and got upgraded to a 3,000 pound suite , in summer,that was something special. The saddest thing is just how bad the US lounges are over the UK ones (not been to any other international Hilton, so cannot compare with anywhere else). Except Seattle recently which was free, I have to pay for my beer and wine (no spirits), at 5 bucks a pop, not really that much of a perk. In Uk, You get get really decent options of Gin, Vodka, Brandy, Scotch etc, all free.
What are the perks of GS over 1K? It seems like a secret club (cue funny handshake lol)
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Feb 28, 2018 at 8:40 pm Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member
Feb 28, 2018, 2:10 pm
#195
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Colorado
Programs: Lifetime UA 1K, Lifetime Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,261
That is odd, I have about a 90% suite upgrade record with Hilton. Particularly when I take my daughter to Orlando using points used earned through work (about 10 times per year). Hilton Orlando, Bonnet Creek etc... I book a 30k queen room and always get upgraded to a suite (although living in West Palm, we have the luxury of going when it is less busy).
I also always get upgraded in SAC, AUS, Albany, Richmond and Seattle and about 60% of the time in NYC.
Likewise LHR too.
My best ever (SO lucky) was a free award ticket from the Citi card and I used it at the Hilton Park Lane London and got upgraded to a 3,000 pound suite , in summer,that was something special. The saddest thing is just how bad the US lounges are over the UK ones (not been to any other international Hilton, so cannot compare with anywhere else). Except Seattle recently which was free, I have to pay for my beer and wine (no spirits), at 5 bucks a pop, not really that much of a perk. In Uk, You get get really decent options of Gin, Vodka, Brandy, Scotch etc, all free.
I also always get upgraded in SAC, AUS, Albany, Richmond and Seattle and about 60% of the time in NYC.
Likewise LHR too.
My best ever (SO lucky) was a free award ticket from the Citi card and I used it at the Hilton Park Lane London and got upgraded to a 3,000 pound suite , in summer,that was something special. The saddest thing is just how bad the US lounges are over the UK ones (not been to any other international Hilton, so cannot compare with anywhere else). Except Seattle recently which was free, I have to pay for my beer and wine (no spirits), at 5 bucks a pop, not really that much of a perk. In Uk, You get get really decent options of Gin, Vodka, Brandy, Scotch etc, all free.