Sep 28, 2018, 11:53 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Today we’re introducing a few updates for members with MileagePlus Premier® status — some of which are already in effect and some that will come later. These updates include added benefits related to boarding groups and baggage allowances, as well as adjustments to our upgrade structure and Premier 1K® status qualification requirements.
Better boarding
Effective on September 18, 2018
· Premier® 1K® members will be called to board during pre-boarding ahead of Group 1
· Premier Gold members will now board with Boarding Group1, previous in Group 2
Baggage allowance for Premier members
Effective on September 28, 2018:
All Premier® members, regardless of Premier status, will receive the same standard weight allowance for checked baggage: 70 lbs. (32 kg.)
Additionally:
· All Premier members flying in United Business®, United First®, or United Polaris® business class are allowed up to three bags with a maximum weight of 70 lbs. (32 kg) per bag.
· Premier Gold members flying in United Economy® between the U.S. and Europe are allowed three bags with a maximum weight of 70 lbs. (32 kg) per bag.
· Premier Silver members flying in United Economy between the U.S. and Europe are allowed two bags with a maximum weight of 70 lbs. (32 kg) per bag.
Premier qualification requirements
Effective on January 1, 2019:
· Premier qualification dollar (PQD) requirement for Premier 1K status will be raised from $12,000 to $15,000.
· P-class fares will earn 150% Premier qualifying miles (PQM), reduced from 200%.
Premier upgrades
Effective on January 1, 2019:
· The way a Premier 1K member earns additional upgrades will be changing. For every 25,000 Premier qualifying miles (PQM) or 30 Premier qualifying segments (PQS) after qualifying for Premier 1K status, we’ll add one Global Premier Upgrades into your account. No additional Regional Premier Upgrades can be earned after qualifying for Premier 1K status.
More details can be found here: www.mileageplusupdates.com
- UA Insider
Better boarding
Effective on September 18, 2018
· Premier® 1K® members will be called to board during pre-boarding ahead of Group 1
· Premier Gold members will now board with Boarding Group1, previous in Group 2
Baggage allowance for Premier members
Effective on September 28, 2018:
All Premier® members, regardless of Premier status, will receive the same standard weight allowance for checked baggage: 70 lbs. (32 kg.)
Additionally:
· All Premier members flying in United Business®, United First®, or United Polaris® business class are allowed up to three bags with a maximum weight of 70 lbs. (32 kg) per bag.
· Premier Gold members flying in United Economy® between the U.S. and Europe are allowed three bags with a maximum weight of 70 lbs. (32 kg) per bag.
· Premier Silver members flying in United Economy between the U.S. and Europe are allowed two bags with a maximum weight of 70 lbs. (32 kg) per bag.
Premier qualification requirements
Effective on January 1, 2019:
· Premier qualification dollar (PQD) requirement for Premier 1K status will be raised from $12,000 to $15,000.
· P-class fares will earn 150% Premier qualifying miles (PQM), reduced from 200%.
Premier upgrades
Effective on January 1, 2019:
· The way a Premier 1K member earns additional upgrades will be changing. For every 25,000 Premier qualifying miles (PQM) or 30 Premier qualifying segments (PQS) after qualifying for Premier 1K status, we’ll add one Global Premier Upgrades into your account. No additional Regional Premier Upgrades can be earned after qualifying for Premier 1K status.
More details can be found here: www.mileageplusupdates.com
- UA Insider
Good news! I got written confirmation from 1kvoice on the below:
We will honor 200% Premier Qualifying Mile (PQM) accrual for tickets purchased before September 28, 2018 for travel on/after January 1, 2019.
• A manual adjustment to 200% PQM accrual for P-fare flown segments can be made post-departure at the customer’s request.
• Any tickets purchased after September 28, 2018, for travel on/after January 1, 2019 are only eligible to receive 150% PQM accrual.
• A manual adjustment to 200% PQM accrual for P-fare flown segments can be made post-departure at the customer’s request.
• Any tickets purchased after September 28, 2018, for travel on/after January 1, 2019 are only eligible to receive 150% PQM accrual.
Related threads
United's New Boarding Process (with Wiki) [starting 18 Sep 2018]
Partner P fare earning after 1 Jan 2019
Updates to MP Premier Program -1K PQD $15K, P fare 150%, fewer RPU, Bag waiver & more
Sep 29, 2018, 8:27 am
#211
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 110
I have been 1K probably the last 8-9 years, I think. This year, work travel dropped drastically and probably won't come back up. I ended up buying a P fare and did a mileage run to Asia to makeup for the shortfall. I will be very close with PQD. I am Lifetime Gold.
I have been thinking about what to do in 2019 before this came. I think the biggest reason I want 1K is the flexibility with award bookings. Essentially, my miles are worth a lot more with the flexibility. Given the uncertainties with work schedule and the tightening of award inventory, the fee-free award cancellations and changes for 1K really help. Flying J on overseas trips (with my GPUs) is nice but with more and more airlines offering PE and with SAUA, I think the GPUs are not as important as the fee waivers for me.
One thing I struggle with is this 1K thing is sort of an addiction. I am a pretty frugal person and it is kind of crazy I would spend thousands of dollars to do a run for 1K. So, I think there is something irrational and not healthy. I don't even drink coffee
1K, I wish I knew how to quit you
I have been thinking about what to do in 2019 before this came. I think the biggest reason I want 1K is the flexibility with award bookings. Essentially, my miles are worth a lot more with the flexibility. Given the uncertainties with work schedule and the tightening of award inventory, the fee-free award cancellations and changes for 1K really help. Flying J on overseas trips (with my GPUs) is nice but with more and more airlines offering PE and with SAUA, I think the GPUs are not as important as the fee waivers for me.
One thing I struggle with is this 1K thing is sort of an addiction. I am a pretty frugal person and it is kind of crazy I would spend thousands of dollars to do a run for 1K. So, I think there is something irrational and not healthy. I don't even drink coffee
1K, I wish I knew how to quit you
Sep 29, 2018, 8:50 am
#212
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 799
For those of you who think this will increase upgrade options I have news - it wont.
When DL did this same thing everyone said the same thing (although the DL people have a much higher opinion of Diamond than UA fliers do of 1k so it was a way more contentious thread).
What happens? UA sells more upgrades on booking/day of departure. All those people who used to be 1K? They buy them. There won't be any more upgrades available now with this rule then there were prior to the issue.
I switched from DL to UA after the DL fiasco for two reasons:
1. DL hates the families of their diamond members. This is predicated on the observation that DL fliers would rather screw their family to get an upgrade than allow people to upgrade their family when they fly. UA allows me to move my entire family to economy comfort. Since I am gone all the time this seems like a must have for me - my wife deserves something besides me not being there for all the flying.
2. The schedule for UA is better for me than DL.
Moving forward, everyone needs to realize that the airlines do not care about us as passengers. This is a money grab pure and simple. I think this predicated on the fact that after AA follows suit next year there will be no one left to switch too. They days of heavy competition for our travel dollars is gone.
When DL did this same thing everyone said the same thing (although the DL people have a much higher opinion of Diamond than UA fliers do of 1k so it was a way more contentious thread).
What happens? UA sells more upgrades on booking/day of departure. All those people who used to be 1K? They buy them. There won't be any more upgrades available now with this rule then there were prior to the issue.
I switched from DL to UA after the DL fiasco for two reasons:
1. DL hates the families of their diamond members. This is predicated on the observation that DL fliers would rather screw their family to get an upgrade than allow people to upgrade their family when they fly. UA allows me to move my entire family to economy comfort. Since I am gone all the time this seems like a must have for me - my wife deserves something besides me not being there for all the flying.
2. The schedule for UA is better for me than DL.
Moving forward, everyone needs to realize that the airlines do not care about us as passengers. This is a money grab pure and simple. I think this predicated on the fact that after AA follows suit next year there will be no one left to switch too. They days of heavy competition for our travel dollars is gone.
Sep 29, 2018, 8:50 am
#213
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Virginia, USA
Posts: 4,510
Going forward there will be only two substantive levels-Gold and GS.
Sep 29, 2018, 8:52 am
#214
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Programs: Hyatt LT Globalist, Marriot LT Titanium, UA 2.4MM, HH Gold, AS MVPG
Posts: 3,400
I have been 1K probably the last 8-9 years, I think. This year, work travel dropped drastically and probably won't come back up. I ended up buying a P fare and did a mileage run to Asia to makeup for the shortfall. I will be very close with PQD. I am Lifetime Gold.
I have been thinking about what to do in 2019 before this came. I think the biggest reason I want 1K is the flexibility with award bookings. Essentially, my miles are worth a lot more with the flexibility. Given the uncertainties with work schedule and the tightening of award inventory, the fee-free award cancellations and changes for 1K really help. Flying J on overseas trips (with my GPUs) is nice but with more and more airlines offering PE and with SAUA, I think the GPUs are not as important as the fee waivers for me.
One thing I struggle with is this 1K thing is sort of an addiction. I am a pretty frugal person and it is kind of crazy I would spend thousands of dollars to do a run for 1K. So, I think there is something irrational and not healthy. I don't even drink coffee
1K, I wish I knew how to quit you
I have been thinking about what to do in 2019 before this came. I think the biggest reason I want 1K is the flexibility with award bookings. Essentially, my miles are worth a lot more with the flexibility. Given the uncertainties with work schedule and the tightening of award inventory, the fee-free award cancellations and changes for 1K really help. Flying J on overseas trips (with my GPUs) is nice but with more and more airlines offering PE and with SAUA, I think the GPUs are not as important as the fee waivers for me.
One thing I struggle with is this 1K thing is sort of an addiction. I am a pretty frugal person and it is kind of crazy I would spend thousands of dollars to do a run for 1K. So, I think there is something irrational and not healthy. I don't even drink coffee
1K, I wish I knew how to quit you
I still fly them sometimes if schedule and price are best choice. But I concentrate on making MVPG on AS as for me the benefits there seem better.
Also, unfortunately, I find the treatment as a 2MM Platinum flying first to usually be less than a non-status passenger flying First on almost any other airline.
It it will be interesting to see if UA decides to get rid of Platinum level. Guess that would be another kick in the teeth from them. The biggest difference for me would be the fee waivers - which are certainly a nice thing. The 1 extra mile earned (above Gold) is nothing and the 2 RPU - well again haven’t been able to use them much and usually the buy up is $300 max so guess that would be about $600 a year taken away.
Sep 29, 2018, 8:57 am
#215
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Chicago
Programs: United 1K, Expedia Rewards Gold, Hotels.com Gold, Marriott Gold Status, Presidential Plus
Posts: 85
Of all the problems I have with this, of which there are many, this is my main problem:
Why are you changing qualification requirements for Premier 1K status?
We’re adjusting qualification requirements for Premier 1K status with the goal of offering our most appealing program benefits to our most loyal customers and making these benefits, such as upgrades, more easily available.
This is a lie. I will guarantee that CPUs will not increase by 10% in 2020. Bet me Oscar, bet me! 1K's should get access to PN availability. This is hot flaming trash. Am I mad on the internet? You bet your [Moderator edit]
Why are you changing qualification requirements for Premier 1K status?
We’re adjusting qualification requirements for Premier 1K status with the goal of offering our most appealing program benefits to our most loyal customers and making these benefits, such as upgrades, more easily available.
This is a lie. I will guarantee that CPUs will not increase by 10% in 2020. Bet me Oscar, bet me! 1K's should get access to PN availability. This is hot flaming trash. Am I mad on the internet? You bet your [Moderator edit]
Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; Oct 1, 2018 at 8:46 pm Reason: Per Ft Rules.
Sep 29, 2018, 9:04 am
#216
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: PHL, EWR
Programs: UA Gold; AA; Amtrak Select Plus;HH Diamond;Hyatt Disc;Hertz PC; Total Wine Grand Reserve!
Posts: 2,402
Increased PQM for International 1Ks?
My S.O. is a 1K with an international address. He is currently traveling in Europe but told me that his email from UA stated that although those with an international address will still be exempt from the PQD requirement, the PQM requirement has been increased to 125,000. I've asked him to forward his email so I can take a look, but if that is the case, then UA has decided to use this method to make the requirements for international customers more stringent as well!
Sep 29, 2018, 9:21 am
#217
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 5,814
My S.O. is a 1K with an international address. He is currently traveling in Europe but told me that his email from UA stated that although those with an international address will still be exempt from the PQD requirement, the PQM requirement has been increased to 125,000. I've asked him to forward his email so I can take a look, but if that is the case, then UA has decided to use this method to make the requirements for international customers more stringent as well!
We're introducing some updates and enhancements to our United MileagePlus® Premier® program, including updates to Premier 1K® status qualification requirements and changes to our upgrade structure for members who fly 125,000 Premier qualifying miles or more. Since you're a Premier member, we want to make sure you're aware of what's changing and how it affects you.
Sep 29, 2018, 9:23 am
#218
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: PHL, EWR
Programs: UA Gold; AA; Amtrak Select Plus;HH Diamond;Hyatt Disc;Hertz PC; Total Wine Grand Reserve!
Posts: 2,402
Thanks, yea, that's what I thought, but he sent me a panicked email overnight. lol I will reassure him. :-)
Sep 29, 2018, 9:31 am
#219
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
Maybe for a few folks, but many reported P at 200% EQM. I purchased a TATL ticket on 27 Sept for travel in Jan, P fare, and the receipt shows EQM at 200%.
Sep 29, 2018, 9:57 am
#220
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 756
Currently, PQD isn't a problem for me given that intl J class seats for a business trip are usually booked close enough to departure that they cost a lot have a high close in pricing. It's the PQM requirement that is going to kill 1K for me as I'm barely getting that with 4-5 intl trips a year, I will now need to somehow ask for extra an extra trip next year.
Sep 29, 2018, 10:12 am
#221
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC, FLL
Programs: UA PP 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LTTE, BA Gold
Posts: 6,324
I'm glad someone else noticed the email said 125K PQM, but then when you go to the link that lists all the FAQs, it only talks about the PQD and P fare changes. What kind of marketing communication is that? Or are they trying to sneak in this PQM change and hope no noticed?
Sep 29, 2018, 10:24 am
#222
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,025
I'm glad someone else noticed the email said 125K PQM, but then when you go to the link that lists all the FAQs, it only talks about the PQD and P fare changes. What kind of marketing communication is that? Or are they trying to sneak in this PQM change and hope no noticed?
Currently, PQD isn't a problem for me given that intl J class seats for a business trip are usually booked close enough to departure that they cost a lot have a high close in pricing. It's the PQM requirement that is going to kill 1K for me as I'm barely getting that with 4-5 intl trips a year, I will now need to somehow ask for extra an extra trip next year.
Currently, PQD isn't a problem for me given that intl J class seats for a business trip are usually booked close enough to departure that they cost a lot have a high close in pricing. It's the PQM requirement that is going to kill 1K for me as I'm barely getting that with 4-5 intl trips a year, I will now need to somehow ask for extra an extra trip next year.
.The 125K PQMs you show refers to the change in RPU/GPU earning structure at that is occurring at that level and beyond. Re-read the screen shot more carefully. At 125PQM, one will now be getting one GPU instead of 2 RPUs. And for every 25K beyond that, one additional GPU instead of the current (more generous) allocation. Which everyone complains that they can't use anyway...
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Sep 29, 2018 at 10:31 am
Sep 29, 2018, 10:28 am
#223
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,219
Sep 29, 2018, 10:35 am
#224
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,933
Sep 29, 2018, 10:39 am
#225
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,466
Yes, the ambiguous wording is on baggage allowances. Based on what the baggage calculator tells me (not entirely reliable) that has not changed for 1K.
There have been lots of predictions over the years that UA would cut GPUs to match DL and AA (4 certs). Guess I'm glad they did not do that. Maybe next year
There have been lots of predictions over the years that UA would cut GPUs to match DL and AA (4 certs). Guess I'm glad they did not do that. Maybe next year
