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
Oct 2, 2018, 9:54 am
#376
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,964
Even if UA does not change JV partner P ratios now, given the fact that this time they changed P earnings based on travel date, not ticketing date, what will happen if UA changes the earning later? Would the partners make UA do this based on ticketing dates?
Oct 2, 2018, 10:24 am
#377
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,361
It's SOP for UA to make partner changes based on date of flight, not date of ticketing. I know there was one case where they relented -- a partner fare class was made non-earning, and UA eventually gave credit for purchases made before the announcement -- but generally you'll just see "for flights after XXX date."
It's not SOP for UA to make changes for its own metal this way. In the past, those have been "ticketed after announcement, flown after effective date."
It's not SOP for UA to make changes for its own metal this way. In the past, those have been "ticketed after announcement, flown after effective date."
Oct 2, 2018, 10:35 am
#378
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: Continental OnePass
Posts: 856
It's SOP for UA to make partner changes based on date of flight, not date of ticketing. I know there was one case where they relented -- a partner fare class was made non-earning, and UA eventually gave credit for purchases made before the announcement -- but generally you'll just see "for flights after XXX date."
It's not SOP for UA to make changes for its own metal this way. In the past, those have been "ticketed after announcement, flown after effective date."
It's not SOP for UA to make changes for its own metal this way. In the past, those have been "ticketed after announcement, flown after effective date."
Oct 2, 2018, 10:47 am
#379
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 14,998
Looks like they did some places, but not everywhere.
here:
MileagePlus Updates
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...r/qualify.html
but not here:
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...es/united.html
here:
MileagePlus Updates
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...r/qualify.html
but not here:
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...es/united.html
Oct 2, 2018, 11:25 am
#380
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,165
There is absolutely no indication of P changing to premium economy, however...
If this happened, the booking code rules for the NH P fare would book Z class on UA (or whatever the new cheapest Business bucket is). There's a bit of overlap between J and C inventory that could be unwound without a ton of difficulty. Many *A airlines only have four revenue Business codes.
If this happened, the booking code rules for the NH P fare would book Z class on UA (or whatever the new cheapest Business bucket is). There's a bit of overlap between J and C inventory that could be unwound without a ton of difficulty. Many *A airlines only have four revenue Business codes.
If one can make 1K on domestic flying alone, and they had international trips to book into P, it might be wise move to credit those to another program like AC where redemption amounts are cheaper for certain awards.
Either way, it's clear these moves are designed to do two things - move many otherwise HVF out of 1K status and perhaps drive some of them to other airlines altogether. While I agree with the premise that "when everyone is a 1K, then no one is", however not everyone is a 1K by far. Thinning the heard at SFO, ORD, EWR and IAH also thins the heard everywhere else where customers have a choice unless we're going back to the days of "only hub captives paying premium fares matter" and everyone else can get lost.
Oct 2, 2018, 11:40 am
#381
Join Date: May 2016
Location: In btw SJC & SFO
Programs: Marriott Titanium & LTP, Hilton Diamond (Aspire card), Hyatt Globalist, UA Gold (almost free agent)
Posts: 510
To all those including me who bought P tickets this year, thepointsguy user IvanX called UA regarding P fare tickets he purchased last month and UA agent promised to honor 200% PQM: IvanX Ed • 10 hours agoI called United about this today and they said that P tickets I purchased two weeks ago for flight in 2019 would have 200% PQM honored, but it would not be automatic. The rep noted my tickets, and said to call after flying if I earned the incorrect number of PQM.
https://thepointsguy.com/news/united...olicy-changes/
https://thepointsguy.com/news/united...olicy-changes/
Oct 2, 2018, 11:58 am
#382
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: USA
Programs: UA Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,189
Good. Flying coach builds character. ;-)
Oct 2, 2018, 12:01 pm
#383
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 14,998
To all those including me who bought P tickets this year, thepointsguy user IvanX called UA regarding P fare tickets he purchased last month and UA agent promised to honor 200% PQM: IvanX Ed • 10 hours agoI called United about this today and they said that P tickets I purchased two weeks ago for flight in 2019 would have 200% PQM honored, but it would not be automatic. The rep noted my tickets, and said to call after flying if I earned the incorrect number of PQM.
https://thepointsguy.com/news/united...olicy-changes/
https://thepointsguy.com/news/united...olicy-changes/
and us.
Oct 2, 2018, 12:06 pm
#384
Join Date: May 2016
Location: In btw SJC & SFO
Programs: Marriott Titanium & LTP, Hilton Diamond (Aspire card), Hyatt Globalist, UA Gold (almost free agent)
Posts: 510
Anybody experienced this, likely UA's IT bug:
I just checked next January's my one way SFO-NRT-BKK 016 ticket (I was surprised that UA one way W can be less $700 ) and found the NRT-BKK PQM disappeared all together on UA web while on UA App it just showed 1444 50% PQM in stead of 2888, inconsistent & interesting. NRT-BKK is NH codeshare and NH international W still has 100% UA PQM per new updated UA accrual chart below:
https://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/mar...spx?ItemId=299
Oct 2, 2018, 12:10 pm
#385
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: Continental OnePass
Posts: 856
To all those including me who bought P tickets this year, thepointsguy user IvanX called UA regarding P fare tickets he purchased last month and UA agent promised to honor 200% PQM: IvanX Ed • 10 hours agoI called United about this today and they said that P tickets I purchased two weeks ago for flight in 2019 would have 200% PQM honored, but it would not be automatic. The rep noted my tickets, and said to call after flying if I earned the incorrect number of PQM.
https://thepointsguy.com/news/united...olicy-changes/
https://thepointsguy.com/news/united...olicy-changes/
Oct 2, 2018, 12:37 pm
#386
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,214
...Either way, it's clear these moves are designed to do two things - move many otherwise HVF out of 1K status and perhaps drive some of them to other airlines altogether. While I agree with the premise that "when everyone is a 1K, then no one is", however not everyone is a 1K by far. Thinning the heard at SFO, ORD, EWR and IAH also thins the heard everywhere else where customers have a choice...t.
I have said this (previously) elsewhere on FT: United is in the business of making money and maximizing shareholder wealth. The management at United think these changes are going to help them achieve those goals. My own personal goal is to find the optimal flying experience for me. I travel on my own dime and make decisions on what is best for me.
My guess is the management at Untied expect a few to moan and complain and up their spend to meet the new requirements, they expect the pax tied to United on corporate accounts will have to stay and they expect a certain number will leave or be willing to drop to Platinum, but ultimately United want to position their 1K brand as something to strive for but provides the benefits that are touted. The thread that GPUs are useless must be a concern for United - these are the pax who spend to make 1K not receiving the expected benefits. (I think GS members generally can use their GPUs on international flights but I may be wrong on that score.) I also suspect the drop in the number of RPUs for GS and 1K is reflective of the frequency of TODs and available capacity for RPUs after the paid upfares. Again, United trying to be realistic and set expectations.
Do I personally like the new PQD spend requirement? No and I have previously stated I suspect 2019 will be my last year as a 1K member, but that will also provide me the freedom to not be tied to United. We all have a price - and my breaking point is PQD of $15k. My annual PQM will still be around 200k (currently around 150k with United) so the business OALs get from me is going to significantly increase and I am fine with that decision as I am a value buyer. I liken 1K to golden handcuffs - for me they have now been removed.
With that said if United loses more 1K members than expected it can only have upside for the remaining 1K members, and if United finds their estimates on the number of pax who move to OALs is greater than expected then they can always "enhance" the product in the future but I suspect they have already worked out the percentage that will move with the PQD delta.
Last edited by Aussienarelle; Oct 2, 2018 at 12:40 pm Reason: grammar
Oct 2, 2018, 12:54 pm
#387
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,416
thepointsguy user IvanX called UA regarding P fare tickets he purchased last month and UA agent promised to honor 200% PQM: IvanX Ed • 10 hours agoI called United about this today and they said that P tickets I purchased two weeks ago for flight in 2019 would have 200% PQM honored, but it would not be automatic. The rep noted my tickets, and said to call after flying if I earned the incorrect number of PQM.
Oct 2, 2018, 1:35 pm
#388
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Anywhere but home
Programs: UA 1K/MM, DL GM/MM, AA Gold, HH Dia, PC Plat, ALL Sil, MR Gold
Posts: 4,550
Thanks for sharing. I recently noticed that when Delta changed their rules for partner earning (in this case, for Air France, but other partners too), they added this notation to their website. It would be appropriate if United did something similar.
Oct 2, 2018, 1:38 pm
#389
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
and has anyone figured out whether the PQM clawback applies to P fares on *A partners?
Oct 2, 2018, 1:44 pm
#390
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,416
It may have been sincere. Who knows. But UA takes the position it is not bound by anything a phone rep promises which is contrary to the T&C.