May 1, 2021, 4:06 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is an archive thread, the active thread is "Dynamic Award Pricing" by UA; questions, experiences, .... {Archive}
The details:
Award travel updates
Introducing a broader range of award prices
Updates to award travel are on the horizon. For flights on or after November 15, 2019, we’ll no longer publish an award chart listing the set amount of miles needed for each flight.The details:
- Some award prices will be lower than what’s currently published in our chart. You may have already seen these prices, and you’ll be able to get them immediately.
- Other award prices may be higher than what you see today, especially if you’re traveling at a popular time. These prices will take effect immediately for travel November 15 or after.
- Starting November 15, we’re removing close-in fees, so you won’t be charged the extra fee of up to $75 for booking last-minute award travel.
- A flexible award travel calendar is available on united.com or in our app.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is changing?
For travel on or after November 15, we will no longer publish an award chart listing the set amount of miles needed for award flights. Award pricing will now fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including demand. Additionally, starting November 15, we will no longer charge a fee of up to $75 for award flights booked within 21 days of departure.When will these updates take effect?
The award pricing changes apply immediately to flights on or after November 15, 2019. Until then, award prices will be the same as or lower than what’s currently published in our award chart.How many miles will I need for award travel after November 15?
Award prices will now fluctuate based on a variety of factors. Some air awards will be available for less than what’s listed in our chart, which you may have already noticed. After November 15, award prices may also be higher, especially if you’re traveling at popular times. Use our flexible award calendar to get a monthly view of the award prices for a specific destination.Why are you making these changes?
Increasing award prices for the most in-demand flights allows us to offer better returns for our shareholders. If your award travel is flexible, these updates will help you make the most of your miles.How will these updates affect award travel availability?
United MileagePlus members with Premier® status and qualifying United Chase Cardmembers can continue to book award travel without blackout dates. For other members, most award flights that are available today will continue to be available after these updates take effect.Do the lowest-priced awards have any extra flight restrictions?
No. Our lowest priced awards do not have any added restrictions; the fare rules for all award travel apply.How can I find the lowest priced award for my travel?
The award calendar on united.com or in our app will continue to show the lowest available price for your destination.Will I earn miles on my flight if I book an award?
No. As with current award bookings, award travel in the future will not be eligible to earn miles with MileagePlus or any other loyalty program.What if I need to change my existing award?
If you need to change your award ticket, you will be issued a new ticket for which new pricing and additional fees may apply.What if I purchase a close-in award before November 15
The close-in booking fee will still apply to all tickets booked within 21 days of departure prior to November 15, 2019. We will not refund fees paid prior to November 15, even if travel occurs on or after November 15.
"Dynamic Award Pricing" by UA; questions, experiences, .... {Archive}
Apr 5, 2019, 3:45 pm
#511
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: DL Plat, Marriot Plat
Posts: 349
Well as others have mentioned its more a nail in the coffin of co branded airline cards. Better to get a costco card and get 3% or 4% back on gas and travel.
All airlines and hotels are devaluing and every year it will get more and more devalued..
Apr 5, 2019, 3:47 pm
#512
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 26
I would say I'll just finish this year out with UA and see how the details work out and then fly on whoever is convenient next year. Problem is, with IAH as my home airport, unless I want to connect somewhere every time I fly I'm stuck with UA. On the bright side, a connection would give me more PQM with whoever I'd be flying with.
I also only keep my Explorer card for the increased award space. IF those awards I'm interested in become devalued significantly, I'll have no use for the cc any longer.
My take-away for now is: wait and see how it rolls out at the end of the year.
I also only keep my Explorer card for the increased award space. IF those awards I'm interested in become devalued significantly, I'll have no use for the cc any longer.
My take-away for now is: wait and see how it rolls out at the end of the year.
Last edited by Mulatto; Apr 5, 2019 at 3:47 pm Reason: clarity
Apr 5, 2019, 4:06 pm
#513
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 6,341
You guys/gals are seeing this all wrong:
"... these updates will help you make the most of your miles. "
(from https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...l-updates.html)
"... these updates will help you make the most of your miles. "
(from https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...l-updates.html)
Apr 5, 2019, 4:09 pm
#514
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 9,003
You guys/gals are seeing this all wrong:
"... these updates will help you make the most of your miles. "
(from https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...l-updates.html)
"... these updates will help you make the most of your miles. "
(from https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...l-updates.html)
Apr 5, 2019, 4:09 pm
#515
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
That depends on where you're going. At IAH there are 25 carriers not UA/UAX to 50+ destinations non-stop, and a 170-flight-a-day operation by Southwest at HOU.
Apr 5, 2019, 4:09 pm
#516
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: DL SM, UA MP.
Posts: 12,729
So they’ve devalued at least 3 years in a row, haven’t they?
Apr 5, 2019, 4:12 pm
#517
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
Programs: Milege+, SkyMiles, AAdvantage, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,685
Do I understand this correctly? For example, if I want to fly from the US to Europe in the Summer of 2020, the number of miles required for award travel will be higher because it is considered a “popular time” for travel to Europe?
Apr 5, 2019, 4:13 pm
#518
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 324
Well since a kilometer is shorter than a mile and each point gets you less far than before....KilometersPlus?
Apr 5, 2019, 4:14 pm
#519
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA MM Plat, UA 1MM, Hilton Lifetime Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold, CLEAR, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 3,617
A few years ago I shifted my spend away from co-branded credit cards (e.g. Chase's UA Club Visa) to bank point ones (e.g. Sapphire Reserve, AX Plat) to escape being held hostage to a specific loyalty program and whatever changes they decide to make.
Points earned in UR / MR / etc. remain flexible and carry a par value of sorts. Plus with cheap F fares being what they are, using points to have the bank just buy you the flights you want often cost about the same in terms of points as redeeming an award.
Anyways the takeaway for me is to drop the co-branded financial products in favor of those that earn a point that can be transferred to multiple partners or cashed out.
Points earned in UR / MR / etc. remain flexible and carry a par value of sorts. Plus with cheap F fares being what they are, using points to have the bank just buy you the flights you want often cost about the same in terms of points as redeeming an award.
Anyways the takeaway for me is to drop the co-branded financial products in favor of those that earn a point that can be transferred to multiple partners or cashed out.
Apr 5, 2019, 4:28 pm
#520
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,388
Almost certainly, yes -- especially if you want to fly on the weekends at convenient times. Basically, they'll be priced using the same criteria they price flights for cash.
Apr 5, 2019, 4:35 pm
#521
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, AS 75k, AA Plat, Bonvoyed Gold, Honors Dia, Hyatt Explorer, IHG Plat, ...
Posts: 16,839
yes, though it likely would have been difficult to find Saver awards for popular travel times anyway. But now you have no idea what it is actually going to cost you until you start looking.
Apr 5, 2019, 4:37 pm
#522
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, AS 75k, AA Plat, Bonvoyed Gold, Honors Dia, Hyatt Explorer, IHG Plat, ...
Posts: 16,839
Apr 5, 2019, 4:38 pm
#523
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: DL SM, UA MP.
Posts: 12,729
TATL J Anytime awards are displayed as 155k each way.
Are the new prices going to make that price look quaint?
Are the new prices going to make that price look quaint?
Apr 5, 2019, 4:39 pm
#524
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM
Posts: 23,297
DO NOT touch partner awards!
(I dont think I've ever redeemed on UA metal except for last minute coach awards that would be lots of $$$ in cash - I guess thats gone now though)
Is anyone seeing the dynamic correlation yet in terms of cpm? 1cpm? 0.5cpm?
(I dont think I've ever redeemed on UA metal except for last minute coach awards that would be lots of $$$ in cash - I guess thats gone now though)
Is anyone seeing the dynamic correlation yet in terms of cpm? 1cpm? 0.5cpm?
Apr 5, 2019, 4:41 pm
#525
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 369
This is pure speculation but I feel like United will keep post-November awards pretty reasonable for a year or so before quietly jacking up prices. Right now they're trying to convince us this isn't such a bad idea.