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 15, 2019, 1:34 pm
#991
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: united
Posts: 1,636
But you seem to be arguing that the improvements in the product required an increase in price. I don’t see why that would only apply to award seats.
Why stop there... a billion miles is just as rational and will sell just as few. Again, I don’t believe there is a big market even at today’s rates for standard J awards. I haven’t done the math, but I can’t imagine that even miles acquired via manufactured spend would see enough value for people to go down that route.
Apr 15, 2019, 1:44 pm
#992
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
I spend a lot of time in UCs domestically, so I actually do get value from being able to get in. Is it worth $495/60,000 miles per year? I'm not sure. The club card was killing two birds for me as I got the membership and miles. Now that the miles have been devalued, I'm trying to figure out how to optimize UC access/a better card without doubling my cash outlay. Easiest solution is Amex platnium/Chase Sapphire Reserve and just burning UA miles on the UC membership.
Safe Travels,
James
Apr 15, 2019, 1:59 pm
#993
Join Date: Feb 2015
Programs: united
Posts: 1,636
I suppose a lot of it depends on whom you travel with. If you're strictly loyal to UA then ya the UC membership makes a lot of sense. However, I know several people, one of whom is a GS who don't always have the luxury to fly on UA depending on where they're heading and schedules. Having lounges you can actually use all the time really means a lot to them. However, given the recent development of airlines shuttering their lounges to flyers not flying their airline/alliance and the removal of airline lounges from programmes like Priority Pass (i.e. AC MLL) it's getting harder and harder to find a lounge one can use whilst travelling domestically.
On the other hand upgrades and J awards can help boost the airlines profit on J seats. If the flight had 10 empty J seats a few days prior to departure, they would be forced to open up availability on P fares and keep the prices low. However, if they could fill, say, half of them with elite and influencers, it'll be easier for them to close out the P fares keeping only say C and D fares open which earn them the bulk of the profits I suspect.
Safe Travels,
James
On the other hand upgrades and J awards can help boost the airlines profit on J seats. If the flight had 10 empty J seats a few days prior to departure, they would be forced to open up availability on P fares and keep the prices low. However, if they could fill, say, half of them with elite and influencers, it'll be easier for them to close out the P fares keeping only say C and D fares open which earn them the bulk of the profits I suspect.
Safe Travels,
James
1. There are far fewer empty J seats, especially as a percentage, because of more sales and greater tailoring of available J space to routes with high demand. And also because of TOD's.
2. They figure that in situations where it still makes business sense to give away J seats to Ff'ers, dynamic pricing allows it.
Apr 15, 2019, 2:00 pm
#994
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: UA LT GS | UA LT Club | Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 1,250
I spend a lot of time in UCs domestically, so I actually do get value from being able to get in...Now that the miles have been devalued, I'm trying to figure out how to optimize UC access/a better card without doubling my cash outlay. Easiest solution is Amex platnium/Chase Sapphire Reserve and just burning UA miles on the UC membership.
Apr 15, 2019, 3:30 pm
#995
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 209
I spend a lot of time in UCs domestically, so I actually do get value from being able to get in. Is it worth $495/60,000 miles per year? I'm not sure. The club card was killing two birds for me as I got the membership and miles. Now that the miles have been devalued, I'm trying to figure out how to optimize UC access/a better card without doubling my cash outlay. Easiest solution is Amex platnium/Chase Sapphire Reserve and just burning UA miles on the UC membership.
Using another card and buying the membership with points outright isn't a bad idea. Though the travel insurance protections on the Chase Club are pretty good, so I'd have to find something that matches them.
Apr 15, 2019, 3:39 pm
#996
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Oregon
Programs: AA EXP, AS 75K, UA 1MM Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Plat, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 4,001
Having recently moved to Oregon I was having a hard time resisting the temptation to try Alaska. Well, temptation resisted no more. Matched to MVP 75K. Really really loving the no change fees for MVP Gold and above!
Apr 15, 2019, 4:20 pm
#997
Moderator: Southwest Airlines, Capital One
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: California
Programs: WN Companion Pass, A-list preferred, Hyatt Globalist; United Club Lietime (sic) Member
Posts: 21,624
Except no changes are allowed on Saver fares. It was better last year when ALL fares had free changes for top elites.
Apr 15, 2019, 4:22 pm
#998
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,455
The earnings on partner J fares are spectacular as well.
Apr 15, 2019, 4:44 pm
#999
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: DL SM, UA MP.
Posts: 12,729
Aren't most of their TATL redemptions via BA? Do they charge fuel surcharges?
Apr 15, 2019, 4:59 pm
#1000
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,502
Apr 15, 2019, 5:42 pm
#1001
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,455
Apr 15, 2019, 6:02 pm
#1002
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Oregon
Programs: AA EXP, AS 75K, UA 1MM Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Plat, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 4,001
Apr 15, 2019, 8:11 pm
#1003
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,854
Apr 16, 2019, 7:10 am
#1004
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: In between
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, SPG/Marriott Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 564
So we don't get off topic, this gambit is deeply discussedin https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...ct-merged.html
Apr 16, 2019, 8:53 am
#1005
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,589