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}
May 9, 2019, 3:26 pm
#1201
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: 66,836
May 9, 2019, 5:13 pm
#1202
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: UA Premier Gold, Starwood Gold, Plat AE, CO PP MC, Marriott Rewards Plat, Virgin Elevate Gold
Posts: 1,416
Current EZE-IAH-LAX is 60K one way saver/155K non saver
Has anyone had experience with LAX-EZE / EZE-LAX after November 15?
I am wondering if the new redemption levels offer 2 redemption prices as they do now, or are you just set for one fare
I am wondering if the new redemption levels offer 2 redemption prices as they do now, or are you just set for one fare
May 9, 2019, 7:27 pm
#1203
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,410
The future will include far more than just two levels - definitely seasonality, advance purchase, and inventory constraints.. probably day of week as well.
May 9, 2019, 7:56 pm
#1204
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: 66,836
No saver and standard / everyday offer --- just a single offer which will vary.
May 9, 2019, 8:14 pm
#1205
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,450
May 9, 2019, 8:29 pm
#1206
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,140
But probably just one number for a given itin for a cabin on a given day and set of flights (the past two pricings never made any sense, why would one ever pick the high mileage offer?)
No saver and standard / everyday offer --- just a single offer which will vary.
No saver and standard / everyday offer --- just a single offer which will vary.
May 9, 2019, 8:55 pm
#1207
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: 66,836
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.
May 9, 2019, 10:02 pm
#1209
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,450
More than one level for partners is a horrible development. The new levels are all higher than what used to be a fixed price.
And an AP requirement for partners is also a horrible development. Moreoever, pricing variation is based on more than AP. God forbid you need a domestic connector on DL. It's now possible to book a 400k partner Y award on DL. One-way.
May 10, 2019, 1:39 am
#1210
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,140
My point is that I suspect that sometime after 11/15, the booking website will change and one will see no column mentioning Saver Awards.
May 10, 2019, 4:57 am
#1211
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: None - previously UA
Posts: 4,864
But some days (like 1/30 if you’re lucky) will still show saver rate. I’m more concerned about partner advance booking rules. I’ve managed to change to LH,SA and NZ premium cabins less than T-48h with good results.
May 10, 2019, 8:11 am
#1212
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K, AA Plat Pro, VS Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 838
2 one-ways within US + non-US intra region free leg, now dead
For what it’s worth, for the past several weeks (maybe longer), it has been possible to book two one way flights within the USA, and in in the middle of those two legs take an intra region trip (in the same class of service) anywhere in the world for free. This is now dead.
ORD - MIA (12.5k miles)
LHR - FRA (free)
SFO - ORD (12.5k miles)
Now the middle segment is priced. Don’t think it was ever supposed to have worked the way it was working, but FYI.
ORD - MIA (12.5k miles)
LHR - FRA (free)
SFO - ORD (12.5k miles)
Now the middle segment is priced. Don’t think it was ever supposed to have worked the way it was working, but FYI.
May 10, 2019, 8:49 am
#1213
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 23,048
Are you saying it's not that bad? Because I really disagree.
More than one level for partners is a horrible development. The new levels are all higher than what used to be a fixed price.
And an AP requirement for partners is also a horrible development. Moreoever, pricing variation is based on more than AP. God forbid you need a domestic connector on DL. It's now possible to book a 400k partner Y award on DL. One-way.
More than one level for partners is a horrible development. The new levels are all higher than what used to be a fixed price.
And an AP requirement for partners is also a horrible development. Moreoever, pricing variation is based on more than AP. God forbid you need a domestic connector on DL. It's now possible to book a 400k partner Y award on DL. One-way.
For example, AF/KL/AZ J awards to Europe are currently 75K each way (CSMH750 fare basis code) and there is only one level. It has been at this level for some time. They do have a 60-day advance purchase requirement.
VA J awards to Australia are 100K CSM1000 awards with no advance purchase requirement. There are no other VA partner levels. However, they pretty much only provide availability at the last minute. All those other prices you see below are DL metal over the ocean awards (which have various levels).
Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; May 10, 2019 at 9:48 am Reason: Moderator edits per FT Rule 12 that members discuss the topic, and not other members in a personal way.
May 10, 2019, 9:29 am
#1214
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,393
For awards that don't look like an abuse of the system, you can call, and an agent can price them manually. For something like you describe, I wouldn't call.
Oh, and in stellar UA fashion -- the fare rules have been removed from the website for award tickets. If you click on "View fare rules," you get the fare basis code(s) used to build the award, but instead of a CAPTCHA allowing you to read the full text, there's just a general description of award travel rules. Another
from me, UA.
May 10, 2019, 9:35 am
#1215
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,450
And btw, I've booked DL partner awards within the past month, probably half a dozen within the past two years.
Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; May 10, 2019 at 9:52 am Reason: Conforming moderator edit to original quote