Oct 11, 2019, 5:20 am
Last edit by: SPN Lifer
tl;dr - PQMs/PQDs/PQS going away, replaced with PQPs. $1 = 1 PQP. See chart below for thresholds:
ex
New Status Measures
Premier Qualifying Points (PQP): Basically the same as PQD. Everything that was a PQD continues to count, plus:
Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF): Same as BIS segments (no class of service bonus) except Basic Economy and award tickets don't count.
PQP Earning on Partners
You can now earn PQP on non-016 tickets when flying eligible partners.
"Preferred" Partners (mostly JV partners): 1/5 of the RDM earned, excluding status bonuses (but including fare class) on AC AD AV CA CM EW LH LX NH NZ OS SN.
Others: 1/6 of the RDM earned, excluding status bonuses (but including fare class) on other airlines with MP earnings available.
Note: Because all partners earn RDM by distance when not on an 016-ticket, this effectively awards PQP by distance, from 40% in many JV First and Business cabins to 5% in things like LX K.
Preferred partners:
Bulk Tickets
Per UA Insider in this post: Yes you will now earn PQP on bulk tickets but not necessarily for the cash value since the price of the ticket is opaque. Bulk tickets will be equal to the award miles you earn for the ticket (excluding Premier bonus miles, if any) divided by 5.
Foreign Addresses
The PQD waiver for foreign MP addresses will no longer apply beginning in 2020.
Credit Card Holders
The PQD waivers and PQM earnings from all Chase cards are ending. Instead, Chase cards allow you to earn 500 PQP for every $12,000 of eligible spend, but only up to the following limits:
1,000 PQP / $24,000: MP Explorer, MP Club, MP Awards, and MP cards, plus their business equivalents (bonus PQP do not count for 1K)
3,000 PQP / $72,000: MP Select and MP Platinum cards
10,000 PQP / $240,000: Presidential Plus and PP Business cards
Existing Flexible PQM (FPQM) on eligible cards will become FPQP at a 5:1 ratio on 01-Apr-20 and will only be applicable through Platinum status.
ex
New Status Measures
Premier Qualifying Points (PQP): Basically the same as PQD. Everything that was a PQD continues to count, plus:
- Copay component of miles+copay upgrades
- Paid upgrades (TOD or "sticker-type")
- Travel on partner airlines on partner stock (awarded as a fraction of the distance, similar to DL)
Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF): Same as BIS segments (no class of service bonus) except Basic Economy and award tickets don't count.
PQP Earning on Partners
You can now earn PQP on non-016 tickets when flying eligible partners.
"Preferred" Partners (mostly JV partners): 1/5 of the RDM earned, excluding status bonuses (but including fare class) on AC AD AV CA CM EW LH LX NH NZ OS SN.
Others: 1/6 of the RDM earned, excluding status bonuses (but including fare class) on other airlines with MP earnings available.
Note: Because all partners earn RDM by distance when not on an 016-ticket, this effectively awards PQP by distance, from 40% in many JV First and Business cabins to 5% in things like LX K.
Preferred partners:
- Air Canada
- Air China
- Air New Zealand
- All Nippon Airways
- Austrian Airlines
- Avianca
- Azul Brazilian Airlines
- Brussels Airlines
- Copa Airlines
- Eurowings
- Lufthansa
- SWISS International Airlines
- Aegean Airlines
- Air Dolomiti
- Air India
- Asiana Airlines
- Croatia Airlines
- Edelweiss
- EgyptAir
- Ethiopian Airlines
- EVA Air
- Juneyao Air
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Olympic Air
- SAS
- Shenzhen Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- South African Airways
- TAP Air Portugal
- Thai Airways International
- Turkish Airlines
Bulk Tickets
Per UA Insider in this post: Yes you will now earn PQP on bulk tickets but not necessarily for the cash value since the price of the ticket is opaque. Bulk tickets will be equal to the award miles you earn for the ticket (excluding Premier bonus miles, if any) divided by 5.
Foreign Addresses
The PQD waiver for foreign MP addresses will no longer apply beginning in 2020.
Credit Card Holders
The PQD waivers and PQM earnings from all Chase cards are ending. Instead, Chase cards allow you to earn 500 PQP for every $12,000 of eligible spend, but only up to the following limits:
1,000 PQP / $24,000: MP Explorer, MP Club, MP Awards, and MP cards, plus their business equivalents (bonus PQP do not count for 1K)
3,000 PQP / $72,000: MP Select and MP Platinum cards
10,000 PQP / $240,000: Presidential Plus and PP Business cards
Existing Flexible PQM (FPQM) on eligible cards will become FPQP at a 5:1 ratio on 01-Apr-20 and will only be applicable through Platinum status.
United is updating the way MileagePlus members qualify for Premier status in 2020 for the 2021 program year. We recognized that distance was not the best way for us to measure customer loyalty, which is why we are introducing a new qualification structure to better deliver Premier benefits to our most valued customers. In 2020, members will only need to account for two factors to earn status: number of flights taken (Premier Qualifying Flights) and value of tickets purchased (Premier Qualifying Points).
Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF): every flight, a takeoff and landing, will count as a PQF except Basic Economy and tickets booked using miles.
Premier Qualifying Points (PQP): 1 PQP = 1 U.S. dollar spent. You will earn PQPs on the base fare of your ticket (no taxes and fees), Economy Plus and Preferred seat purchases, and now on paid upgrades, MileagePlus upgrade award co-pays and credit for Star Alliance partner flights not ticketed or operated by United.
Qualification requirements for 2020
Here’s how members will qualify for each Premier status level starting January 1, 2020 for status in the 2021 program year:
United Cardmembers who are eligible for a PQD waiver, PQM, or Flexible PQM (FPQM) based on annual card spend will be offered new ways to earn Premier qualifying points (PQP) based on annual card spend. The ability to earn a PQD waiver, PQM, or FPQM on these cards will end on December 31, 2019.
Learn more: https://mileageplusupdates.com/milea...qualification/
Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF): every flight, a takeoff and landing, will count as a PQF except Basic Economy and tickets booked using miles.
Premier Qualifying Points (PQP): 1 PQP = 1 U.S. dollar spent. You will earn PQPs on the base fare of your ticket (no taxes and fees), Economy Plus and Preferred seat purchases, and now on paid upgrades, MileagePlus upgrade award co-pays and credit for Star Alliance partner flights not ticketed or operated by United.
Qualification requirements for 2020
Here’s how members will qualify for each Premier status level starting January 1, 2020 for status in the 2021 program year:
United Cardmembers who are eligible for a PQD waiver, PQM, or Flexible PQM (FPQM) based on annual card spend will be offered new ways to earn Premier qualifying points (PQP) based on annual card spend. The ability to earn a PQD waiver, PQM, or FPQM on these cards will end on December 31, 2019.
Learn more: https://mileageplusupdates.com/milea...qualification/
New Premier Qualification Requirements for 2020: Only Spend or Spend + Flight Sectors
Oct 11, 2019, 12:45 am
#31
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA 1K & 2MM, Bonvoy Titanium & LTP, HH Gold, Accor Silver, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 2,350
Wow. I don't do 54 flights, so now I have to spend $24,000 a year to earn 1K. Looks like lifetime Platinum is my future. Also, this will ensure that a lot of my international flying is no longer on UA. Since i will have hit 2MM and lifetime Platinum, and have little chance of reliably hitting $24K in spend, I'm finally free to choose my airline. I'll be enjoying TK to Europe and EVA to Asia I guess!
Oct 11, 2019, 12:45 am
#32
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
Oct 11, 2019, 12:49 am
#33
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 6,349
This is the end as 1K for me too.
15000 was still worth it; 24000 is not.
I'll now also brake away from United loyalty, come 2021
Was hoping for 2MM, but looks like I won't make that in the next 14 months.
I'll miss the free award ticket change/cancelation fees.
15000 was still worth it; 24000 is not.
I'll now also brake away from United loyalty, come 2021
Was hoping for 2MM, but looks like I won't make that in the next 14 months.
I'll miss the free award ticket change/cancelation fees.
Oct 11, 2019, 12:55 am
#34
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
Oct 11, 2019, 1:03 am
#35
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA 1K & 2MM, Bonvoy Titanium & LTP, HH Gold, Accor Silver, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 2,350
This.
Sure, I'll miss the odd free food and drink item, the rare upgrades, the increased mileage earning, and the free CLEAR membership -- but the single thing that I leverage extensively is close in award bookings with constant changes as I seek a better alternative. Having to pay $50 to change within 60 days is going to require me to change my whole approach to award travel.
I think this is the first time I truly believe that a UA change will thin the 1K ranks. Watch out for the special promotions in Q4 2020 when they see the numbers not quite tracking to where they want them to. I guarantee they're looking at my numbers this year (will end up around $23K spend) and expecting me to be a 1K next year. Odds are they'll see the exact opposite - and I say this with $5K in spend already booked for 2020.
Sure, I'll miss the odd free food and drink item, the rare upgrades, the increased mileage earning, and the free CLEAR membership -- but the single thing that I leverage extensively is close in award bookings with constant changes as I seek a better alternative. Having to pay $50 to change within 60 days is going to require me to change my whole approach to award travel.
I think this is the first time I truly believe that a UA change will thin the 1K ranks. Watch out for the special promotions in Q4 2020 when they see the numbers not quite tracking to where they want them to. I guarantee they're looking at my numbers this year (will end up around $23K spend) and expecting me to be a 1K next year. Odds are they'll see the exact opposite - and I say this with $5K in spend already booked for 2020.
Oct 11, 2019, 1:06 am
#36
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 6,349
This is one of those times when I wished swearing was allowed on FT!
Oct 11, 2019, 1:08 am
#37
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: YEG
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 755
Oct 11, 2019, 1:09 am
#38
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
I will requal 1k for 2020 and have already decided no more UA status chasing after that and I’m happy about today's new enhancement:-). I need to burn my UA points before international award becomes dynamic. I have around 1 million points (UA + Chase + Amex) and so far have booked 3 international J for next year.
So what’s my plan for 2021 and beyond? I’m thinking AC Super Elite 100k which only requires 10K AQD for US based, or just buy international J from SQ, CX, JL…etc and credit to Alaska.
So what’s my plan for 2021 and beyond? I’m thinking AC Super Elite 100k which only requires 10K AQD for US based, or just buy international J from SQ, CX, JL…etc and credit to Alaska.
Oct 11, 2019, 1:10 am
#39
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 6,349
This.
Sure, I'll miss the odd free food and drink item, the rare upgrades, the increased mileage earning, and the free CLEAR membership -- but the single thing that I leverage extensively is close in award bookings with constant changes as I seek a better alternative. Having to pay $50 to change within 60 days is going to require me to change my whole approach to award travel.
I think this is the first time I truly believe that a UA change will thin the 1K ranks. Watch out for the special promotions in Q4 2020 when they see the numbers not quite tracking to where they want them to. I guarantee they're looking at my numbers this year (will end up around $23K spend) and expecting me to be a 1K next year. Odds are they'll see the exact opposite - and I say this with $5K in spend already booked for 2020.
Sure, I'll miss the odd free food and drink item, the rare upgrades, the increased mileage earning, and the free CLEAR membership -- but the single thing that I leverage extensively is close in award bookings with constant changes as I seek a better alternative. Having to pay $50 to change within 60 days is going to require me to change my whole approach to award travel.
I think this is the first time I truly believe that a UA change will thin the 1K ranks. Watch out for the special promotions in Q4 2020 when they see the numbers not quite tracking to where they want them to. I guarantee they're looking at my numbers this year (will end up around $23K spend) and expecting me to be a 1K next year. Odds are they'll see the exact opposite - and I say this with $5K in spend already booked for 2020.
Well put!
I bet they'll do an easy-to-achieve status match from the other airlines end of next year that will be like pouring salt into the wounds of all of us UA loyalists on this forum who won't quite qualify.
Oct 11, 2019, 1:12 am
#40
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
What does this mean?
If you’re a primary cardmember of certain United MileagePlus Chase Cards, you can earn PQP based on what you spend on your card during the calendar year.
Does this mean somehow credit card spend can now get you toward 1K?
If you’re a primary cardmember of certain United MileagePlus Chase Cards, you can earn PQP based on what you spend on your card during the calendar year.
Does this mean somehow credit card spend can now get you toward 1K?
Oct 11, 2019, 1:12 am
#41
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
I think this is the first time I truly believe that a UA change will thin the 1K ranks. Watch out for the special promotions in Q4 2020 when they see the numbers not quite tracking to where they want them to. I guarantee they're looking at my numbers this year (will end up around $23K spend) and expecting me to be a 1K next year. Odds are they'll see the exact opposite - and I say this with $5K in spend already booked for 2020.
Note as well that Chase is getting the finger here, too. There will be lots of cancellations I suspect.
Oct 11, 2019, 1:13 am
#42
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 6,349
Oct 11, 2019, 1:14 am
#43
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,826
There better be something good of value in there for legacy Platinum/Signature Visa cardholders that got 5000 PQMs from ticket purchases and another 5000 at hitting $30K in spend. Since no more PQMs, how does this work now?
Color me scared, after 15 years of non-stop 1K, this might be winding down for me. Huge benefit for segment flyers, but not for those that hit long-haul 2-3 times a year, even if they’re on mid-range $5000 tickets. That’s a lot of segments or another $9-$10K in spending.
Color me scared, after 15 years of non-stop 1K, this might be winding down for me. Huge benefit for segment flyers, but not for those that hit long-haul 2-3 times a year, even if they’re on mid-range $5000 tickets. That’s a lot of segments or another $9-$10K in spending.
This does appear to be the end, and lifetime gold is nearly a quarter million miles away.
Oct 11, 2019, 1:16 am
#44
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,218
1. How does someone get the United Presidential Plus CC?
I just have a the regular $95 per year United MP card but since the maximum amount you can get is 1,000 PQP and miles no longer expire I am trying to work out the benefit of keeping a United CC (which United pushes on just about every flight I take) - well I guess the award ticket upgrade is one benefit....
2. I am assuming a non-016 ticket with a flight on UA will still qualify for BIS for MM status - correct?
3. PQD change is very freeing although a bit disappointed by the PQD change as I had purchased some 016 tickets for next year but now I am not limited to the purchase of 016 tickets going forward. The PlusPoints can be used on UA/LH/NH flights so again 016 tickets not necessarily needed. To use PlusPoints on a UA flight does it need to be an 016 ticket?
I just have a the regular $95 per year United MP card but since the maximum amount you can get is 1,000 PQP and miles no longer expire I am trying to work out the benefit of keeping a United CC (which United pushes on just about every flight I take) - well I guess the award ticket upgrade is one benefit....
2. I am assuming a non-016 ticket with a flight on UA will still qualify for BIS for MM status - correct?
3. PQD change is very freeing although a bit disappointed by the PQD change as I had purchased some 016 tickets for next year but now I am not limited to the purchase of 016 tickets going forward. The PlusPoints can be used on UA/LH/NH flights so again 016 tickets not necessarily needed. To use PlusPoints on a UA flight does it need to be an 016 ticket?
Oct 11, 2019, 1:17 am
#45
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,395
Right, but fare class bonus does.
This is basically the same thing that Delta and American have done w.r.t. partner tickets on partner flights, and it's eminently exploitable. If you watch the https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/premium-fare-deals-740/ board, you'll see cases where people will list 2x+ returns on MQD or PQD. This will be no different. The key will be to watch for business / first class sales, especially on partners that have generous RDM bonuses (e.g., ANA), and then look for long flights.
Example: IAH-NRT-BKK is 19,064 miles RT. Book it on non-016 stock, on NH P (150% RDMs), and you'll earn 28,596 redeemable miles, which will turn into 5719 PQP (ANA is a Preferred Partner).
It's going to take a while for each person to work out, individually, whether or not this is a positive change for them personally. I have no doubt that it's a negative change overall, but I suspect for people who have the flexibility not to fly UA, some people will come out ahead.
This is basically the same thing that Delta and American have done w.r.t. partner tickets on partner flights, and it's eminently exploitable. If you watch the https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/premium-fare-deals-740/ board, you'll see cases where people will list 2x+ returns on MQD or PQD. This will be no different. The key will be to watch for business / first class sales, especially on partners that have generous RDM bonuses (e.g., ANA), and then look for long flights.
Example: IAH-NRT-BKK is 19,064 miles RT. Book it on non-016 stock, on NH P (150% RDMs), and you'll earn 28,596 redeemable miles, which will turn into 5719 PQP (ANA is a Preferred Partner).
It's going to take a while for each person to work out, individually, whether or not this is a positive change for them personally. I have no doubt that it's a negative change overall, but I suspect for people who have the flexibility not to fly UA, some people will come out ahead.