View Poll Results: Will you switch frequent flyer programs / what will you switch to?
Stay with UA (or join UA - please post)
233
42.75%
Change to American Airlines
28
5.14%
Change to Delta Air Lines
44
8.07%
Change to Alaska Airlines
28
5.14%
Change to non-US Star Alliance (please post which program)
53
9.72%
Change to non-US Oneworld (please post which program)
10
1.83%
Change to non-US SkyTeam (please post which program)
2
0.37%
Split alliances / programs (please post which programs)
28
5.14%
Cease preference for any program
91
16.70%
Retain no preference for any program
28
5.14%
Voters: 545. You may not vote on this poll
2020 MP changes — Will you switch loyalty programs? What program will you switch to?
Nov 18, 2019 | 5:39 pm
#361
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 12,049
The grass may not be greener on the other side. All carriers and their frequent flyer marketing programs have strengths and weaknesses.
There is a reason why Delta's currency is often termed as SkyPesos within the aviation community; for example, it had removed its fixed chart years before UA. On the other hand, Delta does well in other areas such as its soft product.
I am not advocating for any airline in particular. In fact, I am loyalty-free from any and all airlines, as I truly believe loyalty is a thing of the past; instead, I have been a free agent for the past few years, and consistently flying various carriers from all over the world. Not being emotionally invested in one program/alliance has allowed me to see the world with the best schedule and price, without any compromise.
There is a reason why Delta's currency is often termed as SkyPesos within the aviation community; for example, it had removed its fixed chart years before UA. On the other hand, Delta does well in other areas such as its soft product.
I am not advocating for any airline in particular. In fact, I am loyalty-free from any and all airlines, as I truly believe loyalty is a thing of the past; instead, I have been a free agent for the past few years, and consistently flying various carriers from all over the world. Not being emotionally invested in one program/alliance has allowed me to see the world with the best schedule and price, without any compromise.
Nov 18, 2019 | 9:41 pm
#362
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: United 1k aa exec plat
Posts: 2,000
So, I'm curious, you say, "I absolutely don't see any 1K benefits right now" but last I checked there haven't been any changes to the benefits of 1K, but rather just the qualification required. So, given the same benefits exist, why was it valuable to you to have 1K last year? Or the year before that? And the "benefits" of dumping 1K that you have listed here (i.e. no more 6 hr stop, etc.) were available to you in years past but apparently weren't "enough" to modify your behavior but now all the sudden those same benefits are a huge benefit/positive. Why?
I'm quite fascinated by this perception with 1Ks, that if they can't achieve 1K, no lessor status matters, it's just "goodbye cruel airline..."
Regards
I'm quite fascinated by this perception with 1Ks, that if they can't achieve 1K, no lessor status matters, it's just "goodbye cruel airline..."
Regards
with this im kinda wondering if i should bother with 1k and united anymore as this was the biggest perk i had.
may have to edit my upthread post
Nov 18, 2019 | 9:57 pm
#363
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: United 1k aa exec plat
Posts: 2,000
sorry to bother but seriously thinking of changing away from united now-was 1k for a long time but looking for something better(or not as bad)
can anyone advise, or point to a thread on this-thanks!
based in japan and travel a lot to china and also us
can anyone advise, or point to a thread on this-thanks!
based in japan and travel a lot to china and also us
Nov 18, 2019 | 9:59 pm
#364
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Rowley, MA / Edgartown, MA / Christiansted, St. Croix (USVI)
Programs: UA LT GS/4.96MM, Marriott LT Titanium, IHG Platinum, Global Entry, TSA Pre✓, Korea SeS, APEC
Posts: 579
I chose Split Alliances. Personally, I have an emotional goal to hit 5MM before I retire in early 2021. That should take me to roughly mid 2020, I know there is no added benefit, it’s purely a mental thing. After that my only goal is reducing wear and tare on my body (comfort and convenience). United won’t care as my annual flying will drop from 400K+/- miles to 20K+/- miles a year.
If your based in Japan, then a Japanese carrier is likely the most convenient for travel to both China or the US. ANA keeps you inside the Star Alliance network but JAL offers a good product as well. Both will give you a better customer experience, but speaking the language would be a big help. Given your based in Japan that may be true. Having flown both airlines a good amount over many years, I don’t have a strong preference, they’re both very good. Good luck.
If your based in Japan, then a Japanese carrier is likely the most convenient for travel to both China or the US. ANA keeps you inside the Star Alliance network but JAL offers a good product as well. Both will give you a better customer experience, but speaking the language would be a big help. Given your based in Japan that may be true. Having flown both airlines a good amount over many years, I don’t have a strong preference, they’re both very good. Good luck.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Nov 18, 2019 at 10:42 pm Reason: merged consecutive posts by same member
Nov 19, 2019 | 12:07 am
#365
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: United 1k aa exec plat
Posts: 2,000
I chose Split Alliances. Personally, I have an emotional goal to hit 5MM before I retire in early 2021. That should take me to roughly mid 2020, I know there is no added benefit, it’s purely a mental thing. After that my only goal is reducing wear and tare on my body (comfort and convenience). United won’t care as my annual flying will drop from 400K+/- miles to 20K+/- miles a year.
If your based in Japan, then a Japanese carrier is likely the most convenient for travel to both China or the US. ANA keeps you inside the Star Alliance network but JAL offers a good product as well. Both will give you a better customer experience, but speaking the language would be a big help. Given your based in Japan that may be true. Having flown both airlines a good amount over many years, I don’t have a strong preference, they’re both very good. Good luck.
If your based in Japan, then a Japanese carrier is likely the most convenient for travel to both China or the US. ANA keeps you inside the Star Alliance network but JAL offers a good product as well. Both will give you a better customer experience, but speaking the language would be a big help. Given your based in Japan that may be true. Having flown both airlines a good amount over many years, I don’t have a strong preference, they’re both very good. Good luck.
Nov 19, 2019 | 12:23 am
#366
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 73,185
Nov 19, 2019 | 5:37 am
#367
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: AY+ Platinum, BAC, AA, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,523
well with the charges for less than 30days in advance award bookings we have now seen a big change to benefits of being 1k..
with this im kinda wondering if i should bother with 1k and united anymore as this was the biggest perk i had.
may have to edit my upthread post
with this im kinda wondering if i should bother with 1k and united anymore as this was the biggest perk i had.
may have to edit my upthread post
So you are saying that with all flying you do to achieve and maintain 1K, the single most important benefit was the waiver of the $75 close in booking fee for award tickets?
Regards
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Nov 19, 2019 at 5:04 pm Reason: unneeded snark removed
Nov 19, 2019 | 4:56 pm
#369
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: CYYC/CYYZ
Programs: UA 1K, IHG Spire, Bonvoy Titanium, Hertz P.C., GE/NEXUS
Posts: 140
I'll be staying but will be flying AC/NH exclusively for TPACs to maintain *G, and diverting my TATLs to WS. Only staying instead of going to Aeroplan because of its uncertainty, will re-evaluate next year.
Nov 19, 2019 | 6:26 pm
#370
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: UA MM, Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 5,227
A question for all to ponder if you wish....
Are these MP changes part of an overall effort among the *A carriers to drive members toward the loyalty program aligned with their region of residence?
i.e.
USA - MP
Europe - M&M
Canada - AP
etc.
Are these MP changes part of an overall effort among the *A carriers to drive members toward the loyalty program aligned with their region of residence?
i.e.
USA - MP
Europe - M&M
Canada - AP
etc.
Nov 19, 2019 | 6:33 pm
#371
Join Date: May 2001
Location: TPA 50%/BKK 30%/HKG 20%
Programs: UA MM - AF G – TK G – Hilton D – Marriott G – IHG P
Posts: 1,993
For one thing, you're actually better off crediting to someone else if your goal is *G.
And Turkish, for one, is still matching other *A program's status levels (but alas, not UA's).
Nov 19, 2019 | 6:44 pm
#372
Join Date: May 2013
Programs: UA Au Marriott Ti Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 204
The grass may not be greener on the other side. All carriers and their frequent flyer marketing programs have strengths and weaknesses.
There is a reason why Delta's currency is often termed as SkyPesos within the aviation community; for example, it had removed its fixed chart years before UA. On the other hand, Delta does well in other areas such as its soft product.
I am not advocating for any airline in particular. In fact, I am loyalty-free from any and all airlines, as I truly believe loyalty is a thing of the past; instead, I have been a free agent for the past few years, and consistently flying various carriers from all over the world. Not being emotionally invested in one program/alliance has allowed me to see the world with the best schedule and price, without any compromise.
There is a reason why Delta's currency is often termed as SkyPesos within the aviation community; for example, it had removed its fixed chart years before UA. On the other hand, Delta does well in other areas such as its soft product.
I am not advocating for any airline in particular. In fact, I am loyalty-free from any and all airlines, as I truly believe loyalty is a thing of the past; instead, I have been a free agent for the past few years, and consistently flying various carriers from all over the world. Not being emotionally invested in one program/alliance has allowed me to see the world with the best schedule and price, without any compromise.
I fly UA solely when they’re the only non-stop choice or for partner awards for TATL F/J flights. I do my best to completely avoid AA.
It’s not personal for me and I completely understand that UA is running a business. Once I hit lifetime Gold there was simply no reason for me to put up with them. It costs a few more dollars for C+ on DL, but it’s really valuable to me to know I’ll arrive on time.
Nov 19, 2019 | 7:39 pm
#373
Join Date: May 2001
Location: TPA 50%/BKK 30%/HKG 20%
Programs: UA MM - AF G – TK G – Hilton D – Marriott G – IHG P
Posts: 1,993
You'd have to put your UA number in the reservation and then change it to NH in the lounge after you check in (and after making sure there won't be IRROPS of course).
Nov 19, 2019 | 10:14 pm
#374
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: KARB
Programs: DL 2MM
Posts: 26,987
DL is apparently watching and is now matching UA Silver to DL Gold and UA Gold+ to DL Plat
Before --
https://web.archive.org/web/20191024...atch-challenge
After --
https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles...atch-challenge
Before --
https://web.archive.org/web/20191024...atch-challenge
After --
https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles...atch-challenge
Nov 20, 2019 | 5:53 am
#375
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: CYKZ
Programs: ex-United 1K, now a Private Pilot! :)
Posts: 24
I am honestly thinking of switching to another *A carrier but I am unsure who to switch to. Chasing status used to be the thing for me at UA but with my infrequent flying, the most I was able to strike was Silver this year (and with the PQD waiver being taken away from internationals, this will be gone). I'm beginning to understand the benefits of the Amex Plat card...
I am looking for good redemption and accumulation in the *A network.
I am based out of YYZ and fly TPAC 1-2 times a year and fly domestically 1-2 times a year for business. I usually redeem on Canada-US flights.
Any suggestions on where to jump ship?
I am looking for good redemption and accumulation in the *A network.
I am based out of YYZ and fly TPAC 1-2 times a year and fly domestically 1-2 times a year for business. I usually redeem on Canada-US flights.
Any suggestions on where to jump ship?