Last edit by: WineCountryUA
05April 2020
FAQ
With extended status. will we automatically get additional PlusPoints in 2021 (40 for Plats and 280 for 1KsGS?
No, your existing PlusPoints will be extended 6 months but to get additional 2021 PlusPoints you will need to meet the reduced thresholds for 2020
[5 April 2020] Status extended 1 year - United Hub
- Status extended 1 year (expires 1/31/22)
- Plus Points extended 6 months
- Lower qualifying thresholds to gain 2021 status in 2020 (about 50%)
[5 April 2020] United will extend Premier status for 12 months (SF Gate):
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[7 March 2020] A message to our Premier members (email):
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MileagePlus Status Extended Until 2022
Throughout these unprecedented times, we remain committed to doing what is right and fair for all of our MileagePlus members and are pleased to share the steps we are taking to reciprocate the trust and loyalty that you have placed in United. These steps include not only Premier status updates, but also an extension of current memberships and subscriptions. The updates will happen automatically over the next few weeks — there's nothing you need to do.
The big news: If you have current 2020 Premier status, it will be extended to January 31, 2022. At a minimum, you will enjoy the same published status next year that you have today, up to Premier 1K®.
We're reducing the 2020 Premier qualifying points (PQP) and flight requirements for all tiers by 50%. You'll still need a minimum of four flight segments on United or United Express®.
We're also doubling PQP for United Explorer cards and quadrupling PQP for the United Club cards.
At the same time that we're decreasing the published program's PQP requirements, via a promotion from May 1 – December 31, 2020, we're doubling (for United Explorer cards) or quadrupling (for United Club cards) the maximum number of PQP that Cardmembers can earn during 2020 to help achieve a higher level of status than you already have.
1K® and Platinum members, we're increasing your ability to upgrade by extending PlusPoints expiration dates by six months and expanding Skip Waitlist.
Over the years, you have placed your trust and loyalty in United, and we are honored to do the same for you. We are all in this together.
Status extension to January 31, 2022, applies to all members that met the published criteria of the MileagePlus program in 2019, status associated with the United/Marriott RewardsPlus program and status offered as part of a Sales nomination. Status granted from other programs and policies may not apply.
Throughout these unprecedented times, we remain committed to doing what is right and fair for all of our MileagePlus members and are pleased to share the steps we are taking to reciprocate the trust and loyalty that you have placed in United. These steps include not only Premier status updates, but also an extension of current memberships and subscriptions. The updates will happen automatically over the next few weeks — there's nothing you need to do.
The big news: If you have current 2020 Premier status, it will be extended to January 31, 2022. At a minimum, you will enjoy the same published status next year that you have today, up to Premier 1K®.
We're reducing the 2020 Premier qualifying points (PQP) and flight requirements for all tiers by 50%. You'll still need a minimum of four flight segments on United or United Express®.
We're also doubling PQP for United Explorer cards and quadrupling PQP for the United Club cards.
At the same time that we're decreasing the published program's PQP requirements, via a promotion from May 1 – December 31, 2020, we're doubling (for United Explorer cards) or quadrupling (for United Club cards) the maximum number of PQP that Cardmembers can earn during 2020 to help achieve a higher level of status than you already have.
1K® and Platinum members, we're increasing your ability to upgrade by extending PlusPoints expiration dates by six months and expanding Skip Waitlist.
- This means a six-month extension of any PlusPoints set to expire on or before January 31, 2021.
- Last year we introduced Skip Waitlist on select flights as a benefit to 1K members, giving you more opportunities to confirm an upgrade request at the time of booking. This benefit will now be available for the rest of 2020 in a significantly expanded selection of long-haul international regions and will have expanded availability in 2021 as well.
- We want to make sure your benefits are still there when you're ready to start flying again. That's why we're extending purchased United Club℠ memberships and purchased subscriptions for Economy Plus®, United Wi-Fi℠ and checked bags by six months. You should see this reflected in your MileagePlus account soon.
- If your travel plans have been disrupted, and you have an electronic travel certificate from us for the value of your ticket, you now have two years from the date it was issued to book a new flight, as well as up to an additional 11 months to travel. This includes all currently valid and all new electronic travel certificates issued on or after April 1, 2020.
- We are currently waiving all award redeposit fees for travel through end of May 2020.
- We are now also waiving all redeposit fees for award ticket cancellations made more than 30 days before departure for the remainder of 2020.
Over the years, you have placed your trust and loyalty in United, and we are honored to do the same for you. We are all in this together.
Status extension to January 31, 2022, applies to all members that met the published criteria of the MileagePlus program in 2019, status associated with the United/Marriott RewardsPlus program and status offered as part of a Sales nomination. Status granted from other programs and policies may not apply.
With extended status. will we automatically get additional PlusPoints in 2021 (40 for Plats and 280 for 1KsGS?
No, your existing PlusPoints will be extended 6 months but to get additional 2021 PlusPoints you will need to meet the reduced thresholds for 2020
[5 April 2020] Status extended 1 year - United Hub
- Status extended 1 year (expires 1/31/22)
- Plus Points extended 6 months
- Lower qualifying thresholds to gain 2021 status in 2020 (about 50%)
[5 April 2020] United will extend Premier status for 12 months (SF Gate):
United will announce on Sunday that it is extending elite status to MileagePlus Premier members through 2021 and members will retain their current status through January 2022. This follows a similar move by Delta Air Lines on April 4 to extend SkyMiles Medallion elite status to 2021.
A United spokesperson has confirmed this to SFGATE, adding: "We are also going to help both general members and members who want to reach the next status level by lowering thresholds for Premier Qualifying Points (PQP’s) for the 2021 status year."
In addition to the elite status extension, United will extend all its annual subscription options by six months, including United Club memberships, wi-fi, checked bags and EconomyPlus, according to the spokesperson.
A United spokesperson has confirmed this to SFGATE, adding: "We are also going to help both general members and members who want to reach the next status level by lowering thresholds for Premier Qualifying Points (PQP’s) for the 2021 status year."
In addition to the elite status extension, United will extend all its annual subscription options by six months, including United Club memberships, wi-fi, checked bags and EconomyPlus, according to the spokesperson.
[7 March 2020] A message to our Premier members (email):
At this time, we are not planning any changes for our 2021 Premier program but we will continue to evaluate our options as we learn more about how the current climate is affecting members' activity. In the interim though, we do plan to give members who are participating in a MileagePlus 2020 Premier Status Match Challenge promotion an additional 30 days to complete their challenge. This extension will automatically be reflected in member accounts within the next week.
There's a good (but not exhaustive) crowdsourced list of company travel restrictions here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...bWhYFM/preview .....
Hey there!
As true loyalty is best tested in challenging times, I did a bit of research on how different airlines and hotel programmes have responded:
Feel free to comment that Google Sheets file and if you have some better insights, let me know (I used only what was available on English-speaking websites and some blog posts I could find, showing emails from the programmes). ....
As true loyalty is best tested in challenging times, I did a bit of research on how different airlines and hotel programmes have responded:
- 74 airline loyalty responses (status, miles expiration extensions) and booking flexibility terms (changes and refunds)
- 18 hotel loyalty responses (status, points expiration extensions) and booking flexibility terms (changes and refunds)
Feel free to comment that Google Sheets file and if you have some better insights, let me know (I used only what was available on English-speaking websites and some blog posts I could find, showing emails from the programmes). ....
UA • CONFIRMS • Status Extension to JAN 2022; PQP Thresholds Reduced by ½ for 2020
#571
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
Can not vouch for the accuracy but Full overview of airlines/hotels COVID19 responses (loyalty+bookings) comparison
Hey there!
As true loyalty is best tested in challenging times, I did a bit of research on how different airlines and hotel programmes have responded:
Feel free to comment that Google Sheets file and if you have some better insights, let me know (I used only what was available on English-speaking websites and some blog posts I could find, showing emails from the programmes). ....
As true loyalty is best tested in challenging times, I did a bit of research on how different airlines and hotel programmes have responded:
- 74 airline loyalty responses (status, miles expiration extensions) and booking flexibility terms (changes and refunds)
- 18 hotel loyalty responses (status, points expiration extensions) and booking flexibility terms (changes and refunds)
Feel free to comment that Google Sheets file and if you have some better insights, let me know (I used only what was available on English-speaking websites and some blog posts I could find, showing emails from the programmes). ....
#572
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,219
If corporate customers cut back on their travel budgets then United will need pax like me. In fairness so will OAL. The change to the PQP system meant I was already looking at OAL for my 2021 spend as no PlusPoints. If United wants any of my business in 2021 an extension of my 1K status and ability to use my unused PlusPoints would give then that business during the recovery. If not, then all airlines will be my choice.
I do understand why nothing has been published yet. Trying to deal with the absolute meltdown of their industry is a higher priority but as others have noted, other programs (airlines and hotels) have sent communications stating either what they are doing or will be announcing something when the dust settles. Perhaps United does not believe 2021 will be a buyer's market and customer service an important feature - the halcyon days of the 2000 teens should be a distant memory for the airline.
#573
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,440
I suspect that dealing with FF programs is probably number 149 on UA's priority list of things that have to get done.
#574
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: United 1K, Bonvoy Ambassador / Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 23
Just personal opinion here - and hotel status is clearly different than airline status, for a number of different reasons - but Hilton's plan rollout today was probably the best and biggest step forward in terms of what we might be able to expect from airlines like United. Here's hoping something similar is in the works.
#575
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,889
I do understand why nothing has been published yet. Trying to deal with the absolute meltdown of their industry is a higher priority but as others have noted, other programs (airlines and hotels) have sent communications stating either what they are doing or will be announcing something when the dust settles. Perhaps United does not believe 2021 will be a buyer's market and customer service an important feature - the halcyon days of the 2000 teens should be a distant memory for the airline.
We've made changes to our international and domestic schedules, and those reductions — combined with your own corporate travel policies and personal travel choices — may impact some of your flying activity in the near-term. And we appreciate that some of our members are concerned about retaining and earning the status levels they anticipated prior to the coronavirus outbreak.
At this time, we are not planning any changes for our 2021 Premier program but we will continue to evaluate our options as we learn more about how the current climate is affecting members' activity. In the interim though, we do plan to give members who are participating in a MileagePlus 2020 Premier Status Match Challenge promotion an additional 30 days to complete their challenge. This extension will automatically be reflected in member accounts within the next week.
I will stay in touch to keep you aware of any further decisions or adjustments and, as always, want to thank you for your continued relationship, and for your loyalty to United....
At this time, we are not planning any changes for our 2021 Premier program but we will continue to evaluate our options as we learn more about how the current climate is affecting members' activity. In the interim though, we do plan to give members who are participating in a MileagePlus 2020 Premier Status Match Challenge promotion an additional 30 days to complete their challenge. This extension will automatically be reflected in member accounts within the next week.
I will stay in touch to keep you aware of any further decisions or adjustments and, as always, want to thank you for your continued relationship, and for your loyalty to United....
So, no, not as nice, or massaged, as, say, Delta's message. Sure, they could have left out they aren't planning changes right now and perhaps in hindsight, they realize that. But essentially, it's the same 'we'll announce something when the dust settles' that you are asking about.
#576
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,693
1. Hilton HHonors extends all pending downgrades (their cutoff is 3/31/2020 not 1/31/2020) through 2021. This would be the equivalent of UA extending 2019 status expiration's date from JAN 31 2020 to JAN 31 2021.
2. Hilton HHonors is extending all status earned during 2020 for two years. In UA terms, this would mean if you qualified for 1K in 2020, you would hold the status through at least JAN 31, 2022,
2. Hilton HHonors is extending all status earned during 2020 for two years. In UA terms, this would mean if you qualified for 1K in 2020, you would hold the status through at least JAN 31, 2022,
Extending status earned this year for 2 years sends the wrong message in terms of public safety at this point in time, IMO. Encouraging people to travel should wait until it's safer to do so.
#577
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,597
Holding off on downgrades for failed requals for another year makes a lot of sense. Directly contrary to Marriott who just downgraded all the failed requals 2-3 days ago (20+ days after it should have happened).
Extending status earned this year for 2 years sends the wrong message in terms of public safety at this point in time, IMO. Encouraging people to travel should wait until it's safer to do so.
Extending status earned this year for 2 years sends the wrong message in terms of public safety at this point in time, IMO. Encouraging people to travel should wait until it's safer to do so.
#578
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,693
Extending status now doesn't encourage people to travel now. It gives people peace of mind that their status is secure, that the airline does have their back during this time (which is good for the airline too to retain those customers and appear customer friendly) and encourages them to fly with the airline once things get back to normal as they will continue to enjoy the benefits of their tier.
#579
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2006
Location: SEA or BGR, Lower Earth Orbit
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 17,217
with flights being incredibly inexpensive right now, hitting even the spend for silver is going to be tough. If this year was last year, I'm half way to silver now, and based on what had been planned I'd have hit gold with zero issues. I don't see a silver re-qualify. Might switch to American depending on how everything pans out when this whole pandemic settles.
#580
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NYC/Northern NJ
Programs: 1K - UAL, Platinum DL, Marriott, Hilton, SPG
Posts: 1,815
Ladies & Gentlemen - This is a fruitless conversation as United will NOT make a decision on this without following the steps of Delta.
You all need to watch what Delta does with their FF program and maybe AA to understand what United will choose. If neither of those carriers changes - don't expect UA to make a change. If one or both of those carriers change - UA will follow (not lead) and within days makes an announcement.
You all need to watch what Delta does with their FF program and maybe AA to understand what United will choose. If neither of those carriers changes - don't expect UA to make a change. If one or both of those carriers change - UA will follow (not lead) and within days makes an announcement.
#581
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Pleasanton, CA
Programs: UA MM 1K; HA Pualani Gold, SWA A-List; Aloha Silver (RIP); HH Gold
Posts: 432
Being Platinum and no way being able to requalify, based on my long haul lower fares, I already started looking at and booking other airlines before all of this. If United allowed my status to remain for another year, I don't think I would do anything different next year. Going back to the previous qualifications would be the only thing that would make me reconsider. Thank goodness for obtaining my MM status (until they take that benefit away).
#582
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,440
Ladies & Gentlemen - This is a fruitless conversation as United will NOT make a decision on this without following the steps of Delta.
You all need to watch what Delta does with their FF program and maybe AA to understand what United will choose. If neither of those carriers changes - don't expect UA to make a change. If one or both of those carriers change - UA will follow (not lead) and within days makes an announcement.
You all need to watch what Delta does with their FF program and maybe AA to understand what United will choose. If neither of those carriers changes - don't expect UA to make a change. If one or both of those carriers change - UA will follow (not lead) and within days makes an announcement.
UA has disenfranchised it's lifetime club members by requiring them to have a valid UA or *A ticket on the day of travel, unlike AA or DL who (initially) instituted the same requirement but reverted back to the original rules after a raft of complaints from those affected by the change.
So, sadly, I do not foresee changes based on what either DL or AA does in regards to just about anything.
#583
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: UA 1K 1MM (finally!), IHG AMB-Spire, HH Diamond
Posts: 60,174
Ladies & Gentlemen - This is a fruitless conversation as United will NOT make a decision on this without following the steps of Delta.
You all need to watch what Delta does with their FF program and maybe AA to understand what United will choose. If neither of those carriers changes - don't expect UA to make a change. If one or both of those carriers change - UA will follow (not lead) and within days makes an announcement.
You all need to watch what Delta does with their FF program and maybe AA to understand what United will choose. If neither of those carriers changes - don't expect UA to make a change. If one or both of those carriers change - UA will follow (not lead) and within days makes an announcement.
#584
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, IHG Silver, Hilton Silver, Hertz PC, National Exec Elite, Avis PC
Posts: 1,294
They should apply the flight credits we are getting instead of refunds to our current PQP totals since they are basically just after, have already received, and refuse to refund our money.
#585
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: WAS/ BOM
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,567
That might help folks who have had a lot of flights booked previously, but had to cancel them. What about folks who book flights last minute and are now hesitant to book them?