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 ˝ for 2020
#886
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 7,418
Other than towards getting a fresh set of Plus Points that expire 1/31/22 (instead of 7/31/21), correct.
#887
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Houston/DC
Programs: UA 1K, 1MM
Posts: 564
When this is all over, I am going to send a letter to UA asking for GS in 2021. I made 1K in 2020 for the 1st time & would have made it under the "normal" guidelines before COVID hit. I will still make the lowered thresholds for 2020. I don't think I will ever get near the "normal" GS spend threshold in my lifetime unless I hit the lotto.
My reasoning will be that I "stood by their side" during COVID and kept flying every week (see one of my other posts for explanation)
I know, fat chance. But can't hurt to send the email at the close of 2020
My reasoning will be that I "stood by their side" during COVID and kept flying every week (see one of my other posts for explanation)
I know, fat chance. But can't hurt to send the email at the close of 2020
#888
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Haze gray and underway
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, HH Diamond, Marriott 'clink clink' Titanium
Posts: 1,784
Isn't amazing as to how some can find the black cloud when shown a sliver lining? I haven'y re-qualified for 1K yet but still expect before August even under the original standards. Am I worried about the number of 1K's expanding? Ah no. Do I expect to be compensated for not changing my habits? Same answer, Ah no. Life will go on or it won't. But always expect changes.
#889
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: where lions are led by donkeys...
Programs: Lifetime Gold, Global Entry, Hertz PC, and my wallet
Posts: 20,346
When this is all over, I am going to send a letter to UA asking for GS in 2021. I made 1K in 2020 for the 1st time & would have made it under the "normal" guidelines before COVID hit. I will still make the lowered thresholds for 2020. I don't think I will ever get near the "normal" GS spend threshold in my lifetime unless I hit the lotto.
My reasoning will be that I "stood by their side" during COVID and kept flying every week (see one of my other posts for explanation)
I know, fat chance. But can't hurt to send the email at the close of 2020
My reasoning will be that I "stood by their side" during COVID and kept flying every week (see one of my other posts for explanation)
I know, fat chance. But can't hurt to send the email at the close of 2020
#890
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
Posts: 6,357
I'd do the same thing, but my support of United might be slightly tarnished by my posts in this forum: no soup for me!
#891
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: AA EXP2M, DL 1MM DM ext, UA PP <=> HH G/Marr PE/Hyatt G/IHG P FT RA ( Recovering Addict)
Posts: 4,596
Where status is concerned, no one does.
What is the value of travel status when one could die from it or at least increase risk of dying by contracting covid?
I think looked from that view point it is quite ok to feel you deserve more by flying under these conditions and supporting United.
What is the value of travel status when one could die from it or at least increase risk of dying by contracting covid?
I think looked from that view point it is quite ok to feel you deserve more by flying under these conditions and supporting United.
#892
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: ORD LAS HKG
Programs: Bonvoy LTT; IHG DiamondAmb; WoH Globalist; UA1K2MM; NationalEE; AvisPC; HertzPC
Posts: 703
So for an existing 1k member, will s/he still get 280 pluspoints if s/he chooses not to fly at all in 2020?
#893
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: seat 9A
Programs: UA 1K, Flying Blue Plat, HH Diamond, IHG Spire, Marriot Plat (TWA / NWA - million miler)
Posts: 54
Well, I will be 1K again in 2021... having already made the spend in Jan / Feb.
If / when things start to get back to normal, i will need to take the wife somewhere nice. Maybe, i can figure out how to use all the plus points? or probably just let them evaporate again...
If / when things start to get back to normal, i will need to take the wife somewhere nice. Maybe, i can figure out how to use all the plus points? or probably just let them evaporate again...
#895
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,413
They haven't said so; therefore, I assume not until / unless new information is provided. It probably wouldn't be necessary to extend existing instruments if they were planning to give everyone a fresh batch.
#896
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC, FLL
Programs: UA PP 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LTTE, BA Gold
Posts: 6,324
#897
Join Date: Aug 2016
Programs: UA
Posts: 67
Any guesses whether this will apply to people who status matched in the second half of 2019, thus earning status through Jan31 2021? The wording from United was not clear:
"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."
Would a status match fall under "sales nomination"? I feel like they will just blanket extend it with everyone else, but who knows.
"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."
Would a status match fall under "sales nomination"? I feel like they will just blanket extend it with everyone else, but who knows.
#898
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,309
#899
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Clinging to the edifices of a decadent past from the biggest city in America nobody really cares about.
Programs: (ಠ_ಠ)
Posts: 9,077
The real issue is how frequently “paper” elites become “real” elites by actually traveling.
The concept of monetary velocity "V" is useful to try to think about the impact on the elite experience.
Consider "elite velocity" which is the number of times an elite member is in a position to use an elite benefit - say to score CPU or request to redeem PlusPoints for an upgrade.
If UA made every single American a GS through 2021, but no one flew, the elite velocity would be zero (0) and even though a wide array of elites exist and are eligible for a CPU, none of them are in a position to actually use the benefit. It would like if the US Treasury deposited $1,000,000 in every American's checking account but people were too afraid to spend the funds. The base money supply will have shot up but (hyper)inflation will not have taken hold as those newly created dollars are being saved/hoarded and not chasing the same amount of goods and services meaning prices remain stable. This is how I read DL's logic here: demand is shot and even if the elite ranks swell on paper but the actual number of medallion members flying is low, there won't be an erosion of benefits.
If UA accurately forecasts demand not rebounding to late 2019 levels until after 2021 then they should juice the elite ranks to drive business on the margin to themselves. The low demand implies people are flying less and therefore the large paper uptick in elites won't actually result in harder benefits (e.g. upgrades) due to a low elite velocity. Now if UA, or DL, get it wrong and demand roars back, they'll be issues as there won't be the limiting effect of low elite velocity and you'll have a very large pool of premiers/medallions going after the same number of benefits.
Consider "elite velocity" which is the number of times an elite member is in a position to use an elite benefit - say to score CPU or request to redeem PlusPoints for an upgrade.
If UA made every single American a GS through 2021, but no one flew, the elite velocity would be zero (0) and even though a wide array of elites exist and are eligible for a CPU, none of them are in a position to actually use the benefit. It would like if the US Treasury deposited $1,000,000 in every American's checking account but people were too afraid to spend the funds. The base money supply will have shot up but (hyper)inflation will not have taken hold as those newly created dollars are being saved/hoarded and not chasing the same amount of goods and services meaning prices remain stable. This is how I read DL's logic here: demand is shot and even if the elite ranks swell on paper but the actual number of medallion members flying is low, there won't be an erosion of benefits.
If UA accurately forecasts demand not rebounding to late 2019 levels until after 2021 then they should juice the elite ranks to drive business on the margin to themselves. The low demand implies people are flying less and therefore the large paper uptick in elites won't actually result in harder benefits (e.g. upgrades) due to a low elite velocity. Now if UA, or DL, get it wrong and demand roars back, they'll be issues as there won't be the limiting effect of low elite velocity and you'll have a very large pool of premiers/medallions going after the same number of benefits.
#900
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,066
so they need to address the new +P question now. Too bad they neglected to address this at all.
It is still listed as: After meeting the requirements for Premier 1K, members earn 20 PlusPoints for every 3,000 PQP beyond 18,000 PQP.
Now, the requirements are no longer 18k PQP but rather 9k PQP. I am currently at 13k PQP so should I get 280 +Ps now? Then another 20 +Ps? because it is 3k beyond the current limit? Or will we get 280 +Ps at 9k and then more once we get beyond 18k?
If this is answered somewhere ... please post!
It is still listed as: After meeting the requirements for Premier 1K, members earn 20 PlusPoints for every 3,000 PQP beyond 18,000 PQP.
Now, the requirements are no longer 18k PQP but rather 9k PQP. I am currently at 13k PQP so should I get 280 +Ps now? Then another 20 +Ps? because it is 3k beyond the current limit? Or will we get 280 +Ps at 9k and then more once we get beyond 18k?
If this is answered somewhere ... please post!