The Fate of UA Hemispheres Magazine, mailed copy stopping May 2021, back on planes
Aug 5, 2020, 2:32 am
#61
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I do remember PE was special, but I also remember when 1K was extra special when it was first introduced. When 1K first came out, I was treated better than how a GS is being treated now. Although the benefits are different, I have no problem getting complimentary international upgrades often back then. CDG to IAD, SFO-NRT and other international flights on the 747 from Connoisseur cabin to international first class with 7-course caviar, lobster and Chateaubriand dinning experience in addition to frequent complimentary upgrades from cheap Y to Connoisseur class. IIRC, those great complimentary upgrades went away about 18 months after 1K was first introduced....much like the hype of introducing Polaris until and then pulled back.
Aug 5, 2020, 3:13 am
#62
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It was not called "Gold", but I got your point. It was Premier Executive labeled on a gold card. 1P as we called it.
I do remember PE was special, but I also remember when 1K was extra special when it was first introduced. When 1K first came out, I was treated better than how a GS is being treated now. Although the benefits are different, I have no problem getting complimentary international upgrades often back then. CDG to IAD, SFO-NRT and other international flights on the 747 from Connoisseur cabin to international first class with 7-course caviar, lobster and Chateaubriand dinning experience in addition to frequent complimentary upgrades from cheap Y to Connoisseur class. IIRC, those great complimentary upgrades went away about 18 months after 1K was first introduced....much like the hype of introducing Polaris until and then pulled back.
I do remember PE was special, but I also remember when 1K was extra special when it was first introduced. When 1K first came out, I was treated better than how a GS is being treated now. Although the benefits are different, I have no problem getting complimentary international upgrades often back then. CDG to IAD, SFO-NRT and other international flights on the 747 from Connoisseur cabin to international first class with 7-course caviar, lobster and Chateaubriand dinning experience in addition to frequent complimentary upgrades from cheap Y to Connoisseur class. IIRC, those great complimentary upgrades went away about 18 months after 1K was first introduced....much like the hype of introducing Polaris until and then pulled back.
Aug 5, 2020, 6:43 pm
#64
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Aug 5, 2020, 6:52 pm
#65
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Aug 6, 2020, 12:11 pm
#66
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At this point, I'm not even looking further than a month out or whenever airlines release their respective schedules. At least a definitive schedule is coming out early in the current month for the following month I.E. September's schedule was released on August 4th. If I'm in doubt, I just use google flights. My flights are always the same route, though I do have two origin airports to pick from since they are an equally far drive for me and they leave at the same time. Delta used to fly into one of my 'home' airports which gave me some flexibility if United's schedule didn't work, but they dropped the route in May.
Aug 6, 2020, 1:17 pm
#67
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Yes, I'd forgotten, Premier Executive was what it was. You received 1.5 miles for every mile you flew. You could really accumulate miles fast back then, and they seemed to be worth more too. You're also right about the upgrades, I got more than a few on long-haul international flights. Even had a pilot write me a note hand-delivered by a stewardess welcoming me as a Premier Executive onboard. Oh yes, the Good Old Days!
Aug 6, 2020, 5:40 pm
#68
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Not as I remember it, but perhaps it changed at some point. PE (Gold) got a 50% bonus and Premier (Silver) got a 25% bonus on flown miles. Maybe others can confirm. My memory of this is from 1994, but I'm not sure when these bonuses stopped. I guess you say 2012?
Aug 6, 2020, 7:03 pm
#69
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It was not called "Gold", but I got your point. It was Premier Executive labeled on a gold card. 1P as we called it.
I do remember PE was special, but I also remember when 1K was extra special when it was first introduced. When 1K first came out, I was treated better than how a GS is being treated now. Although the benefits are different, I have no problem getting complimentary international upgrades often back then. CDG to IAD, SFO-NRT and other international flights on the 747 from Connoisseur cabin to international first class with 7-course caviar, lobster and Chateaubriand dinning experience in addition to frequent complimentary upgrades from cheap Y to Connoisseur class. IIRC, those great complimentary upgrades went away about 18 months after 1K was first introduced....much like the hype of introducing Polaris until and then pulled back.
I do remember PE was special, but I also remember when 1K was extra special when it was first introduced. When 1K first came out, I was treated better than how a GS is being treated now. Although the benefits are different, I have no problem getting complimentary international upgrades often back then. CDG to IAD, SFO-NRT and other international flights on the 747 from Connoisseur cabin to international first class with 7-course caviar, lobster and Chateaubriand dinning experience in addition to frequent complimentary upgrades from cheap Y to Connoisseur class. IIRC, those great complimentary upgrades went away about 18 months after 1K was first introduced....much like the hype of introducing Polaris until and then pulled back.
Aug 6, 2020, 7:32 pm
#70
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While the walk thru the past is interesting to some, this thread is about the UA Hemispheres magazine -- let's stick to that topic. If some want to continue the walk thru the past (with a suggested title), PM/Alert a Moderator and we can move that discussion to a separate thread.
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
Aug 6, 2020, 9:11 pm
#71
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Well, a nice gesture at least by UA to send Hemispheres direct mail. Why doesn't DL publish Sky Magazine online as opposed to laying off the staff?
Also, has any Airline ever tried to sell their magazine at newsstands or convenience stores? IIRC, AA might've tried it with American Way at Borders back in the day but can't remember. I feel that could be their saving grace right now to save jobs if they can't give it away on the plane.
Also, has any Airline ever tried to sell their magazine at newsstands or convenience stores? IIRC, AA might've tried it with American Way at Borders back in the day but can't remember. I feel that could be their saving grace right now to save jobs if they can't give it away on the plane.
Aug 6, 2020, 9:33 pm
#72
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I do occasionally get bored on the airplane and pull out the magazine.
Near the back when I look at the route map I dream of something new to fly to. Good times...
Near the back when I look at the route map I dream of something new to fly to. Good times...
Aug 9, 2020, 11:06 am
#75
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With the costs of processing individual requests, unlikely. maybe just an one-off. First would wait to see if Canadians are included.
The magazine is readily available online and here
The magazine is readily available online and here