anyone even using PlusPoints these days?
Dec 6, 2020, 11:29 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2018
Programs: United 1k, HH Diamond, Bonvoy Ambassador and LT-Gold
Posts: 1,636
anyone even using PlusPoints these days?
I have only taken a few flight in the past few months - and most have been using miles and since I have a UA Credit card, I seem to get upgraded automatically since most of the flights are relatively empty (and around 2 hours max). Now that I am getting (slowly) back into domestic paid flights (and unclear when/if travel international again) - as a 1K, tend to be higher on the upgrade list (does anyone know what gives more priority - 1K vs credit card holders?).... given the current loads and such, is it even worth using PP these days?
for example - in a could of weeks, I have a DEN-ORD (2 hour flight) on a 777 with either lay flats or maybe even Polaris... looks like plenty of seats available everywhere - in fact, if I stay in E+ and forgo the upgrade, I could probably get an entire row (or at least an empty middle seat) to myself....in fact, I have refused an upgrade to stay in an entire empty row.
I have several hundred PP and I think they are scheduled to expire in July 2021 or so....so, yes - use them or lose them, but what can or should we use them for?
-m
for example - in a could of weeks, I have a DEN-ORD (2 hour flight) on a 777 with either lay flats or maybe even Polaris... looks like plenty of seats available everywhere - in fact, if I stay in E+ and forgo the upgrade, I could probably get an entire row (or at least an empty middle seat) to myself....in fact, I have refused an upgrade to stay in an entire empty row.
I have several hundred PP and I think they are scheduled to expire in July 2021 or so....so, yes - use them or lose them, but what can or should we use them for?
-m
Dec 6, 2020, 11:57 am
#2
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,769
I have only taken a few flight in the past few months - and most have been using miles and since I have a UA Credit card, I seem to get upgraded automatically since most of the flights are relatively empty (and around 2 hours max). Now that I am getting (slowly) back into domestic paid flights (and unclear when/if travel international again) - as a 1K, tend to be higher on the upgrade list (does anyone know what gives more priority - 1K vs credit card holders?).... given the current loads and such, is it even worth using PP these days? ...
CPU Clearance Experiences
Status and fare is still the primary metric but in your status/fare group having certain cards (Club/PresPlus), also corporate preferred customer help -- overrides time of request, so a minor plus
Comprehensive Companion CPU Questions
Understanding the United Upgrade List Comprehensively
Effective August 14, 2018, upgrade waitlists are processed in the following priority order:
- Premier status of the traveler
- Fare class
- Chase United MileagePlus Club cardholder
- United Corporate Preferred participant
- Time of request
Dec 6, 2020, 12:17 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2018
Programs: United 1k, HH Diamond, Bonvoy Ambassador and LT-Gold
Posts: 1,636
I understand - but given the fact that the "math" has changed with regards to flight loads and chances of upgrades - is it even worth using PP to upgrade a week or 2 in advance? I know the rules have not changed - and it is still a gamble, but the odds are now different.... and since many of the benefits to upgrading are no longer there (meals, space, and maybe drinks - which 1K's kinda get anyhow) - it is even worth using PP or is there any reason that people are using to save them?
...especially since some people have hundreds of points?
-m
...especially since some people have hundreds of points?
-m
Dec 6, 2020, 12:19 pm
#4
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,416
Yes, I've burned them on SFO-PHX so I could confirm a single on the E75. 20 points = $90. I still have 300 PP left to burn, so I'm fine with the low dollar value.
Dec 6, 2020, 12:48 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Anywhere but home
Programs: UA 1K/MM, DL GM/MM, AA Gold, HH Dia, PC Plat, ALL Sil, MR Gold
Posts: 4,550
I've used mine on mid-con flights when there were few F seats left (close-in booking) and/or when points were expiring soon. If you anticipate you can use all your points on trans-cons and/or Polaris flights before expiration, don't use them on shorter flights; if there's doubt, use them.
Dec 6, 2020, 8:55 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: IAH / HOU
Programs: UA GS, DL-Plat, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum, Hyatt Somethingist, Marriott Titanium Lifetime
Posts: 2,853
I have used a few hundred this year. Virtually every flight I have taken this year has been an award ticket, and using the Plus Points assured I was sitting in front with fewer people nearby. Probably more than half of the flights I would have been upgraded anyway, but I got my choice of seat. On the ERJ-175 that is especially valuable.
Dec 6, 2020, 9:00 pm
#9
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,589
I have burned thru 380 this year and have another 600 pending.
Everything has cleared so far this year. My Vacation next summer is 480 of the 600 pending so we will see on those.
Everything has cleared so far this year. My Vacation next summer is 480 of the 600 pending so we will see on those.
Dec 6, 2020, 10:10 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BOS, PVG
Programs: United 1K and 1MM, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 10,000
I have used 40 PP to upgrade to Polaris for Shanghai-SFO-Newark on a 35K mileage ticket.
Probably best deal.
Also I thought that PP is extended to Jan. 2022?
Probably best deal.
Also I thought that PP is extended to Jan. 2022?
Dec 7, 2020, 7:50 am
#13
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
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Dec 7, 2020, 9:57 am
#15
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,769
from MileagePlus Status Easier to Earn for 2022: ↓ PQP Levels, PQP Grant, Q1-21 PQP Bonus
Hi drewguy, as a part of our program announcement today, we have extended PlusPoints expiring on/after January 1, 2021 another 6 months, and that would include PlusPoints that have a current expiration of 7/31/21. Therefore, those will be extended and will expire at the end of January 2022. Please allow for up to December 15, 2021 for us to make this extension.
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Hi eng3, correct, those are the requirements for earning status in 2022. You will also receive a PQP deposit based on your 2021 status level at the end of 2020, and you will get a PQP bonus of 100% on each of your first three PQP-eligible trips taken between January 1, 2021 and March 31, 2021. You’re right, we already did extend PlusPoints once when we announced changes to our program in April of 2020. We’re extending PlusPoints expiring on/after January 1, 2021 once again – so if you have any PlusPoints expiring after that date, expect them to be extended 6 months and we’ll do so no later than December 15, 2020.
Hi eng3, correct, those are the requirements for earning status in 2022. You will also receive a PQP deposit based on your 2021 status level at the end of 2020, and you will get a PQP bonus of 100% on each of your first three PQP-eligible trips taken between January 1, 2021 and March 31, 2021. You’re right, we already did extend PlusPoints once when we announced changes to our program in April of 2020. We’re extending PlusPoints expiring on/after January 1, 2021 once again – so if you have any PlusPoints expiring after that date, expect them to be extended 6 months and we’ll do so no later than December 15, 2020.
