Jan 27, 2024, 4:51 pm
The way of the Dodo? - 1K upgrades, PP or CPU
Apr 1, 2024, 11:46 pm
#1321
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .59 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,597
I realize the comment indicates the FlyerTalker no longer needs to worry about them, but the definition is for those who may take the question literally.
Apr 2, 2024, 2:07 pm
#1322
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Philadelphia, LAX, Paris
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, SPG/Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Lifetime HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 3,416
The reality is that CPU have gone “The way of the Dodo”, unless it’s an odd hour flight on a route not heavily traveled by GS or 1K, or a very short flight. At least that has been my experience in 2024, so far!
Apr 2, 2024, 7:18 pm
#1323
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Los Angeles, California
Programs: United, American, Delta, Hyatt, Hilton, Hertz, Marriott
Posts: 14,937
These are the good old days: it’s likely going to get worse. 😞
Apr 3, 2024, 4:51 am
#1325
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium, LTP; IHG Platinum
Posts: 7,180
Apr 3, 2024, 4:54 am
#1326
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ha Noi, Viet Nam.
Programs: UA 1K M, AA 2 MM PREM, AVIS First, HYATT Globalist, Marriott Lifetime Platinum., Hilton Gold.
Posts: 690
US members had to earn 100K PQM and 15K PQD in the last year prior to the introduction of PQPs. International members had the PQD requirement waived. So whereas it was theoretically possible for a foreign member to achieve 1K for a few thousand dollars in long-haul economy, it cost at least $15K for a US member.
Between the starting bonuses (which are unlikely to continue0, credit cards, earnings on award travel, and the fact that some partner flights earn PQP at more than 1 PQP / $, I spent less than $15K last year to re-qualify as 1K, and I project to do so again this year.
Between the starting bonuses (which are unlikely to continue0, credit cards, earnings on award travel, and the fact that some partner flights earn PQP at more than 1 PQP / $, I spent less than $15K last year to re-qualify as 1K, and I project to do so again this year.
Apr 3, 2024, 5:03 am
#1327
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .59 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,597
Apr 3, 2024, 6:56 am
#1328
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: SEA/NYC/IAD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 2,073
I was the only 1K (no GS) on my flight last night (SEA-EWR redeye) judging by preboards. Maybe a slow week due to Easter, but I’m getting incredible value out of 1K so far in terms of upgrades.
Apr 3, 2024, 7:30 am
#1330
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,926
When I was a 1K, I remember being one of the last ones boarding an DEN-EWR flight when the GA had commented, "oh you are my only 1K for this flight". Absent direct confirmation, always assume there are GS and especially 1K on board on mainline flights.
Apr 3, 2024, 8:02 am
#1331
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton ♦ , Hyatt Carbonado, Wyndham ♦, Marriott PE, "Stinking Bum" elsewhere.
Posts: 5,111
My average CPM cost has gone down at least 20% since I've become a free agent. That's extra money that can be spent on paid premium cabin fares on other carriers. In addition, by having lots of miles available for other programs, instead of only with UA, I am able to pick-up international awards on other carriers in F/J for much cheaper prices than on UA. My last flight to TYO was only 80K AA miles in JL F. Their F product is fantastic. Now, I had to cancel my UA itinerary for a FFC at the last minute in order to pick up the JL F flight, but it was well worth it. And, I'll be able to use the UA FFC no problem.
Last edited by zombietooth; Apr 3, 2024 at 8:16 am
Apr 3, 2024, 3:38 pm
#1332
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: SEA/NYC/IAD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 2,073
Not all 1K/GS utilize preboard.
When I was a 1K, I remember being one of the last ones boarding an DEN-EWR flight when the GA had commented, "oh you are my only 1K for this flight". Absent direct confirmation, always assume there are GS and especially 1K on board on mainline flights.
When I was a 1K, I remember being one of the last ones boarding an DEN-EWR flight when the GA had commented, "oh you are my only 1K for this flight". Absent direct confirmation, always assume there are GS and especially 1K on board on mainline flights.
"Incredible value" is not that easy to quantify.
My average CPM cost has gone down at least 20% since I've become a free agent. That's extra money that can be spent on paid premium cabin fares on other carriers. In addition, by having lots of miles available for other programs, instead of only with UA, I am able to pick-up international awards on other carriers in F/J for much cheaper prices than on UA. My last flight to TYO was only 80K AA miles in JL F. Their F product is fantastic. Now, I had to cancel my UA itinerary for a FFC at the last minute in order to pick up the JL F flight, but it was well worth it. And, I'll be able to use the UA FFC no problem.
My average CPM cost has gone down at least 20% since I've become a free agent. That's extra money that can be spent on paid premium cabin fares on other carriers. In addition, by having lots of miles available for other programs, instead of only with UA, I am able to pick-up international awards on other carriers in F/J for much cheaper prices than on UA. My last flight to TYO was only 80K AA miles in JL F. Their F product is fantastic. Now, I had to cancel my UA itinerary for a FFC at the last minute in order to pick up the JL F flight, but it was well worth it. And, I'll be able to use the UA FFC no problem.
I concede given my volume of flying I could probably earn a substantial (200-300k?) number of RDM as an AS MVP100K but the route network just isn't there for me unfortunately. I might add DL as a backup carrier if I hit 1K early this year.
Apr 3, 2024, 4:26 pm
#1333
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,926
In my case it helps that UA is cheapest [of the majors] on SEA-NYC when booking in advance. My average segment cost is ~$160. I'm not going out of my way to pay extra to fly UA (if anything, DL/AS want $30-100 more for the same flight). The F product might not be great, but it sure beats sitting in Y.
Apr 4, 2024, 9:15 am
#1334
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton ♦ , Hyatt Carbonado, Wyndham ♦, Marriott PE, "Stinking Bum" elsewhere.
Posts: 5,111
Apr 4, 2024, 9:33 am
#1335
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: NYC/SEA
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 94
I second this sentiment. UA on NYC-SEA is hard to beat price and upgrade wise. I fly the route ~ every 10-12 days and my average cost per segment is basically the same as yours and routinely hundreds of dollars cheaper than my partner flying the same route on AS. Add that as a GS I am 11/12 on upgrades this year to and from SEA (albeit using PP) and I absolutely can not complain this year. Obviously anecdotal and my own experience on a far less trafficked route but sure does make me happy.