drewguy

I could see that.

I could also see UA recognizing that a lot of people can't use PP because of high F sales and existing PP, and realizing that it's worth keeping the PP incentive for booking out there a little bit longer and not antagonizing the customers who would see them expire (recognizing it may antagonize those with non-expiring PP who want less competiton for use).

ed3

I just re-qualified for Platinum for 2023 and am currently at 34 segments.
All but one flight was nearly full, so I'm not sure if UA needs to do anything pertaining to extensions or promos.

At the end of the day, UA will decide to do whatever the numbers suggest.

mduell

The "TPAC 1Ks" are still relatively missing... I wonder if UA will do anything targeted there. Pre-COVID UA had a very strong position in China and other TPAC markets, with a lot of loyal 1Ks.

UA_Flyer

I think it has to be very specific. My travel to Australia and Singapore are back to pre-Covid level.

Japan should be back to normal by end of year, but HKG has lost its financial hub status and business attractiveness to ever get back to the old days. UA had written down route rights and investments in HK prior to Covid, so it is not like Covid was the primary reason for lack of demand in/out of HKG.
Regarding China, how long can UA keep extending China based 1Ks and elite members' status? Getting in and out of China is still a huge challenge with getting the right visa, pre and post arrival testing and quarantines. Then, there are geopolitical issues that may impact business travel demands.

Perhpas not a blanket extension of elite status, but I can see route specific promotion for double PQP, PQD or fast track elite earning promotion. If UA is generous, perhaps just downgrade status to one level below.

IMissThe747

I was one of these. Was grounded from Feb., 2020 until July, 2021. Since then I've been back up and flying, and moved to the Americas. I'm getting back to normal, and will probably fall to platinum next year, as my flight patterns in the western hemisphere are a little more chill.

While I was "grounded" I could have traveled, but quarantine requirements made it impractical.

I'm hopeful for some sort of bonus that will help me hit 1K for 2023, but we'll see what happens.

bocastephen

I'm one of those missing APAC 1Ks - and Japan is not going to get back to normal by the end of the year. They now require a visa from anyone and everyone visiting the country, and non-business/family travel is limited to people buying tourist packages at extremist prices from a handful of tour companies where you're not even allowed outside without an escort - you literally had more freedom on one of those North Korean tours, and from what I hear, it will be that way going forward for a long time. Requiring an actual visa from visitors is unprecedented. Taiwan is still closed, with little hope of re-opening to general visitors without a quarantine before end of the year, and even when they start to consider the option, no one has any idea what it will look like. Business travel and tourism to China is a non-starter, and that is probably hurting Kirby's pocketbook more than anything, aside from what is the quickening pace of companies moving production out of China that will deliver a long term hit on UA's revenue from that market.

So, my two usual destinations are closed - but I am looking for options to SIN/KUL/BKK/CGK just to get out of here, and take a trip to try and re-qualify, but the fares are not co-operating yet and given the flight loads across the board, I'm not so sure about any PQP bonus offers or extensions, unless there is an actual recession that sets in and crushes travel again.

escapefromphl

I have a suspicion that UA may be entertaining adding expanded PQP earning via credit card. I suspect we can expect up to 8K or even 10K PQP being available via credit card spend.

Clemson

I'm a little more optimistic on Taiwan, perhaps out of my own self-interest. Taiwan's already lowered their restrictions quite a bit to now 3 days of quarantine + 4 days of self-isolation. There's hope that it will shift away from quarantine entirely within a month or two if the numbers look good. By the end of the year it's possible that there's no quarantine and only a short self-isolation period, or perhaps no restriction at all.

Doppy

Probably wouldn't do a ton unless the 36 PQF requirement were also removed - then it just becomes a credit card spending loyalty program though.

UA_Flyer

I am quite sympathetic to those who achieve status based on Transpac flights. With Transatlantic and Domestic flights packed with high fares, UA will be challenged to extend status to all elites another year.

restlessinRNO

I’m a TPAC 1K. I think you will find prices are much higher and planes are full. I just flew SFO-ICN, connecting to OZ to BKK. Upgrade to J using PP failed, but I did get premium economy upgrade at the gate (1K on H fare). So I am glad for PP extension. 😊

bocastephen

I am not holding out much hope for any decent fares on UA, but there is always the option for a *A partner with a better product....

8MiHi

I could see a graduated plan allowing a portion of CC PQPs becoming 1K eligible with 12 and 24 PQFs.

Aussienarelle

Well they keep adding 500 PQP each quarter for my CC spend on top of the amount already allowed so I think you are correct. I mean it was already going the spending route with PQP anyway.

MM program keeps many folks "loyal" to United. You take that away and then United get what is wants - pax who choose an airline based in price...

gpicur

Hi WJJ, thanks for your keen insight. I am a bit challenged with some of your abbreviations; what is “WFBF” and “CK” ?