That was me.... To earn GS for less than it costs to be 1k -- and get another year of XN + PP -> J we will save a ton since we fly back and forth so much.... I'm already looking at quick flights to LHR from EWR that would total $18k -- relatively easy to do in 1 day....

Yes, under current rules of 2024 GS challenge paid upgrades don''t count. If traveler buys an 800-dollar ticket RT then ponies up another 1600 in paid upgrades is that not real dollars? Puzzling. I agree paid upgrades offer some incremental savings but in aggregate over course of a calendar year it all balances out; Hence travelers with 90,000 PQP. This policy all but eliminate those not allowed to get full fare business from outset but upgrade afterwards. I was close to 70,000 PQP in 2023 and could top that in 2024. Given new polices my goal for 2024 is not a P over 18K. Obviously we are a drop in their bottom line bucket and they won't miss another 50,000 PQP or more.

Is the prime reason to buy upgrades to get the seat or the status? Are you just going to ride in coach? Or is 1K just too far beneath you :)?

Both. However paid upgrades is a dangerous game if travel schedule changes. UA won’t refund and takes a seasoned 1K rep to execute request.

Do you think this year’s challenge might be a “one and done” by United? I can see some thinking they’ll get another challenge next year and be disappointed if their 2024 spend doesn’t clear UA’s murky GS hurdle(s).

Actually I do -- it seems like a sucker bet to me and Kirby is milking it... I think UA has raised the bar but is tempting the past GS crew to keep their perceived benefits... As someone that has suffered through Kirby once before that isn't how it works with him.... The only thing I could see changing this would be is UA has a horrible first half of the year -- and people start to question their strategy....

Honestly -- if 1K could upgrade award tickets I wouldn't even consider spending $18k for GS -- but since we travel back and forth so much between NYC and TYO it's worth a thought... I realize we are an unusual case -- for once we are the 1% that it might make sense.... I spent $25k last year on personal travel on UA back and forth as a GS -- seems like a no brainer to me...

Odd, since they certainly counted towards my requal. Are we confusing this with up-faring which is what I did?

An upgrade offer and up-faring are vastly different in price usually.

Up-faring and paid upgrades would be hugely different (IMHO) in UA’s GS nominations. UA clearly wants people paying front cabin fares, not buying upgrades into F.

Agreed, which is why I think the poster might be unknowingly confusing the two.

Maybe UA should do a GS Lite for OPM travelers. Instead of PN, they wait for PZ. But, as GS, they’re still ahead of 1Ks. Still gets UC access and early boarding, etc, but gets UA the revenue boost they’re looking for.

I'm exactly in the same boat with you. In the situation where I have a large amount of travel out of my pocket internationally, and the ability to do much of it XY->PN makes it a hugely attractive proposal for me.

Is it a one-off? Not necessarily - it's extremely similar to last year - but I'm under no illusion it'll be back next year again. If it is, wonderful, it'll be a nice surprise.

They kinda already do with “Corporate Preferred” - benefits include tie-breaker preference for upgrade, standby priority, downgrade protection, etc.

Not sure how it works in reality though

Just to add a data point, a number of Corporate Discount Program travelers that I know received this note this week as a response to calling in. They were not eligible for the challenge, so that is certainly where UA are focused.

Very interested in what this may mean for the total GS population this year post-Jan 31

Fascinating....seems the new rules are: no corporate program travelers welcome - unless company nominates you from their allotment. However, if you AREN'T corporate, you get a challenge pretty much regardless of 2023 spend.

Certainly UA is always looking for revenue boosts, but is your theory that UA has culled the OPM GS ranks to reduce the number of Y>PN upgrades from these folks on the belief that many of the now-former GS will instead play the upgrade lottery by buying OAR instead, thereby increasing UA's net revenue from such customers?