Plats would get an equivalent of 1 (current) GPU, and only 1Ks and their same-record companions will have STW (proposed as an alternative to STL, to avoid confusion with the city) privileges. Presumably a STW will price out more than 40 PP.

I'm trying to conceptualize how UA will handle STW... the simplest solution would be to price dynamically based on PN, but that would seem to dilute the GS benefit, as there does not appear to be a mechanism for GS to pay a higher PP rate to "guarantee" an upgrade. Even still, the 30-day lockup and rigid change policy plays into the GS wheelhouse (close-in travel) and allows UA to manage upgrade inventory as day-of-flight approaches.

Maybe there will be a new bucket somewhere in the P cascade, like PN>PX>PZ where PX is a capacity-controlled subset that (theoretically) should be more limited than PN, but more plentiful than PZ? I'm curious to see how it plays out.

It's good to see that I can now upgrade my K(ettle) fare from SYD to LHR (via LAX) using 80 PlusPoints seems like respectable value for money for this Gold :p. Heck while I'm at it I may as well skip the line too! :p

-James

So all the time spent writing survey comments asking for more flexibility and choice in upgrades actually paid off?!! While there is high likelihood PP will be de-valued over time like everything else, short of a hiccup or two (namely domestic connector to ITN'L upgrade issue) I view this as overall highly positive! Remember, the announcement could just have easily been something like, "Beginning in 2020, we're going to give you half as many GPUs, and you will like it". I think this is one of the most substantive changes to the program to occur in many years. I haven't yet viewed United's site on the new program, but for all the concern that the changes might result in LESS ug availability, if I were the chief spin officer I would be highlighting the fact that not only is UA offering more choice - but they have made solid progress on their commitment to add more F/J seats to the fleet. More seats, more choices, more better IMO!

Believe it was mentioned upthread that it essentially will require a GPU (40 points) to upgrade any Copa flight versus the old RPU scheme (20 points). Definitely a downgrade, sure, but overall I can't complain as UIO and BOG are coming off of the stupid GPU requirement if flying on UA metal so it's a wash for me - will save points on those routes but spend more on other Copa flights I take.

Would be curious if anyone has any perspective on how they will handle mixed CM/UA itineraries. Presently you have to use separate RPU's for each carrier (i.e. UA IAH-PTY; CM PTY-beyond) - in the new scheme would it be 20+ 40 for that same itinerary so an overall net increase of 1 RPU (20 points)?

Edit: as long as they don't institute a fare class requirement for Copa to align with the LH/NH policy, that's my only fear. Did anyone read anything that would indicate that? If not, and if the ability to use points eventually expands to AV if/when the JV gets approved, I'm overall happy.

1K here. Disappointing to see that even more flyers (Plat) will now be able to upgrade into int'l PP and C cabins using upgrade instruments, thereby reducing int'l UPG inventory for 1Ks even more. Recognize 1Ks will have higher priority on WL, but that doesn't help finding confirmeable UPG space if Plats have already booked them.

Several variables affect availability of Skip Waitlist so we can’t guide to any single one thing. (We have to keep some secrets!) Skip Waitlist is offered on a segment by segment basis and only for long-haul international flights; other legs will still be subject to availability and could be waitlisted at time of request. If it’s available on IAD-FRA you’d be able to get Skip Waitlist on that segment (confirmed upgrade) and the other segments would be subject to upgrade availability.


Your flight departure would need to be prior to expiration.


Very perceptive! This post piqued our interest. We’re pleased you like our products but we probably won’t be providing prizes. 😊

I sense there are going to be a lot of people using their expiring points (StW) to travel before they expire.....

Well poo, wish I hadn't just given up on re-qualifying for 1K this year....


Also, another thanks to UA Insider for taking the time to answer questions, hope to see this continue in the future.

Suppose it helps that this is a change we might actually like...

Subject to availability...

Cynicism aside, I think the added flexibility this offers is a huge plus. RPUs are of little interest to me, others have no use for GPUs other than upgrading domestic flights. Some of us fly under policies that only allow booking the lowest economy fare. There are a lot more options on the table now. Thumbs up!

Two things...First, reading all of this makes me glad I will never make Plat or 1K because my head is spinning trying to figure it all out and second Who is on first???? I don't know, Third BASE.......

Never gotten one. It looks like you actually have to 'qualify' to trigger the issuance of them. I don't fly enough to get the 1st RPU, but one might sort of hope that when it automatically renews that would trigger the issuance of the 1st set of upgrades.

Nope.

So..... I should bank all my unused GPU & RPU (mine usually expire), hold off on booking holiday travels and redeem after 12/4, using the points to confirm upgrades I could not confirm in advance before, yes?

Perpetually a pleasure perusing your program posts! Perfectly paired with a PDB (Purser permitting!) :D

I wouldnt if they are due to expire 1.31.2020. That's little time to burn them all.