[Unconfirmed] UA Preparing to Sell E+ at Booking as Separate Cabin (like DL C+)
Nov 8, 2019, 1:16 pm
#47
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,199
IIRC, most DL aircraft have far fewer C+ seats than UA's Y+ seats, so I cannot imagine UA will expect to sell out their E+ cabin using a higher fare class, and exclude elite members from pre-selecting these seats. Also, both DL and AS give you extra goodies with a booking in their C+ cabins, while UA offers absolutely nothing - so I highly doubt someone is going to pay up unless they are receiving a better product in return.
Either way, it's Friday, another day, another screw-you from Kirby.
"At United, it's not your loyalty that matters, it's how much money you are giving us today"
Edited to add: unless UA plans on dramatically reducing the E+ cabin size system wide and reducing the legroom of the remaining rows to match AA standards of 29-30".
Either way, it's Friday, another day, another screw-you from Kirby.
"At United, it's not your loyalty that matters, it's how much money you are giving us today"
Edited to add: unless UA plans on dramatically reducing the E+ cabin size system wide and reducing the legroom of the remaining rows to match AA standards of 29-30".
Nov 8, 2019, 1:32 pm
#48
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
If you insert a quarter, you will get 1 PQP because UA rounds up to the dollar (at least, for PQD purpose). The toilet line on plane will be very long because everyone is obsessed with achieving the PQP goal. 
Nov 8, 2019, 1:55 pm
#49
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,218
There are many more 1MM and as a number of us comment on FT Platinum has very little advantage over Gold. So many of us at 1Mm who have no hope of getting to 3MM see little value in 2MM.
So wondering if a potential enhancement/differentiation for Platinum vs Gold.
I am one of the 1MM, 1K in 2020 who is planning free agency in 2021 as I see no value in Platinum although do acknowledge the PlusPoints available for Platinum but currently not enough perks at Platinum as something for me to want.
Mere speculation of course.
Nov 8, 2019, 2:17 pm
#55
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,400
It depends on how any change is implemented. Keep in mind: this is unconfirmed and may not actually mean anything. DL's C+ system has borne from its tiny C+ cabin. UA doesn't have that issue. On most routes, either (a) there will never be enough E+ space for everyone, however they tier it (e.g., SFO-ORD), or (b) there is plenty of E+ space for all Premier members plus anyone who wants to buy it.
If they do make a change, and they copy DL, then Platinum would get the same treatment as 1K/GS. But it's not necessarily the case that a change is in the works.
If they do make a change, and they copy DL, then Platinum would get the same treatment as 1K/GS. But it's not necessarily the case that a change is in the works.
Nov 8, 2019, 2:22 pm
#56
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,218
It depends on how any change is implemented. Keep in mind: this is unconfirmed and may not actually mean anything. DL's C+ system has borne from its tiny C+ cabin. UA doesn't have that issue. On most routes, either (a) there will never be enough E+ space for everyone, however they tier it (e.g., SFO-ORD), or (b) there is plenty of E+ space for all Premier members plus anyone who wants to buy it.
If they do make a change, and they copy DL, then Platinum would get the same treatment as 1K/GS. But it's not necessarily the case that a change is in the works.
If they do make a change, and they copy DL, then Platinum would get the same treatment as 1K/GS. But it's not necessarily the case that a change is in the works.
But I do think United needs to do something to make Platinum attractive. Currently, apart from the few PlusPoints they are throwing at Platinums next year the gap to 1K is too large and the difference between Gold and Platinum too small.
I will never make 3MM and at 1.3MM not currently incentivized to make 2MM.
Nov 8, 2019, 2:36 pm
#58
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA MileagePlus (Premier Gold); Hilton HHonors (Gold); Chase Ultimate Rewards; Amex Plat
Posts: 6,675
If I wasn't already leaving MileagePlus next year, I'd be scared. But this just further affirms my decision to jump to OZ or A3 *G. Since UA's devaluing all of the UA-specific benefits, there's no reason to get *G with them anymore.
Nov 8, 2019, 2:56 pm
#59
Join Date: Oct 2018
Programs: Mileage Plus, Marriott Rewards, Southwest Rapid Rewards
Posts: 686
I wonder if UA is really just making it easier for those non-status business travelers (or Silvers who want good seats at booking) to get into E+ without the extra step of buying it. Some companies dictate coach fares and put the purchase (separately) of E+ on the traveler.
Vaguely similar to when CO renamed First "BusinessFirst" and marketed it as business to circumvent "we'll pay for int'l business, but not first" scheme.
There will be by-products - fewer seats for Premiers to choose from if they book late. I know a marketing lady who flies quarterly form IAH to NY/PA. She's usually a SIlver, books relatively late and tells me she usually gets crappy leftover E+ seats or is in E-. She'd be all over this.
Vaguely similar to when CO renamed First "BusinessFirst" and marketed it as business to circumvent "we'll pay for int'l business, but not first" scheme.
There will be by-products - fewer seats for Premiers to choose from if they book late. I know a marketing lady who flies quarterly form IAH to NY/PA. She's usually a SIlver, books relatively late and tells me she usually gets crappy leftover E+ seats or is in E-. She'd be all over this.