2011 Mileage Plus and OnePass elite program developments
Nov 20, 2010, 11:42 am
#946
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,330
Seems to me that its not about us. Its passifying CO plats who are in limbo. Frankly they should just keep MP as it is and tell the 75k CO "top tier" to piss-off. they are all hub captives where are they gonna go?? they've been riding the gravy train too long. Sheesh DEQM = 37.5 k for top tier ?? give me a break. yet it seems they want to ram nonepass down our throats.
Nov 20, 2010, 11:43 am
#947
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 257
I remember lilfe as a 2P and was 1P for many years.... even then I never understood why the EQS ratio was 30/60/100 instead of 25/50/100.
If you think about it, there is absolutely no correlation of EQM to EQS. One is a measure of distance and the other frequency. It's like Hertz vs. Watts in measuring electricity - they're both related to the same topic but totally different units of measurements.
If UACO really wanted to squeeze in a 1P+ tier the "most fair" way would be to standardize the tiers to 25/50/75/100 across the board for both EQMs and EQS.
It seems to me that the only internal discussion was centered around how "90 is too close to 100" so they raised the later instead of thinking through the ramifications to those impacted. The message it sends is: "we only care about the mileage flyer. The rest of you can get bent."
120 segments is a really high bar to clear for almost all but the most dedicated of segment flyers. 100 is tough enough as it is. I've said it before: if you think it's "easy" to make 1K on segments then you've obviously never done it.
If you think about it, there is absolutely no correlation of EQM to EQS. One is a measure of distance and the other frequency. It's like Hertz vs. Watts in measuring electricity - they're both related to the same topic but totally different units of measurements.
If UACO really wanted to squeeze in a 1P+ tier the "most fair" way would be to standardize the tiers to 25/50/75/100 across the board for both EQMs and EQS.
It seems to me that the only internal discussion was centered around how "90 is too close to 100" so they raised the later instead of thinking through the ramifications to those impacted. The message it sends is: "we only care about the mileage flyer. The rest of you can get bent."
120 segments is a really high bar to clear for almost all but the most dedicated of segment flyers. 100 is tough enough as it is. I've said it before: if you think it's "easy" to make 1K on segments then you've obviously never done it.
i actually agree with 120 eqs. i never understood why the 1k level got a dicount from 30/60/120 to begin with. and yes, i've been a segment flier for many years. i first qualified for exp at 101 segments and did it on segments for several years before switching to ua when i qualified on 103 segments.
honestly, for the small segment of the population that is ft'ers, you can add in 20 segments over the course of a year for zero cost by being diligent about following the nonsensical ft ways.
Nov 20, 2010, 11:47 am
#948
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
There are two ways to look at segment-based qualification:
- Some are going to be folks who find 4 hop transcon runs or the like. Generally not as profitable to the company as someone who just flies the non-stop of single connection.
- Some are going to be non-hub residents who connect on all their itineraries. In many cases those customers are paying lower fares than the hub captives. Again, not as profitable per segment flown than the folks who are connecting less.
- Some are going to be flying very expensive point-to-point routes and are going to be tremendously profitable to the company.
Nov 20, 2010, 1:06 pm
#949
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Springfield,MO,USA
Programs: UA 1K MM, HH Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,604
With regard to segments vs. miles, When I lived in LA and traveled on transcon's from LAX I never cared about segments. Now living in Springfield MO and using SGF as my home airport, segments matter as a predominantly domestic traveler. Going from 100 to 120 segments to retain 1K is a big deal for me. I can pack on the miles by going through ORD to go west instead of DEN or the opposite going east and probably qualify on miles in the future if necessary.
I usually hit 100K miles by the end of the year anyhow but its always close and I travel enough for work to not want to do any pure runs.
While some may say that 1K's on segments are a small group or unprofitable, the change impacts me as an individual and certainly others. Look at some fares from SGF to anywhere and you will see high $.
To the "miles" people who have posted comments of a dismissive nature to the "segment" people like myself, please show some sympathy / support.
I usually hit 100K miles by the end of the year anyhow but its always close and I travel enough for work to not want to do any pure runs.
While some may say that 1K's on segments are a small group or unprofitable, the change impacts me as an individual and certainly others. Look at some fares from SGF to anywhere and you will see high $.
To the "miles" people who have posted comments of a dismissive nature to the "segment" people like myself, please show some sympathy / support.
Nov 20, 2010, 1:39 pm
#950
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 110
[QUOTE=LarkSFO;15210114] The consistent reference to 'lowly 2p's'...)
Just FYI- the "lowly 2p" thing started as a joke by an actual lowly 2p... don't recall who, but someone can probably chime in on that. Looking at your join date it was WAY before you arrived here... Things are not always as they seem.
Just FYI- the "lowly 2p" thing started as a joke by an actual lowly 2p... don't recall who, but someone can probably chime in on that. Looking at your join date it was WAY before you arrived here... Things are not always as they seem.
Nov 20, 2010, 1:43 pm
#951
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,715
Just FYI- the "lowly 2p" thing started as a joke by an actual lowly 2p... don't recall who, but someone can probably chime in on that. Looking at your join date it was WAY before you arrived here... Things are not always as they seem.
Nov 20, 2010, 1:45 pm
#952
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,330
With regard to segments vs. miles, When I lived in LA and traveled on transcon's from LAX I never cared about segments. Now living in Springfield MO and using SGF as my home airport, segments matter as a predominantly domestic traveler. Going from 100 to 120 segments to retain 1K is a big deal for me. I can pack on the miles by going through ORD to go west instead of DEN or the opposite going east and probably qualify on miles in the future if necessary.
I usually hit 100K miles by the end of the year anyhow but its always close and I travel enough for work to not want to do any pure runs.
While some may say that 1K's on segments are a small group or unprofitable, the change impacts me as an individual and certainly others. Look at some fares from SGF to anywhere and you will see high $.
To the "miles" people who have posted comments of a dismissive nature to the "segment" people like myself, please show some sympathy / support.
I usually hit 100K miles by the end of the year anyhow but its always close and I travel enough for work to not want to do any pure runs.
While some may say that 1K's on segments are a small group or unprofitable, the change impacts me as an individual and certainly others. Look at some fares from SGF to anywhere and you will see high $.
To the "miles" people who have posted comments of a dismissive nature to the "segment" people like myself, please show some sympathy / support.
Apparently, the "if it doesn't effect me, I'm not bothered" attitude is rearing its apathetic head once again.
Luckily, on the 500 mile minimums, UA caved to our reasonings. In this new era of COunited, I truly don't think anyone at Whacker gives a damn anymore. Sadly, I think this will stick. Likewise, it's a harbinger of things to come.
Nov 20, 2010, 2:37 pm
#953
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: UK/Australia
Programs: BAEC Silver, UA2MM, QF Platinum, VA Platinum., Volare Executive Club
Posts: 2,532
It seems that Mr Smisek and his cohorts have really misjudged the outcome of their efforts to CO'ise UA, producing a very strange mongrel which annoys both UA and CO FF'ers.
If he was going to gut UA and make it a virtual clone of the current CO, surely he would have been much better off to take the Delta approach, where one "partner" just gets completely obliterated. In that way, you are only pissing off half of your FF'ers, rather than everyone.
It will surely end in tears (yes, I know, I've said that before).
And, on a slightly related issue, it strikes me that if most UA elites weren't tied to UA though their employment, this whole merger would be dead in the water.
Just a few cents worth form me (who obviously has no idea about anything).
If he was going to gut UA and make it a virtual clone of the current CO, surely he would have been much better off to take the Delta approach, where one "partner" just gets completely obliterated. In that way, you are only pissing off half of your FF'ers, rather than everyone.
It will surely end in tears (yes, I know, I've said that before).
And, on a slightly related issue, it strikes me that if most UA elites weren't tied to UA though their employment, this whole merger would be dead in the water.
Just a few cents worth form me (who obviously has no idea about anything).
Nov 20, 2010, 2:42 pm
#954
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: EXP
Posts: 84
Sadly, this whole debacle reminds me of the "fight" I put up when UA decided to revoke 500 mile minimums. My flights between SMF and SFO credited at 86 miles, leaving me a 414 mile deficiency per trip. I clearly remember the dismissive nature at that time of many of those on FT who flew long hauls, even going so far as to state they were glad, as there would be less 1Ks to compete against.
Apparently, the "if it doesn't effect me, I'm not bothered" attitude is rearing its apathetic head once again.
Luckily, on the 500 mile minimums, UA caved to our reasonings. In this new era of COunited, I truly don't think anyone at Whacker gives a damn anymore. Sadly, I think this will stick. Likewise, it's a harbinger of things to come.
Apparently, the "if it doesn't effect me, I'm not bothered" attitude is rearing its apathetic head once again.
Luckily, on the 500 mile minimums, UA caved to our reasonings. In this new era of COunited, I truly don't think anyone at Whacker gives a damn anymore. Sadly, I think this will stick. Likewise, it's a harbinger of things to come.
120 EQM is brutal but living in a UX town gives me 4 or 6 segments weekly. If I stay employed and don't end up with a gig in any of the hub cities I should hit 120EQM. Nonetheless, this is a big
and I don't look forward to the next MP-NonePass program updates. Gunning for EQM next year for sure. I wish my hometown had AA presence so I could consider the great AA EXP movement in the other thread.
Last edited by chicoflyer#1; Nov 20, 2010 at 2:53 pm Reason: typo
Nov 20, 2010, 3:55 pm
#955
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SFO and OAK
Programs: FAF, Hyatt <>, SPG PLT
Posts: 2,240
If most UA elites were tied to UA through their employment why would UA offer a FF program at all? Or offer arguably an above average program (before the merger)? For the record I'm tied to UA because of geography. I'm all about schedule, schedule and schedule....
Nov 20, 2010, 4:17 pm
#956
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 5,825
I hear you
[QUOTE=sfkittee;15217222]
Cool, I hear you... I am a relative newcomer who is probably talking too much... (However, I do tend to sense some stratification in the community though....)
Mike Jacubowski (sp?) is/was a lowly 2p - Did he originate it?
The consistent reference to 'lowly 2p's'...)
Just FYI- the "lowly 2p" thing started as a joke by an actual lowly 2p... don't recall who, but someone can probably chime in on that. Looking at your join date it was WAY before you arrived here... Things are not always as they seem.
Just FYI- the "lowly 2p" thing started as a joke by an actual lowly 2p... don't recall who, but someone can probably chime in on that. Looking at your join date it was WAY before you arrived here... Things are not always as they seem.
Mike Jacubowski (sp?) is/was a lowly 2p - Did he originate it?
Nov 20, 2010, 4:44 pm
#957
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,224
Nov 20, 2010, 6:10 pm
#958
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,826
[QUOTE=LarkSFO;15218470]
Yes, it was me. Close enough on the spelling... Jacoubowsky.
I had coined
curious 3P
lowly 2P
Humble 1P
BOLD 1K
MIGHTY UGS
I was the 2P cat-herder for some time, doing my best to keep expectations in line, explaining how things worked, preaching respect for the real iron-butt flyers who keep the planes up in the air.
And then something weird happened. I flew too much last year, and then UA added DEQM (twice, although I didn't fly once during the initial DEQM period), and with a mileage run became a 1K. I always signed my posts with lowly 2P when that was my station in life, but I never really felt I earned the right to consider myself a BOLD 1K. I also had, for a time, all of the elite titles listed in my sig, but was asked by a couple of seasoned FTers to remove them, because they were distracting as people scrolled down a page.
Next year, I'll hopefully be able to report on the Humble 1P experience. ^
I had coined
curious 3P
lowly 2P
Humble 1P
BOLD 1K
MIGHTY UGS
I was the 2P cat-herder for some time, doing my best to keep expectations in line, explaining how things worked, preaching respect for the real iron-butt flyers who keep the planes up in the air.
And then something weird happened. I flew too much last year, and then UA added DEQM (twice, although I didn't fly once during the initial DEQM period), and with a mileage run became a 1K. I always signed my posts with lowly 2P when that was my station in life, but I never really felt I earned the right to consider myself a BOLD 1K. I also had, for a time, all of the elite titles listed in my sig, but was asked by a couple of seasoned FTers to remove them, because they were distracting as people scrolled down a page.
Next year, I'll hopefully be able to report on the Humble 1P experience. ^
Nov 20, 2010, 6:21 pm
#959
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 110
[QUOTE=Mike Jacoubowsky;15219594]
Sorry- still getting used to touch pad on this new Air....
With all your status bouncing you're becoming more and more invaluable! How about leapfrogging up to Mighty UGS for 2012?
Yes, it was me. Close enough on the spelling... Jacoubowsky.
I had coined
curious 3P
lowly 2P
Humble 1P
BOLD 1K
MIGHTY UGS
I was the 2P cat-herder for some time, doing my best to keep expectations in line, explaining how things worked, preaching respect for the real iron-butt flyers who keep the planes up in the air.
And then something weird happened. I flew too much last year, and then UA added DEQM (twice, although I didn't fly once during the initial DEQM period), and with a mileage run became a 1K. I always signed my posts with lowly 2P when that was my station in life, but I never really felt I earned the right to consider myself a BOLD 1K. I also had, for a time, all of the elite titles listed in my sig, but was asked by a couple of seasoned FTers to remove them, because they were distracting as people scrolled down a page.
Next year, I'll hopefully be able to report on the Humble 1P experience. ^
I had coined
curious 3P
lowly 2P
Humble 1P
BOLD 1K
MIGHTY UGS
I was the 2P cat-herder for some time, doing my best to keep expectations in line, explaining how things worked, preaching respect for the real iron-butt flyers who keep the planes up in the air.
And then something weird happened. I flew too much last year, and then UA added DEQM (twice, although I didn't fly once during the initial DEQM period), and with a mileage run became a 1K. I always signed my posts with lowly 2P when that was my station in life, but I never really felt I earned the right to consider myself a BOLD 1K. I also had, for a time, all of the elite titles listed in my sig, but was asked by a couple of seasoned FTers to remove them, because they were distracting as people scrolled down a page.
Next year, I'll hopefully be able to report on the Humble 1P experience. ^
With all your status bouncing you're becoming more and more invaluable! How about leapfrogging up to Mighty UGS for 2012?
Last edited by sfkittee; Nov 20, 2010 at 6:23 pm Reason: sticky fingers
Nov 20, 2010, 6:28 pm
#960
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,826
