are we going to have fewer 1Ks to compete for upgrades in 2012?

I understand why people would be upset at the new EQS threshold for 1K, but if you look closely at the numbers it really makes sense. It takes 30 EQS to get to 2P, another 30 EQS to get to 1P (each 25K EQM increments), but then only 40 more EQS to go the equivalent of 50K EQM's to hit 1K? That doesn't make sense...

Agreed. Treat us like adults and don't insult us by telling us about "benefits".

I'll make MM sometime in 2011, but doubt it'll be worth much.

Just got email from UA regarding what they call "important elite updates"

In the coming year, you will begin to experience changes to your travel benefits and rewards as we integrate the United� Mileage Plus� and Continental OnePass� programs. And while the two award-winning programs will continue to operate separately in 2011, we will be working hard to provide you with a single world-class frequent flyer program by January 1, 2012.


See details of elite program updates. http://www.united.com/page/article/1,,53656,00.html


One key change is that, at the end of 2011, the elite status miles (EQM) and elite status segments (EQS) you earned in Mileage Plus and OnePass in 2011 will be combined and count toward your 2012 status in the new program.

Below are some additional elite program updates that may also be of interest. Details can also be found at mileageplus.com.

* In 2011, you will be eligible to earn unlimited Regional Upgrades
Earn two Regional Upgrades at 75,000 EQM or 90 EQS, and earn two more at every 25,000 EQM/30 EQS after that - with no limit to how many you can earn throughout the year. This replaces today's system where only 1K members earn Regional Upgrades. Learn more.

* In 2012, earn upgrade priority
Members at 75,000 EQM or 90 EQS can look forward to upgrade priority over lower-earning members. Learn more.

Appears major changes ahead for all

I will be one of the folks to lose the 4 CR-1s. Sad. As a multi-year 1K I am just very disappointed. I will be voicing my opinion to UA that's for sure. At least current 1Ks should be grandfathered in to the old rules, whether it's EQM/EQS or this CR-1 thing.

"dont call it a comeback!" uh, benefit.

What a crock. This is no benefit. The ONLY benefit I can think of is that there will be FEWER 1K's, and therefore one MIGHT have a better chance PAYING for an upgrade.

But, take away a benefit,
Add to REQUIREMENTS to achieve status,
DE-Prioritize me vs. other 1K's who manage to fly a bit more in the beginning of the year, and CALL IT A BENEFIT?

Paleaze. Now you're just being insulting.

Another unhappy 1K. Email sent to 1K Voice.

It's never pleasant to lose benefits but, as a Chicago based flyer who always makes 1K on mileage, the loss of quarterly CR-1's and additional 20 EQS for qualification is not that big a deal. I know this may sound trivial to some, but one of things I value most about the current MP is my account number. My biggest fear is when/if the new program requires a new one. It will be like changing my whole identity in a way. I wonder if others feel the same way about this.

horrible. -4CR-1s

Where do you get that info? There was no statement on MM benefits in the information that I saw. Yes, if MM stays as 50K 1P, then in 2012 they will go down a level in upgrade priority. I'm still waiting to see if they continue the MM benefits as 1P (*G) at all. As long as they keep that , I'm not that worried about being 3rd or 4th tier as on most routes, being 3rd disqualifies you from getting an upgrade through UDU (1K/GS take all the seats). When a route is light on elites (DEN-LAS), I don't think that it will matter at all.

I got the email this AM.

I like the fact that the EMAIL says "see how the program updates BENEFIT you"

Whereas, the website now says "see how the program updates MAY BENEFIT you"

meaning, almost NONE of you 1k's will experience a BENEFIT here, but SOME of you MAY benefit if you FLY LIKE CRAZY every year and hit 150K a year, you MAY experience the SAME benefits that you have come to expect.

I'm' writing my letter to AA RIGHT NOW!

This is a benefit to CO Plat because OnePass is stingy.

UA 1K has nothing to gain.

Stay tuned for more cuts of FF benefits. The worst has yet to come.

I sure hope they follow through and deliver the CR-1s I earn in Q4 in Jan 11 (I can't image they wouldn't).

As for the intelligent communication thing, I'd love to hear something like "we're reducing the opportunities to earn upgrades, but we're making it easier to confirm your upgrades at the time of booking (i.e. releasing more upgrade space)." I'm ok with fewer upgrade instruments if the things will actually clear.

I think actually it could be worse.

GS, MM1K, NEW "PRIORITY 1K", 1K, MM1P, 1P, etc.

So, technically one could be FIFTH now. I'm about 90K from MM, should just get it over with.

Unbelievable! My heart is broken by United.
How come those who earned their 1Ks the hard way this year get to enjoy MUCH LESS benefits for the next year?
It is unfair!!!