FWIW, I am going to go out on a limb and say there will be no DEQM promo this year for the following reasons:

1. United is experiencing record-level passenger loads, and as we all know, there have been very few empty seats to be had this summer (at least out of ORD). With a swelled number of 1Ks, the costs of taking care of bumped 1Ks could become a significant financial impact to UA if the 1K ranks substantially increase with a DEQM promo.

2. The new C and F configurations are going to reduce available upgrade capacity (especially on the highly-coveted 744s to Asia/Australia), so having 'too many' 1Ks will heavily devalue the SWU. Angry 1Ks who cannot use their SWUs doesn't secure loyal customers.

3. As a part of my 2nd point above, with the new C and F configurations, UA is targeting the premium paying customer. As such, they probably want people who have effectively "paid" for 1K status through 100K BIS miles, or more preferably, F/C/D/Y/B fares. DEQMs on W fares to Australia are probably not UA's new strategy to get 1Ks.

However, if I am wrong and they do offer a DEQM promo, I expect it to be very costly -- at least $599, if not a lot more. I'm willing to bet it will include all but the very lowest fare codes.

Please try and keep things civil, everyone.

Thanks,

FlyinHawaiian, Co-Moderator
United Mileage Plus Forum

Passenger loads are high because it's summertime -- as they are for all airlines in the summer. Come autumn/winter, things are different. Also, do DEQM promos really "substantially" increase the 1K ranks? I wonder. :confused:

I ask again: how substantial is the increase in the 1K ranks caused by the DEQM promos? (I would honestly like to know. A lot of the speculation on this topic seems to be hot air. Does anyone have any hard facts about the percentage of 1Ks who are 1K-lites?)

Given how weak, or at least inconsistent, UA's "soft" product is, I wonder how well they can attract all those premium paying customers. :confused: Improvements in the premium class "hard" product are admittedly nice -- now how about improvements in the onboard service and meals to match?

Several of us on this thread already agree that the fee will indeed most likely be stiff, i.e., even more than last year's $499. Also agree that at least some fare codes will probably be ineligible.

Based on the state of their business I'd guess $599, and a maximum of 10,000 EQM towards 1P and 25,000 EQM towards 1K plus the cheapest fares will be off limits. Another possibility would be only to re-qualify for what you had last year. They can tell how many people are how close to re-qualifying or upgrading and the promo will be designed to push the closest over.

My $0.02:

United is reading this thread to find out what everyone is willing to pay. Once they reach a certain cutoff date, they'll take all the feedback here and price the DEQM offer and set the terms accordingly.

:D

$0.02 sounds like a fair price. That is my highest offer! :D

It still means a lot of segments or miles for someone to make 1k even with double promo. I will only fly United (I am 1k currently) at the end of the year to MAKE my 1k back again, but can only do it if the double promo comes out. Its in their best interest to keep it coming, as I know a lot of flights would be purchased because of this promo...

and my 2 hockey pucks agrees as well.

United, please read: i hope that you do not make the fee too high as i'm out of work and i'm gonna need the deqm to re-up for 1k as if not i'm gonna drop all the way to premier and i like being a 1k and have been for the past 3 years. <guilt, guilt, guilt> :)

I second goalie's post! Dont make it too expensive and please start the offer at end September ;)

Like.....September 24th:D:D

LOL :D That would be perfect ^

Hope to see you onboard then! Or maybe at the lounge in either LHR/SFO/SYD/MEL.:)

LOL :D.

A bit OT, but I will only be at SYD unless my flt get rerouted in a BIG way - lol. SYD on 26/9. Its a small world, who knows we may bump into each other ;). I am planning to get the yellow FT tags.

Fingers crossed for the early start to the Double EQM promo.

They have raised it $100 every year since they began and it has always been good for any fare. Betting on $599 and any fare. However, at some point, the public will balk, sales will slack and they will stop raising the rate. I would LOVE to know what the revenue is for this promo, comparing year for year. My husband and I have been 1K lites ever since they started the promo.

Can anyone definitely say what were the start dates for the last three promotions? (2006, 2005, 2004)