Will UA restore the 500 mile minimums for elites?
 

Similar to other unnamed carriers ;), do you think UA would restore 500 mile minimums for their elites?

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Maybe keep discussion in the original UA "elimination" thread? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=823719

But to answer you question... I hope so, but we should write, e-mail and call and advise CO has re-instated this for thier elites

My bet is yes, since AA and now CO has 500 minimums.

It will be interesting since CO and UA have made a number of moves recently that closely align them around mileage minimums and baggage fees.

I was delighted to get 500 miles for a number of LH segments in the past few weeks.

Here's hoping for UA to follow CO's lead in this and move away from following US in *anything*!

As do the DL/NW combine. And DL mgmt has stated they think keeping the minimum makes sense for Delta.

With 4 of the 6 network carriers having the 500 mile minimum (or 3 of the 5, if you count DL/NW as one) at least for elites (which is what CO did to bring it back - only for elites), UA/US are outliers at the low end now. I think it would behoove UA to move out of the basement in this area, especially with its newest "hot date" (CO) bringing it back.

Na, they won't, because that helps customers, and makes them just a teensy bit happier. That's not how UA rolls.

Some of the unnamed carriers also serve better meals (even in Y) and have better lounges, but UA doesn't seem to be following that example either.

Quite possibly. And to align things even more they will also match those unnamed carrier's international C/F redemption rates by jacking it up by 20-40K. :rolleyes:

here's hoping (and yes, only for elites as it's the little things that keep loyalty)

I hope they do, since I'm sure not flying SEA-PDX, or PDX-EUG, on UAX anymore unless they revert. The minimum 500 AS miles, more frequent flights on QX, not to mention the free wine/beer, all are working against my UA loyalty here....

Ditto that...

It may not make much sense from and RDM and EQM earning perspective, but I am purchasing my short haul travel solely on price and schedule now and crediting the AA/NW/DL/AS flights to AS Mileage Plan (or in the case of VX, to eleVAte). Sure, I don't earn 1,352 miles (338 x 4) for a SFO-LAX roundtrip (instead I earn 1000 on AA), but the measly mileage difference hardly makes up for the $50+ fare difference. It's funny - before I wouldn't even look at AA or AS for these routes because the EQMs would help me requalify for elite status.

Again, it may not make sense to all FlyerTalkers. But the elimination of 500 mile minimums and plated meals in domestic Business class demonstrates the utter disdain United has for its elites and premium cabin travellers.

And here I thought loyalty programs were supposed to drive...loyalty. Silly me :rolleyes:

(btw I don't hold a grudge on this issue - I would be happy to give the short haul business back to UA if it comes to its senses)

That's interesting, because for 100% of my SFO-LAX trips (6 so far this year), UA has been the cheapest.

I gotta say, I hope this comes back soon. I am doing a hell of a lot of SMF-SFO-XXX connection flights. The 86 miles between SMF and SFO kills me!

And I gotta weigh in...AS has a cool product, but their connections from SMF to points north from there are horrible! 3+ hours on most routes. And UA is usually only $20 or $30 more expensive. And often times, cheaper.
I do like the free beer/wine on-board the Horizon flights tho! That kicks azz! And the Jones Sugar Free Black Cherry soda can't be beat!
Plus, AS doesn't fly n/s to IAD, which is where my family lives. So...come on UA...stop being such cheap schmucks to those of us who swing the true $$$ your way regularly.

PS...I heard CO got rid of the 500 mile minimums too. Did they keep them for elites??? :mad:

Yes, they very recently reinstated the 500-mile minimum for elites only, as noted in this thread in the CO forum: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=868551

I have just written to UA asking them to match CO on this, and, like many here, I really hope they do.