Just want to share my recent experience regarding comp status:

I recently approached Mileage Plus as an existing SQ PPS member (Star Gold) anticipating re-locating to the US in 2002, requesting complimentary Premier Executive status - with the full intention of going for 1K qualification in 2002.

This request has been turned down twice so far, with UA repeatedly arguing that they do not match status for Star Alliance partners. When my second request was denied, I was given Premier status "as a gesture of goodwill". Frankly, after consecutive years as a top-tier FF with over 60,000 annual miles in paid F/C, this is more insulting than positive. I merely asked for the SAME status I would have reached had I flown the equivalent miles on UA.

Any advice on the best next move (i.e. who/which office to call), or should I just tell them to shove it and head off to greener pastures of AA Plat challenge, and eventual ExPlat?

Partial transcript of e-mail exchanges are copied below.

Thanks in advance.

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MILEAGE PLUS� 1st REPLY
Hello Mr. XXX,

Thank you for your e-mail.

I would like to welcome you to the Mileage Plus Program. I am sorry but we do not offer Status Match for our customers that are members of our Star Alliance frequent flyer programs. You will receive your status on United after the qualifying miles have been flown. Your status with Singapore Air will still allow you to be able to receive the ability to use the lounges and the other privileges you now receive. Thank you for joining the Mileage Plus Program.

Best Regards,


2nd REQUEST
Dear Ms. XXX,

The fact that I have already joined Mileage Plus does not in any way guarantee that I will choose to fly United on a regular basis.

You may be aware that your competitor, American Airlines, offers customers a very convenient fast-track to their Platinum status, which I can easily obtain within the space of a single intercontinental flight (of which I make an average of two each month in paid First or Business class). I view this as an indication that American Airlines are interested in earning my not insignificant business, whereas United's response to my request shows quite the opposite.

I am fully aware that United Airlines DOES offer complimentary status to Star Alliance frequent fliers on a case-by-case request basis. I have made this request due to my impending relocation to the United States, and not to deprive United's Star Alliance partner (Singapore Airlines) of my business. Hence, I would like this matter to be referred to a supervisor within either Mileage Plus or the United Airlines sales department, and would like to hear back from them directly.

Needless to say, whether I choose to frequent United Airlines or switch to American Airlines/OneWorld greatly depends on a positive outcome to this request.

Thank you and regards,


MILEAGE PLUS� 2nd REPLY
Dear Mr. XXX,

Thank you for your reply.

We do not match status with our Star Alliance partners, Mr. XXX, so unfortunately, I cannot accommodate your request to upgrade your new account to Premier Executive status. As a gesture of goodwill, I have upgraded your account to Premier. This status will be valid for the rest of 2001 and all of 2002.

Sincerely,
XXX XXXX
Mileage Plus Customer Relations

I believe Star Alliance airlines has agreement not to "poach" other airline's elites by giving them complimentary elite status. I know it's kinda silly in your case, but as they pointed out, you're already *Gold, so you still have access to lounges. And since you said you fly paid first & business class often, is upgrades that important to you? I rather suspect what with you paying for first and business class seats, the UA folks would treat you pretty well, so I think being Premier for the first 50K miles isn't that much of a hardship? Or am I missing something here?

Personally, I think UA should just give you Premier Exec and be done with it, but I can understand if Star Alliance airlines don't want other airline to "steal" their elites.

Well said, UA_Eagle. Exactly my sentiments, but the argument that was raised about AA having a better fast track program is also valid.



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When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.

- Leonardo da Vinci

I was just comped PremEx from LH SEN about two weeks ago. My first two tries were turned down as well, yet after requesting to speek to a supervisor, he asked for the usual fax+copy of card and consequently comped me. So out of my expirience, your best bet is to call in and ask for a supervisor. Give it another try... and play the phone carousel game until you make it. I also know of other FTer's who were comped by united based on their *A status...

I am writing a letter to the MP status match now for my wife, who is Thai ROP-Gold. As we live in the US now, she takes practically all her flights on UA now and since there is very limited presence of thai airlines here in the US, she feel left out.

I am writing a letter attn to supervisor of status match, however, I would like to know more cases of comp successes from other *A partners to fortify my points (I would like to present them as anecdote in the letter, like "I know someone who got comped from LH...").

If you could give me your experiences, I would be appreciated.

Comping from others *A Gold is almost unethical that is why UA and other *A try to politely decline and ignore these requests.

On the other hand when UA is clearly aware that a customer may go to OneWorld or other Alliance, they... "must do something".

To start with :
a) UA is correct in not promoting Comp from *A Programmes;
b) Sales Dept, usually when aware that they might loose a code-share customer are willing to review their positions.

I got comped from RG Gold by the Sales Dept, not by Mileage Plus Reps. Very wise decision on UA as they kept revenue with *A.

In order for you to get what you want without hassle have your Travel Agent get in touch with UA...

[This message has been edited by pb9997 (edited 01-07-2002).]

Is there a fast way to gold thing with UA? If they won't match you?

I am not sure if this is a workable solution, but what about have AA comp you, and "re-comp" from AA to UA...?? Are there anybody who thought about this option?

Also, I would like to know if there will be a problem in receiving all *A Gold benefits through PremExec, but have the miles accumulated into an another *A FFP which does not have a *A GOld status?


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Regards,
StarAllianceFlyer

Don't they usually ask you for proof of status as well as flight history, to prevent comps-of-comps?

1) You'll get comped from AA AFTER you have a history with AA.
2) You can accrue miles in *A Program XY while using the full benefits from *A Gold Program XZ. Check-in/Lounge Access/Prty Brdng with the *A Gold card and accrue the miles to the new Program
(Easier done than explained)

In Amsterdam there's apparently a sales office policy (supported by the FC Concierge) to comp status for Flying Dutchman members of similar status. My boss got comped to Premier Exec on a trip we took together (my status at the time).

Thanks pb9997 and Ian NYC,
That's right... I should have thought about it.



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Regards,
StarAllianceFlyer

thank you Pb9997 and rest of you for your advices. I will send a letter to premier match and then I will instruct my wife to talk to her travel agent (although my wife thinks that her corporate travel agent know very little about the whole issue).

I will keep you updated about this quest.

This is so true... Their focus is on flying more and paying less, suggesting routes and so on and sometimes doing "miracles". In my experience they're not experts in Mileage Programs.

That's why we're here ! And what I've learned, myself !

Suggestion:
I prepared myself the letter the T/A had to forward to UA. T/A job was to let UA know how much I fly a year and I am a high-revenue customer. They're in touch with Sales Dept all the time and the Sales Dept can upgrade you in no-time at all.

Good luck and please keep us informed.