United Airlines has a funny way of showing loyalty to its Mileage Plus loyalty program members. For those who didn’t re-qualify for status in 2021, the chosen few were given a reprieve, for everyone else, a price. If you...
United Dynamic Award Pricing One-Way Street
United Airlines switched this year from a fixed award chart to one that changes based on availability. United dynamic award pricing is a one-way street. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click...
This Trip Demonstrates Benefit of New United Airlines Mileage Plus Program
A fare deal came out this week that clearly demonstrates the benefits of the new United Mileage Plus program, one that should encourage those who might struggle to achieve $18,000 in spending annually. If you are considering booking travel or signing...
United PlusPoints Bring Old Problems to New Situations
United’s new PlusPoints has some benefits to travellers adding flexibility. However, old problems with United’s Global and Regional Premier Upgrades carry over to new situations. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click...
United’s Plus Points Makes MileagePlus Best In the US?
United Airlines has changed their Regional Premier and Global Premier upgrade system, replacing them with Plus Points instead. And now it’s not just 1K flyers that benefit. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click...
Once Again, I Must Status Run on United
Depending on my personal and business trips during the course of a year, I sometimes must fly unnecessary flights simply to retain my status. Again, this year I must status run for United 1K. If you are considering booking travel or signing...
Mileage Runs May Be Dead, Status Runs Still Alive
Mileage runs were the hallmark of travel enthusiasts who found more to gain from unnecessary trips than not taking them. Elite status runs have the same principle but different result, taking unnecessary trips to retain or “level up” your...
Challenge Accepted – Switching to United 1K
I wrote previously about my surprise status match to United 1K. Despite my previous posts declaring my independence from American, I had trepidations when it came time to actually make the switch. In the comments from readers I was forewarned that...
Why MileagePlus Go Card is Actually Great
Critics have come out against the MileagePlus Go Visa Prepaid Card early and often. But I think many of their criticisms are unfair and don’t accurately reflect the wider market for this product. This card is a great value...
United Status Matched Me to 1K!
I have previously noted that American Airlines has gutted their Advantage frequent flyer and because of that I am leaving American. Loyalty is a two-way street and American has worked hard to make it a one-way street, well I’m...
Unpacking the Latest United MileagePlus Changes
United has announced “enhancements” to its United MileagePlus program starting this fall and as usual, the enhancements are anything but enhancements. Here’s what I do not understand — why can’t United just call a devaluation a devaluation? Claiming stopovers...
United Airlines Now Processing Lufthansa GPU Upgrades Electronically
United Airlines and Lufthansa were both founding members of the Star Alliance and have maintained a close relationship as both codeshare and joint venture partners over years. United’s top-status 1K flyers receive six GPUs (Global Premier Upgrades) each year...
Business Class Partner Awards on United Airlines Pricing for 115K instead of 140K RT!
I am loath to post many mileage deals that appear to be mistakes on this blog because airlines do read blogs and respond quickly – I may not have the readership of The Points Guy, but it is no...
Is the Elimination of Stopovers on United MileagePlus Awards Inevitable?
Delta Air Lines has announced that free stopovers will not be part of the 2015 Skymiles program and it seems likely that the combined American and US Airways AAdvantage program will also not offer complimentary stopovers. That would leave...
United Has Tightened Routing Restrictions on Asia Awards
Exactly one month ago, I wrote a post entitled New, Stricter United MileagePlus Routing Rules for Travel Between USA and North Asia? At the time, I concluded the rumored draconian new routing restrictions on awards between North America and North Asia...
United Releases Award Space on New Los Angeles – Melbourne Route!
United formally announced new service between Los Angeles and Melbourne yesterday. The route will operate 6x weekly, utilize a Boeing 787-9, and be operated by ex-Continental crews. On Wednesday, I noted– United has indicated that the flight will be...
Customer Friendly? United Softens Blow of New Award Chart
United Airlines left a substantial question unanswered before its award chart devaluation yesterday–what changes to awards booked under the old chart will be permitted without having to pay additional miles? Today, it answered the question and also lessened the...
Old United MileagePlus Award Chart Extended Through 02 February 2014!
Just got off the phone with United, where an agent read a memo stating that to “ensure a seamless customer experience” the old award chart will remain in effect through 02 February 2014. All travel booked on or after...
Germanwings (4U) Award Space Now Available on United.com
United Airlines MileagePlus members have been eligible to earn miles on Germanwings, the Lufthansa low-cost-subsidiary since last October, with the promise that Germanwings flights would soon be available for mileage bookings. Now, Germanwings flights are bookable on united.com in both...
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Top 10 Airline Award Redemptions for January 2014
With the new year here and many changes negatively affecting airline loyalty programs now in effect or shortly taking effect, there are still a number of superb deals available. Here are my top ten award travel bright spots for...
