United Airlines’ announcement of changes to its frequent flyer program has been spreading like a digital wildfire all day today on social media websites and online message boards all across the US.
During a mundane browsing this morning, I came upon a post on Facebook by “Jimmy” that read, “United Airlines, you make me sick!” Further reading led me to FlyerTalk’s website, flyertalk.com, which is the cyber home of the world’s largest online travel community.
Effective February 1, 2014, United Airlines Mileage Plus customers traveling and using award miles with partners on the Star Alliance network will see an exponential increase in cost compared to similar awards flown only on United. First class ticket awards on partners will go up 40-80 percent, and business class ticket awards on partners will go up 20-40 percent. First and business class awards flown on United (or mixed carriers where United is in premium cabin followed by partner segment in lower class) and some economy class awards will increase by 5-15 percent.
This change is not boding well with FlyerTalk members, with some poking fun of United’s frequent flyer program by calling it “MileagePlusPesos.” “We’ve just got peso’d,” says a member that goes by the name “kalendil.”
Speaking to eTN exclusively, FlyerTalk member “John,” who requested to remain anonymous, said: “These recent changes by United are really disappointing. Those affected will be United’s most loyal customers – frequent travelers like myself – not casual customers who fly once a year. I’m a million-miler on United, with 1K status today.”
“John,” who says he has also held either Gold, Platinum, or 1K status continuously for the last 10 years or so, added: “I’ve been loyal to them – but I’m seriously considering switching to one of their competitors unless they start recognizing the needs of their top-tier clients more. How can they say they value us premier members when they do things like these?”
I last reported about FlyerTalk last month when it teamed up with Frequent Business Traveler magazine to gauge how the US Transportation Security Administration has been performing. In my article, I reported that FlyerTalk members gave TSA an F grade.
Based on prior research, I know that FlyerTalk members are savvy, passionate about travel, and very opinionated. As of this writing, the thread on the subject has reached over 50 pages, and the discourse is ongoing. Feel free to join in at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-mileageplus-consolidated/1517647-changes-mileageplus-award-upgrade-policies-eff-feb-2014-a-56.html
FlyerTalk is urging its members to take action. “Cancel or consider canceling your co-branded products (e.g., Chase MileagePlus credit cards) and let them know why; Tweet #unitedunfriendly #united; email Jeff Smisek [United’s CEO]; contact the Department of Transport.
The Facebook user, the catalyst for this article, posted a new message five hours ago. He wrote: “United Airlines doing damage control just digs itself more into the grave.” He could very well be right, as United Airlines new mileage awards policy could be in violation of the rules and regulations of the Star Alliance network. Phone calls have been made, so stay tuned for an update.
