So the other shoe had dropped. As predicted (because Delta Airlines did it), UA Mileage Plus will become a revenue-based mileage program.
Here’s a link comparing the two programs.
Long story short, the more expensive the ticket and shorter the distance, the better it is. Which means that if you plan to fly SFO-HKG, you will get less miles under the new scheme than under the current miles based program.
For example, let’s look at a $1100 ticket to Hong Kong. If you buy and fly under the current program, It’s 13,800 miles round trip. Double that amount because of elite status, and it’s a total of 27,600 RDM.
Now, under the new scheme, an $1100 ticket purchased by a 1K will get you a whopping 12,100 miles. For the same ticket. What a rip off! And if you’re lower status than a 1K, you get even less miles for your flight.
By imposing this new scheme, the concept of Mileage Runs (most miles for lowest price) is dead. And as a result, the last reason for travelers (who spend their own money on tickets) to remain with UA is gone.
Thanks Jeff! That’s a change that we (AA) will all like!
