United Plans Changes to MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program
United Airlines is making a number of significant changes to its MileagePlus frequent-flyer program, the airline told Frequent Business Traveler on Friday.
The changes affect awards pricing, the posting of miles to accounts, and the elimination of a nuisance fee for bookings within 21 days of travel.
The airline said that it is will not longer publish an awards chart effective Friday.
The decision stems from the airline’s use of demand pricing, the spokesman said, which effectively would render the chart useless. In addition, it said it might raise some award prices for periods when flights are in “the highest demand” which may be higher than the highest prices currently offered today.
“This change allows us to match award pricing to customer demand,” said Maggie Schmerin, a spokeswoman for the airline. “Where there is more availability, we will be able to offer lower prices than what we offer today. This means there will be tickets significantly lower than our current floor.”
For members who book trips within 21 days of departure, the airline is eliminating the “close-in” booking fee that ranged from $25 to $75, depending on elite status. The change takes effect on November 15, 2019.
Finally, the airline said it will credit miles earned on flights by the time the flight arrives at the gate. The average time for posting this week was 2.5 minutes, Schmerin told Frequent Business Traveler.
(Photo: Accura Media Group)
