Now, the massacre continues with partners: United has removed all award charts from its website. These awards are now priced at whatever amount of miles United decides at their whim.
You can access United’s website here.
Here’s what the United’s partner award page looked yesterday (now gone):
Here’s what United did year ago:
Conclusion
United Airlines is using a “Never Let a Serious Crisis Go to Waste” strategy. While the world is dealing with a pandemic and United avails itself of billions of CARES Act taxpayer money, they must think now is a great time to push through all the negative changes such as putting a strict cap of earnings on partners (read more here) and now this removal of award charts.
The airline is counting that MileagePlus members don’t realize these changes when they are dealing with existential issues. Make no mistake. United plans to essentially rape MileagePlus members and lower the liability associated with unredeemed miles.
People should have a look at their wallets and make sure that no spend goes to any of the United affiliated cards. That will hurt the airline the most.
I was surprised last month when I was searching for awards within Asia how uncompetitive MileagePlus was already back then. Awards that were requiring 30K AAdvantage miles would have been close to 50K had I decided to burn some of my United ones.
Hotels and airlines should understand that members are not stupid, and there is not much loyalty or goodwill left.
The planes are empty, but no reasonable award seats! We’re not going to be permitted to travel anyway, so maybe it is moot. Beccha executive bonuses will be out of sight!
To me, this is the last nail on the coffin. “Loyalty programs” as we had been introduced to some 40 years ago has turned into an extra currency (points), that are pretty much worthless. The programs now has absolutely no link to loyalty creation, and may well be an expense to all travelers. What was a good idea forty years ago to fill up empty seats now is a bait and switch game played by banks and airlines (and now hotels following suite).
I hope everyone is looking at what Scott Kirby’s reign is doing to United…Asian Carriers RULE!
Remember “Kung Fu Panda”
There are no accidents.
> United plans to essentially rape MileagePlus members
Terrible choice of words.
I totally agree. Lots of other words/phrases that could convey same dramatic effect without the bad taste.
Well, they can’t print F**K.
The price on partner saver business from US to Australia just went up from 90,000 miles to 99,000 miles. I was starting to book a flight last night and just check now. I can only imagine it will only get worse.
Since John went there with the language, I will too.
This is like a BDSM scene, with Scott Kirby as the sadistic dom and those of us who live in United hubs as the masochist subs.
Hit me again Mr. Kirby! Harder!