United Airlines Positive Change to their Frequent Flyer Program & More

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I wrote yesterday about Delta Airlines making some big changes to their SkyMiles program in Response to the Coronavirus. It was only a matter of time before the other Airlines followed Delta’s lead. Based on the email I received from Luc Bondar (VP of United Airlines) appears that United was the next one up to bat. United has made some Positive Changes to their Frequent Flyer Program, & More. Check out our #basicbreakdown below!

Reduced Status Qualifications for 2021

United is making it easier for it’s MileagePlus Frequent Flyers to earn and retain status in 2021. The typical requirements to earn elite status with United Airlines has been cut in half. Going forward, members will only need to meet half of what was required before this change. You can see the new Elite Status Chart below!

New United Elite Status Qualifiers (4-6-2020)

Credit Card Holders

United MileagePlus Credit Card Holders will also have an opportunity to earn more Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) from May 1st through December 31st 2020. Depending on the card, members can now earn between two to four times the number of PQP’s

United Explorer Card Holders can Earn Double the Amount of PQP’s
United Club Card Holders can Quadruple the Amount of PQP’s

Travel Certificates & Credits Issued

You now have two years from the date a certificate or credit was issued to book a new flight, as well as up to an additional 11 months to travel. This includes all currently valid and all new electronic travel certificates issued on or after April 1, 2020.

Memberships and Subscriptions

If you purchased an Annual Membership to the United Clubs, Wifi Packages, Economy Plus, and Checked Bags subscriptions they will be extended by Six Months!

Fee’s Waived!

United is now waiving all Award Redeposit Fees for Travel through the end of May 2020. In addition, all redeposit fees for Award Ticket Cancellations will be waived as long as the tickets are canceled 30 days before departure for the rest of 2020.

Teaser – Earning Status for 2022

The email ended with a pleasant Teaser indicating that United Airlines will be making changes to provide its MileagePlus members with help to earn Status for 2022.

Basic Breakdown

I’m glad to see United Airlines making these positive changes to their MileagePlus Program. These steps can go a long way in customer loyalty and retention. Have you had a positive experience with United Airlines during the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic?

I’d love to hear in the comments below or over in our 8,700+ Member Basic Travel Facebook Group!

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