United Airlines will be making changes to its worldwide frequent flyer programme MileagePlus in 2015 to reflect the award miles earned based on their ticket price rather than distance flown, similar to what Qantas did for its programme.
From 1 March 2015, members earn their award miles based on the base fare and carrier imposed surcharges as well as the MileagePlus status. Members get to earn five miles for every dollar spent, while those with Premier status will earn based on the following rates:
- Premier Silver : 7 award miles per dollar
- Premier Gold: 8 Award miles per dollar
- Premier Platinum : 9 Award miles per dollar
- Premier 1K: 11 Award miles per dollar
Members may earn up to 75,000 award miles per ticket. The airline also plans to offer new opportunities for members to use their award miles, including single-flight purchases of extra legroom United Economy Plus seats and to purchase Economy Plus and checked-baggage subscriptions.
Tickets not issued by United for MileagePlus partner airline flights departing on or after 1 March will continue to earn award miles based on distance flown and purchased fare classes. This new structure will not affect qualification rules for Premier Status in 2015, and MileagePlus credit card members will continue to earn more miles when purchasing United tickets.
