More headaches for United... and others. (Houston: 2015, credit card, purchase)

[HookTheBrotherUp]

There are a few threads about United here in the Houston forum because of it's history, but also the IAH airport. So here is another, and another topic United will not like. Looks like United not only dislikes Southwest competing with international markets, it does not want other airlines to do so either.

Big Airlines Fight to Cancel Cheap International Travel

If a ticket goes for ~$1400 for a R/T to Europe, but a discount airline can come in and serve the same route, and tout better service for ~$800, which airline do you think will get the business? There have been many mergers in the last decade, now that they have a quasi monopoly on routes, they don't want any interference.

I say let them eat cake. I'm tired of being nickel and dimed by the big three, and cheaper and cheaper service as a result of less choices. Even the simple things like being able to choose your seats was taken away only so they can charge a fee for doing so. I'm not sure the new airline is any different, but that the domestic carriers did away with that did not sit well with a lot of us.

To the big three airlines.... reap what you sow.

[haudi]

Did you see the changes to MileagePlus for 2015 announced today? I used to fly IAH -> HNL fairly often and that route yielded me about 9200 miles (EQMs as well) because earnings was based on mileage. Starting in 2015, MileagePlus is going to a spend based earning system. Assuming the average fare of IAH -> HNL being about $875, that route now yields 4375 miles for a non-elite member. Silver members would only be 6100. The HIGHEST level of elite United offers (1K) would earn 9625 miles. Essentially, a standard flier would get less than HALF the mileage they would earn this year, and only the highest statuses would earn anywhere near what they earn today.

Ugh. Just absolutely ugh. I hate United's culture and miss my beloved Continental Airlines.

Mileageplus Calculator

What’s new: How you earn award miles
As of March 1, 2015, the award miles you earn on most United and United Express® tickets will be based on your ticket price (that is, base fare plus carrier-imposed surcharges) instead of the distance you fly, so members will be rewarded for their travel spending on United. And when you have Premier® status, you’ll earn even more.

[Schumacher713]

United is horrible. Airline prices are crazy. IAH has one of the highest gate prices in the US. I wish Southwest would expand some more cities. I am glad to see SW go after some international. Screw United!

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Originally Posted by haudi

Did you see the changes to MileagePlus for 2015 announced today? I used to fly IAH -> HNL fairly often and that route yielded me about 9200 miles (EQMs as well) because earnings was based on mileage. Starting in 2015, MileagePlus is going to a spend based earning system. Assuming the average fare of IAH -> HNL being about $875, that route now yields 4375 miles for a non-elite member. Silver members would only be 6100. The HIGHEST level of elite United offers (1K) would earn 9625 miles. Essentially, a standard flier would get less than HALF the mileage they would earn this year, and only the highest statuses would earn anywhere near what they earn today.

Ugh. Just absolutely ugh. I hate United's culture and miss my beloved Continental Airlines.

Mileageplus Calculator

I knew they would follow American/US! This is how I used to get my family to Europe every other year... I would 'sacrifice' and do mileage runs and get status, then do more to get enough miles to purchase tickets. Without the miles, it would cost me about 12K to fly my family to Europe. I'm going to check out Flyertalk to see what's going on. So long mileage running!

[Oildog]

Last night I saw tv commercials advertising new Southwest routes to Mexico and Dominican Republic. I was in Chicago.

Agree that service on United has steadily declined. My peeve is flying regional jets across the country.

[Schumacher713]

Mexico will be a big money maker for them. I hope they pick up some Caribbean routes later, though I doubt they are worth the money.

[azinwood]

Originally Posted by Schumacher713

United is horrible. Airline prices are crazy. IAH has one of the highest gate prices in the US. I wish Southwest would expand some more cities. I am glad to see SW go after some international. Screw United!

Totally agree. Can't fly to the west coast now at a reasonable rate. starts around 475 and just goes up. Normally see rates around 600-700 even months out. It's no fun.

[PedroMartinez]

I was on a United flight last week from California. There was a woman who was using a cane with a limp getting on the aircraft. You could see how uncomfortable she was. Well, they close the main cabin door, and the entire exit row was empty. She asked the stewardess if she could move to one of those seats so she could stretch out her bad leg. The stewardess said she could move there for $79, and she'd be happy to run the lady's credit card.

United would rather keep the seats empty and have a passenger that obviously could use one to be more comfortable.

United is saying, "We care about every dollar and not our customers."

Thank goodness the women didn't need an aspirin. United would have said they'd be happy to run one on her credit card.

[curbur]

I know in a lot of ways they weren't too much better, but I miss Continental :[.

[smuggy_mba]

My most worst experiences are flying United, AA and Delta. I avoid them all if possible.

International Flight:

Cheap food
Different money for different seats within economy
No complementary alcoholic drinks on international flight. Sir, that would be 7 dollars.
Bag Fees
No eye mask

American airlines have stooped to undesirable levels. I flew Emirates to Dubai in economy and it was awesome. I asked for whisky and the stewardess said - Sir, would you like to make it double

Flying united, AA and Delta is always a miserable experience (in Economy). I hope they treat the rich ppl nice in Business and First class.