Summary
- United Airlines devalued MileagePlus rewards for intra-European and intra-Asian business class flights.
- The value of business class tickets in Europe and Asia may have increased, affecting premium cabin rewards.
- United Airlines introduced MileagePlus pooling to encourage families and friends to earn and redeem miles together.
Loyalty specialists View From The Wing first reported that United Airlines has rolled out a new policy on their MileagePlus scheme for intra-European and intra-Asian business class reward flights, effectively devaluing them.
Photo : United Airlines
This new pricing allegedly began overnight between April 30th and May 1st. The website reported that flights for 49,000 miles between Frankfurt and Istanbul were awarded for flights operated by Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa. In Asia, similar prices were shown on flights between Beijing and Bangkok.
Why can devaluing regional business classes be a problem outside of Europe?
According to The Points Guy, business class within Europe usually er passengers anything else than only gets a little middle seat. The complex product is like a few rows back in economy class.
Related
Which Airlines Offer Dine-On-Demand Service In Business Class & Why Is It So Rare?
Business class is one of the most premium experiences onboard. Some airlines let you order à la carte, but it is a rare opportunity.
This is slightly different in Asia, with some airlines like Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, and occasionally Asiana operating widebodies on three- to five-hour flights. This means passengers can expect fully flat (or angled flat) seats. Most narrowbody jets also have recliner seats that are more akin to long-haul premium economy.
According to Mainly Miles, Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A350, which typically flies medium-haul routes within Asia, is equipped with the 2018 regional business class seats, also available on SIA’s Boeing 787-10 planes. This means that the seats have a ‘staggered 1-2-1’ layout by Stelia. Such configurations are rare in Europe, with Turkish Airlines being the only Star Alliance carrier to operate widebodies like the 777 or A350 on sub-four-hour flights.
United in other loyalty news
Last month, United Airlines introduced a new feature called MileagePlus pooling, which allows members of their loyalty program to combine their miles with up to five others. This feature is now available on the United website. The main goal of this feature is to encourage users to form groups with family or friends to earn and redeem miles together. United Airlines recognizes that many families travel together and hopes this feature will make it easier for them to do so.
Related
United Airlines Becomes First Major US Carrier To Allow Frequent Fliers To Pool Miles
Pooling is available for family and friends.
To summarize: What can we make of this new policy?
United Airlines has made a significant shakeup to the core of its MileagePlus scheme. It recently became the first airline in the US to allow pooling. This is a benefit, as family members who fly less can use the miles of those who are frequent fliers to book flights around the globe.
Unfortunately, in premium cabins, the value of reward flights, especially in Europe and Asia, may have taken a hit, with business class tickets becoming more expensive. While this will create a more premium effect, pleasing customers who enjoy a sense of exclusivity, it will likely bother those who wish to find good deals worldwide. Some argue that the only real benefit of intra-Europe and most intra-Asia flights is the lounge access and better food.
What do you think of this new pricing policy? Will it affect the actual value of regional business class? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
