United MileagePlus changes go into effect on March 1 (Photo courtesy Robbie Plafker)
First Delta, now United. Several weeks ago, Delta made the big changeover in its SkyMiles program to a spending-based model, and now it’s United’s turn. March 1 is the effective date for United’s previously announced changes in MileagePlus — changes essentially the same as Delta’s. Under the new system, MileagePlus members’ earnings will be on a graduated scale, ranging from five points per dollar spent on air fare for basic program members, up to 11 points per dollar for Premier 1Ks. So basically, low-level, low fare travelers will earn less for their trips than before, while front-cabin, 
higher-level elites will earn more. The big unanswered question at this point: Will American do the same when it finally merges the AAdvantage program with US Airways’ Dividend Miles this year? MileagePlus members: Will you be better or worse off under the new system? Post your comments below.
Rapid Rewards devaluation? Without releasing any specific details, Southwest Airlines said on its Rapid Rewards page last week that it plans to make some changes to its award travel starting April 17. On that date, the number of points needed for award travel on some routes “will vary based on destination, time, day of travel, demand, fare class, and other factors,” the airline said, adding that “many flights…will stay at the current redemption rate.” The blog Travel Summary adopted a skeptical attitude toward the cryptic announcement, referring to it as a “devaluation” of Rapid Rewards points. “While some prices may get cheaper, you can bet they’re making this change to increase a majority of prices,” the blog said.
Restrictions on free-flowing airport booze?
Delta’s making progress on the new Sky Club at SFO’s Terminal 1 (Photo: Chris McGinnis)
San Francisco Sky Club. A Delta spokesperson has confirmed to TravelSkills that the brand new Sky Club, inside security at SFO’s Terminal 1, is set to open in May. We’ll share more specifics when we get them!
Double miles at Alaska; Delta’s bag guarantee. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members who register online can earn double miles from now through May 15 on eight routes to and from Salt Lake City, and on 19 Seattle routes. There’s no limit to the amount of extra miles that can be earned with this new promotion … Delta is offering SkyMiles members a bonus of 2,500 miles if they have to wait more than 20 minutes for a checked bag on any domestic flight to reach the carousel after arrival. All you have to do is fill out an online form within three days of arrival.
Trip Report: JetBlue Mint class [photos]
Southwest adds Passbook. It took a while, but Southwest Airlines passengers who are checking in electronically for their flights can now have boarding passes sent to Passbook on Apple devices using iOS6 or later versions. Look for a new button on the bottom of the boarding pass screen that says “Add to Passbook.”
Virgin adds intra-Texas route. Southwest Airlines’ lock on the market between Dallas Love Field and Austin — where it operates 10 daily non-stops — is being challenged by Virgin America, which announced plans to begin flying the route five times a day as of April 28. Virgin already flies to AUS from San Francisco.
A bright new bird to spot flying over the Bay Area starting June 15 (Photo: ByeAngel / Flickr)
New China route for Silicon Valley. It’s all systems go for Hainan Airlines’ planned new non-stop service from San Jose to Beijing’s Capital International Airport. SJC officials said last week that Hainan’s new service will begin June 15, operating five days a week with a 213-seat, two-class 787 Dreamliner. Economy roundtrips are in the $1,500 range while business class is in the $3,500 range—reasonable. The only other transpacific service out of San Jose is ANA’s daily flight to Tokyo Narita — but more could be coming, as the airport expects to finish construction of two new international gates by this summer.
Have you been following our super popular Planespotting 101 series? Check out our first three installments here:
Planespotting 101: Boeing 757, 767 (latest)
Planespotting 101: Boeing 737 vs Airbus A320
Planespotting 101: MD-80/90 & Boeing 717
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EC Girl says
February 24, 2015 at 10:33 amNot sure what this is going to do to me because I usually fly business class but it usually the Z Class discounted fare. Uhmmm.
Shiva Raj says
February 22, 2015 at 6:07 amWhy does United have to simply copy Delta – don’t they have a mind of their own? I agree that cash-value based frequent flier scheme is not for the average ordinary traveler…it’s an irony that United wants customers to “fly their friendly skies’ but at the same time degrade mileage plus for the average flier!!!
Even though most of my travel is for business and paid for by employer, my thought is why pay $ 900 when I know I have to travel and can plan the same trip by purchasing 14 days in advance for $ 300 – all the more reason to book early and cheap since I’m spending my employer’s money.
Mila says
February 21, 2015 at 3:38 pmThis is why I don’t fly the big carriers anymore. I call first class the middle-aged, slightly balding white man’s class. I fly a ton for work and I can’t get ahead on these points programs because if you’re not a VP you have to fly coach. I fly Southwest now. Friendly service and a great points program.
John R. Grout says
February 21, 2015 at 2:43 pmThere is no reasonable argument to consider cash-valued frequent flyer miles as anything other than taxable income. Since business travelers are at the center of the mess flying has become for everyone else, these miles should be taxed in a manner that would encourage companies to do what IBM used to do… confiscate the miles for themselves.
Salvatore Johnson says
February 21, 2015 at 2:38 pmIf that is the case hope they all go down. Someone out there is going to do it, look at Jet Blue testing out Mint, that is a good solution. Think you can fly from San Francisco to New York round trip for under a thousand dollars. Of course people really don’t want to pay this but coach is unbearable these days.
Funny magazines and web sites write much more about first class and business class but most of use can’t afford it.
If Amtrak can do it, the airlines can do it.
Kirk says
February 21, 2015 at 2:09 pmThe reason they don’t do it is this: Virtually no one would buy 1st class. People pay for 1st because coach is so awful. Give them a non-awful choice, and the huge majority won’t buy first anymore. The airlines would lose money, so they don’t do it.
Eric Westby says
February 21, 2015 at 12:11 pmCouldn’t agree more: I can’t fathom why UA doesn’t make E+ a true Premium Economy section, at least on transcon and long-haul routes. I’ve been Premier Gold for a few years now, but I’m thinking of shedding my loyalty, at least when flying internationally. Premium Economy hits the sweet spot for me in terms of value.
Salvatore Johnson says
February 21, 2015 at 11:24 amAll I know is that I am trying my best to hit a million miles on United before they change that. Need another 42,000 miles and I will be United Gold for the rest of my life (or until United devalues that) and then I don’t have to fly United anymore unless it’s convenient.
The new plan is terrible for me, I am cheap and go the cheapest possible fare. Why pay $1,000 to fly from Washington to San Francisco for the same coach seat I can pay $300 for. This comes out of my pocket.
But I will say this, I am going from Washingto to Los Angeles at the end of April. Coach is $390 but I can get a first class ticket for $835 which I booked. So I guess I am a sucker and fell for this.
One thing if the Airlines would figure out a compromise between first class and coach that would be great. Oh I am not talking about economy plus, I want a wider seat like five rows across instead of six and I would be willing to pay inbetween cheap coach and first class. I showed that in paying $835 for first class going to California.
masimons says
February 21, 2015 at 7:07 amCan’t United think on their own ?