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Add to del.icio.usWhile this is sure to upset those who’ve earned it the hard way, United Airlines has mailed a promotion to receive free Premier Executive elite status membership for 90 days. It’s a good reason to keep an eye out in your mailbox because it says the offer is only valid for the recipient. (I always open my “junk” mail.)
Just register by June 30, 2008, for your complimentary Premier Executive status, which will be valid for 90 days.
Benefits:
* Bonus Miles: 100% (double).
* Priority Seating: Membership nets you Economy Plus seating (5 inches more legroom); it’s great for anyone who’s planning a long-haul flight.
*Purchased Upgrades: They’re valid throughout North America, and while not free or always available, elite upgrades can slash the cost of First Class travel in half or more.
*Detailed benefits of Premier Executive Status: www.united.com/premierexecutivepriority
You will not receive a Premier Executive kit or card, however the airline says you will be “recognized in our system and you will be provided a seamless travel experience.” It goes on to say, “The status will be reflected on your account within two weeks of registration and will expire 90 days later, unless that level or a higher level of elite status is earned prior to that date.”
Flights must be credited to the Mileage Plus account in order to qualify for earned annual Elite status.
United wouldn't sign me up for a 90 day premier executive status membership when I called 6/24/08. I would need to be a premier executive status with another airline or be "nominated" by a premier executive.
Great- support them with frequent flights, and they reward you by inflating the group with which you compete for upgrades, award tickets, Economy Plus and anything else that makes flying frequently on their airline almost worth it. Thanks United!
Yet more evidence that United is the worst managed airline in America! Nothing like ticking off your most loyal group of travelers. Is it possible that Tilton is this dumb? Apparently.
I have to laugh at some of you, United isn't the first airline to do something like this. 3 years ago NW made me GOLD with them just because I own a timeshare. That year, I flew a lot, and I used CO or NW and was able to make GOLD the following year, and have been since then. I have to make some mile runs to do but its worth it. AA did a promotion to NEW people who signed up, it you flew 2 first class RT's you would make AA Platium which I did (I was able to find a excellent FC RT fare between PHX-MIA) and under 2K make Platinum... So please save that United has ruined it for you whinnie people... I'm waiting for United to activate me as Premier Executive since I have some travel coming up the next 3 months, granted it will cost me extra to use them, I'll have elite status with 3 airlines... Not too bad, and I'm batting 50% on upgrades to FC.
I've been flying United for the past 5 years and I still haven't received any mail to join any of its clubs. I might as well downgrade to flying coach or find another airline. It's over $1,000 for a first class ticket.
Great management-I received the information on July 5--after the due date. I would be seated next to a screaming baby anyway. G St. Louis
This is nothing but another Money Grab for UAL. It is also another slam at the customers who have remained loyal over the years. The new people who come in for 90 days will just make it more difficult to enjoy the amenities that they've worked hard for by being loyal to UAL like; waitlistand upgrades etc. I only wish that American would offer the same as I think it is time to switch to an airline who unlike UAL has new airplanes on order and scheduled to be delivered.
Once again, you guys are missing the point to this. UAL needs revenue to stay afloat and to give people free PE for 90 days isn't going to kill your upgrades. Here in PHX, there are TED flights as well as UAL Express flights with Xplus. If you want to move over to AA, call thier FF programd and tell the you want to jump ship, they will be more then happy to do it, you jst have to show proof of the miles you have flown...
TED flights? I thought United cut 100,000 planes from its fleet which is the number of the TED airplanes. How can UAL not stay afloat? UAL sells its miles to partner companies as part of its marketing plan. They get money up front. If UAL can't survive, it's time to file chapter 11. I'm sure someone else will be able to take over and continue the FF program.
United has the worst mileage plus department- people are rude and totally incompetent. Even after going into bankruptcy, these guys just do not learn. Management must have a complacent attitude as the rep's do as they please. Also, their promotions and targeting is dubious at best. The have to keep up pace with AA, so offer these promotions but make sure they make it as difficult for you as possible so they can continue to not give out miles and keep themselves afloat somehow. These fradulent marketing and consumer practices should be investigated by BBB- I will not be surprised if they have dozens of law suits pending/in the works. That should open their eyes and ears.
Does anyone know what options I have upgrade with Air Canada (since it is a star alliance member)? I have a UAL Premier status and will be travelling to South America departing from IAD with a stopover in Toronto in December.
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