Evaluating Domestic Mileage Programs for Upgrades to Hawaii

Ratings see subtle shift, but big changes lie ahead

Until the past few days, there had been surprisingly few changes to the upgrade components of the major carriers’ mileage programs since we last surveyed them in April, 2007. United, however, has shattered the calm with changes to Mileage Plus that, if emulated by other carriers, might have us looking at 2008 as the good old days. Overall, as their programs stand now, three carriers end the year with slightly lower marks, two stay the same, and one has improved. We’ve included two smaller airlines this time, to see how they hold up against the legacy carriers.

United: A -

For now, United allows round-trip upgrades from its lowest published fares for 30,000 miles with no surcharge. Get it while you can, because on July 1, 2009, the carrier’s revised upgrade rules will take effect (see page 5). Though upgrades will still be available from its lowest published fares, routes from the mainland to Hawaii will require 5,000 more miles and a cash payment of $500 to $1,000 (the only routes subject to this double whammy). Look for United’s grade to go from first to, quite possibly, worst in about six months.

American: B-

Despite the $300 round-trip surcharge, upgradeable fares are still a good value—they can start at $300 from the West Coast in low season. American allows upgrades on all fares except O and I. The mileage requirement is still 30,000 round-trip.

US Airways: B-

The carrier increased the miles required for a round-trip upgrade from 30,000 (in 2007) to 35,000. Its only mainland gateway is Phoenix, so there are few seats to go around. Upgrades are allowed on any published fare, and there’s no cash surcharge, so use miles.

Alaska Airlines: C+

Requires 30,000 miles for a round-trip upgrade; and upgradeable fares (S, B, M, and H) are slightly above average. The major drawback is the schedule: Alaska only flies to Hawaii from Anchorage and Seattle. The latter flight departs at 9:05 am, making a connection almost impossible on the same day.

Northwest: C

Dropped from B+ to C because of increases in upgradeable fares: Chicago climbed more than $300, New York by $500, and Los Angeles by more than $200 (a 50% increase). Allows upgrading on B and M fares and requires 35,000 miles round-trip.

Delta: D

The big surprise: Delta jumps from an F to a D, and it no longer has the lowest grade. Upgradeable fares (B and M) are still high, but are now surpassed by other airlines’ combinations of upgradeable fares and surcharges. Upgrades require 30,000 miles round-trip.

Hawaiian: D

Has the highest mileage requirement (50,000 miles round-trip) for upgrading, but allows it on all fares, which start at about $350 from the West Coast in low season.

Continental: D-

Increased upgrade surcharges are to blame for the lowest grade in our survey. Upgradeable fares are low, but once you add a $1,000 surcharge, an average round-trip fare to Hawaii is $1,600 or more—plus 35,000 miles. Why bother when First Class fares are only $200-$300 more?

Conclusion

Two major carriers increased the mileage upgrade require-ment in 2008. Most have bumped up fares and surcharges, making Hawaii a market where it pays to shop for fares before using miles.

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This article is part of an ongoing series covering upgrade programs to various regions. Coming soon: Asia and South America.

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