When it comes to mileage upgrades from Business to First Class, U.S. carriers’ programs have long been a joke. Only two U.S. airlines offer First Class service (American and United), and upgradeable fares usually start at $7,000 to Europe and South America, and $8,000 to Asia—plus the miles required. Those flying internationally have been much better off going with British Airways or Asian carriers’ mileage programs.
That has now changed. In June, United announced that starting January 12, 2010, it will offer upgrades from its lowest promotional Business Class fare (Z). Upgradeable Business Class fares could start as low as $1,900 to Europe, $3,400 to Asia, and $3,500 to South America—easily $5,000 (or more) less than a current upgradeable Business Class fare on international routes.
Why is United doing this? There’s no telling, but you have to love this program change, even with a surcharge. The carrier will only charge 40,000 miles for a First Class upgrade to Europe, which can be bought directly from United.
The only hesitation I have is whether United will follow through. The revised program was originally slated to begin on July 1, 2009, but in late June it pushed the start date up to January 2010.
So I urge you to write to the United Mileage Plus program to show your support. Tell them you’re staying with them because of the change, or that you’re defecting from your current program to take advantage of it. Fight for your right to upgrade to First Class on much lower fares!
An even bigger question: How will American Airlines respond? There could be more good news on the horizon.