United Airlines Simplifies Seat Upgrades With Points Incentives
Skift Take
The majority of U.S. travelers don't have to worry about how they'll upgrade on United Airlines. But United's most loyal customers, who contribute more than their share of revenue, care deeply about the process. United can't make things too difficult for them, or they will defect.
Many U.S. road warriors have given up on the frequent flyer miles awarded by airlines. For all but the most profligate spenders, miles are tougher than ever to earn from flying, and they're not so easy to redeem.
Upgrades are another matter. Many flyers stick with an airline not because they want miles, but because they hope they can upgrade to a flatbed to Europe or Asia for free, saving thousands of dollars per trip.
United Airlines knows this, and on Tuesday, it outlined a new program executives claim will make it easier for the carrier's best customers to sit in premium seats. Starting Dec. 4, United no longer will award frequent flyers chits they can use for upgrades, replacing them with a new proprietary currency, called PlusPoints.
Customers will start earning points when they fly 75,000 miles in
