United Cheapens the Value of MileagePlus Membership with New Limits On Automatic Upgrades and Dynamic Upgrade Awards

UnitedUAL

and DeltaDAL

might run the skies, but they’re also running frequent flyer programs into the ground. Just days after Delta unveiled controversial changes to its products and fares, United telegraphed its own curveball on Thursday — and it’s not good news for MileagePlus members.

• Starting Aug. 21, elite members will no longer get automatic instant upgrades at booking; instead, they’ll be put on a flight’s Complimentary Premier Upgrade waitlist.
• Making matters worse, United says it will stop displaying its MileagePlus Upgrade Award chart on Nov. 24, which suggests dynamic pricing on ticket upgrades is coming — another step in the ongoing devaluation of United miles.

The enshittification continues: United will also retire its Excursionist Perk, which allowed travelers to fetch free stopovers — a loss for the most ardent award travelers. The changes will help United reserve more premium seats for cash upgrades, adjust mileage-based upgrades on demand, and leave slimmer pickings for many loyal travelers until the day of flight.