United's Upgrading Status and Handing Out Economy Plus Subscriptions (Targeted)
Update: It appears that United is also targeting elites with temporary status, so if you participated in a status match earlier this year, you may have received an offer for a higher status even if you didn't meet the challenge requirements.
It looks like United Airlines is trying to create some new loyal flyers, in addition to keeping its current elite members. The carrier is targeting existing MileagePlus members with upgraded status and complimentary Economy Plus subscriptions through January 2017.
One TPG reader wrote in that United upgraded his status from Premier Gold to Premier Platinum through January 2017, and another reported that United offered a complimentary Economy Plus subscription. We've heard reports that United is offering one-level status upgrades up to Premier 1K, however upgrade certificates will not be issued as part of this promotion.
Economy Plus seats give you 3-5 more inches of legroom, and a subscription allows you to book an Economy Plus seat for free on each United flight you take. Subscriptions start at $499, so this one-year targeted subscription can really save you a lot for a little extra legroom. When you purchase a subscription, it's linked with your MileagePlus account, so you'll be able to select a seat for free when booking a ticket as long as something is available.
The TPG reader who was targeted for a free Economy Plus subscription said he doesn't have status with United, but does with American, and the reader who wrote in with the status upgrade reported that he has history with the carrier — he was previously a 1K member, then Premier Platinum and most recently Premier Gold. No one on the TPG staff has received an offer. Be sure to check your email to see if you were targeted!
Were you targeted for a status or legroom upgrade?
Thanks to TPG readers Ricky W. and Rob H., who shared these news tip by emailing tpgtips@thepointsguy.com. We'll be sending out a $200 Visa gift card as a token of our appreciation.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app