United Airlines seems to have recently imposed a significant increase on awards that are booked within 14 days of departure. As reported by Gary over at View from the Wing, prices for close-in awards have risen by as much as 33%, going from 15,000 to 20,000 miles one-way for United States domestic medium- and long-haul flights.
The News
- United Airlines has raised its award prices for flights booked within 14 days of departure.
- Prices appear to have gone from 15k to 20k one-way on most, if not all, domestic medium- and long-haul flights.
Quick Thoughts
United prices its award flights dynamically, so there can be quite a bit of variation on the same route from day to day. However, it seems like prices for flights further than 14 days from departure are normal-ish, while awards within 14 days of departure seemed to have increased around 25-33%.
Gary mentions close-in flights from Denver to/from Newark increasing from 15k one-way to 20k. I’m seeing a bit more fudginess, but the starting price for flights within the next two weeks does indeed seem to be 20k:
Some days are showing prices that are slightly higher than 20k, but none are below that until 12/2 – two weeks out.
The same thing can be seen between Newark and San Francisco, where no seat within the next 14 days can be had for less than 20k:
I rarely book flights using United, but I just happened to be looking at this flight a couple of days ago, and prices for November were starting at 15k…an increase of 33%. The same flight is still 15k via Air Canada, albeit with less availability:
The number of miles isn’t terribly significant; 5,000 miles on a one-way transcontinental flight seems modest. However, 33% is a big devaluation, especially for economy flights.
Over the last couple of years, United’s award competitiveness has been experiencing a death by a thousand paper cuts, and this is just the latest example. It’s been years since I’ve felt any need to maintain a balance in our household MileagePlus accounts; I quite honestly can’t remember the last time I’ve booked a domestic United award using United miles. The frequency of no-notice prices increases like this doesn’t do anything to change my mind.
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United always seems to lead the pack in ensh*itification. This development is concerning, as it will undoubtedly lead to similar changed by other airlines.
Skypesos are prior art, and UA just apes Delta.
Skypesos walked so United could run with ensh*tification. I actually find better value award flights on Delta now.
I have tried to book with points when DEN-ASE-DEN is over $1400 at peak times for a flight under 30 minutes….but the points are over 60,000 for the flights.. Either way it is not fun..
I basically never book with United points but at as a pathological last minute traveller, this category of devaluation is particularly scary. I hope it doesn’t become a trend.
That ship has sailed. Next shoe to drop with be AA which is a laggard behind DL and UA.