Massive Price Hike for United Awards to Europe
If you have been hoarding United Airlines miles, they are suddenly much less valuable as of recent days. The airline just unleashed a massive devaluation on awards with some prices jumping nearly by 50%. This include partner awards as well.
United Airlines’ MileagePlus program no longer publishes award charts, so obviously there was no prior notice to these devaluation.
It looks like transatlantic flights are hit the hardest with pricing jumping by over 33% on United and partner awards, in Economy and Business class, as first reported by OMaaT.
United economy saver awards to Europe for example have increased from 30,000 miles to 40,000 miles each way. That’s a price hike of 33%. It’s a similar deal for United business class saver rates to Europe going from 60,000 miles to 80,000 miles each way.
SWISS business class goes from 73,000-75,000 miles each way to 97,100 miles. Other partner business class awards are even more expensive, up to 107,100 miles each way.
One option that was spares in Lufthansa’s transatlantic first class awards, which remains at 121,000 miles one-way.
Conclusion
So far, we’re only seen these increases mainly for transatlantic routes to Europe. But it wouldn’t surprise me if we see similar changes for other regions in the near future.
Let us know what you think, and how this affects your future travels!
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They had a massive hike for business class to Asia a couple of years ago. You used to be able to go RT from SFO to Asian cities for 120,000 but now it takes 400,000. That’s when I realized that United miles weee worthless and switched to another alliance
Simple, Put away United card & tell them why. They can moderate 33% hike or lose all new charges which Amex or AA will take. Also tell them any Chase transfers are not going toUnited.
United did this because they think they can without consequence…never, ever trust any airline to preserve the value of your investment…earn and burn.
“One option that was spares in Lufthansa’s transatlantic first class awards, which remains at 121,000 miles one-way….” If you can find any.