In somewhat of a surprise move (not really), United majorly devalued their award chart last week. The upshot is, all international redemptions cost more miles, but what was more surprising was UA split their award chart. Essentially, travel on Star Alliance partners is now going to cost more miles than travel on United metal – a lot more in some cases. Anyway, this is just a reminder to earn and burn. I’m not going to reinvent the wheel here since a lot has been written on the matter, so I just wanted to share some of the most interesting posts I’ve read.
Dans Deals has a comprehensive chart comparing old and new prices here.
I thought Milecards had a good comparison of UA’s new charts and the other three major American charts here.
Three ways to beat the devaluation by Milevalue here. Note that awards booked before February 1st can change dates according to the old policy (i.e., no change in award miles pricing!) He also has a positive spin on the situation that even he doesn’t seem to believe (though there is some merit in it).
One Mile at a Time’s ideas on the best ways to use your United miles here.
Hack My Trip won’t be changing his travel plans too much.
The first of what I’m sure will be many posts reevaluating the relative value of transferable points, by View from the Wing.
And finally, the Points Guy’s best guesses at the next programs to be devalued in order of likelihood. Please no, Hyatt and Club Carlson! (It’s inevitable).