United has announced a new points program called ‘PlusPoints’, these points can be used for confirm upgrades and will replace Regional Premier Upgrades (RPU) or Global Premier Upgrades (GPU). The new program will be introduced on December 4th, existing RPU & GPU will be replaced at the following rates:
- RPU = 20 PlusPoints
- GPU = 40 PlusPoints
PlusPoints can be redeemed at the following rates:
- 20 PlusPoints = Economy to United First on domestic U.S. and North American flights
- 40 PlusPoints = Economy to United Polaris business class on international long-haul flights
This is basically the same system that is currently used, but with a lot more flexibility. In addition upgrading to Premium Economy will also be possible for less points. The earning rate for PlusPoints going forward will be as follows:
- Reach platinum status and receive 40 PlusPoints
- Reach 1K or GS and earn 280 PlusPoints
- 1K & GS members will earn 40 PlusPoints for each $25,000 subsequent PQMs they earn
Overall this is a great change, usually when a program changes to increased flexibility like this the redemption rates decrease but that is not happening here. The cynic in me does say that going forward devaluing this program will be significantly easier than the old program so that is something loyalty members will need to watch out for.
