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.
As a United 1K who’s knowledgeable with the new program, there are 3 big downsides to this:
1. Previously on multi-segments if the domestic leg cleared and the international didn’t, you’d get the GPU or RPU back; you no longer will and they will deduct a portion.
2. If you change or cancel a flight, you will not be able to get the points back they’ve stated.
3. This is all contingent in how much PZ space they open and this will pretty much kill CPU (complimentary upgrades) as everyone will just pay the bid to skip the waitlist.
The only main upside to this all is not having to buy the Uber expensive W fare classes and up to use your GPUs for international biz.
United seems to really, really like to work the word “plus” into everything – MileagePlus, Economy Plus, Premium Plus, now this. Maybe soon the elite tiers will also be renamed – Premier, Premier Plus, Premier Plus Plus, and so on.
Can Platinum and 1K members still use these on other people’s flights?
RPU’s and GPU’s have only previously been allowed to applied to flights on United metal. But if I’m wrong, please do surprise me.
You can use GPU’s on ANA and Lufthansa flights, provided you meet the fare class restrictions. It appears that you can continue to upgrade on these airlines with the new program.
There are appear to be some typos in your last two bullet points: In the first one, “each” should be “earn”, and for the second one it’s “Additional 40 PlusPoints for every 25,000 PQM or 30 PQS”. Reference: This page (which takes lots of clicks to get to from their announcement page!):
https://mileageplusupdates.com/mileageplus/english/upgrades/#accordion-1k
What is a GS status?
Global Service. It involves a lot of annual spend.
The people who board with active military and special assistance without being either.
GS means Global Services. Top tier status through invite.
An invitation-only level called Global Services.
https://upgradedpoints.com/united-global-services/