United makes amends to its loyalty program, disappoints travelers

United Airlines has some news that will disappoint its customers. The Chicago based airline has announced major changes to its loyalty program, triggering a bout of anger amongst its loyal flyers. As per the change, customers will now need higher mileage points to book themselves in the premium classes of the airline.

Not just this airline, passengers booking airline tickets with even Delta Air Lines will have to collect higher mileage points. These changes are going to affect international travelers in both first and business class who now require higher points to ensure a seat in one of the premium classes.

Passengers will have to collect 87 percent more points to get a ticket in either of the two classes, and this change is remarkably high. Many passengers have already registered their displeasure about the new policy and are hopeful that the airline will reconsider its decision. The airline’s frequent flyer program is termed MileagePlus. Beginning February 1, 2014, first-class ticket between North America and Middle East will rise from the current 150,000 miles to 280,000 miles, on flying with one of the airline’s partner. The same journey on the airline will require passengers to accrue 180,000 miles from the old limit of 150,000 miles. The trip between North America and Europe will now need 63 percent more mile points, from the present 135,000 to the new 220,000 miles.