Not exactly sure what is going on here with United, but they may have felt a bit of the pain with their increased award chart for partners and may be giving a reprieve for Christmas. At any rate, for January, February, and March, they have reduced the mileage amounts for business class on partner airlines to Europe to the amount required for United flights. No matter whether this is a mistake or intentional, it certainly won’t last long as people try to snag seats at the lower prices. The seats are definitely going fast! Book now and you have 24 hours to cancel if it does not work out.
In February of this year, United jacked up the award prices for travel in business class and first class. They created two different awards – United’s premium cabins and partner cabins. For travel to Europe, the cost is 57,500 miles one-way (on United) and 70,000 miles one-way (on partners like Lufthansa). It is really a ridiculous rate (though one I just paid since it was for my wife) to charge 70,000 miles one-way (140,000 miles roundtrip) for travel from the US to Europe in business class. I mean, that could basically be a 8 hour flight or less and they are charging 10,000 more miles for the one-way than a roundtrip costs in coach!
Note the Lufthansa Business Class seat at the 57,500 mile price – same as United’s Business class
But, as of right now, flights to Europe from the US in January, February, and March are all coming up at the 57,500 miles one-way price, even for partners. If you want to be able to save 25,000 miles on a roundtrip business class ticket to Europe, start checking over at United to see what options are available. If you have United Premier Platinum or Premier 1K, you can cancel and redeposit current award tickets for free and then rebook at the lower amount (or, book the lower amount now and then cancel the original, higher award). You are still paying 15,000 more miles than required under the last award chart, but this as close as you will get to the old award chart with United! This is really a great way to get to Europe, even during the winter months. Just wish it was for December as well – would love to rebook my wife’s flight at the lower amount.
For what it’s worth, the ticket I booked said that it was “Saver Sale – North America” so there should not be any reason to fear it is a mistake.
HT: Dans Deals
The problem is I flew F on Lufthansa before the devaluation and now I’m spoiled for life!!
That is exactly what I was thinking! I have flown quite a few carriers in F and, while business is nice, most of the time I just think “meh.” 🙂 But still, I was going to book something in economy for me later and had not flown Turkish in business yet so thought I would give it a try.
But, if you want to keep with the flow of F, give Singapore a try next time flying to or from Frankfurt. Only 57K for Suites class. My wife can’t stand flying and just flew it today and she is spoiled for life. 🙂
Thank you! My wife and I had to cancel our trip to Paris — which was on the old chart and was to begin this Sunday — because she is sick. Thanks to this post, I was able to book a new trip with very few additional miles!