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United Airlines Ad Highlights New York
- by Tanya Gazdik , July 1, 2013
United Airlines is launching adv
ertising that spotlights both the company's extensive flight schedule from the New York area and United's p.s. Premium Service.
The p.s. Premium Service offers customers international-style travel on flights that link New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport with Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The TV spot will air on New York stations through September. This summer's campaign also includes digital ads in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, billboards outside of Kennedy Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport, and outdoor signage at high-traffic locations in New York, including subway entryways and bus shelters.
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The spot, which highlights the premium amenities customers enjoy on p.s. flights, will run in the New York area during local and cable newscasts and sports and other high-profile programs. The commercial is also accessible on digital media in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
United is reconfiguring the aircraft that fly its p.s. routes to provide customers a travel experience comparable to the airline's long-haul international flights. Reconfigured p.s. aircraft feature refreshed interiors with premium-cabin flat-bed seats.
Customers in this cabin also enjoy premium bedding and a multi-course meal during their flight as well as access to United Club airport lounges. Along with those amenities, reconfigured p.s. aircraft offer Wi-Fi, power outlets, USB ports and personal on-demand entertainment for all customers.
United has reconfigured four aircraft and expects to complete the project by the end of this year. Eleven more aircraft are slated for reconfiguration.
In addition, United now offers half bottles of premium wines for purchase in United Economy on p.s. flights. Customers can choose between two vintages, a 2011 Meiomi Pinot Noir and a 2012 St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc 2012. Each bottle pours two and a half glasses of wine.
I've been on them. Nice planes, good service.
Not so nice are the new United requirements for Mileage Plus privileges: http://www.mileageplusupdates.com/faqs.html The small print: "Starting in January 2014, Premier qualification requirements will include a minimum annual spending level. We will track this qualifying spending with Premier qualifying dollars (PQD): dollars spent on most United® tickets, including partner flights, and Economy Plus® purchases. These changes do not affect Premier qualifying miles (PQM) or Premier qualifying segments (PQS). For 2014, the PQD requirement for Premier Silver, Premier Gold and Premier Platinum qualification will be waived for members whose address with MileagePlus® is within the 50 United States or the District of Columbia and who spend at least $25,000 in Net Purchases in 2014 on a MileagePlus co-branded credit card issued by Chase Bank USA, N.A. There is no PQD waiver for Premier 1K® qualification. You earn PQD for the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges on qualifying tickets. Certain specialty tickets, including but not limited to unpublished, consolidator, group/tour, and opaque fares do not earn PQD. Just as with Premier qualifying miles (PQM) and Premier qualifying segments (PQS), we will credit the account of the member who travels, not the member who purchases the ticket."
I understand the shift of rewards from flying to spending. What I wish is that they did not make it so damn complicated, and require that I use their credit card.
FWIW (hopefully something), I am a high-privilege million+ mile flier with United and a lifetime member of the United Club. One small request to @United, if you're tuned in: Bring back (or keep, depending) "Channel 9" (cockpit chatter) on your entertainment systems. For years it was the *one* unique grace of flying United, and it would be a shame to see it go completely. Thanks.
Doc - the credit card requirement is only for the waiver, not for the PQD level itself.