United Airlines is no longer publishing an award chart for Mileage Plus point redemption on travel originating on or after November 15.
The carrier made the change on April 5.
The move, said United spokesman Robert Einhorn, will enable the airline to use a broader range of award point prices.
"This change allows us to match award pricing to customer demand," Einhorn said. "Where there is more availability, we will be able to offer lower prices than what we offer today."
In contrast, Einhorn wrote, award prices might be higher during the busiest travel times. He said that award prices might be higher during the busiest travel times. He said that customers with flexibility will benefit from the change.
United already employs demand-based pricing for award redemption, but within limits set by the award chart. For example, one-way economy class redemptions for flights within North America are capped at 32,500 points and, according to the chart, bottom out at 10,000 points on routes of 700 miles or less.
However, Einhorn said that beginning in the past few weeks, United has begun offering some reward redemptions for as few as 5,000 points. The carrier won't increase any award price prior to November 15, he said.
With the elimination of award charts, United will also get rid of the US$25 to US$75 fee it charges for award bookings within 21 days of a flight. However, it's possible that award prices for close-in bookings will trend high, just as ticket prices do.
Source: Travel Weekly USA