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United.com is offering cheaper prices for partner Business Class award award bookings than what United’s chart says the price is. This sale is unannounced and could end at any time.

In February 2014, United went to two charts: a cheaper one for flights on United and a more expensive one for partner flights–way more expensive in Business and First Class.

Last month, there were unannounced sales in partner Business Class to Europe, the Middle East, and India. These sales were restricted to off peak times though–January, February, and March. Last sale:

March 31 from JFK to Delhi, India: 70,000 United miles in Lufthansa Business Class (discount in March)

Screen Shot 2015-01-04 at 11.53.06 PM

April 1 from Newark to Delhi, India: 80,000 United miles in Air India Business Class (no discount in AprilScreen Shot 2015-01-04 at 11.53.53 PM

These new unannounced sales are to more regions and can be booked for all of the current schedule–basically until the end of 2015. One way partner Business Class is pricing out at the United prices:

  1. Between the US and Europe for 57,500 United miles (normally 70k)
  2. Between the US and North Asia for 70,000 United miles (normally 80k)
  3. Between the US and Central Asia for 70,000 United miles (normally 80k)
  4. Between the US and South Asia for 70,000 United miles (normally 80k)
  5. Between Europe and Middle East for 35,000 United miles (normally 45k)

Example 1: Boston to Zurich in Swiss Business Class this summer for 57,500 United miles

Screen Shot 2015-02-01 at 12.39.14 PM

Example 2: Los Angeles to Bangkok in Asiana Business Class on the A380 this summer for 70,000 United milesScreen Shot 2015-02-01 at 12.41.21 PM

Combined, the three Asia regions on sale from the United States include all of Asia except Japan, which costs 75,000 miles one way in partner Business Class, and the Middle East. The Middle East is Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Yemen. The Middle East is on sale from Europe.

What is United Thinking with this Sale?

I have no idea. Its on-again-off-again nature and the fact that only some regions are affected tells me this is not a glitch. United is intentionally holding this sale.

It seems to indicate that they overreached with their partner award devaluation, and they know it.

But why the secrecy? Why is this sale not trumpeted in a press release? As it is, the only people who will take advantage are lucky people who were just searching for an award to these regions and people who read miles blogs.

I’d love theories on why United is having these sales–and having them secretly at that–in the comments.

How Long Will the Sale Last?

Probably not long. The last secret sales lasted about a month. Book now if you want to take advantage.

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