United Airlines chops elite benefit for top flyers in latest watering down of loyalty programs
Briefly

United Airlines will discontinue the free Clear Plus membership benefit for its Premier 1K loyalty program members, starting May 1. Previously, this valuable perk allowed top-tier members to bypass long security lines. Now, Premier 1K members will receive a $70 discount on the membership fee, which will set their new annual cost at $129. Only members of United Global Services will retain the free Clear membership. Delta Air Lines remains the sole airline offering complimentary Clear membership to elite passengers, indicating a broader trend in loyalty program benefits.
United Airlines is eliminating the free Clear Plus membership perk for its top-tier Premier 1K loyalty program members, effective May 1, moving to a discount model.
From May 1 onwards, United Premier 1K will now receive only a $70 discount, leading to their annual cost being reduced to $129 instead of free.
United's changes to the Clear Plus membership highlight a shift away from the previously lucrative loyalty benefits that were once a standard offering to elite flyers.
This leaves Delta Air Lines as the only major airline continuing to offer complimentary Clear memberships to its top-tier Diamond Medallion status members.
Read at New York Post
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