US Airways Adds Copay To Elites Using Mileage Upgrades
Prior to yesterday, the day of changes, US Airways and United Airlines waived the copay fee for elite members. For example, you could have used 10,000 Dividend Miles to upgrade on a domestic flight (round trip) and as an elite member you wouldn’t pay the $25 copay for a domestic flight. However, as of yesterday US Airways elite members (preferred members) will also have to pay a copay when using miles to upgrade – therefore making it 10,000 miles and $25 for a round trip ticket.
United Airlines continues to offer a copay waiver for their elite members.
Region |
Flight length (in miles) |
Miles required |
Mileage upgrade fee* (copay) |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S./Canada | < 500 | 5,000 | $25 |
| U.S./Canada | 500 – 999 | 6,000 | $50 |
| U.S./Canada | 1,000 – 1,499 | 7,500 | $75 |
| U.S./Canada | 1,500 – 1,999 | 9,000 | $100 |
| U.S./Canada | 2,000+ | 10,000 | $150 |
| Mexico | N/A | 15,000 | $150 |
| Caribbean | N/A | 15,000 | $150 |
| Central America | N/A | 15,000 | $150 |
| Hawaii | N/A | 15,000 | $150 |
| South America (Business Class) | N/A | 30,000 | $300** |
| Europe (Business Class) | N/A | 30,000 | $300** |
| Middle East (Business Class) | N/A | 40,000 | $300** |
