United Airlines woos elite flyers by smoothing the path to upgrades

United Airlines is adjusting its loyalty program to boost the chances for its most elite frequent flyers to obtain upgrades on flights. The carrier is converting the current regional and global rewards system in its MileagePlus program to a bank of points, dubbed PlusPoints, that can be used to apply for upgrades, the airline said Tuesday. Travellers who reach United’s top platinum and 1K elite levels attain the perks. The program changes take effect Dec 4. United said frequent travellers will be able use the points to join upgrade lists on multiple trips. The points won’t be deducted from the account until the upgrade clears. The changes are expected to alleviate “pain points” United frequent flyers had expressed with the program, Luc Bondar, the carrier’s VP of loyalty, said. <br/>