Hey everyone. I know this is a Tri forum, but recent changes to USCF benefits may adversely affect a large number of us.
Recently, UAL decided to pull its support for all converning sports bodies. The first draw down of UAL support occured about 2 years ago when they pulled their support for USAT and a multitude of other organizations. This decision was made at the time to focus more attention on a fewer number of governing bodies. Now UAL has decided as a business to take the next step, by pulling support from the remaining sports organizations to focus their attention on USOC entirely.
This is entirely within UAL’s rights as a business. However, I believe they are making a mistake as a business and it is a mistake that will affect anyone that currently enjoys the benefits of UAL’s sponsorship of USCF.
The most prominent change will be that, effective January 1, 2007, bicycle vouchers will no longer be extended to USCF members. As you all know, without a voucher, UAL charges $160 rt for this service. This is a significant change for anyone that needs to travel by air to a race venue.
I would encourage everyone on ST to let your voices be heard. If you care about this issue, please go to the UAL website and voice your concerns.
Please go to UAL.com or use the following link to “Submit a Question”
This really does disappoint me. I’ve used United for a long time because of the vouchers, but will certainly be looking around for other carriers if I know that an additional charge will be added at check-in. And don’t forget, UAL charges $25 for bags over 50lbs. So the potential charge is $210 round trip!!
I agree. It was a HUGE benefit of being a USAT member 2 years a go…and of being a USCF member until this recent release.
I’m all for United doing what they can to improve their business and their service. However, I have a feeling they have missed something here. Not sure how they evaluated the benefit/cost, but if they are only counting the number of vouchers used for instance that might not be the whole story.
I may be wrong…but if ST is any guage at all, I think triathletes and cyclists really try hard to support businesses that support them.
I know that I personally choose UAL whenever prices are similar between carriers, because of their past support of USAT and USA Cycling. Only a small portion of these trips are with a bike in tow. But now that all else is equal…I might be less inclined…and I think that might go for others.
But…the great thing is that decisions can change. At a time when our sport is so rapidly expanding, I think we should try our best to make our voices heard and encourage them to EXPAND their support, not withdrawl it.
Note that Southwest only charges $50. The vouchers are the only reason I’ve tolerated UALs sourpuss service in the past.
Yep…and when you throw in SWA’s lower airfares…well…it ain’t even close. It is the chief reason I’ll now be flying SWA out of Chicago for our Winter Training camp outside LA, IMAZ, St. A’s, etc. etc. etc.