Do you feel like a second-class citizen when you’re flying US-based carriers? In some cases, that’s actually by design. Chances are you’re a leisure traveler, seeking the lowest fare available — the vast majority of per-seat revenue comes from corporate travelers, and it’s those individuals (and their employers) that the airlines favor most.Oftentimes customers are recognized on an individual basis, through top-tier elite status (and sometimes even unadvertised perks), but carriers also recognize their enterprise partners, too, from small businesses all the way up to giant corporations.Within hours of Delta unveiling its improved Corporate Travel benefits, United introduced a program of its own, called Corporate Preferred.As United explains in its short intro video, Corporate Preferred is intended to benefit travel bookers and road warriors alike.Just as with United’s consumer loyalty program, there are multiple tiers. Corporations will be assigned to a tier based on their spend with the airline, though it sounds like requirements are applied on a case-by-case basis. There are additional benefits awarded at each level, which only apply to United tickets booked through a corporate sales agreement:United Corporate PreferredHigher upgrade priority — functions as a “tie-breaker” after MileagePlus status, booking class and co-branded cardholder statusHigher standby priority — eligible customers rank higher on the standby list, with a similar “tie-breaker” prioritizationPreferred reaccommodation — customers are automatically rebooked on alternative flights if necessary, again with higher priorityDecreased likelihood of downgrade or involuntary denied boardingPreferred seat protection — customers will be assigned a similar seat if at all possible in the event of an aircraft substitutionUnited Corporate Preferred PlusBenefits currently match those listed aboveUnited Corporate Preferred EliteTravel waiver flexibility — fare difference waived when changing to a later date, or full ticket value can be applied to a new bookingGroup 2 boarding when traveling in economyFree access to “Preferred seating” just behind Economy Plus, launching in Q4 2018It sounds like Preferred seating will otherwise be unavailable to some customers — Gold elites and higher can currently select Economy Plus seats for free at booking, so perhaps Silver members and Corporate Preferred Elite flyers will be able to grab Preferred seats during the same period. As United explains, “Customers will enjoy access to preferred seats in Q4 2018. These standard-legroom seats will typically be closer to the front of the aircraft behind United Premium Plus and Economy Plus.“Sign up for our daily newsletterEmail addressSign upI would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. See privacy policy.Bottom LineWhile there are some benefits for travelers, like Preferred seating and Group 2 boarding, it’s unclear how often perks like upgrade and standby tie-breakers will actually make a difference. United’s Corporate Preferred program perks seem to benefit employers most — the extended travel waiver options have the potential to save employers quite a bit of money, in particular.Overall, eligible business flyers will be a bit better off — and although American doesn’t have a formal corporate program of its own, now that Delta’s offering benefits with Air France-KLM, hopefully corporate benefits will be added to select United partners, too.
