Here's what's happening for
saver level award fees:
Not exact matches
First, by carrying a Chase United card (even the
fee - free version) you have access to more
saver level domestic Economy
award availability (HT: bluecat who correctly points out the availability extends to international flights on United metal) I haven't found the difference that noticeable for the most part, but while doing some research for an upcoming Brandon Asks post I noticed it was quite useful for positioning flights.
Downgrade to the Chase MileagePlus Card (no Explorer in the name) and you'll still have [ever so slightly] expanded domestic
saver level Economy
award availability, no
fee, and the ability to switch back to the $ 95 annual
fee Explorer card if your travel patterns change in the future.
None of the changes to
award fees can be classified as good news for travelers, especially if you're booking
saver level awards — why would you do anything else?!
Since this is a partner
award, it priced at the
saver level, which was 60,000 miles one - way and only $ 2.50 in
fees!