Each year, United sends out offers to MileagePlus members offering the opportunity to buy up to their next elite status.
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Premier qualifying flightsTo qualify for any status with United, you must fly at least four paid segments on United or United Express in a calendar year. Those four paid flights will also count as PQFs, assuming you don't book in basic economy. Here's how accruals on basic economy fares compare with standard fares.
Frequent United flyers can earn MileagePlus Gold status after reaching 1 million lifetime miles. Once earned, they'll get to keep Gold status for life, which is pretty cool.
If you're unable to take a flight, try earning PQPs by spending on eligible United credit cards. The type of United credit card you have determines how much you'll need to spend to get a PQP boost and the number of PQPs you'll earn. » Learn more: Which United credit card should you get?
For most people, it probably won't be worth going very far out of your way to chase airline elite status. You can easily replicate many of the perks that a low- or even mid-tier elite traveler would enjoy by holding the right credit cards and buying the occasional upgrade to first class.
1. American Airlines AAdvantage. Starting January 2022, American Airlines revamped its elite status program. Earning Loyalty Points from flying is relatively simple: If you earn an AAdvantage mile from flying, you'll earn a Loyalty Point.
Changes to United Premier 1K Status for 2023To become a United Premier 1K status holder through Jan. 31, 2025, you have to fly 54 Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) and earn 18,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs), in addition to flying at least four United/United Express flights in 2023.
The Million Miler program, a part of the MileagePlus program, rewards members for extraordinary, long-term loyalty to United. Million Milers enjoy generous annual benefits and lifetime Premier® status.
The primary way of earning PQP is by flying United, United Express, and any of United's airline partners. These consist of all Star Alliance members, plus some unique partners like Brazil's Azul, Hawaiian Airlines, Emirates, JSX, and Virgin Australia.
Yes it does, since United Gold status is also Star Alliance Gold status. This means you and one travel companion can enjoy lounge access on international itineraries, even when flying in economy class.
Once you qualify for a Premier status, it is valid from the date you qualified through the end of the following program year. So, it could last more than 12 months. For example, if you qualify for Premier Silver status in June 2023, you'll keep your status through Jan. 31, 2025.
Final thoughts on Star Alliance Gold statusStar Alliance Gold benefits provide airport lounge access, expedited check-in and security, extra baggage allowance, and more. While it can be challenging to place a value on these perks, Star Alliance Gold can save you money and time on your next flight.
The expiration date for elite status is Jan.31 each year. To ensure that you maintain your status from year to year, you will need to complete the PQF and PQP requirements for your status level.
United's annual lounge membership can be paid in dollars or miles, and pricing is based on your MileagePlus elite status. Platinum members receive a $50 discount off the annual membership fee, and 1K members get a $100 discount. Membership gets you unlimited access to the lounges.
You'll qualify for status based on the Loyalty Points posted to your account for the 12-month period starting on March 1 of each year. And, the new AAdvantage® status membership year is valid through March 31 of each year.
Yes, United miles can be transferred to others, however not only will you pay to do the transfer, but you'll have to pay a processing fee as well. United charges $7.50 per 500 miles transferred plus a $30 processing fee. So, if you wanted to transfer 50,000 miles, you would have to pay $780.