How do I get my United Airlines Premier status?

All eligible Cardmembers must take a minimum of 4 flights on United or United Express to be eligible for Premier status. Cardmembers must meet the Premier qualifying flight (PQF) requirement for 1K status. All PQP earned on eligible card spend and Flex PQP can be applied up to Platinum.



To earn United Airlines Premier status in 2026, you must meet specific requirements within a calendar year (by December 31). Qualification is based on a combination of Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) and Premier Qualifying Points (PQP). For example, to reach Premier Silver, you typically need 15 PQF and 5,000 PQP, or a higher threshold of 6,000 PQP if you don't meet the flight count. Regardless of the points, you must fly at least four segments on United or United Express aircraft. PQP is primarily earned based on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges of your tickets (1 PQP per 1 USD spent). You can also earn PQP through spending on United-branded credit cards. Once you meet the threshold for a tier (Silver, Gold, Platinum, or 1K), your status is valid for the remainder of that year, the entire following year, and through January of the year after that. Status benefits include complimentary Economy Plus seating, free checked bags, and priority boarding.

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Buying Premier Access You can still buy Premier Access even if you aren't a MileagePlus member or aren't flying in a Premium cabin. Get it for one flight or your whole trip using our website, app, or at an airport kiosk. Prices start at $24.

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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.

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You can also earn PQP by redeeming MileagePlus miles for United or United Express award flights or by using one of our eligible co-branded credit cards for everyday purchases.

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Earning elite status in the United Airlines MileagePlus program is now attached to earning a certain amount of Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs). These can be obtained, of course, by flying, but also through spend on a few of the United Airlines credit cards.

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Earn up to 3,000 PQP: The United MileagePlus® Select Card earn 500 PQP for every $12,000 in card spend, up to 3,000 PQP in a calendar year. Earn up to 6,000 PQP: The United QuestSM Card earns 500 PQP for every $12,000 in card spend, up to 6,000 PQP in a calendar year.

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Earning Premier status is based on flying and spending during the previous calendar year. 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.

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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.

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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.

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When traveling on a Star Alliance member-operated flight, eligible Star Alliance Gold members (MileagePlus Premier 1K, Premier Platinum and Premier Gold) may visit designated Star Alliance member lounges.

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Extra free bags and premier access The top-tier United Airlines card also gives you and your companions on the same reservation more than priority boarding. It comes with Premier Access, a type of elite status that includes priority airport check-in, security screening (where available), boarding and baggage handling.

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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.

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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.

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