Is Premier 1K worth it?

If you're a frequent United flyer, becoming a Premier 1K member may be a good idea for you. Although it's costly, the benefits you'll receive are expansive, including complimentary upgrades, free United checked baggage, Marriott elite status and more.



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If you're primarily a domestic flyer, the ability to score complimentary upgrades (or at least Economy Plus seats) for you and a companion is worth it, too. And the bonus miles you earn on flights with Gold status can get you closer to an award ticket.

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Premier 1K members enjoy all the benefits of Premier Platinum in addition to preboarding privileges, a complimentary Clear membership, a snack and drink in economy and 280 PlusPoints. You can use the 280 PlusPoints in many ways, choosing any combination that best suits you.

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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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If you're a member with Premier 1K status, you'll receive one free alcoholic beverage and one free Choice Menu food item when traveling in United Economy on any United- or United Express®-operated flight system-wide, subject to availability on your flight.

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The full name is Premier Executive 1K but everyone calls it 1K. This is the highest publicly available status on United. You used to reach this level by earning 100,000 butt-in-seat (not including bonuses) miles on United and its partner in a given calendar year.

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The final tier in the MileagePlus program is Premier 1K status, which requires at least 54 PQFs plus 18,000 PQPs, or just 24,000 PQPs. For this analysis, I'll base my numbers on earning 20,000 PQPs (total spending of $20,000) plus taking at least 54 PQFs to ensure you satisfy the hybrid qualification criteria.

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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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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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Complimentary Premier upgrades Premier 1K members enjoy the highest upgrade priority (aside from Global Services travelers, who are likely traveling in paid first class anyway). They will begin clearing into first class as early as four days before departure.

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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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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.

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Club and lounge access
  1. Premium cabin customers. All eligible premium cabin customers must be traveling on an international footnote1 itinerary or in United Business® on a premium transcontinental flight. ...
  2. Star Alliance Gold status. ...
  3. United Club membership and one-time pass. ...
  4. Other.


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