Loading Page...

Is United Airlines silver worth it?

While not the best entry-level elite status tier, it can still provide value for the frequent United flyer. It's worth having for the upgrades, free checked bag, bonus miles and Star Alliance Silver status.



Premier Silver status on United Airlines is generally considered "worth it" if you fly United at least 4 to 6 times a year, primarily due to the complimentary Economy Plus access at check-in. This benefit alone can save you $50–$100 per flight. Other perks in 2026 include one free 70-lb checked bag, priority boarding (Group 2), and a 7x mileage multiplier. While you won't get the "Polaris" lounge access or frequent First Class upgrades associated with higher tiers, the waived bag fees and extra legroom can easily offset the "cost" of earning the status if you travel frequently for work or leisure. For a casual flyer who only takes one trip a year, the benefits are negligible, but for the "semi-frequent" traveler, Silver provides a significant upgrade in comfort and airport efficiency without the extreme requirements of Gold or 1K status.

People Also Ask

According to a recent NerdWallet analysis on airline elite status, Premier Silver has a raw estimated value of $1,251, which puts United's entry-level status squarely in the top-three of entry-level tier airline elite status values. If you travel with United more than other airlines, it would be worth earning.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

While elite status might not seem as valuable as it once was, it has also become more attainable than ever. Due to the pandemic, most airlines lowered their 2021 elite status qualification requirements. We saw less leniency in 2022, but we did see Delta roll over all 2021 Medallion qualifying miles to 2022.

MORE DETAILS

The expiration date for elite status is Jan. 31 each year.

MORE DETAILS

As a Gold elite, the upgrade probability is better than for Silver members, who can only upgrade the day of departure. If you have a United co-branded credit card, your award tickets will also qualify for complimentary upgrades to business or first class.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

You're automatically eligible for a Complimentary Premier Upgrade as long as you are a Premier member (the higher your status, the earlier you become eligible for Complimentary Premier Upgrades and are flying on an eligible ticket on any eligible United-operated flight.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Achieving million miler status Once you've flown a million miles with United, you'll earn permanent elite status. At a million miles, you'll get Premier Gold for life. At two million miles, you'll receive Premier Platinum status for life. At three million miles, you'll get Premier 1K for life.

MORE DETAILS

To earn entry-level United Airlines Premier Silver elite status, you've got two options:
  1. Earn 12 Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) and 4,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs).
  2. Earn 5,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs).


MORE DETAILS

Group 2: MileagePlus and Star Alliance Silver members, paid Premier Access of Priority Boarding customers, select United co-branded cardholders (Explorer, Club, and Presidential Plus) Groups 3-5: Economy plus, economy, and Basic Economy passengers (board last)

MORE DETAILS

United MileagePlus United travelers can earn Star Alliance Silver elite status by earning Premier Silver elite status in MileagePlus. In 2022, a MileagePlus member must earn 3,500 Premier Qualifying Points or eight Premier Qualifying Flights plus 3,000 PQP to earn Premier Silver elite status.

MORE DETAILS

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?

MORE DETAILS

How Marriott elites get access to United Silver status. Marriott Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite members can request their complimentary United Silver elite status by going to Marriott's RewardsPlus portal. Click the “Join RewardsPlus” link to begin the process.

MORE DETAILS