United Airlines' Mileageplus: Understanding The Levels Of Travel

what are the levels of travel for united airlines

United Airlines has a loyalty program called MileagePlus, which offers four levels of elite status: Silver, Gold, Platinum and 1K. Each level offers different perks, with the lowest level, Silver, offering benefits such as priority check-in and security screening, three free checked bags in any premium cabin, and free confirmed flight changes within 24 hours of departure. The highest level, 1K, offers additional benefits such as waived CLEAR membership fees, complimentary premier upgrades as early as 96 hours before departure, and an annual subscription to Timeshifter, The Jet Lag App.

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United Airlines' loyalty program

There are four levels of elite status within the MileagePlus program: Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K. Each level offers different benefits, such as priority check-in, free checked bags, complimentary upgrades, and more.

To qualify for elite status, passengers must earn a minimum number of Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) or a higher number of PQPs. PQPs are earned based on the base fare of the flight, while PQFs represent the number of flight segments flown.

In addition to the elite status levels, there is also an invitation-only status called United Global Services for the most loyal and high-spending customers.

MileagePlus members can earn miles not only by flying but also by using co-branded credit cards, transferring from Chase Ultimate Rewards, dining, shopping, and more. These miles can be redeemed for free flights, flight upgrades, and other benefits.

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How to earn elite status

United Airlines' elite status is called MileagePlus Premier, and it has four levels: Silver, Gold, Platinum and 1K. Each level offers different benefits, but there are basic benefits that all Premier members can enjoy, including priority check-in, three free checked bags in any premium cabin, and free confirmed flight changes within 24 hours of departure.

To earn elite status, you need to do two things: fly often and spend money. This will earn you a combination of Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs). PQPs are earned on the base fare, carrier surcharges, economy plus seats or subscriptions, preferred seat purchases, upgrade award co-pays, paid upgrades and flights ticketed and operated by Star Alliance partners. PQFs are earned for each flight you take (one takeoff and touchdown equals one PQF).

  • 12 PQFs and 4,000 PQPs for Silver status
  • 24 PQFs and 8,000 PQPs for Gold status
  • 36 PQFs and 12,000 PQPs for Platinum status
  • 54 PQFs and 18,000 PQPs for 1K status

You can also earn PQPs through spending on select United MileagePlus credit cards.

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The benefits of elite status

United Airlines' elite status program is called MileagePlus Premier, and it offers four levels of elite status: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K. Each level comes with a range of benefits, including free upgrades, extra baggage allowance, lounge access, and more. Here are some of the key benefits of elite status with United Airlines:

Priority Services

Elite members enjoy priority services such as priority check-in, security screening, and boarding. This means faster service and shorter lines, making the travel experience more seamless and enjoyable.

Complimentary Upgrades

One of the most valuable perks of elite status is the opportunity for complimentary upgrades. Elite members have priority when it comes to upgrades, and the likelihood of receiving an upgrade increases with higher status levels.

Free Checked Bags

Elite members are entitled to a complimentary checked baggage allowance. The allowance varies by status level, ranging from one free checked bag for Silver members to three free checked bags for 1K members. This benefit can result in significant savings, especially for frequent travelers.

Award Travel Benefits

Elite members enjoy enhanced award travel benefits, including priority waitlisting, standby for international awards, unrestricted access to United Everyday Awards, and better availability for United Saver Awards in economy and select premium cabins.

Discounts and Waived Fees

Elite members are eligible for various discounts and waived fees, such as discounted United Club membership rates, waived same-day flight change fees, and waived phone service fees. These perks can add up to significant savings over time.

Bonus Miles and Mileage Bonuses

Elite members earn bonus miles on flights, with higher status levels earning higher bonuses. Additionally, certain status levels offer mileage bonuses, further increasing the number of miles earned.

Star Alliance Benefits

As a member of the Star Alliance, United Airlines offers elite members benefits on partner airlines. These benefits include priority services, extra baggage allowance, lounge access, priority boarding, and more, making the elite status even more valuable for frequent travelers.

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How to check your progress

To check your progress toward elite status, log in to your United MileagePlus account and scroll down to Premier progress for a quick glance at what you’ve earned. To see a detailed look at your progress, including your PQPs, PQFs, and a comparison of benefits offered at each status level, click on View Premier status tracker.

You can also visit the Premier status tracker on the United Airlines website to track your progress.

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How to maintain status

United Airlines' elite status program is called MileagePlus Premier, and it offers four status levels: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K. Each level comes with its own set of benefits, such as free upgrades, extra baggage allowance, lounge access, bonus miles, and more. Here are some tips on how to maintain your status in the MileagePlus Premier program:

  • Understand the qualification criteria: To qualify for United elite status, you need to earn a minimum number of Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) or a higher number of PQPs. The number of PQPs and PQFs required increases with each status level.
  • Fly frequently: To earn elite status, you need to complete a minimum of four flights on United or United Express. The more you fly, the easier it will be to maintain your status.
  • Utilize credit cards: You can earn PQPs by spending on select United MileagePlus credit cards. Some cards offer higher PQP earning rates or maximums, so choose the one that best fits your needs.
  • Take advantage of partner airlines: You can earn PQFs and PQPs by flying with partner airlines, such as Azul Brazilian Airlines, South African Airways, and Thai Airways International.
  • Enroll in the Million Miler Program: If you fly a lot, consider enrolling in the Million Miler Program. This program offers lifetime Premier status based on the number of miles flown on United and United Express flights.
  • Maintain your status through status match: If you have elite status with another airline, you can request a status match with United. This will give you United Premier status for a specified period, after which you can maintain your status by meeting certain PQP and PQF requirements.
  • Stay up to date with changes: United occasionally makes changes to its elite status program. Stay informed about these changes and take advantage of any opportunities they may present to maintain your status.
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Frequently asked questions

United Airlines has four levels of elite status: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K. There is also an invitation-only level called United Global Services.

To become a MileagePlus Premier member, you need to achieve a certain number of PQFs and PQPs. To earn the base level Silver Premier status, you need to earn 12 PQFs and 4,000 PQPs or 5,000 PQPs. In addition, you need to fly at least four flight segments on United or United Express.

No, you cannot buy United Airlines elite status.

Yes, United offers a MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge promotion. If you have elite status with another airline, you can request a status match to United Premier status.

The highest elite status for most United flyers is Premier 1K. However, there is also an invitation-only status called United Global Services that’s reserved for only the most dedicated and high-spending flyers.

“PQP” stands for “Premier Qualifying Point.” It’s determined by the base fare of the flight, including carrier-imposed surcharges but excluding taxes and other fees. Seating purchases and paid upgrades are included in this number.

“PQF” stands for “Premier Qualifying Flight,” which is used for the number of flight segments flown.

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