How To Get United Airlines Elite Status (& Is It Worth It?)

Having elite status with United Airlines can make flying so much more pleasant. As a United Premier member, you’ll enjoy perks like preferred seating, upgrades, points bonuses, and more.

But, understanding how to earn elite status with United can appear a little complicated at first. Do you know what a PQP is or what counts as a flight segment? Don’t worry, we’ll spell it all out for you.

This post will show you everything you need to know to get United Airlines elite status, plus we’ll review each status level’s benefits and discuss whether or not it’s even worth it.

United Airlines Elite Status

MileagePlus Premier is the name for elite status membership within the United MileagePlus loyalty program.

Before we can talk about how to earn United Airlines elite status there are a few terms you’ll need to understand, so let’s have a quick vocabulary lesson.

Flying on United Airlines — You’ll earn PQP and PQF every time you fly on United. Image Credit: United

PQF and PQP

Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF): This represents the number of flight segments flown. To earn status, at least 4 flight segments need to be flown on United or United Express in addition to other requirements.

A flight segment is simply a takeoff and a landing. Basic Economy tickets do not earn PQFs.

Premier Qualifying Points (PQP): This is based on 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. All tickets, including Basic Economy, earn PQPs.

You’ll earn PQFs and PQPs when you fly United or United Express plus these partner airlines:

Air Dolomiti
Azul Brazilian Airlines
Edelweiss Airlines
Eurowings
Eurowings Discover
Olympic Air
Star Alliance partners
Star Alliance connecting partners
Virgin Australia

The PQPs you can earn per flight on partner airlines are limited.

Class of Service	Preferred Partner PQP Maximum	MileagePlus Partner PQP Maximum
First and Business	1,500	1,000
Economy and Premium Economy	750	500

PQFs and PQPs are credited to the MileagePlus member that flies, not the member that purchases the ticket.

Earn PQPs on Credit Cards

You can earn PQPs toward Premier status based on your annual spending on select United MileagePlus credit cards.

Earn PQP on United credit cards — Earn PQP with select United credit cards. Image Credit: United

The following credit cards earn 500 PQP per $12,000 spent. There is a maximum of 1,000 PQP earned per card unless otherwise noted:

First Hawaiian Bank United® Card
United Club℠ Business Card
United Club℠ Infinite Card (8,000 PQP maximum)
United℠ Business Card
United℠ Explorer Card
United℠ Quest Card (6,000 PQP maximum)

The following cards are no longer open to new applicants but existing cardholders can still earn 500 PQPs per $12,000, with a maximum of 1,000 PQPs (unless otherwise noted):

United MileagePlus® Awards Card
United MileagePlus® Business Card
United MileagePlus® Card (with annual fee)
United MileagePlus® Select Card (3,000 PQP maximum)
United℠ Presidential Plus℠ Business Card (10,000 PQP maximum)
United℠ Presidential Plus℠ Card (10,000 PQP maximum)

The United Gateway℠ Card and United MileagePlus card with no annual fee (no longer available to new applicants) do not earn PQP.

United PlusPoints

United Boeing 787 Dreamliner Polaris Business Class Empty — Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members can use their PlusPoints to upgrade to Polaris on long-haul flights. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

PlusPoints is an elite status upgrade benefit for Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members. They can be used to upgrade flights on United and United Express as well as the following partner airlines:

All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Copa Airlines
Lufthansa

PlusPoints can be used to upgrade multiple segments on the same itinerary and they won’t be deducted from your account until your upgrade is confirmed. Premier Platinum members will receive 40 PlusPoints on qualification. Premier 1K members will receive 280 PlusPoints upon qualification and can earn an additional 20 PlusPoints for every 3,000 PQP earned after 18,000 PQP (not including PQPs earned from credit card spend).

PlusPoints upgrades are based on flight distance (short-haul vs. long-haul), fare purchased, and the requested seat.

For short-haul flights, here’s how many PlusPoints you’ll need to upgrade:

Upgrade From	Upgrade To	PlusPoints Cost
Economy	First or Business	20
Economy	Premium Plus	20
Premium Plus	Business	10

Short-haul flights are those without United Polaris business class and include flights within the U.S. and flights between the U.S. and Canada, Bogota, Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Quito, and intra-Asia flights.

For long-haul flights, here’s how many PlusPoints you’ll need to upgrade.

Upgrade From	Upgrade To	PlusPoints Cost
Discounted Economy	United Polaris	80
Economy	United Polaris	40
Economy	Premium Plus	20
Premium Plus	United Polaris	30

Long-haul flights are those that include United Polaris business class between the U.S. and Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand, South America, and Tahiti.

Jumpstart Your PQP Earnings In 2023

United is offering Premier elite members a chance to jumpstart their elite status earnings for the 2024 elite year. Based on the elite status earned in 2022 (for the 2023 elite year), members will see extra PQP automatically added to their accounts.

Elite Level Earned in 2022 for 2023	Extra PQP Deposited in Account
Premier Silver	500 PQP
Premier Gold	1,000 PQP
Premier Platinum	1,500 PQP
Premier 1K	2,500 PQP

These extra PQP will be awarded to anyone holding Premier status (except for trial elite status) as of February 1, 2023.

How To Earn United Airlines Elite Status

United Airlines elite status levels — There are 4 main levels of United Premier status. Image Credit: United

United Elite Status Qualifications

To qualify for United elite status you’ll need to earn a minimum number of PQP and PQF or a higher number of PQP. For either option, a minimum of 4 segments must be flown on United Airlines or United Express.

Elite Level	PQP and PQF	PQP Only	Flight Segments on United or United Express
Premier Silver	12 PQF and 4,000 PQP	5,000 PQP	4
Premier Gold	24 PQF and 8,000 PQP	10,000 PQP	4
Premier Platinum	36 PQF and 12,000 PQP	15,000 PQP	4
Premier 1K	54 PQF and 18,000 PQP	24,000 PQP	4

How To Check Your Progress Toward Elite Status

It’s easy to track your progress toward United elite status.

You can log in to your United MileagePlus account and scroll down to Premier progress for a quick glance at your progress (or you can use this link). 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.

United Premier elite status account information — You can see detailed information about your status level online. Image Credit: United

United Airlines Status Match

If you have elite status with another airline, you can request a status match to United Premier status through June 30, 2023.

After requesting a status match challenge, United will offer Premier status for 120 days. Your matched status can be extended by completing a required number of PQFs and PQPs on United and United Express flights.

Here’s a look at the status match levels for some of the most popular airlines:

Airline Program	Match to Premier Silver	Match to Premier Gold	Match to Premier Platinum
Delta Air Lines SkyMiles	Silver Medallion	Gold Medallion	Platinum Medallion
American Airlines AAdvantage	Gold	Platinum	Platinum Pro
JetBlue Airways TrueBlue	Mosaic	N/A	N/A
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan	MVP	MVP Gold	MVP Gold 75K
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards	A-List	A-List Preferred	N/A
British Airways Executive Club	Bronze	Silver	Gold
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club	Silver	Gold	N/A

Here are the requirements for maintaining matched status after the initial 120-day period:

Premier Silver: Fly 4 PQF and earn 1,300 PQP
Premier Gold: Fly 8 PQF and earn 2,600 PQP
Premier Platinum: Fly 12 PQF and earn 4,000 PQP

Bottom Line: If you have elite status with another airline, you can request a status match challenge from United Airlines. You’ll get United Premier status for 120 days and have the opportunity to extend the status by completing a required number of PQF and PQP.

United Elite Status Benefits

Having United MileagePlus Premier status comes with lots of great benefits. Each level has its own unique perks but there are some basic benefits that you’ll be able to enjoy at any level of United elite status:

Priority check-in and security screening
3 free checked bags in any premium cabin
Free confirmed flight changes within 24 hours of departure for the same fare class
Preferred seating for up to 8 travel companions
No blackout dates for award travel on United and United Express
Better award availability in economy
Priority award waitlisting
Standby for international award flights
Premier Priority Desk phone line
No fees for changing or canceling any award ticket with redeposit
Extra benefits when booking a VIP access property with United Hotels
TPC Network golf course benefits
United Cruises onboard amenities

United ORD Ticket Counter — You’ll get priority check-in as a United Premier member. Image Credit: United Airlines

United Premier Silver Status Benefits

United Premier Silver is the base level of elite status but it still offers some great benefits:

Group 2 priority boarding
1 free checked bag in economy
Access to Y-class tickets on most sold-out flights at least 24 hours before departure
Discounted annual membership fee of $149 for CLEAR expedited airport security
Complimentary Premier upgrades on the day of departure
Complimentary access to preferred seating at booking and Economy Plus at check-in
Complimentary Economy Plus for 1 travel companion
Instant upgrades to the premium cabin on Y or B class economy fares
7x miles per dollar on United, United Express, and select partner airlines
$25 phone booking service fees
Complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status
Extra miles on Avis and Budget car rentals (up to 1,000 base miles per rental)

United Premier Gold Status Benefits

In addition to the benefits offers at Premier Silver status, you’ll enjoy these additional benefits when you achieve United Premier Gold status:

Group 1 priority boarding
2 free checked bags in economy
Complimentary Premier upgrades as early as 48 hours before departure
Complimentary access to preferred and Economy Plus seating at booking
8x miles per dollar on United, United Express, and select partner airlines
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status

United Premier Platinum Status Benefits

United Premier Platinum members receive the same benefits as Premier Gold status, plus these additional benefits:

3 free checked bags in economy
Access to Y-class tickets on most sold-out flights at least 2 hours before departure
$50 annual membership discount for United Club lounges
Complimentary Premier upgrades as early as 72 hours before departure
Complimentary Economy Plus for up to 8 travel companions
40 PlusPoints
9x miles per dollar on United, United Express, and select partner airlines
Better award availability in select premium cabins
Waived phone booking service fees
Complimentary Avis President’s Club status
Extra miles on Avis and Budget car rentals (up to 1,250 base miles per rental)

United Premier 1K Status Benefits

United Premier 1K Status is the highest level of elite status you can get. It comes with all of the benefits of the lower levels plus these premium perks:

Pre-boarding
$100 annual membership discount for United Club lounges
Access to Y-class or B-class tickets on most sold-out flights at least 1.5 hours before departure
Waived CLEAR membership fee
Complimentary Premier upgrades as early as 96 hours before departure
Instant upgrades to the premium cabin on Y, B, or M class economy fares
280 PlusPoints
1 free drink and snack in economy
11x miles per dollar on United, United Express, and select partner airlines
Complimentary annual subscription to Timeshifter – The Jet Lag App

United Global Services

United Global Services is the fifth level of United Airlines elite status. This invitation-only status is reserved for only the most loyal and high-spending United customers. The qualifications are not published so it’s unknown exactly how to score an invitation to this cream-of-the-crop elite status.

United Million Miler Program

You’ll earn lifetime Premier status when you qualify for the Million Miler Program. This is based on the actual distance flown on United and United Express flights. The level of lifetime status you’ll receive is based on the number of miles flown.

Number of Miles Flown	Lifetime Status Level
1 million	Premier Gold
2 million	Premier Platinum
3 million	Premier 1K

Bottom Line: There are 4 main levels of elite status within the United MileagePlus program — Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K. In addition, there’s an invitation-only level of elite status that’s reserved for only the best United customers called United Global Services. Plus, when you fly at least 1 million miles on United and United Express, you’ll earn lifetime Premier status through the Million Miler Program.

Is United Elite Status Worth It?

We’ve gone over in detail the value of United elite status at the airport and on the plane (seating and upgrades) in other posts so we’ll just take a quick high-level look here.

Free Checked Baggage

United Premier members get 3 free checked bags in premium cabins plus 1 to 3 free checked bags in economy class. United baggage fees can add up quickly, so you can save a lot of money with this perk. Let’s say you fly United 6 times a year in economy and check 1 bag each time — you’ll save $360 at a minimum and your savings could be much higher depending on how often you fly.

If you want to save on checked bags but don’t have United elite status quite yet, check out one of the United credit cards that come with free checked bags.

Complimentary Preferred Seating

Getting complimentary preferred seating can be a huge savings. With this perk, you won’t have to pay the $20 to $40 average cost per flight segment for a preferred seat. If you fly 6 direct round-trips a year and pay an average of $30 each way, this perk could save you $360. That number can dramatically increase when you factor in flights that aren’t direct since you pay for preferred seating per flight segment.

Complimentary Economy Plus Seating

Economy Plus offers a few extra inches of legroom and is located in the front of the economy cabin. The price for these seats varies by route but can be as much as $199! Assuming an average of $100 per flight, you’d save $1,200 if you fly 6 times a year and get an upgrade to Economy Plus seating each time.

United offers a subscription to Economy Plus which starts at $599 for 1 person flying domestically and goes up to $1,299 for up to 8 people flying globally, so you may want to use these numbers when you’re determining the value of United status.

Earn Bonus Miles

As a United Premier member, you’ll earn 2x to 6x miles more per dollar on United, United Express, and select partner airlines. A Premier Silver member who spends the minimum of $5,000 on flights per year would earn an additional 10,000 United miles (versus a member without Premier status). A Premier 1K member who spends the minimum of $24,000 would earn an extra 144,000 miles — worth $1,872 based on our valuations.

Bottom Line: The value of having United Airlines elite status adds up quickly. Even just taking into account a few elite status perks, you’re nearing $1,000 in value pretty easily. This number will only increase the more you fly and the more you take advantage of your other Premier status benefits.

Final Thoughts

Having United Airlines elite status comes with lots of benefits and perks. The 4 levels of United Premier status all offer different benefits but some things like priority check-in, free checked bags, and free preferred seating are offered to all Premier members regardless of elite level.

The information regarding the First Hawaiian Bank United® Card, United MileagePlus® Awards Card, United MileagePlus® Business Card, United MileagePlus® Card, United MileagePlus® Platinum Class Visa Card, United MileagePlus® Select Card, United℠ Presidential Plus℠ Business Card and United℠ Presidential Plus℠ Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

The information regarding the United Club℠ Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the United Club℠ Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the United℠ Explorer Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Featured Image Credit: Tim Gouw via Unsplash

Frequently asked questions

How do I become a MileagePlus Premier member?

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

Can you buy United Airlines elite status?

No, you can't buy United Airlines elite status.

Will United Airlines match elite status?

Yes, if you have elite status with another airline you can request a status match from United.

What is the highest status on United Airlines?

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. The requirements for this level of elite status are unpublished so it's unclear exactly what you have to do to earn this status, but it's safe to say it's out of reach for most of us.

How do I get United Gold Premier status?

To earn United Premier Gold status you'll need to earn 24 PQF and 8,000 PQP or 10,000 PQP. In addition, you'll need to fly at least 4 flight segments on United or United Express.

What are United PQP and PQFs?

PQP and PQF are terms United uses for qualification levels for elite status.

PQP stands for Premier Qualifying Points. It's based on 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 Flights, which is the number of flight segments flown.

What are United PlusPoints?

Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members can use United PlusPoints to upgrade their flights on United, United Express, Copa Airlines, Lufthansa, and All Nippon Airways (ANA).

Premier Platinum members get 40 PlusPoints. Premier 1K members get an additional 280 PlusPoints. Plus, 1K members can earn an additional 20 PlusPoints for every 3,000 PQP earned beyond 18,000 PQP.

Sending feedback...

Your feedback has been sent. Thank you!

We take your comments very seriously as they really help us to improve the site.

If you'd like to add a comment to this article and share your valuable feedback and opinions, please click here to leave your comment.

We really appreciate it!
- Alex & Erin

An error occurred please try again later

About Katie Seemann

Katie fell in love with travel during a semester abroad in college spent in Nottingham, England. During that time, she got to see Scotland, Ireland, London, and Amsterdam and knew she wanted to see more of the world. Fast forward to 2015 when Katie discovered the world of points and miles. She jumped in full force and hasn’t looked back. After starting her own blog, Zen Life and Travel, in 2016, she began freelance writing in 2017. In addition to being a contributor to Upgraded Points since 2018, her work has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Million Mile Secrets.

Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.

29 comments

Louis February 17, 2022
Is it possible to get Silver status just from credit card spending without actually flying?
Reply
- Christine Krzyszton February 17, 2022
  Hi Louis. Unfortunately not. Regardless of how many PQP you earn by spending on your United credit card (note that maximums apply to each card), you must fly 4 qualifying flights on UA to earn any status.
  Reply
Piers Vaughan February 17, 2022
Hi! I’ve just received an invitation to join Silver Status for a dollar amount. My question is this: if I were to purchase my Silver Status, does that mean I ‘d only have to get 8 PQFs and 3,000 PQPs to get to Gold Status, or would I have to get the full 16 PQFs and 6,000 PQPs to qualify?
Reply
- Piers Vaughan February 17, 2022
  I just spoke with United’s Chatbox, and it’s correct: if I buy Silver that’s the equivalent of paying the 3,500 PQP for a significantly educed rate, so I can get Gold for only 3,000 PQP and 8 PQFs! Given that Status lasts till Jan 2024 that’s actually quite a good deal! I was expecting to get Silver this year, so now I can pay up front and go for Gold!
  Reply
- Jarrod West February 18, 2022
  Hi Piers,
  You’d still have to get the full 16 PQF’s and 6,000 PQP’s to qualify for Gold status.
  Reply
Alan Weisberger May 27, 2022
If I accumulate enough to earn 1K status in mid year, do I gain anything immediately or not until the next year begins on February first of next year?
Reply
- Chris Hassan May 27, 2022
  Hi Alan,
  You would receive most of the benefits immediately, no need to wait until the new year.
  Reply
Uche A August 13, 2022
If I use my points to book UA or UE segments, would those still count toward the segment requirement?
Reply
- Jarrod West August 15, 2022
  Hi Uche,
  Unfortuantley, only cash tickets count towards the segment requirement.
  Reply
Jyll September 29, 2022
I’m short 50 PQP’s to reach gold. Without purchasing another flight, how can I earn 50 PQP’s?
Reply
- Jarrod West October 3, 2022
  Hi Jyll,
  You can also earn PQPs without flying by using United credit cards.
  Reply
Thomas October 3, 2022
I have 39 flights so far this year on United…enough for 1K status.
BUT, I’m behind in the PQPs. I need about 4000 to fully qualify for 1K.
My flights are usually domestic and not too expensive, I guess.
What’s my best strategy to get over the line here?
Reply
- Jarrod West October 3, 2022
  Hi Thomas,
  Have you considered using United credit cards to earn extra PQPs? For instance, you can earn up to 3,000 PQPs each year with the United Quest card, and up to 4,000 PQPs each year with the United Infinite card.
  Reply
  - Jamie November 29, 2022
    When do these PQPs come through for using United credit cards? I’ve used mine plenty this year and don’t see where these are coming in. I’m behind on PQPs and almost have PQFs for 1K, but worried Platinum will be short because of the way these PQPs are being chosen by whomever. They make no sense from Costa Rica to domestic flights. I’ve seen more with a domestic, 2hr flight PQPs, than a 4hr international flight segment. How is this possible for the bean counters to selectively hand out PQPs? This doesn’t make sense.
    Reply
    - Christine Krzyszton November 30, 2022
      Hi Jamie. You earn very few PQP for spending on United credit cards, just 500 for $12,000 in spending. Once you’ve reached that spending level, the PQP will post after the credit card statement closes. PQP are also earned based on ticket price so it is possible that an expensive short flight would earn more than a long international flight, depending on the ticket price. To learn more about how PQP are calculated, here is some more information:https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/mileageplus/premier/qualify.html
      Reply
Greg October 24, 2022
If I am between Gold & Platinum status on United – is there a fee I can pay to qualify for Platinum?
Reply
- Jarrod West October 24, 2022
  Hi Greg,
  Usually, towards the end of the year, United will offer the opportunity to buy up to the next status level. The fee for this can vary — generally speaking though it is usually not a great deal.
  Reply
Kin M October 31, 2022
I have 19 PQF but only 4000 points so still only quality for Silver. Any chance I can request United to upgrade me to Gold based on this years activities? I wanted to qualify for Star Alliance gold status
Reply
- Jarrod West October 31, 2022
  Hi Kin,
  You can always ask, but I would say that it is unlikely they will do so.
  Reply
Kin November 1, 2022
Thanks Jarrod. Is there a dedicated mileage plus status email for united?
Reply
- Jarrod West November 1, 2022
  Hi Kin,
  The exact details of the email vary from year to year, but offers are usually sent out in December.
  Reply
Greg H. February 4, 2023
Hi,
I believe you’re incorrect about award travel not qualifying for PQF. https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/help/faq/premier-qualification.html. Award travel on a partner airline does not qualify, but if you travel on United with award travel it will be counted towards status PQF.
Reply
- Jarrod West February 24, 2023
  Hi Greg,
  Thanks for pointing that out. We have corrected the post.
  Reply
richard h February 14, 2023
Your article above mentioned “A flight segment is simply a takeoff and a landing. Basic Economy tickets and award travel tickets do not earn PQFs.”
I believe that is partially incorrect. Per UA’s website “Members will earn PQP when they travel on award tickets based on the number of miles redeemed at a rate of 100 miles to 1 PQP. So, if you fly on an award ticket that required 10,000 miles, you will earn 100 PQP. Each flight segment on an itinerary will earn 1 PQF.”
This is part of the “new” changes
Reply
- Katie Seemann February 15, 2023
  Hi Richard,
  Yes, you are correct and this post is going through an update right now. Thanks for reading!
  Reply
TNP March 24, 2023
My ticket to Europe on United has a segment from Frankfurt to Copenhagen operated by Lufthansa. Does that leg count as a PQF?
Reply
- Christine Krzyszton March 24, 2023
  Yes, United Star Alliance partner flights count as PQF. These flights do not count toward the 4 minimum flights you need on United metal to qualify for any Premier Elite Status.
  Reply
Michael Karr April 15, 2023
I applied for the Quest card in February this year and nearly have the spend completed for an 80K signup bonus. About a week after I was approved, I had a Club card offer for 90k come to me in the mail. I’m guessing by the time I was approved for the quest, that club mailer was already on its way.
I called Chase and had two different reps tell me different things about being able to take both sign up bonuses within a year. Am I able to grab the Club card sign up bonus as well if I am approved and meet the spend requirement? Should I hold the Quest for the full year and then downgrade it to a Gateway after the account anniversary?
For the long term, I think the Club card will be worth it since I usually fly United 8-10x a year on a consistent basis. I have not had either card in the last 24 months either and am 3/24
Reply
- Katie Seemann April 17, 2023
  Hi Michael,
  As long as you haven’t earned a bonus on either card in the last 24 months, you should be eligible for the welcome bonus. The only exception would be if there are different terms listed in the Club card mailer you received. I would double check that that offer has the usual terms and if so, you should be able to get both bonuses.
  Reply