How To Status Match With United Airlines [In-depth 2023 Guide]

Many travelers have abandoned the chase for elite airline status primarily due to the addition of minimum spending requirements with the airline in order to qualify.

Other travelers still find enough value in the perks and benefits that come with being an elite frequent flyer member — like upgraded seats, priority boarding, free checked bags, and free lounge membership — and they find a way to qualify each year.

If you currently have airline elite status, you’re fully aware of the value. But what happens when you need or want to change your airline loyalty? Fortunately, there is a shortcut you can take to match status from one airline to another.

Here’s everything you need to know to request, receive, and qualify for a status match with the United Airlines MileagePlus frequent flyer program.

Table of contents

What Is a Status Match and How Does It Work?
- The Difference Between a Status Match and a Challenge
United’s Status Match Program
How and When To Submit a Status Match Request
- Completing the Status Match Request
- The Importance of Timing
Completing the Flying Requirements
- What Are PQFs and PQPs?
Creating a Status Match Challenge Itinerary
Enhancing Your New Elite Status
Everything Else You Need To Know
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

What Is a Status Match and How Does It Work?
- The Difference Between a Status Match and a Challenge
United’s Status Match Program
How and When To Submit a Status Match Request
- Completing the Status Match Request
- The Importance of Timing
Completing the Flying Requirements
- What Are PQFs and PQPs?
Creating a Status Match Challenge Itinerary
Enhancing Your New Elite Status
Everything Else You Need To Know
Final Thoughts

What Is a Status Match and How Does It Work?

A status match is an opportunity for elite members in one airline’s frequent flyer program to request a similar (matching) status with another airline.

The airline you don’t have status with will review your documented status with your current airline and then grant you corresponding status for a specific period of time.

The elite status you have earned with your current airline, of course, remains intact — and once your status is matched with the new airline, you will have dual status!

Not all airlines offer status matches and/or challenges, but fortunately, United Airlines is one that does.

Hot Tip: United is just one of the airlines that offers a status match, along with American, Alaska, and Delta, among others.

The Difference Between a Status Match and a Challenge

For starters, the airline you don’t have status with can grant you a status match, a status challenge, or a combination of these.

Here’s what that means:

Status Match

No minimum flying requirements are needed. You receive immediate matching status once your request is approved, and it continues for a specified period of time.

Status Challenge

You are required to fly a specific number of miles or segments within a period of time, usually 90 to 120 days. You do not receive elite status until the challenge is completed.

Another version of a status challenge may include an upfront offer to purchase status so that you can enjoy it while completing your challenge. American Airlines has offered this option.

Status Match With a Status Challenge

You receive immediate complimentary elite status, and you keep that status level during the time you spend completing the challenge flying requirements until a specified expiration date.

United Airlines offers an initial status match for 120 days and then requires you to complete a challenge during that time by flying a certain amount of flight segments and meeting spending requirements. If you complete the challenge, you’ll keep your status for the time period stated in your challenge confirmation.

United Polaris Middle Seats — You’ll earn frequent flyer miles faster and premium flight redemptions sooner with United MileagePlus elite status. Image Credit: United

Hot Tip: If you want to learn more about status matches and challenges, read our ultimate guide to airline frequent flyer status matches and challenges.

United’s Status Match Program

United MileagePlus will match your current airline elite status to its Premier Silver, Premier Gold, or Premier Platinum status levels.

Note that United may match other airline statuses at its discretion, but they only publish the matchups for these 7 airlines. Members who hold temporary or a trial elite status in another program aren’t eligible.

Here’s how United’s status matches line up:

Corresponding United MileagePlus Status	Premier Silver	Premier Gold	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

For example:

American Platinum status would be matched to United Premier Gold status
Delta Silver Medallion status would be matched to United Premier Silver status

Bottom Line: United’s status match program aligns your current elite status with its equivalent elite status and then requires you to complete flying requirements to extend the temporarily granted status.

How and When To Submit a Status Match Request

Completing the Status Match Request

You can request a MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge online by logging into your United MileagePlus account, completing the Status Match form, and attaching a copy of your current membership card for the airline you’d like to match status from. The membership card must clearly show your current elite status and the status expiration date.

You can also submit a request for a United Premier status match via email and include the following information:

Your MileagePlus account number
Your full name, mailing address, and email address
A copy of your current membership card for the airline you’d like to match status from
- The membership card must clearly show your current elite status and the status expiration date

You can expect a response to your request within 7 to 14 business days.

Requests are being accepted between January 5, 2023, and June 30, 2023.

The Importance of Timing

If you have a major trip or several trips planned on United Airlines, by all means, request the status match to align with those trips!

If you have yet to book any United flights, you may want to time your status match request and completion to maximize the length of time the granted status will be valid.

Consider these timeframes when requesting and completing your status match challenge:

If you complete the status match requirements before July 1, you will have status through the current year and through January of the following year.
If you complete the status match requirements after July 1, you will have status through the current year, for the entire next year, and through January of the following year.

Here are a few examples of how that can work:

If you complete the status match requirements in April, May, and June of 2023, you will keep that status for the remainder of 2023 and through January 2024.
If you request a status match and complete the requirements in July, August, and September of 2023, you will keep that status for 2023, all of 2024, and through January of 2025.

Hot Tip: Requesting and being approved for a status match by June 30, 2023, then completing the status match after that date offers you the longest period of elite status with United.

Completing the Flying Requirements

Once you’re approved for a status match with United, you will need to complete a set of flying and spending requirements to finish the challenge.

The number of Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) and Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) you need to earn for your status match depends on the level of status you were matched to.

What Are PQFs and PQPs?

PQPs and PQFs measure the number of flight segments and dollars spent on United flights.

Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF): Flight segments flown
Premier Qualifying Points (PQP): 1 PQP per $1 spent on United and United Express flights, not including taxes; award miles earned divided by 5 for United bulk fares and flights on Preferred Partners; award miles divided by 6 for all other partners

For example, a $250 (excluding taxes) flight on United Airlines would earn 250 PQP. Alternatively, a Z-class Lufthansa fare from New York (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA) would earn 1,152 PQP (5,760 miles earned divided by 5).

You must earn all PQF and PQP on United or United Express flights for the status match — this means that partner flights don’t count.

Here’s how many PQF and PQP you’ll need to earn for each status match tier:

Approved United MileagePlus Status Match Elite Level	Premier Qualifying Miles or Premier Qualifying Segments Needed
Premier Silver	Fly 4 PQF and earn 1,300 PQP on flights operated by United or United Express
Premier Gold	Fly 6 PQF and earn 2,600 PQP on flights operated by United or United Express
Premier Platinum	Fly 10 PQF and earn 4,000 PQP on flights operated by United or United Express

You will only have 120 days after approval to complete the flying requirements, so be sure to plan ahead. If you do not complete the requirements, your temporary elite status will expire, and you may not be eligible for another status match for 5 years.

United flight map — Utilize United’s flight map to search for flights to complete your challenge. Image Credit: United

Creating a Status Match Challenge Itinerary

To achieve the required PQP you will need to spend enough on flights to meet the requirements. This means that Premier Silver requires flying $1,300 worth of United flights, Premier Gold requires flying $2,600 worth of United flights, and Premier Platinum requires flying $4,000 worth of United flights.

Remember that taxes don’t earn PQP, so you’ll likely spend slightly more than the numbers listed above to keep your status.

Plus, you’ll need to ensure you meet the PQF (flight segments) requirements for each tier — 4 PQF, 6 PQF, and 10 PQF for Premier Silver, Premier Gold, and Premier Platinum respectively.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid these requirements during the status match period. With that in mind, make sure to only start the status match if you’re confident you’ll fly and spend enough on United Airlines during the 120-day match period.

United has a flight map to help you search for flights, but you can also use Google Flights which works better for finding premium fares.

Enhancing Your New Elite Status

Once you’ve completed your status match and are flying on United, you might want to elevate your experience with the United Club Infinite℠ Card.

In addition to a generous sign-up bonus and 4x miles per $1 spent on United, 2x miles per $1 spent on travel and dining, and 1x mile on all other purchases, you’ll receive VIP perks including:

United Club lounge membership (normally costs as much as $650 annually)
2 free checked bags for you and 1 companion when you use your card to purchase the ticket
Premier Access, including priority check-in, screening, boarding, and baggage handling

You’ll also be earning United MileagePlus miles you can redeem for award flights. You might even want to use your miles to try the exceptional United Polaris experience.

Access our complete expert guide for a summary of all the United Airlines co-branded credit credits and comparisons of their perks and benefits.

Additionally, Upgraded Points has published 2 separate posts on the worth of United MileagePlus elite status. One lists United elite benefits before departure and at the airport and another discusses perks related to seating and upgrades.

Bottom Line: If you’re loyal to a particular airline, having the affiliated airline-branded credit card allows you to earn miles faster and enjoy benefits you don’t normally receive from elite status alone.

Everything Else You Need To Know

If you’ve participated in a United Airlines status match or have received a Premier status exception within the past 5 years, you are not eligible to participate in another status match.

When you are completing the status match challenge, you can only qualify for the status level you were matched to in the program. For example, if you are granted a status match for Silver Elite, you cannot qualify for Gold Elite regardless of the number of miles/segments you complete during the 120-day period.

Those who qualify for Premier Platinum status through this challenge will receive 20 PlusPoints. No other PlusPoints will be awarded through this challenge.

To qualify for a higher status level, you would need to complete the normal annual requirements as published.

If you don’t meet the status match requirements during the 120-day period, your temporary status will expire. All qualifying miles and segments must appear in your account before the end of the 120-day period.

If you have status with an airline other than the airlines listed, you can still request a status match by completing the status match request form or sending an email containing the required documents and information.

Final Thoughts

United status is especially valuable at the Premier Gold and Premier Platinum levels. These status tiers give you lounge access when traveling abroad on Star Alliance carriers, a better shot at upgrades, and free Economy Plus seating when you book.

So, if you need or want to change airline loyalty and you currently have elite status, a status match and/or challenge, is a much better alternative than earning elite status with a new airline from scratch!

Featured Image Credit: United

Frequently asked questions

What is a status match?

If you have elite frequent flyer status with an airline, you may be able to ask another airline to match that status. This process is called a status match.

Some airlines will grant you the same status you have with no other requirements. Other airlines will match your status but require you to complete a certain amount of flying on their airline in order for you to keep the status for a specific period of time.

What is a status challenge?

A status challenge is a requirement by an airline with which you’re requesting a status match. It requires you to fly a certain number of miles/segments before the airline will match your current elite status.

Some airlines will even allow you to complete a challenge that gives you a higher level of status than you have currently.

For example, you may have Silver elite status with an airline and request a status challenge with another airline for their Gold level elite status.

An airline may offer a status match, a status challenge, or a combination of both.

How do I request a status match with an airline?

You can usually find the information for requesting a status match/challenge in the airline’s frequent flyer program section on their website.

For example, to find the information on how to request a status match with United, you would make your request via email or complete a status match form (the fastest method).

You can also read our in-depth guides on how to status challenge with American or status match with Alaska or Delta.

How long does it take to get the United status match?

Once you submit your request to United, you should receive a response within 14 business days. If you’re approved, all the terms of the status match/challenge will be communicated to you.

An example of this response may be: “You have been approved for Premier Silver elite status. The status will be effective immediately and continue for 120 days, expiring on June 30, 2023. If you complete 4 Premier Qualifying Flights and earn 1,300 Premier Qualifying Points by that date, your Silver elite status will be valid through January 31, 2024.”

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine was born in Northern Michigan but spent most of her career operating her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services offices throughout the state. Her previous experience involved building and writing business plans in the mergers and acquisitions sector in New York, as well as staffing in the insurance and financial technology software field. Her successful insurance and financial services career has been an excellent foundation from which to source her knowledge for many of Upgraded Points’ travel insurance articles.

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.

91 comments

Douglas S Baker October 16, 2018

You must also fly on the the “metal” of the airline you want to get status on. So if you want United, you cannot fly on a codeshare partner even though they are in the same affiliation. This can make it harder overseas as United hands off to Lufthansa, for example, and the Lufthansa miles would not count.

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton October 16, 2018
  
  Hi Douglas. Thank you for that reminder. As mentioned in the article, when status matching with United, you must fly on United or United Express operated flights. There are other airline status match programs that do not require you to fly on just the “metal” of the airline for which you want status, however, so it’s good to reiterate that point for United. Thanks again for your comment.
  
  Reply
Zach October 17, 2018

2 Questions ~

1) How long from the time you submit the request till you receive an email confirmation that your account has updated status?

2) If you booked flights before the status challenge request but the trip falls after the suggested start date will you get credit for the miles?

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton October 18, 2018
  
  Hi Zach. You should receive a reply in 7-14 business days. Yes, if the flights you have booked fall within the period of your status challenge, you should receive the mileage credit. The email reply you receive from United will let you know the start date and terms of the challenge. Thanks for your questions.
  
  Reply
allen October 30, 2018

Do miles flown from award tickets count toward the PQM requirement for the status challenge?

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton October 30, 2018
  
  Hi Allen. I’m sorry but award tickets do not earn PQMs, only paid flights. Thank you for your question.
  
  Reply
Graham December 13, 2018

Great article, thanks Christine! I followed your steps and had submitted a request to United to status match my British Airways Bronze membership and, within 3 business days, they replied to confirm we have been matched to United Gold!

Just need to see how to fly those 12,500 miles during our status match challenge period now…

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton December 13, 2018
  
  Wow Graham, what a great report and congrats on your United Gold status. Good luck with completing the challenge and extending your United status, perhaps using Google flights to find a good deal. Thanks for your comment and safe travels.
  
  Reply
Danice December 31, 2018

Thanks for this helpful article! I have just gotten my Delta Platinum status challenge confirmed with United, and I was wondering, would miles earned from signing up for a credit card count towards the match? I’ve timed this well with hopefully two international trips coming up, but I’m not sure if I will make the 18k miles without an additional boost…Thanks for the advice!

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton December 31, 2018
  
  Hi Danice. Congrats on getting approved by United for their status challenge. Unfortunately, miles earned on a United credit card are bonus redeemable miles and do not qualify towards a challenge or towards elite status.
  
  Reply
JB January 30, 2019

Hi there. I’m a Lufthansa Senator. Any idea how I can get United status to benefit from their luggage and wait list policies?
Cheers, JB

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton February 2, 2019
  
  Hello JB! I do not believe United would status match to another Star Alliance carrier. However, you should have Star Alliance Gold benefits with your Senator status which may include additional baggage limits and priorities. https://upgradedpoints.com/the-star-alliance
  
  Reply
Imran Mohamed February 1, 2019

Fantastic article! I am travelling on United in a couple months and was considering applying for a status match. Currently I’m Emirates Skywards Gold and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold, do you think any of these would be valid for a status match with United? Thanks in advance!

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton February 2, 2019
  
  Thanks for the kind words and for reading! I think you have a good chance for a status match or challenge. You could simply call United and ask which status has the better chance of being accepted or submit a request documenting both statuses. Good luck and let us know your results.
  
  Reply
Suraj March 9, 2019

Hi,

Nice article. I have a Platinum Medallion Status on Delta. If I were to take the United Challenge, will I lose the Platinum Status on Delta? In other words, when we switch loyalty, do we lose the status on the other airline or will we have it for both the airlines? I do understand we still have to fly a lot to maintain them both for the following year!

Reply
- Suraj March 9, 2019
  
  Also, is there any guideline on when they do a match and when they require a challenge?
  
  Reply
  - Christine Krzyszton March 9, 2019
    
    Hi Suraj. United only does a status match combined with a challenge: “United’s status match program aligns your current elite status with their equivalent elite status, and then requires you to complete flying requirements to extend the temporarily granted status.” Thanks so much for the question.
    
    Reply
- Christine Krzyszton March 9, 2019
  
  Hello again Suraj. Nice that you have Platinum Medallion status on Delta. And yes, you do keep your current airline status even though you are working on status with another airline. You’re really not switching loyalty programs, you are adding an additional one. Great question.
  
  Reply
Brandon March 16, 2019

Hi Christine,

I just was approved for a match to premier 1k for united as I am currently delta diamond. I am curious if I don’t complete the challenge for premier 1k in 90 days (35k PQM or 40 PQS), but complete the requirements for premier platinum (18k PQM or 22PQS), will I be awarded premier platinum status? Or is it all or nothing in the status match challenge? It seems difficult to fly enough in 90 days to achieve the premier 1k status, but I believe I should be able to to hit the 18k PQM or 22 segments for premier platinum.

Thanks!
Brandon

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton March 17, 2019
  
  Hi Brandon and congrats on getting approved for the challenge. Normally it is all or nothing when it comes to a challenge and the terms set forth in the confirmation email prevail. If you do not meet the 1K challenge requirements, you will not get Platium, in my opinion. I would call United and attempt to get the challenge changed to Platinun.
  
  Reply
Quin April 3, 2019

Question that I can’t seem to figure out! I have Platinum status on AA, but have since moved to a United hub and am not flying AA much. I have 2 upcoming flights on United and was hoping to status match, but they are just shy of 90 days apart (May 7 and August 3). What is my best way to time my request so I can cover both flights with status? I don’t often have status (this was a bit of a fluke with work travel) so I don’t mind not being able to request for another 5 years.

Any suggestions?

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton April 5, 2019
  
  Hello Quin. I think I would use the email method of requesting a status match request and include your flight information in the request and add that you wish to have both itineraries count toward the challenge. Also mention your intentions of flying UA in the future. That might be your best chance of them structuring the challenge appropriately. Good luck!
  
  Reply
Jen April 21, 2019

Curious if you might be able to start the status match earlier – in April and complete it in July – and get the benefit of the stub year and the year after or whether the July date is when you start the match.

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton April 22, 2019
  
  Hi Jen. If you submit a request and are approved for a status match in April, it is possible that United may only extend your status through January 2020. It is also possible that you could receive a confirmation for a challenge to extend through 2021 if completed in July. I am aware of incidents of both scenarios. I would make a call to United to confirm.
  
  Reply
Brendan Knight April 21, 2019

To get the best “bang for the buck”, I am trying to finish the challenge in early July for it to carry over the next year. Is the requirement for the challenge to both start and end in July (or after) or just finish in July?

Thanks!

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton April 22, 2019
  
  Hello Brendan. I would submit your request close to July 1st so that it could be approved early in July and there would be no doubt. You would then have the 90 days to complete the challenge which should give you that extended status. The exact terms will be spelled out in the approval email you receive from United.
  
  Reply
Sam Mangano April 29, 2019

I have AA Platinum status ending 5/15. If I submit a request for a status challenge on 5/14, and it may take up to 7-14 days to get approval, would I be denied the challenge by United because my AA Platinum status would have expired by the time they make their decision? United lets you choose the starting date of your challenge up to 2 weeks after you submit, so just wondering if I should make sure I get approved before my status with AA expires on 5/15. Thank you, excellent article!

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton April 29, 2019
  
  Hello Sam and thanks for the kind words. I am just wondering why your AA Platinum status is expiring on 5/15. Elite status years commonly end January 31st. If you acquired the AA Platinum status from an American Airlines challenge, you may not be approved for a United status challenge. However, since your status with AA is expiring anyway and you can submit a request without risk, I would do it as soon as possible and not wait until it’s close to your status expiration date.
  
  Reply
Craig Frazier June 2, 2019

What do you do if you don’t get a card? Will they accept a screen shot of my app showing status and YTD miles and segments flown?

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton June 2, 2019
  
  Hi Craig. A virtual copy of your membership card from your profile will work plus your statement showing the information you mentioned. You need to make sure you send documentation of the expiration date of your current status as well.
  
  Reply
Pam Dickerman June 10, 2019

Great article. I’ve applied for and received matching status for my husband who is a million miler on AA and has Gold. Originally, united rejected as no “through” date, but I added a pointer to the URL for american which shows Million Milers have no expiration.

I also applied to match my AA status which is currently Platinum Pro. Here is the reply I received:

—
We appreciate your interest in the MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge; however, the purpose of this program is to match the earned status in the frequent flyer programs of select airlines. Based on the document(s) you submitted, we’re unable to offer you a challenge as it appears you have a promotional status.
—

United is correct. I received Platinum Pro as a promotion and it expires on Sep 25. The online card status shows “through Sep 25, 2019”. How does United know this is a promotional status – based on the date? I’m flying both in June and again July 18 and July 27 on United and would love a match. Perhaps I should try the email method?

Thanks for any advice.

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton June 10, 2019
  
  Hello Pam. Congrats for getting your husband a status match with United. Unfortunately, as you suspected, United does not match promotional status. And you are also correct that the date your status expires indicates that it is indeed promotional. Earned status would expire at the end of a normal status year which would be January 31st.
  
  Reply
SJ Lee June 24, 2019

Mahalo for the article!! I was awarded a trial period of Premier Silver status for 90 days and fully expect to complete the challenge within that time frame. My questions is, during this 90 day challenge period, would I be able to enjoy the benefits of Premier Silver? How long before temporary status is updated in the system? Thank you for your time!!

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton June 25, 2019
  
  Hello SJ. Yes, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of Premier Silver if you are approved for a status challenge. When you receive the confirmation email from United,stating you have been approved for the challenge, it will contain the dates and terms. Your status should be updated the date the challenge is effective.
  
  Reply
Martin Mac July 15, 2019

United will only match a airline where you have earned a status by flying.
IE: if you have earned AA Platinum Status as a match from a hotel status, United will deny you their matched Gold status.

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton July 15, 2019
  
  Hi Martin. This is absolutely correct and worth reiterating. If you are granted status as a result of a promotion, United will not match that status or offer you a challenge.
  
  Reply
Rob W July 18, 2019

Do MileagePlus Premier Accelerator PQM’s count for this promo?

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton July 18, 2019
  
  Hi Rob. According to United’s status match rules, “bonus PQM/PQS, promotional PQM/PQS, and/or credit card PQM do not count” toward status challenges. United adds that “Class-of-service bonus Premier qualifying miles (PQM) and Premier qualifying segments (PQS) will count” toward the challenge. Premier Accelerator PQM’s do count towards normal annual United Premier Elite status requirements but do not count for PQD.
  
  Reply
Charles Nelson September 17, 2019

Does the status match apply to Southwest at all?

Reply
- Katie Seemann September 17, 2019
  
  Hi Charles,
  Yes you can status match with Southwest. Here’s some more info: How To Status Match with Southwest Airlines.
  
  Reply
Logan October 14, 2019

FYI to all, this program has an end date of Sept. 30th. United will not start any 2019 status match challenges following the end of the month until details for 2020 match are released and a new year starts.

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton October 15, 2019
  
  Thanks Logan. We’ll be updating the article with the appropriate information when announced.
  
  Reply
Ken November 3, 2019

Thanks for the article. I have two questions.

Will United do a status challenge if you already have status? I would be matching from Delta Platinum but already have United Silver as a Marriott Titanium perk.

If I wanted to wait until July 2020 to take the challenge to keep Platinum status through 2021, would I have to submit details showing that I have qualified in 2020 (for 2021) or only my 2019 MQMs and MQDs which qualified me for Platinum for 2020? Assuming it is for the qualifying year as I can’t imagine most people would qualify for Platinum Medallion in a current year by July (and certainly not by January if they are matching then) unless they were well on their way to Diamond Medallion, but wanted to double check. Thank you!

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton November 4, 2019
  
  Hi Ken. The status match opportunity for 2019 has ended and a new one will be announced early in 2020. We will update this article with the new information when it is announced. Normally you cannot be approved for a challenge with United if you have current status. Also, in the 2019 program, you just needed to show current status (earned in prior year) and recent activity.
  
  Reply
Beach December 5, 2019

Thanks for the detailed post and replying to the comments (lots of others do not). Had some questions.
1. 2019 MileagePlus status ends on 12/31/2019 and not 1/31/2020 like the GPUs, correct?
2. I’m about halfway to Mileageplus silver for 2019. I have a booked United long haul RT, departs and returns next month in January 2020 where a friend used two GPUs. Since this is already booked, if I am approved for an United status match to silver, would I receive the silver bonus miles on this RT flight that’s already booked?
3. Any other thoughts to maximize my situation?

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton December 5, 2019
  
  1. If you earned MileagePlus status is 2019, it would be valid until January 31, 2021. If you earned it in 2018, it would be valid until January 31, 2020. 2. You must be approved for the status match prior to your trip and you would travel with status (and receive bonus points). Good luck with completing your match and thank you for reading!
  
  Reply
  - Beach December 5, 2019
    
    Thank you so much! Well, looks like I’m SOL, my flight departs on Jan 3rd. I’ll email them anyways with low expectations:
    MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge
    Posted Tue., Oct. 1, 2019
    Thank you for your interest in the 2019 Premier Status Match Challenge. Our 2019 Challenge has ended. We’ll have an updated Premier Status Match Challenge in January 2020.
    
    Reply
    - Christine Krzyszton December 5, 2019
      
      Yes, January 3rd is early. The new program may not even be announced yet.
      
      Reply
Steve F January 20, 2020

United is not status matching to Southwest. I have a companion pass on Southwest and was just trying to match to Gold. Got a denial instead.

Reply
Renee January 30, 2020

Thanks for this very informative article! I was wondering if I get approved for the status challenge, would the benefits of United Premier (e.g. Silver on United) carry through on ALL Star Alliance carriers? So, if during the challenge period, I fly on Croatia Airlines, would I be recognised as Silver in the Star Alliance programme?
Thank you so much!

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton January 30, 2020
  
  Hi Renee. Yes, United Premier Silver does offer some Star Alliance benefits and Croatia Airlines is included. You can read about them here. https://upgradedpoints.com/the-star-alliance
  
  Reply
Derek February 27, 2021

Great commentary – I’m trying to complete a status match and when I go to the website to “log-in” the status match website just seems to spin. Any others facing this issue?

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton February 27, 2021
  
  Hi Derek. I had no issues just now. Urge you to try again. https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/mileageplus/offers/promos/TB9234.html
  
  Reply
Jeff March 20, 2021

Two questions re United:

1. I flew enough Delta in 2019 to earn Gold Medallion status the old fashioned way through 2020. I did not fly nearly that much in 2020, though, and only have Gold Medallion status now because Delta extended it for a year for everyone. Does United consider that an earned status they would match, or a promotional status they would not?

2. Assuming they do recognize my “stale” earned status, it sounds like the most bang for one’s buck can be had by requesting the match/challenge before July 1 (so you’ll get 120 days vs. 90) but not completing the last required segment until after July 2 (so it will be considered “earned” then and status wil be valid through Jan. 2023 instead of 2022). Am I reading that correctly?

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton March 21, 2021
  
  Hi Jeff. Chances are they will match your Delta status because it was initially earned status. According to the special promotion rules, your assumption regarding timing appears to be valid, although normally you would need to be approved and complete the challenge after July 1. This is how it is stated on United’s website states: “Earned 2021 Premier status is valid through January 2022. The MileagePlus status is valid through January 2023 for customers who earn Premier status through this promotion on or after July 1, 2021.” The exact time period, terms, conditions, and how long your status will be valid, will be spelled out in the email confirmation response you receive from United as well. Good luck!
  
  Reply
  - Rachel February 18, 2022
    
    So, to clarify, if you were to submit a status match challenge request in May 2022 and then to complete the challenge in mid-July, your status would be good until Jan 2024? You do not need to start the challenge after July, you just need to complete the challenge after July even if you started it earlier.
    
    Reply
    - Christine Krzyszton February 19, 2022
      
      Hi Rachel. According to the terms and conditions, United states on their website, “*For customers who meet the PQP and PQF requirement of this promotion on or after July 1, 2022, status is valid through January 2024, unless a higher Premier level is earned”. This statement appears to confirm that you do not need to start the challenge after July (only meet the terms of the challenge after that time) to have status extended through July 2024.
      
      Reply
Arthur Arruda January 26, 2022

Awesome article! I was awarded a trial period of Premier Gold status for 90 days starting on Feb 1st. My questions is, will qualifying miles earned on United during January count towards the challenge? Thank you

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton January 26, 2022
  
  Hi Arthur, congrats on your challenge. Unfortunately, if the 90-day challenge starts February 1st, only miles earned during that 90-day period will count for the challenge. The qualifying miles you earn in January will count toward the annual requirement for Premier status, however.
  
  Reply
Brent February 2, 2022

The status match challenge I’m seeing on United gives 120 days to meet the requirements, not 90. Is this targeted to me or is everyone getting 120 days?

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton February 3, 2022
  
  United has updated the program for 2022 to 120 days. We will update the article accordingly. Thanks for the heads up.
  
  Reply
Mike February 9, 2022

So no more 1k match this year?

Reply
- Lisa March 5, 2022
  
  Hey Mike, was able to get 1k match from AA Executive Platinum.
  The 1k requirements are higher than Platinum.
  
  Reply
  - Ned June 21, 2022
    
    @Lisa, how did you submit the request? I only see they offer Platinum as the highest match level
    
    Reply
Supa March 20, 2022

Can you share what is the 1k requirements? I am thinking of applying for 1k too as I am Diamond with Delta. Thanks

Reply
- Jarrod West March 21, 2022
  
  Hi Supa,
  
  Currently, United does not offer status matches to 1k status.
  
  Reply
Cavalier85 March 29, 2022

Great article. I don’t currently have a status with any airline. Does United consider a request for status challenge without a status match?

I have 2 trips w United – one domestic and an international trip, and another international trip w a partner airline that will allow me to get PQPs for a status challenge easily in next 120 days. thanks.

Reply
- Jarrod West March 30, 2022
  
  Hi Cavalier85,
  
  You could give it a shot, but usually, they require that you have some level of elite status with another airline in order to do a status challenge.
  
  Reply
Kenny H June 14, 2022

Thanks for the great article! I did the status match with United in August but never took a flight because my travel plans completely changed and I couldn’t gain status while overseas.
I thought what the heck, why not try again, even though I know you’re not supposed to try again for 5 years. 10 minutes after the request, I was approved for another status challenge with United.
Do you think United will take back the status challenge? Or am I good to go because they’ve already approved me for the next 120 days?

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton June 14, 2022
  
  Hi Kenny. That’s great that United approved you for another challenge. I would make sure you have the terms of the challenge in writing (email) and then I’d say you’re good to go. Good luck this time and thanks for the comment.
  
  Reply
Christopher Walker November 13, 2022

I’m BA Gold and have a flight on United on 8th Jan 2023 in domestic first. Is it worth doing a status match to get lounge access after our arrival on BA to IAH? When should I do the status match?

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton November 13, 2022
  
  Hi Christopher. Unfortunately, a status match to United from BA Gold would not result in providing lounge access to the United Club.
  
  Reply
  - Russell G February 6, 2023
    
    This is due to the flight being domestic rather than due to a lack of status though right?
    
    Reply
    - Christine Krzyszton February 6, 2023
      
      Hi Russell. Yes, exactly. Even though he would have United Gold status, with Star Alliance Gold benefits, access to domestic lounges would not be included. Thanks for the opportunity to clarify that.
      
      Reply
Ashley A November 15, 2022

Hi Christine,

With United’s recent 11/8/22 update to the Premier program and how to achieve or maintain status, do you think the changes will also be able to apply to the members who got their status in a challenge? For example, in 2023, all Premier status members will get PQP deposits. Does this include those who got status through a challenge and are working within the 120 day window to keep it? Same question in regards to the update of award flights being eligible to receive PQPs and PQFs; could someone in that 120 day window use award flights to be able to meet the challenge requirements?

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton November 15, 2022
  
  Hi Ashley. I’ll take your last question first. Since award flights after January 1, 2023 earn PQP/PQF, it makes sense those PQP/PQF earned after that time would count toward what is needed to complete the challenge. If you have completed the challenge and therefore earned the status you were initially granted, it makes sense you would receive the PQP deposits (I’m one of those, by the way). If you were granted status from a status match but have not yet met the challenge, my opinion is that you would not get the deposits. We’ll see how it plays out, but that’s my take on it.
  
  Reply
  - Ashley A November 15, 2022
    
    Thanks for your insight!
    
    Reply
R November 24, 2022

Hi there,
A flight from Sydney to New York via San Francisco, is that 2 PQFs or one? Thanks.

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton November 26, 2022
  
  As long as the flight numbers are different, it is 2 PQF.
  
  Reply
R December 5, 2022

thank you Christine

Reply
Russell G February 6, 2023

Thank you so much for such an informative article and all your responses here Christine! I notice in the T+Cs for the status match challenge it says “During the 120-day Offer Period, you may not have access to all reciprocal Premier benefits with United’s partners, including access to Star Alliance lounges.” The word “may” here is ambiguous. With a status match to Premier Gold would I get access to the Air New Zealand lounge in Auckland when I fly Air New Zealand from Auckland to Sydney during the 120-day offer period? What about the extra luggage allowance benefit on the Air NZ flight that comes with Star Alliance Gold?

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton February 6, 2023
  
  Thanks for the kind words, Russell. I think you’re correct and the statement is, and was meant to be, ambiguous. I know those who have received lounge access (partner lounges) during a status match so, although you can’t count on it, it is possible. The same with the extra luggage benefit, you may receive it. I’m sorry I can’t be more definitive. Perhaps readers can share some of their experiences.
  
  Reply
RICARDO February 16, 2023

Hello, I lost my 1K status and now I am Silver . How can I request United Status Challenge to Gold status for 2023? During the challenge they give Gold Status? Regards, Ricardo

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton February 17, 2023
  
  Hi Ricardo. Please read the section of the article on how a status match/challenge works, then follow the instructions under how and when to submit a request. The links are provided in that section. And yes, status is provided during the challenge.
  
  Reply
Anne February 22, 2023

Christine – I just love this article! So incredibly helpful, thank you!

I have a few questions re 2023, please.

1. Are PQPs triggered by act of purchase (earlier) or flying the purchased flight (later)?

2. From that trigger point, how long does it take for PQPs to hit your account?

3. How long does it take for PQFs to hit your account after you fly?

4. If I fail to meet the challenge requirements, and my match status expires, do the PQPs and PQFs I did earn in the 120 days still count toward earning some level of elite status by Jan. 31, 2024, for the 2024 year?

5. I only just heard that award flights newly count (as of 2023) toward PQPs and PQFs on United. Any word yet as to whether this type of earning (if on United or United Express planes) counts during the 120 days toward satisfying the match requirement?

Thank you so very much!

Anne
(sadly lost United status this month for first time in years; hoping to match my American Platinum Pro status back to the airline I prefer lol)

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton February 24, 2023
  
  Hi Anne. Thanks for the kind words and for reading. PQPs are earned when you complete a flight. The PQPs will be deposited into your United MileagePlus account shortly after you have completed the flight. I flew from DFW to ORD yesterday and the PQPs were there about 2 hours later. All PQPs and PQFs earned during the challenge count toward annual elite status, even if you do not complete the challenge. All PQPs and PQFs earned from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, even those earned via award tickets, will count toward 2024 Premier Elite status. This information, plus much more, can be found on the United MileagePlus status challenge page: https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/mileageplus/offers/promos/SM2023.html
  
  Reply
Anne February 25, 2023

Thank you so much, Christine! Super appreciate it.

Reply
Kathie Cook March 18, 2023

I am a million miler with Alaska. Does that count toward the United status challenge or is it just my lifetime MVP Gold?
Also, if I complete the challenge, will all miles/segments flown after the challenge get me to a higher status?

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton March 19, 2023
  
  Hi Kathie. United does not recognize million-miler status for status matches. They normally want to see a currently earned status so I am not sure whether they would consider the MVP Gold, but you should try. Miles flown are no longer used to determine status but yes, all of the Premier Qualifying Points and segments earned during the challenge and after the challenge will count toward qualifying for current year status. When you complete a challenge, you are granted just that status level. In order to earn a higher status level, you would need to meet the total status year requirements, not just the amount above the status you were granted.
  
  Reply
Gerry March 23, 2023

Does anyone know if it’s possible to sign-up for the status challenge with American and then use that status to match with United? Or will United know you signed up for a challenge with American and deny it? I’d rather have status with United but they said no to a status challenge without a corresponding status with another airline. I have booked flights with United already that they could see.

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton March 24, 2023
  
  Hi Gerry. United does not normally approve a status match to a granted or promotional airline status that is not earned. The expiration date may be one red flag to them and you’d also need to submit a copy of your membership card and/or statement.
  
  Reply

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