Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, deta...
Edited by: Stella Shon
With a degree in media and journalism, Stella has been in the points and miles game for more than 6 years. She most recently worked as a Corporate Communications Analyst for JetBlue. Find her work in ...
& Keri Stooksbury
With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
99 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.
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.
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?
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.
allen
October 30, 2018
Do miles flown from award tickets count toward the PQM requirement for the status challenge?
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.
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…
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.
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!
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.
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
Christine Krzyszton
February 02, 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. /the-star-alliance
Imran Mohamed
February 01, 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!
Christine Krzyszton
February 02, 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.
Suraj
March 09, 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!
Suraj
March 09, 2019
Also, is there any guideline on when they do a match and when they require a challenge?
Christine Krzyszton
March 09, 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.
Christine Krzyszton
March 09, 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.
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
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.
Quin
April 03, 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?
Christine Krzyszton
April 05, 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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
Craig Frazier
June 02, 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?
Christine Krzyszton
June 02, 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.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
Rob W
July 18, 2019
Do MileagePlus Premier Accelerator PQM’s count for this promo?
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.
Charles Nelson
September 17, 2019
Does the status match apply to Southwest at all?
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.
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.
Christine Krzyszton
October 15, 2019
Thanks Logan. We’ll be updating the article with the appropriate information when announced.
Ken
November 03, 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!
Christine Krzyszton
November 04, 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.
Beach
December 05, 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?
Christine Krzyszton
December 05, 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!
Beach
December 05, 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.
Christine Krzyszton
December 05, 2019
Yes, January 3rd is early. The new program may not even be announced yet.
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.
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!
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. /the-star-alliance
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?
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
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?
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
Brent
February 02, 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?
Christine Krzyszton
February 03, 2022
United has updated the program for 2022 to 120 days. We will update the article accordingly. Thanks for the heads up.
Mike
February 09, 2022
So no more 1k match this year?
Lisa
March 05, 2022
Hey Mike, was able to get 1k match from AA Executive Platinum.
The 1k requirements are higher than Platinum.
Ned
June 21, 2022
@Lisa, how did you submit the request? I only see they offer Platinum as the highest match level
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
Jarrod West
March 21, 2022
Hi Supa,
Currently, United does not offer status matches to 1k status.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
Russell G
February 06, 2023
This is due to the flight being domestic rather than due to a lack of status though right?
Christine Krzyszton
February 06, 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.
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?
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.
Ashley A
November 15, 2022
Thanks for your insight!
R
November 24, 2022
Hi there,
A flight from Sydney to New York via San Francisco, is that 2 PQFs or one? Thanks.
Christine Krzyszton
November 26, 2022
As long as the flight numbers are different, it is 2 PQF.
R
December 05, 2022
thank you Christine
Russell G
February 06, 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?
Christine Krzyszton
February 06, 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.
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
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.
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)
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
Anne
February 25, 2023
Thank you so much, Christine! Super appreciate it.
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?
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.
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.
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.
janine
April 08, 2023
If I purchased a one way United flight to the middle east- 3 segments- two of which are on United (last leg is on Gulf), how do the PQF and PQPs work towards the status match? Thanks.
Christine Krzyszton
April 09, 2023
Hi Janine. A United ticket, beginning with 016, will earn 1 PQP for each dollar of the base fare for the first 2 segments. Chances are you will earn just 2 PQF for the 2 United flight segments as Gulf Air is not a partner airline.
Alex
June 06, 2023
Great article two things on about the status match. 1.) I can’t upload my membership card it won’t accept any files for some reason. and 2.) They increased the premier platinum requirement to 12 PQF. Thanks.
Christine Krzyszton
June 07, 2023
Hi Alex. Thanks so much for the heads up. I confirmed the increase in the PQF and updated the article. Also, you might try attaching a copy of your card to an email request and send to premiermatch@united.com. Be sure your card has your full name and expiration date of your status.
Adam
July 19, 2023
I did a United Status match on July 12, 2018. I just tried doing another one today and despite it being July 19, 2023, United claims it hasn’t been 5 years. Their rationale is they don’t base it off of calendar date but rather the following calendar year, meaning I wouldn’t be able to do it again until 2024. Does this make sense, or has this been seen before?
Christine Krzyszton
July 19, 2023
Hi Adam. Sorry to hear you didn’t get approved for the status match. Unfortunately, United has the final say as to whether they’ll approve you but there is nothing to lose by calling in and talking to a rep. I haven’t experienced this personally (or heard of it happening) but maybe some of our readers can chime in if they have.
Maggie
August 27, 2023
Christine – great article. Thank you. I have two questions.
First, the timing on this is tight. My first flight with United is 9/23 and my sixth flight is 1/15. The status match would work if I am awarded it between 9/16-9/23 if i am calculating correctly. When would you submit your application?
Second, I have no other plans to fly United at this time. In fact, I only have two other trip planned for 2024, right now, but I would have status match through the end of 2024. This means I couldn’t try it again until 2030. Would you just go for it or wait for another time when I may fly United more. The five year period is holding me back….
Thank you!
Christine Krzyszton
August 28, 2023
Hi Maggie. Thanks for the kind words. Since you would have just 120 days from approval to complete the challenge, that would put the end date in December (if approved in September). In this case, the January flight would not count. Since you do not have any plans to fly United after that, you may want to wait and do the status match another time. Just a thought.
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