United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, and if you are a frequent flyer who spends many hours traveling each year, having elite status with United Airlines can make a significant difference in your travel experience. The perks that come with elite status, such as shorter lines, faster service, complimentary upgrades, international lounge access, and other free benefits, can easily make stressful trips more seamless. However, it is important to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks of remaining loyal to one airline program as these perks do not come without a cost.
United Premier status is the elite status program offered by United Airlines through its MileagePlus program. Depending on which United elite status tier you achieve, you can enjoy a range of perks, from complimentary first-class upgrades on most domestic flights to earning bonus miles that can be redeemed for future travel. To qualify for Premier status, you need to earn Premier qualifying flights (PQFs) and Premier qualifying points (PQPs). PQPs are earned based on the base fare of tickets, upgrades, and more for the traveling member. The higher your PQFs and PQPs, the higher your status tier.
United offers four official elite status tiers: Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K. These tiers come with increasing perks and benefits, such as lounge access, priority check-in and boarding, free checked bags, and better award availability. However, it is important to note that United also has an unpublished exclusive tier called Global Services, which can only be achieved by flying 4 million miles or via personal invitation.
To qualify for United Premier status, you need to reach varying thresholds of PQPs and PQFs. For example, to qualify for Premier Silver, you need to earn 4,000 PQPs and 12 PQFs, or 5,000 PQPs alone. The requirements increase for higher tiers, with Premier 1K requiring 18,000 PQPs and 54 PQFs, or 24,000 PQPs alone. It is also important to note that United has a four-segment requirement to achieve status, meaning that you must fly on at least four flights operated by United or United Express to earn status.
The perks and benefits of United Premier status increase as you climb the tiers. Premier Silver offers benefits such as priority check-in, security, and boarding, preferred seating, and one free checked bag. Premier Gold adds perks like Star Alliance Gold status, Marriott Bonvoy Gold status, and two free checked bags. Premier Platinum comes with benefits such as waived telephone booking fees, Avis President’s Club status, and better award availability in premium cabins. Premier 1K, the top tier, offers additional perks like priority boarding, three free checked bags, and complimentary first-class upgrades.
If you are looking to earn United Premier status, having a United cobranded credit card can help. United has several personal and business credit cards offered by Chase that can help you earn PQPs and enjoy additional benefits. For example, the United Explorer Card offers 2 miles per dollar on all United purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases. The United Quest Card offers 3 miles per dollar on all United purchases and 2 miles per dollar on dining.
In conclusion, United Airlines elite status, known as United Premier status, can greatly enhance your travel experience if you are a frequent flyer. The perks and benefits that come with elite status, such as shorter lines, faster service, complimentary upgrades, and lounge access, can make your trips more seamless and enjoyable. However, achieving elite status requires significant time, money, or both. It is important to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks of remaining loyal to one airline program and consider if the perks are worth the effort for United flyers.