(p.c pexels)
The requirements for the 2024 MileagePlus Premier status remain the same as in 2023, making it easier for you to maintain or upgrade your status. In this article, we’ll walk you through the key details you need to understand how to qualify for Premier status, the 2024 requirements, and some general updates.
Premier Status Tiers
MileagePlus offers multiple elite status tiers, each with its own set of benefits. Please visit the United website to review the Qualification Requirements for Premier status. Here’s a quick overview of the Premier status tiers and the corresponding requirements:
- Premier Silver: Achieved with 12 Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) and 4,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) or 5,000 PQP.
- Premier Gold: Earned with 24 PQF and 8,000 PQP or 10,000 PQP.
- Premier Platinum: Attained with 36 PQF and 12,000 PQP or 15,000 PQP.
- Premier 1K: The highest tier, earned by flying 54 PQF and accumulating 18,000 PQP or 24,000 PQP.
Premier Qualifying Activity
Your progress towards achieving Premier status is measured by two types of qualifying activity earned within the calendar year (January 1 through December 31). Once you qualify, your status is valid from the day you qualify through the end of the program year on January 31, 2025. The two qualifying activities are:
- Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF): These are based on the number of flight segments you’ve flown. To qualify for Premier status, you’ll need to have a minimum of four PQF flown on United or United Express.
- Premier Qualifying Points (PQP): These points are calculated based on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges of your flight purchases, along with seating purchases and paid upgrades.
Earning PQP
PQP can be earned in various ways, not just through flights. You can earn PQP on:
- Flights operated by United and United Express.
- Flights operated by Star Alliance partners and connecting partners.
- Flights operated by specific partner airlines.
- Purchasing Economy Plus® seats or Economy Plus subscriptions.
- Buying preferred seats.
- Paying for upgrades on United and United Express flights.
- Redeeming MileagePlus Upgrade Awards.
- Award flights operated by United and United Express.
Meeting Higher PQP Goals
If you’re looking to qualify for a higher status tier, you can aim for a higher PQP goal. This means accumulating a higher amount of PQP and ensuring a minimum of four segments are flown on United or United Express.
Exciting Update for 2023
In 2023, a noteworthy change has been introduced. When you use MileagePlus miles for award flights operated by United or United Express, you’re now eligible to earn Premier qualifying credits. You can earn 1 PQP for every 100 miles redeemed, along with 1 PQF for each United or United Express flight. These PQP and PQF from qualifying award flights will count towards achieving all status levels, whether through both PQF and PQP or PQP only thresholds.
Jumpstart Your PQP Balance
In 2024, current Premier members receive a head start with automatic PQP deposits, based on their status level. This initiative boosts their chances of maintaining their status or aiming for an upgrade.
Earning PQP with Co-Branded MileagePlus Credit Cards
United MileagePlus Chase Cardmembers have the opportunity to earn PQP based on their annual credit card spend. The amount of PQP you can earn depends on the specific co-branded credit card you hold. You can apply these earned PQPs toward your Premier status.
PlusPoints Extension
PlusPoints are a United Airlines reward currency for free flight upgrades, earned through MileagePlus status, like Economy to Business or First class. Any PlusPoints set to expire on July 31, 2022, or January 31, 2023, will now be automatically extended by six months. Here is the updated expiration schedule:
- Current PlusPoints expiration date: 7/31/22 New expiration date: 1/31/23
- Current PlusPoints expiration date: 1/31/23 New expiration date: 7/31/23
Additional Considerations
Keep in mind that there are certain exclusions and conditions for earning award miles, PQF, and PQP. For example, award miles and Premier qualifying credits may not be earned on certain types of tickets, including promotional certificates and unpublished fares.
In a Nutshell
While the introduction of earning Premier qualifying credits on award flights and enhanced opportunities to accumulate PQP through co-branded credit cards in United Airlines’ MileagePlus program is generally a positive step, there are some potential downsides or cons to consider:
- Complexity and Confusion: The addition of new ways to earn PQP can make the program more complex for members to understand. Some travelers might find it challenging to keep track of the different sources of PQP and how they contribute to their status.
- Tier Devaluation: As more members can earn PQP through various means, there is a possibility that the program’s elite tiers may become more crowded. This could potentially lead to increased competition for elite benefits, such as upgrades and priority services, which could reduce the exclusivity of the program.
- Credit Card Dependency: While co-branded credit cards provide convenient ways to earn PQP, members might become heavily reliant on these cards to maintain their status. This dependence on credit card spending may not be financially sustainable for all travelers and could lead to overspending or debt.
- Frequent Changes: Frequent changes to the program’s rules and earning opportunities can sometimes lead to confusion and frustration among members. It’s essential for travelers to stay updated on any modifications to the program.
- Reward Devaluation: With more members earning status and accumulating PQP, there might be a risk of the program devaluing its rewards over time. This could result in members needing more points for the same benefits or a reduction in the overall value of rewards.
- Credit Card Costs: While credit cards can be a convenient way to earn PQP, they often come with annual fees and interest charges if balances are not paid in full. Members should consider these costs when using credit cards to accumulate PQP.
Travelers should weigh these factors against the benefits of the program and make informed decisions about their participation. Ensure that you use credit cards responsibly and avoid accumulating debt. Pay off credit card balances in full each month to avoid interest charges. It’s all about finding the right balance between enjoying travel and securing your financial well-being.
New to the world of earning miles and points? Check out my articles on easy ways to earn miles and points [link] for valuable insights. I also have a beginner’s guide to credit card points and miles to help you get started. Enjoy your shopping and have a fantastic holiday season!
Disclaimer: This article is neither sponsored nor paid, and I am not affiliated with any of the mentioned programs at the time of writing.
