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Category: United Airlines

  • Military and Veteran Airline Benefits: What 8 U.S. Airlines Offer

    Military and Veteran Airline Benefits: What 8 U.S. Airlines Offer

    Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize those who have served in the U.S. military (and if you’ve served, thank you for your service). But when it comes to air travel, many of the benefits available to service members and veterans extend well beyond November 11.

    Several major U.S. airlines offer discounted fares, complimentary checked bags, priority boarding, and other travel benefits. Depending on the airline, these perks can save travelers quite a bit of money, especially when traveling with family or checking multiple bags.

    There’s an important distinction, though. Not every military travel benefit is available to veterans. Some are reserved for active-duty service members, while others extend to retirees, veterans, and eligible family members.

    Here’s what eight U.S. airlines offer and who qualifies.

    Military and Veteran Airline Benefits Compared

    AirlineWho QualifiesNotable Benefits
    American AirlinesActive-duty military; select veteran offersFree checked bags, priority boarding, select military fares
    Delta Air LinesPrimarily active-duty militaryFree checked bags, early boarding, select military fares
    United AirlinesActive-duty military, select recently discharged members5% leisure fare discount, free checked bags, preboarding, lounge access
    Southwest AirlinesActive-duty military and eligible dependentsMilitary fares, priority boarding, baggage fee exemptions
    Alaska AirlinesActive-duty military, eligible dependents, and veterans through select programsMilitary fares, baggage benefits, lounge access, WeSalute discounts
    JetBlueActive-duty military, veterans, retirees, and eligible families5% fare discounts and two free checked bags for eligible travelers
    Allegiant AirActive-duty military, veterans, and eligible familiesFree checked bags, carry-ons, priority boarding, and an in-cabin pet
    Frontier AirlinesActive-duty military and accompanying eligible familyFree carry-on and checked bags, priority boarding

    Eligibility, verification requirements, and benefits vary by airline. Some offers require booking by phone or enrollment in a paid membership program.

    What Each Airline Offers

    American Airlines

    American offers active-duty U.S. military members up to three complimentary checked bags when traveling for personal reasons, or up to five when traveling on orders. Active-duty service members with valid identification can also board in Group 1.

    The airline also offers special government and military fares in certain markets, although travelers need to contact reservations to check availability.

    For veterans, American participates in the WeSalute program, which provides access to select vacation savings through a paid membership. These are separate from the active-duty baggage and boarding benefits.

    Delta Air Lines

    Delta offers active-duty military members additional checked baggage allowances, early boarding, and access to special military fares, which can be reserved by phone or by messaging the airline.

    The number of complimentary bags depends on whether the traveler is flying on military orders or for personal reasons, as well as the cabin booked.

    Delta also has special policies for military-related pet travel and certain medical emergency trips involving injured service members.

    United Airlines

    United offers active-duty military travelers up to five complimentary checked bags, depending on the purpose of travel, along with preboarding and United Club access when certain requirements are met.

    The airline also offers a 5% discount on eligible leisure fares for active-duty service members who verify their status through MileagePlus. The discount applies to the base fare on select United-operated flights and can cover up to nine passengers on the same reservation. Basic economy fares are excluded.

    Certain cadets, reservists on active orders, and recently discharged service members may also qualify for military benefits.

    For veterans, United offers separate discounts on eligible flight-and-hotel packages booked through United Vacations.

    Southwest Airlines

    Southwest offers military fares to eligible active-duty service members and their dependents. These fares aren’t available through the airline’s website, so travelers must call Southwest or visit an airport ticket counter to book.

    Active-duty military members also receive priority boarding before Group 1 and exemptions from checked baggage fees, including certain excess, oversized, and overweight bag charges.

    Alaska Airlines

    Alaska offers military fares in select markets, along with baggage benefits and certain lounge privileges for eligible service members.

    For example, active-duty personnel traveling on qualifying government-sponsored itineraries may receive complimentary Alaska Lounge access. Other eligible active-duty travelers may qualify for discounted lounge day passes.

    Alaska also participates in WeSalute and provides flight discounts to eligible members, including veterans.

    One important distinction is that Alaska’s special military fares generally apply to qualifying active-duty travel and certain recently discharged service members, rather than all veterans.

    The Alaska Airlines "Honoring Those Who Serve" livery 737 takes off from Portland International Airport.
    DAVEALAN / ISTOCK

    JetBlue

    JetBlue has one of the more straightforward offers for veterans.

    Through WeSalute+, eligible veterans, military retirees, and their families can receive a 5% discount on JetBlue-operated flights, along with two complimentary checked bags weighing up to 50 pounds each.

    Active-duty military travelers can receive similar benefits without enrolling in WeSalute+, with additional baggage allowances when traveling on duty.

    There are a few catches. WeSalute+ is a paid membership, and eligible travelers must call JetBlue to book. The discount applies to the base fare, not taxes or fees, and doesn’t apply to tickets booked with TrueBlue points.

    Allegiant Air

    Allegiant’s military benefits stand out because they explicitly extend to veterans and eligible family members, not just active-duty personnel.

    Through its Allegiant Honors program, eligible travelers can receive two complimentary checked bags, a free carry-on, priority boarding, and even one in-cabin pet without the usual fee.

    Eligible spouses, domestic partners, children, and dependents traveling on the same itinerary can also receive benefits.

    Considering how many of Allegiant’s usual services carry additional fees, those exemptions could make a substantial difference to the total cost of a trip.

    Frontier Airlines

    Frontier doesn’t offer a general military airfare discount, but it does provide several baggage benefits to eligible active-duty military members and accompanying spouses and children.

    These include a complimentary carry-on bag, two checked bags, and waivers for certain oversized and overweight baggage charges. Eligible travelers can also receive priority boarding.

    Military members can verify their status through ID.me, after which the benefits can be applied to eligible reservations.

    What About Veterans Specifically?

    Many of the most generous airline benefits, particularly complimentary checked bags and priority boarding, are reserved for current service members. Having previously served doesn’t automatically qualify a traveler for those perks.

    However, some airlines offer expanded eligibility:

    • Allegiant: Includes veterans in its military benefits program.
    • JetBlue: Provides veteran discounts and baggage benefits through WeSalute+.
    • Alaska: Offers flight discounts through WeSalute+.
    • American: Offers select vacation savings through WeSalute.
    • United: Offers discounts on eligible United Vacations flight-and-hotel packages for veterans.

    Before booking, check whether a discount requires membership in a third-party program, whether it applies to everyone on the reservation, and whether it can be combined with other offers.

    How to Make Sure You Receive Your Benefits

    The U.S. Department of Transportation maintains a Support Our Troops dashboard that compares certain commitments airlines make to current service members and their families.

    Those commitments include baggage allowances and flexibility when military orders interfere with travel. However, the dashboard isn’t a complete list of military discounts, and an airline without a particular commitment may still offer the benefit under its own policies.

    Before booking, check the airline’s eligibility requirements and whether you need to verify your status, present military identification, or call reservations.

    And if you’re considering a discounted military fare, compare it with the regular price. Special fares aren’t necessarily the cheapest option on every route.

    Most of these benefits are available year-round, so there’s no need to wait until Veterans Day to use them. Just be sure you know which benefits you’re eligible for before booking.

  • When Do Airline Miles Expire? Rules for 7 U.S. Airlines

    When Do Airline Miles Expire? Rules for 7 U.S. Airlines

    Do airline miles expire? It depends on which loyalty program you’re using.

    Most major U.S. airlines have eliminated mileage expiration. This means you don’t have to worry about losing your rewards just because you haven’t flown in a while. But a few programs still have expiration rules, and they’re not all the same.

    Here’s how mileage expiration works across seven U.S. airline loyalty programs, including what you can do to keep your points and miles from disappearing.

    American Airlines AAdvantage

    American Airlines AAdvantage miles expire after 24 months without qualifying account activity.

    Fortunately, keeping your miles alive is fairly easy. Earning or redeeming miles resets the clock, including through eligible partner activity (like using the AAdvantage eShopping portal, for example) or by buying, gifting, or transferring miles.

    There are also two important exceptions. Members under 21 are exempt from mileage expiration until they turn 21. And if you’re the primary cardmember on an open AAdvantage co-branded credit card, your miles won’t expire under the standard 24-month rule.

    United MileagePlus

    United MileagePlus miles don’t expire, regardless of how long your account has been inactive.

    As long as your MileagePlus account remains open and in good standing, your miles won’t go anywhere. There’s no activity requirement to keep them.

    Delta SkyMiles

    Delta SkyMiles don’t expire, either.

    You can go years without earning or redeeming miles and still keep your balance. However, Delta can close accounts under certain circumstances, which may result in forfeiting any remaining miles.

    As long as your account remains open and in good standing, there’s no mileage expiration deadline to worry about.

    Southwest Rapid Rewards

    Southwest Rapid Rewards points don’t expire.

    Like United and Delta, Southwest doesn’t require you to earn or redeem points periodically to keep them active.

    However, closing your Rapid Rewards account will result in forfeiting any points you haven’t redeemed. So if you have a balance, keep the account open even if you’re not flying Southwest regularly.

    JetBlue TrueBlue

    JetBlue TrueBlue points never expire.

    There’s no inactivity requirement, so you don’t need to book flights or earn additional points just to preserve your balance.

    Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards

    Atmos Rewards points don’t expire.

    That policy carried over when Alaska Airlines introduced Atmos Rewards and replaced its former Mileage Plan program.

    Although accounts may be locked after extended inactivity and require identity verification to regain access, the points themselves don’t expire.

    So there’s no need to earn or redeem points periodically just to keep your balance. Just make sure you can still access your account when you’re ready to use them.

    Breeze Breezy Rewards

    Breeze Airways is a notable exception. BreezePoints expire 24 months after they’re issued, regardless of whether you’ve had other account activity since then.

    That means earning more points won’t reset the expiration date on your existing balance. Each batch of points has its own 24-month validity period, and Breeze uses your oldest points first when you redeem them.

    There is one way around this: Primary cardmembers with an open Breeze Easy Visa account in good standing are exempt from points expiration. If you close the card, the points remaining in your account receive a new 24-month expiration period beginning on the closure date.

  • United Keeps Building Bigger Clubs. Houston Is Its Largest Yet

    United Keeps Building Bigger Clubs. Houston Is Its Largest Yet

    United’s Clubs seem to keep getting bigger.

    In 2023, a 35,000-square-foot Club on the east side of Denver’s B Concourse became the airline’s largest. Two years later, United opened a separate 33,000-square-foot Club on the west side of the same concourse. A roughly 40,000-square-foot Club is also in the works at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for when its new Concourse E opens (which will likely happen before the end of the year).

    And then there’s Houston.

    The new United Club at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) spans 54,000 square feet. United says it’s the biggest Club it has ever built and the “largest airline club across North and South America.”

    I visited during United’s preview on October 21, a day before Terminal B North’s public opening. I can attest that it’s a big lounge.

    Here’s what I saw, along with my initial takeaways.

    Bigger Clubs, Same Crowding Problem

    There’s a reason the square footage keeps increasing.

    I’ve heard United executives talk openly about wanting Clubs big enough that they stop turning people away, whether that’s members bringing guests or travelers holding one-time passes.

    Entrance to the United Club in IAH Terminal B.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    As I see it, two other things are adding to the pressure (and it’s not a problem unique to United). United is adding premium seats to its planes en masse, and some of those tickets come with Club access. It’s also pushing its lounge-access-granting credit cards on the ground, in the air, and everywhere in between.

    If you’re going to offer that kind of access, you need the space to back it up.

    Interior of the United Club in IAH Terminal B.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    Houston faces the same crowding pressure as virtually every other lounge these days. United says its Terminal B transformation increases the overall number of customers who can fly on peak travel dates in 2026 by 40% compared to 2023.

    Now that’s capacity, not a passenger count, but it means more potential Club visitors on the busiest days.

    Interior of the United Club in IAH Terminal B.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    Officially, the Club seats 800. Whether that’s enough on a random Friday afternoon or in the days leading up to a major holiday is still up in the air.

    During the preview, the Club was seemingly half full of media, United employees, and other event attendees. Everything seemed to be running fairly smoothly, though a regular travel day will present its own challenges.

    Interior of the United Club in IAH Terminal B.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    What It’s Actually Like

    The Club sits on the mezzanine level, which is fairly central on the B North side. The entrance is hard to miss: you scan your boarding pass at the kiosks, then head up an escalator.

    From there, the space fans out in every direction. Straight ahead is the buffet. To the right is a large seating area that feels more relaxed and private. To the left are the main bar and dining room seating, which lead into a separate section with a second bar, more seating, and the outdoor terrace.

    Interior of the United Club in IAH Terminal B.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    There’s a ton of seating throughout the Club. Some of it is tucked away, while other areas overlook the terminal below.

    Interior of the United Club in IAH Terminal B.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    With mostly media and event attendees chatting during the preview, it was hard to judge noise levels. But the mix of spaces makes it fairly easy to get away from the busier, higher-traffic areas.

    The tradeoff is distance. Getting from one end to the other can be a bit of a walk.

    Interior of the United Club in IAH Terminal B.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    There wasn’t a ton of food out during the preview, but United says to expect rotating menus with locally inspired dishes.

    Guests can also grab a drink at either of the lounge’s two bars or help themselves at one of several refreshment stations.

    Bar at the United Club in IAH Terminal B.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    The terrace is smaller than you might expect for a Club this size, at just 1,350 square feet. But it’s still a neat place to get some fresh air and watch the tarmac. When the weather is nice, I bet it’ll be a popular spot.

    Terract at the United Club in IAH Terminal B.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    Who This Club Is Really For

    Location matters a lot.

    The Club is in Terminal B North, where all 22 new mainline gates are designed for narrow-body aircraft. Terminal B South’s 26 gates have been reconfigured to better handle larger regional jets. In practice, that points to domestic and shorter international flights, not long-haul widebody trips.

    Interior of the United Club in IAH Terminal B.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    Travelers flying long-haul in United Polaris business class (on eligible tickets) have the United Polaris lounge, which is a separate space in IAH’s Terminal E.

    So this Club is largely geared toward everyday United flyers, cardmembers, and passholders traveling domestically or on shorter international routes. And with so many flights coming and going (with schedules likely to keep growing), there’s plenty of potential demand.

    Interior of the United Club in IAH Terminal B.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    How to Get In

    A United Club membership, an eligible United credit card, or a select premium-cabin ticket will get you in. Our United Club guide covers the rest, including guest rules, one-time passes, and which cards qualify.

    Interior of the United Club in IAH Terminal B.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    Is the New IAH Club Big Enough?

    For now, it certainly feels that way.

    But the real test won’t come at a relatively tame Wednesday preview, but on the busiest travel days, when Clubs are most likely to fill up.

    Interior of the United Club in IAH Terminal B.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    Lounges serve a real purpose. At a minimum, that’s food, a drink, and somewhere to wait that isn’t a crowded gate area. Houston covers all of that, with room to spare.

    But as airlines keep building bigger Clubs to accommodate more travelers, I wonder if lounges are starting to lose some of what made them appealing in the first place. They’re supposed to be a respite from the busy airport terminal, not just a fancier version of it.

    And at some point, I wonder how much of a difference there really is.

  • United Club Lounges: Access, Guest Rules, and What to Expect

    United Club Lounges: Access, Guest Rules, and What to Expect

    United operates more than 45 United Club locations around the world, plus six United Polaris lounges for eligible premium cabin passengers.

    There are several ways to get into a United Club. You can buy a membership or a one-time pass, get access through an eligible Chase United credit card, or qualify through your ticket or Star Alliance status.

    But depending on how you get in, the rules around guests, entry times, and eligible flights can vary.

    Here’s what to know before you visit.

    Where Can You Find United Clubs?

    United Clubs are located at airports throughout the airline’s network.

    Every Club offers complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and seating, among other amenities. Some of United’s newer locations also have more substantial food selections, upgraded bars, and dedicated spaces for working or taking calls.

    A few locations in particular are worth stopping by if you’re eligible and have time before a flight or on a layover.

    • Denver (DEN): United’s Club at Denver B East is one of the largest in its network. It boasts more than 35,000 square feet across two floors.
    • Newark (EWR): This is the first United hub with fully updated Clubs. It offers more than 63,000 square feet of Club space across the airport.
    • Chicago O’Hare (ORD): The Concourse C Club seats more than 400 guests.
    • Houston (IAH): Home to United’s new Terminal B Club, which spans 54,000 square feet.

    Hours vary by location and can change around holidays, so United’s Club and lounge directory is a handy resource to check before heading to the reception desk.

    Who Can Access a United Club?

    There are five main ways to get into a United Club.

    In most cases, you’ll need a same-day boarding pass for a flight operated by United, a Star Alliance airline, or an eligible partner. You may also be asked to show a government-issued photo ID.

    • United Club members: Travelers who purchase an Individual or All Access membership.
    • United Club cardholders: Primary cardholders of the United Club Card or United Club Business Card receive a Club membership.
    • One-time passholders: Travelers who purchase a pass or receive one through an eligible United credit card.
    • Premium cabin passengers: Eligible United Polaris and United Business passengers can access United Clubs at departure, connecting, and arrival airports. Star Alliance first and business class passengers can access Clubs at the departure airport of their eligible international flight.
    • Star Alliance Gold members: United MileagePlus Premier Gold members and above can access United Clubs when traveling on qualifying international Star Alliance itineraries. Star Alliance Gold members from other programs have different access policies; these travelers can generally enter when flying domestically on United.

    Just note there’s an important distinction for United’s own elite members. Having Premier Gold status or higher doesn’t automatically get you into a United Club when flying domestically.

    And if you’re flying United domestic first class, that ticket alone generally won’t get you into a Club, either.

    United Club Membership Pricing

    United offers two annual membership options.

    An individual membership covers the member only, while All Access includes guest privileges and access to participating Star Alliance partner lounges.

    Pricing depends on your MileagePlus status:

    MileagePlus StatusIndividualAll Access
    General member, Premier Silver, Premier Gold$750 or 94,000 miles$1,400 or 175,000 miles
    Premier Platinum$750 or 94,000 miles$1,300 or 163,000 miles
    Premier 1K$750 or 94,000 miles$1,200 or 150,000 miles
    Global Services$750 or 94,000 miles$1,100 or 125,000 miles

    How Do United Club One-Time Passes Work?

    United sells one-time Club passes for $59 per person. You can purchase one through the United app, and some locations sell passes at the door when space is available.

    There are a few restrictions when using a pass:

    • One person, one visit: Each pass covers one entry. Children under two can accompany a passholder at no additional charge.
    • Validity: Passes purchased through the app are valid for 12 months and are nonrefundable.
    • Capacity: United Club members receive priority, so one-time passholders can be turned away when a lounge is busy.
    • Eligible lounges: Passes work at standard United Clubs, but not Polaris lounges, United Club Fly locations, arrivals lounges, or partner lounges.

    The capacity restriction is worth keeping in mind.

    Buying a pass doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to use it at your preferred Club, so it’s worth waiting until you arrive to purchase one rather than buying it ahead of your trip.

    How Early Can You Enter a United Club?

    If you’re using a one-time pass, you can enter within three hours of your scheduled departure.

    That restriction doesn’t apply if you’re visiting a United Club during a connection.

    United doesn’t publish the same three-hour restriction for Club members and eligible cardholders, who generally only need a qualifying same-day boarding pass.

    Interior of the United Club in IAH Terminal B.
    TYLER GLATT / POINTS INSIDER

    Can You Bring Guests Into a United Club?

    Guest privileges depend on how you’re accessing the lounge.

    • Individual membership: No guests.
    • All Access membership: Up to two adult guests, or one adult guest and dependent children under 18.
    • United Club card membership: One adult guest and dependent children under 18.
    • One-time pass: No guests. Each person needs a separate pass.
    • United Polaris and United Business passengers: No guests.
    • Star Alliance first class: One guest on eligible international itineraries.
    • Star Alliance business class: No guests.
    • Star Alliance Gold: One guest traveling on the same flight.

    United also has age restrictions. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a supervising adult, while Clubs with self-service bars require guests under 21 to be accompanied by someone at least 21.

    What’s the Difference Between United Clubs and Polaris Lounges?

    United Polaris lounges are separate from standard United Clubs and offer a more premium experience, including sit-down dining, showers, and private relaxation areas.

    There are six Polaris lounges in the United States:

    • Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
    • Houston (IAH)
    • Los Angeles (LAX)
    • Newark (EWR)
    • San Francisco (SFO)
    • Washington Dulles (IAD)

    Unlike United Clubs, Polaris lounge access comes from your ticket rather than a membership or credit card.

    A United Club membership won’t get you into a Polaris lounge, and neither will a one-time pass.

    United’s newer Polaris fare structure also affects lounge access. Passengers booked on Standard or Flexible Polaris fares can visit Polaris lounges, while those traveling on Base fares only receive access to standard United Clubs.

    Certain international first- and business-class passengers on Star Alliance partners can also access Polaris lounges, although eligibility depends on the airline, cabin, and fare purchased.

    Credit Cards That Include United Club Access

    Four Chase United credit cards offer either a United Club membership or one-time passes.

    • United Club Card: Includes a United Club membership for the primary cardholder, with access for one adult guest and dependent children under 18.
    • United Club Business Card: Offers the same membership and guest privileges as the personal version.
    • United Explorer Card: Includes two United Club one-time passes after account opening and every 12 months thereafter.
    • United Business Card: Also includes two one-time passes after account opening and every 12 months thereafter.

    {{ credit-card-widget uri=”unitedclubinfinitecard” }}

    Both United Club cards offer a way to upgrade to All Access membership. You can qualify by earning Premier Gold status or spending $50,000 on purchases in a calendar year.

    All Access adds a second adult guest and access to participating Star Alliance partner lounges. Cardholders with All Access and an authorized user or employee cardholder can also receive four one-time passes each card anniversary year.

    Authorized users on the Club cards don’t receive their own membership. They’ll need to enter with the primary cardholder as an eligible guest.

    The one-time passes issued by the Explorer and Business cards have different rules. They can be used by the primary cardholder, an authorized user or employee cardholder, or an accompanying guest, but can’t be transferred to someone traveling separately.

  • United Changes Premier Status Rules for 2027, With More Emphasis on Spending

    United Changes Premier Status Rules for 2027, With More Emphasis on Spending

    As the year winds down, United Airlines is among the first major U.S. carriers to announce changes to its loyalty program for 2027.

    And some of them are pretty significant.

    The airline is eliminating one of the two ways travelers can qualify for MileagePlus Premier status and increasing the requirements for Premier 1K.

    The changes, announced October 13, are most consequential for frequent flyers who have traditionally qualified through a combination of Premier qualifying flights (PQF) and Premier qualifying points (PQP).

    United is also changing how members receive their annual starter PQP deposits. To spoil it: The benefit will become exclusive to eligible credit cardholders. Meanwhile, the airline is increasing the number of PQP members can earn through spending on its premium United Club credit cards.

    Here’s what’s changing for 2027.

    United Is Eliminating Its Flight-Based Qualification Option

    Currently, MileagePlus members have two ways to qualify for Premier status: earn a combination of PQF and PQP, or earn a higher number of PQP without meeting the additional flight-count requirement.

    Starting January 1, 2027, United will eliminate the PQF-based qualification option. Members will instead qualify based on PQP earned through eligible flights and credit card spending.

    Here’s how next year’s requirements compare to this year’s:

    Premier Status2026 PQP + PQF Requirement2026 PQP-Only Requirement2027 PQP Requirement
    Silver5,000 PQP + 15 PQF6,000 PQP6,000 PQP
    Gold10,000 PQP + 30 PQF12,000 PQP12,000 PQP
    Platinum15,000 PQP + 45 PQF18,000 PQP18,000 PQP
    1K22,000 PQP + 60 PQF28,000 PQP32,000 PQP

    Members will still need to take at least four flights operated by United or United Express each year to qualify for Premier status.

    For travelers who already qualify through PQP alone, the requirements for Silver, Gold, and Platinum aren’t changing.

    Those who previously relied on the combination of flights and PQP, however, could face considerably higher requirements.

    For example, a traveler who currently qualifies for Premier Gold with 30 flights and 10,000 PQP will need 12,000 PQP under the new system, regardless of how frequently they fly.

    United Airlines Boeing 777 flying to Auckland International Airport.
    JANICE CHEN / ISTOCK

    The biggest increase is at the top of the program rather than the bottom.

    Premier 1K will require 32,000 PQP in 2027, up from the current PQP-only requirement of 28,000. That’s an increase of more than 14%.

    For someone who previously qualified through 60 flights and 22,000 PQP, the new requirement represents an additional 10,000 PQP.

    These changes apply to qualification activity in 2027, generally toward Premier status for 2028. They don’t change the requirements for members currently working toward status in 2026.

    Annual Starter PQP Will Now Require a United Credit Card

    United is also changing who receives its annual starter PQP deposit.

    For 2026, United gave qualifying Premier members a head start on re-qualification by depositing PQP into their accounts based on their existing status level, regardless of whether they held a United credit card.

    Starting in 2027, that benefit will be limited to members with an eligible United credit card.

    Here’s how the deposits compare:

    Premier Status2026 Starter PQP2027 Starter PQP
    Silver300300
    Gold600600
    Platinum900900
    1K1,4001,600

    To qualify for the 2027 deposit, members must have an eligible United credit card open by December 31, 2026, and hold Premier status as of February 1, 2027. The card must remain open and in good standing when the PQP are deposited.

    For Silver, Gold, and Platinum members, the deposit amounts aren’t changing. Premier 1K members will receive an additional 200 PQP.

    Members without an eligible credit card, on the other hand, will lose the benefit entirely.

    Starter PQP are awarded per member rather than per card, so holding multiple eligible cards won’t increase the deposit. Authorized users also aren’t independently eligible.

    Members with the United Quest or United Club cards will continue receiving their existing annual card bonus PQP in addition to any starter PQP they qualify for.

    United Airlines airplane (Boeing 737 MAX 9) landing at Miami International Airport. United Airlines is the third-largest airline in the world after its merger with Continental Airlines.
    CHUYN / ISTOCK

    United Is Increasing Credit Card PQP Limits

    United already allows MileagePlus members to earn PQP through spending on eligible cobranded credit cards.

    Starting in 2027, the United Club Card and United Club Business Card will each allow cardholders to earn up to 32,000 PQP annually, an increase from the current 28,000-PQP cap.

    Here’s how the major United credit cards compare:

    United Credit Card2026 PQP Limit2027 PQP Limit
    United Explorer Card1,0001,000
    United Quest Card18,00018,000
    United Club Card28,00032,000
    United Business Card4,0004,000
    United Club Business Card28,00032,000

    The increased Club Card limits match the new Premier 1K qualification threshold.

    That means cardholders can theoretically earn enough PQP through credit card spending alone to qualify for Premier 1K, provided they also complete the required four United-operated flights.

    Of course, that would require a ton of spending.

    The United Club cards earn 1 PQP for every $15 spent on eligible purchases. At that rate, earning 32,000 PQP entirely through purchases would require $480,000 in credit card spending, before accounting for any applicable PQP deposits.

    Other eligible United cards generally earn 1 PQP for every $20 spent, subject to their respective annual limits.

    For most travelers, credit card spending will supplement PQP earned from flying rather than replace it entirely.

    United Is Also Moving to Dynamic PlusPoints Pricing

    United’s announcement also includes a reminder about an upcoming change to PlusPoints upgrades.

    As previously announced, United will introduce dynamic PlusPoints pricing for travel beginning February 1, 2027.

    Rather than requiring a fixed number of PlusPoints for a particular upgrade, the cost will vary based on demand and available seats.

    That means the number of PlusPoints needed to upgrade could differ depending on the flight.

    All in all, though, travelers working toward Premier status in 2026 can continue under the existing qualification rules. But anyone planning to re-qualify next year will have a different set of requirements to consider.

  • 5 Airlines That Give You Elite Status Credit When Flying With Points and Miles

    5 Airlines That Give You Elite Status Credit When Flying With Points and Miles

    One lesser-known benefit of redeeming points and miles for flights is that, with some airlines, those trips can still count toward earning elite status.

    Yes, it’s possible to fly using your miles and earn credit toward qualifying for elite status at the same time.

    Not every airline offers this benefit, but it’s worth knowing about if you’re working toward a new status tier or trying to maintain the one you already have.

    Here’s a look at five airline loyalty programs that offer elite status credit on eligible flights booked with points and miles.

    Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards

    Atmos Rewards is particularly generous when it comes to earning elite status credit on flights booked with points.

    Through the end of 2026, members earn 1 status point for every mile flown on eligible flights booked with Atmos Rewards points. That includes flights operated by Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and eligible partner airlines.

    For example, a 2,500-mile flight booked with points could earn 2,500 status points, regardless of how many points you redeemed for the ticket.

    But things are changing in 2027.

    Starting January 1, Atmos Rewards members will be able to choose how they earn points and status points. And that choice will also determine how much status credit they earn on flights booked with points.

    Portland, Oregon, USA - February 27, 2025: An Alaska Airlines 737 landing at PDX at sunset.
    DAVE ALAN / ISTOCK

    There will be three options:

    • Distance traveled: 1 status point per mile flown
    • Price paid: 1 status point per 20 points redeemed
    • Segments flown: 500 status points per flight segment

    For example, a 2,500-mile nonstop flight booked for 20,000 Atmos Rewards points would earn 2,500 status points under the distance-based option, 1,000 under the price-based option, or 500 under the segment-based option.

    Of course, the math can change depending on the routes you fly and how many points you’re redeeming. One earning method could be considerably more rewarding than another.

    One important distinction is that flights booked with points earn status points only, not additional redeemable Atmos Rewards points.

    Delta SkyMiles

    Delta lets SkyMiles members earn Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) on eligible flights booked with miles.

    The earning rate is pretty simple: members earn 1 MQD for every 100 SkyMiles redeemed.

    So, a Delta flight costing 40,000 SkyMiles would earn 400 MQDs toward Medallion status. And this benefit also extends to eligible upgrades purchased with miles.

    However, Delta’s Main Basic fares are excluded from earning MQDs through mileage redemptions.

    United MileagePlus

    United MileagePlus members can earn both Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) when redeeming miles for eligible United and United Express flights.

    Members earn 1 PQP for every 100 MileagePlus miles redeemed, along with one PQF for each eligible United or United Express flight.

    For example, a nonstop United flight costing 30,000 miles would earn 300 PQP and one PQF toward Premier status.

    Eligible seat upgrades purchased with miles can also earn PQP.

    The benefit also applies to United-operated segments on itineraries that include partner airlines. However, flights operated by those partners won’t earn PQP or PQF from the mileage redemption.

    Another useful detail is that PQP goes to the person flying, not necessarily the person who redeemed the miles.

    So, if you use your MileagePlus miles to book a flight for someone else, that traveler receives the qualifying credit.

    United also allows members to use PQP earned from flights booked with miles toward additional PlusPoints, not just Premier status.

    United Airlines Boeing 777 flying to Auckland International Airport.
    JANICE CHEN / ISTOCK

    Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

    Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members can earn Tier Points on eligible flights booked with Virgin Points.

    Unlike Delta and United, which calculate status earnings based on the number of miles redeemed, Virgin Atlantic awards a fixed number of Tier Points depending on the cabin.

    Members earn the following amounts on eligible flights booked with points.

    • Economy: 25 Tier Points
    • Premium: 50 Tier Points
    • Upper Class: 100 Tier Points

    That means two passengers redeeming different amounts of points for the same flight and cabin could earn the same number of Tier Points.

    The benefit applies to eligible Virgin Atlantic-operated flights, not partner airline redemptions.

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    Qantas offers a similar benefit, although there’s an additional requirement.

    Members with Points Club or Points Club Plus can earn Status Credits when redeeming Qantas Points for eligible Classic Flight Rewards and Classic Plus Flight Rewards.

    The number of Status Credits depends on the route and cabin. For example, an eligible business-class flight between Australia and the U.S. West Coast earns 72 Status Credits.

    However, Qantas is retiring Points Club on December 8, 2026. Existing eligible members will retain their benefits through the end of their next membership year, so this benefit won’t disappear immediately for everyone.

    What About Other Airlines?

    The majority of major airline loyalty programs don’t offer elite status credit for flights booked with points and miles.

    American Airlines AAdvantage, Air Canada Aeroplan, and Southwest Rapid Rewards are among the programs that exclude these flights from their standard flight-based elite qualification requirements.

    It’s also worth distinguishing between earning elite status credit and earning additional redeemable miles. Even when a flight booked with points counts toward status, it generally won’t earn more miles for future travel.

    If you’re working toward elite status, it’s worth checking whether flights booked with points count toward qualification. Depending on the airline, you could use points for your next trip without giving up progress toward your next status tier.

  • 4 United Credit Card Offers Worth up to 100,000 Bonus Miles

    4 United Credit Card Offers Worth up to 100,000 Bonus Miles

    United credit cards are useful for several reasons beyond their welcome bonuses.

    For anyone who flies United, carrying one can unlock lower mileage prices, help with earning Premier status, and provide benefits ranging from free checked bags to United Club access.

    There are several United cards to choose from, and the differences become more meaningful depending on how often someone flies the airline and which benefits they’ll use. Eligible United cardholders can also save 10% or more when booking eligible flights with miles, or 15% or more for Premier members.

    One thing worth noting about the current offers: Each includes an opportunity to earn another 10,000 miles after adding an authorized user within the first three months.

    Here are four United cards that make sense to consider.

    United Explorer Card

    The United Explorer Card is the most approachable of the personal cards here. It’s a great option for someone who flies United a few times a year.

    Its benefits include a free first checked bag, priority boarding, two United Club one-time passes each year, and savings of 10% or more when booking eligible flights with miles.

    Click “Learn More” below for the current offer, full benefits, and application details.

    {{ credit-card-widget uri=”unitedexplorercard” }}

    United Quest Card

    The United Quest Card makes more sense for someone spending more time onboard United and looking for benefits beyond a checked bag.

    It comes with an annual United travel credit and flight discount, two free checked bags, and an annual allotment of Premier qualifying points (PQP). That makes the card particularly relevant for someone working toward United Premier status. Cardholders can also save 10% or more when booking eligible flights with miles.

    Click “Learn More” below for the current offer, full benefits, and application details.

    {{ credit-card-widget uri=”unitedquestcard” }}

    United Club Card

    The United Club Card is the premium personal option. The headline benefit is a United Club membership.

    It also offers two free checked bags, Premier Access benefits, savings of 10% or more when booking eligible flights with miles, and opportunities to earn PQP toward Premier status. For frequent United flyers who would otherwise pay for lounge access, the Club membership is likely to be the biggest reason to carry it.

    Click “Learn More” below for the current offer, full benefits, and application details.

    {{ credit-card-widget uri=”unitedclubinfinitecard” }}

    United Business Card

    The United Business Card offers many of the benefits found on the personal cards, including a free first checked bag, priority boarding, two United Club one-time passes, and savings of 10% or more when booking eligible flights with miles.

    There’s also a reason to pair it with a personal United card: Cardholders with both receive a 5,000-mile bonus each account anniversary.

    Click “Learn More” below for the current offer, full benefits, and application details.

    {{ credit-card-widget uri=”unitedbusiness” }}

    United Credit Card Application Rules

    The Explorer and Quest cards aren’t available to current cardholders of the respective card or previous cardholders who received a new-cardmember bonus on that card within the past 24 months.

    The Club Card has broader restrictions. It’s unavailable to current cardholders of any United Club credit card or previous United Club cardholders who received a new-cardmember bonus for the current Club Card within the past 24 months.

    The United Business Card doesn’t list a similar 24-month restriction, although applicants need an eligible business.

    Offer terms and eligibility can change, so check the current terms before applying.

  • United and American Are Using Starlink to Try to Win Over Delta Elites

    United and American Are Using Starlink to Try to Win Over Delta Elites

    Airline status matches aren’t anything new. But using better onboard Wi-Fi as the reason to uproot and switch loyalty programs is.

    United Airlines launched a limited-time status match aimed specifically at Delta and American elites, and there’s really no ambiguity about how it’s pushing the offer.

    On the landing page, big, bold font reads, “Don’t keep buffering: switch to United and get the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky.”

    But United isn’t the only airline making a play for Delta elites right now.

    American is also promoting a status match that includes Delta members, along with elites from United, JetBlue, and Southwest. And while American doesn’t have Starlink onboard yet, nor does its status match really emphasize Starlink at all, it’s taking the moment to try to woo travelers anyway.

    The timing isn’t the least bit random.

    Delta is taking a different approach to its next generation of onboard Wi-Fi. The airline selected Amazon Leo, which won’t begin rolling out until 2028. That decision generated plenty of chatter on social media this week, and United and American are now trying to capitalize on the moment.

    More on This: Airline Status Matches Can Turn One Elite Status Into Another

    United Is Making Wi-Fi the Reason to Switch

    United isn’t disguising this as a routine status match.

    The offer is built around Starlink, which United is already rolling out across its fleet. Eligible Delta and American elites have through October 22 to apply and submit proof of their existing status.

    If approved, the corresponding United Premier status kicks in for 90 days.

    Keeping it through January 31, 2028, comes down to how much is spent on United or United Express flights during that period:

    • Premier Silver requires $1,500
    • Premier Gold requires $3,000
    • Premier Platinum requires $4,500
    • Premier 1K requires $7,000

    The status match itself isn’t particularly unusual. Airlines have used them for years to give another carrier’s best customers a relatively painless way to switch allegiances.

    And with this offer, United is betting that its onboard experience, and faster Wi-Fi specifically, might be enough to get some Delta and American elites to give it a try.

    American Wants Delta Elites, Too

    American’s pitch isn’t nearly as pointed.

    Its current status-match offer is open to eligible elites from Delta, United, JetBlue, and Southwest. Delta members can match all the way from Silver Medallion to AAdvantage Gold, up through Diamond Medallion to Executive Platinum.

    Approved members get four months of matched AAdvantage status through American’s Instant Status Pass. Keeping it requires hitting a Loyalty Point target every four months, with thresholds ranging from 13,000 Loyalty Points for Gold to 67,000 for Executive Platinum.

    There’s no formal deadline to apply.

    Unlike United, though, American isn’t selling its status match on Starlink. It can’t quite do that yet.

    Starlink installations aren’t scheduled to begin until the first quarter of 2027. But once they do, American plans to equip more than 500 Airbus narrowbody aircraft, including its A321neos and new A321XLRs. It’s not yet known if or when the airline plans to extend that coverage to its Boeing 737 and 787 fleets.

    So, for now, United is the only one of the two that can legitimately use Starlink as part of the pitch. But both airlines are courting Delta elites at the same time they’re making Starlink part of their onboard experience.

    Whether Wi-Fi is actually enough to convince someone to change airline loyalty programs is another question. United, at least, seems interested in finding out.

  • 3 New Europe Flights to Book With Points This Week

    3 New Europe Flights to Book With Points This Week

    American, Delta, and United are all adding new transatlantic flights next year. And a look at the schedules and current pricing turned up three worth knowing about this week, including a trip to Portugal from just 21,000 miles.

    Boston to Porto From 21,000 American Miles

    American is adding a new flight from Philadelphia (PHL) to Porto (OPO) next year, one of several new routes that will use its Airbus A321XLR.

    But Philadelphia doesn’t have to be the starting point to get that price.

    American Airlines award from BOS to OPO shown in PointsYeah.
    POINTSYEAH

    On March 29, for example, American is selling an itinerary from Boston (BOS) to Porto for 21,000 AAdvantage miles plus $5.60 in economy. The trip connects in Philadelphia before continuing on American’s new nonstop to Portugal.

    Change the date to April 4, and the same 21,000-mile price is available out of Los Angeles (LAX).

    This route inaugurates on March 28.

    Newark to Luxembourg From 36,000 United Miles

    United’s new flight from Newark (EWR) to Luxembourg (LUX) is one of the more unusual additions to next summer’s transatlantic map.

    It’s already bookable with MileagePlus miles, too.

    United Airlines award from EWR to LUX shown in PointsYeah.
    POINTSYEAH

    On April 28, the nonstop costs 40,000 United miles plus $5.60 in economy. Eligible United cardholders can book the same flight for 36,000 miles plus $5.60.

    Luxembourg probably isn’t the first airport that comes to mind for a trip to Europe. But its location is part of the appeal. The country borders France, Germany, and Belgium, putting the new nonstop within easy reach of several places that might otherwise require a connection anyway.

    This route takes off on on April 2.

    Detroit to Athens From 29,700 Delta Miles

    Delta is adding the first nonstop flight between Detroit (DTW) and Athens (ATH) next summer beginning on June 8, and seats are already bookable with SkyMiles.

    Delta Air Lines award from DTW to ATH shown in PointsYeah.
    POINTSYEAH

    On July 20, Main Basic starts at 35,000 SkyMiles plus $6 one way. Eligible Delta cardholders get a 15% discount through TakeOff 15, dropping the price to 29,700 miles plus $6.

    There is a tradeoff for taking the cheaper option, though.

    Main Basic charges a fee to cancel or change the ticket, doesn’t include advance seat selection, and charges for the first checked bag. Main Classic on the same flight costs 45,800 miles, or 38,900 miles with the cardholder discount, and offers more flexibility, advance seat selection, and a free checked bag.

    That’s a difference of 9,200 miles for cardholders. On a trip being booked nearly 10 months ahead, paying more miles for the extra flexibility could make a good amount of sense.

    Search for Your Own Trip

    These prices are snapshots of a moment in time and can move up or down as the wind blows. Changing the dates, departure airport, or cabin can also produce very different results.

    That’s particularly useful with new routes. United’s Luxembourg flight starts in Newark, while American’s new Porto nonstop starts in Philadelphia. But as the Boston and Los Angeles examples show, itineraries don’t necessarily have to start there.

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  • United Keeps Finding New Places for You to Go With Your Miles

    United Keeps Finding New Places for You to Go With Your Miles

    United miles just got a little more useful.

    The airline announced a flurry of new international routes Tuesday, including flights to 10 cities it doesn’t currently serve.

    With each passing day, there are fewer and fewer cities on the world map where you won’t see a United tail. And eight of these new destinations won’t have nonstop service from the U.S. on another U.S. airline.

    That means new ways to get to places like Okinawa, Toulouse, Luxembourg, Ibiza, and Ljubljana without connecting overseas. And if you happen to have United MileagePlus miles, it means more places to put them to work.

    If those miles are burning a hole in your pocket, there’s no need to wait until next year to start looking. Tickets for all 13 new routes are already on sale.

    United’s 13 New International Routes

    United’s latest expansion stretches from Japan to the Mediterranean, with most of the new service beginning in spring 2027.

    RouteStartsAircraft
    San Francisco (SFO) → Okinawa (OKA)March 27Boeing 777-200ER
    Los Angeles (LAX) → Osaka (KIX)March 27TBD
    Newark (EWR) → Luxembourg (LUX)April 2Airbus A321XLR
    Washington Dulles (IAD) → Toulouse (TLS)April 26Airbus A321XLR
    Newark (EWR) → Ljubljana (LJU)May 12Boeing 767-400ER
    Newark (EWR) → Olbia (OLB)May 27Boeing 767-300ER
    Denver (DEN) → Paris (CDG)May 27TBD
    Newark (EWR) → Catania (CTA)May 28Boeing 767-300ER
    Washington Dulles (IAD) → Milan (MXP)May 28TBD
    Newark (EWR) → Ibiza (IBZ)May 31Airbus A321XLR
    Newark (EWR) → Valencia (VLC)June 2Airbus A321XLR
    Newark (EWR) → Marseille (MRS)June 4Airbus A321XLR
    Newark (EWR) → Terceira (TER)June 9Boeing 737 MAX 8

    Five of the new routes will be flown by United’s brand-new Airbus A321XLR, which kicks off international service later this year. Its extended range gives United another way to serve international routes that may not have enough demand to justify a larger aircraft.

    That helps explain some of the more unusual additions to the map. Toulouse and Luxembourg aren’t exactly the first cities that come to mind when a U.S. airline announces another round of flights to Europe.

    But that’s part of the appeal of this particular jet.

    More on This: What to Expect When Flying on an Airbus A321XLR

    More Places to Use United Miles

    It’s too easy to think about airline miles in terms of price. How many miles does an award cost? Did the price go up? Can you find something cheaper?

    Where those miles can take you matters just as much. If not more.

    United says it has added nearly 60 international destinations since 2017, giving MileagePlus members an increasingly long list of places to use their miles. These latest additions include several destinations that would otherwise require another flight, train ride, or connection after crossing the Atlantic.

    Want to go to Ibiza? United will soon take you there nonstop from Newark. The same goes for Ljubljana, Toulouse, Terceira, and Valencia.

    None of that guarantees a cheap award ticket. But every new route creates another opportunity to use your miles for the trip you actually want to take.

    United Cardholders Have an Advantage

    There’s another wrinkle worth knowing before you start searching.

    United doesn’t show every MileagePlus member the same award pricing.

    Eligible United credit card holders can receive savings of 10% or more on eligible United-operated award flights. Those with both an eligible card and Premier status can save 15% or more.

    That benefit is less obvious than a free checked bag or lounge access, but potentially a lot more valuable when you’re ready to use your miles.

    And it’s something PointsYeah can account for.

    United Airlines award from EWR to LUX via PointsYeah.
    POINTSYEAH

    When searching live United award availability through PointsYeah, you can view cardholder-exclusive pricing directly in your results. That means you don’t also need to check United’s website to see if your card gets you a better deal.

    More on This: Which Airlines and Hotels Can You Search with PointsYeah?

    See What’s Available

    United’s new routes don’t begin flying until next spring, but they’re already on sale.

    So whether Okinawa caught your attention or Ibiza sounds better, you can use PointsYeah to start looking for award space now, including the cardholder pricing you’re eligible for.

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