Points Insider

Category: United Airlines

  • 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.

    {{ search-widget mode=”flight” }}

  • 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.

    {{ search-widget mode=”flight” }}