United Airlines next March will change how frequent flyers earn miles,

following Delta Air Lines by basing accrual on "ticket price rather than distance flown," the airline announced. Accrual levels will be tied to frequent-flyer status, with standard members earning at a rate of five miles per dollar spent. Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum and Premier 1K status holders will earn at a rate of seven, eight, nine and 11 miles per dollar spent, respectively. Mileage-eligible purchases apply to base fares and "carrier-imposed surcharges." The airline next year also "plans to offer members new opportunities to use their award miles, including for single-flight purchases of extra-legroom United Economy Plus seats and to purchase Economy Plus and checked-baggage subscriptions," according to the airline. United senior vice president of marketing and loyalty and president of MileagePlus Thomas O'Toole noted that the changes were "designed to more directly recognize the value of our members when they fly United.” The airline noted, however, that passengers flying on partner airlines "will still earn award miles based on distance flown and purchased fare class."