United Airlines next year will increase its qualification levels for 2026 elite status, the airline announced Tuesday.
The new status levels are:
- Premier Silver: 5,000 PQP + 15 PQF or 6,000 PQP (Former threshold: 4,000 PQP + 12 PQF or 5,000 PQP)
- Premier Gold: 10,000 PQP + 30 PQF or 12,000 PQP (Former threshold: 8,000 PQP + 24 PQF or 10,000 PQP)
- Premier Platinum: 15,000 PQP + 45 PQF or 18,000 PQP (Former threshold: 12,000 PQP + 36 PQF or 15,000 PQP
- Premier 1K: 22,000 PQP + 60 PQF or 28,000 PQP (Former threshold: 18,000 PQP + 54 PQF or 24,000 PQP only
PQP: premier qualifying points
PQF: premier qualifying flights
Customers have between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025, to reach premier status for 2026.
In mid-2025, Premier Platinum and 1K members also will have the ability to redeem PlusPoints for new perks such as PQP and PQF, TravelBank cash, bonus miles or gifting premier status to other MileagePlus members, according to United.
In addition, all members who achieve 2025 premier status as of Dec. 31, 2024, will receive a PQP deposit in early 2025 to get a head start on their status goals for 2026. Those bonuses are 300 PQP for Silver status, 600 PQP for Gold status, 900 PQP for Platinum status and 1,400 PQP for 1K status, according to the carrier. MileagePlus member also will earn an additional 20 PlusPoints for every 3,000 PQP earned beyond 22,000 PQP.