United Airlines is increasing the thresholds required to reach elite status in their MileagePlus program by about 25%. This change is aimed at increasing profits and creating a more exclusive feel for their loyalty program. The new requirements will be valid in 2026 and include spending on a co-branded card or a combination of spending and flying. This shift to rewarding customers based on spending rather than miles flown has been seen across the airline industry.
The lowest level status, Silver Premier, will now require customers to earn 5,000 premier qualifying points and fly 15 qualifying flights. Customers can also reach this status by spending 6,000 premier qualifying points alone, a increase from the previous 5,000 points required. Silver status earners will also earn 1 premier qualifying point for every $20 spent on co-branded cards.
Other elite status levels like Gold, Platinum, and 1K are also seeing increases in required premier qualifying points and qualifying flights. For example, Gold status will now require 10,000 premier qualifying points and 30 qualifying flights, up from 8,000 points and 24 flights.
The changes to the MileagePlus program are part of United’s effort to manage the increasing number of high-spending customers and create a more exclusive loyalty program. These changes will affect how customers can reach elite status and earn perks like free upgrades, better seat selection, and access to lounges.
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