In 2022, the airline revamped its loyalty program to focus solely on a loyalty point system for achieving elite status. For each qualifying mile you earn, you also earn one loyalty point from flying on American, oneworld airline partners and Jet Blue. You’ll still get elite perks like upgrades, free checked bags and reduced or waived award change and close-in booking fees. One of the unique perks of even the lowest tier of United Airlines status is that you’ll get access to more available award seats. So having United Airlines elite status can make your United Airlines miles more useful and you also get this perk if you have a United Airlines credit card.

United’s Silver status has a few nice perks, like access more available award seats, a free checked bag and reduced award fees. With any elite status, the most valuable benefit is often the upgrades and United has changed the way you earn upgrades. status levels You now can upgrade on both domestic and international flight by using PlusPoints. PlusPoints replaces the old system, which used Global Premier Upgrades and Regional Premier Upgrades. With a big sign-up bonus, travel credits, high rewards and airport lounge access, this card could be well worth its annual fee — which is lower than many competitors. If you hold a United MileagePlus credit card, you can earn additional PQP by spending on the card.

Spending on AAdvantage-branded Credit Cards

You can also get United Silver status if you’re a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium elite or higher. To reach each level you’ll have to earn a certain amount Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) or by earning a higher amount of PQPs. Each tier in the MileagePlus program is equivalent to a tier within the Star Alliance program, allowing benefits across the entire network of Star Alliance carriers. As is common on many airlines, there is a redeposit fee charged to get those miles returned to your account. When you book an award reservation, there may be a reason to cancel your flight — perhaps due to an unexpected business trip, illness, or another conflict. Getting your miles back is super important so you can book for future trips.

In addition to the airlines of Star Alliance, United also partners with 16 other worldwide partners that can help you earn status. The entry-level of United Premier Status is Premier Silver, which you earn upon completing 15 Premier Qualifying Flights and earning 5,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) or by earning 6,000 PQP only. This status offers complimentary upgrades, complimentary access to Economy Plus seating at check-in for you and one companion and a free checked bag. Frequent passengers on domestic and international flights who appreciate the benefits of the alliance and significant upgrades.

United Premier Silver

United is now allowing partner flights that aren’t book through United to earn PQPs. For preferred partners the number of PQPs you earn is equal to the number of United miles you earned for the flight divided by five. For all other partners you’ll divide the number United miles you earn by six. Our 2025 airline elite status analysis ranks United fairly high compared to its peers when it comes to overall elite status programs.

• It is not uncommon to see an extremely long line in the terminal to speak with a customer service representative after a bad night of storms — but in the United Club, there will just be a few people in line.
• • First and second checked bag free for you and one companion on your reservation.
• Perhaps the best perk of Premier status is the opportunity to receive upgrades on domestic and regional flights.
• To qualify for elite status, members need to accumulate either Elite Qualifying Nights or Elite Qualifying Points.
• We have a dedicated article covering the earning and benefits for PPS Club and Solitaire PPS Club.

Benefits of Concierge Key status

Premier members receive CPUs in order of their tier, so starting from Premier 1K and moving down to Silver. Perhaps the best perk of Premier status is the opportunity to receive upgrades on domestic and regional flights. To ensure that you maintain your status from year to year, you will need to complete the PQF and PQP requirements for your status level. Premier 1K elites will receive an additional 20 PlusPoints for every 3,000 PQP earned.

However, each Jan. 1, your qualifying nights and points toward elite status reset to zero. IHG elite status won’t always get you upgrades, even at the top-tier Diamond Elite level, and more benefits than I’d like are subject to the discretion of each property. But, especially due to the value I can get when redeeming IHG points and IHG’s extensive worldwide portfolio, I’ve found IHG elite status worthwhile. To understand what you’ll receive after a status match, you can check this detailed table that outlines the specific benefits for each loyalty level in the MSC Voyagers Club.

United status tiers and benefits

Elite status can certainly make travel more comfortable and convenient. Plus, this means you’ll also be earning plenty of United miles, which you can redeem for United award flights — all while enjoying your elite status benefits. We’ll discuss the perks that come with each of the four United status levels, which vary by tier and can include free upgrades, extra baggage allowance and lounge access. We’ll show you how to attain elite status and help you decide if it’s right for you — whether you’re a United Airlines loyalist or a travel credit card novice. Or Greater China, you can earn elite qualifying points toward status with your spending. However, IHG One Rewards credit cards issued in the U.S. offer complimentary IHG elite status and opportunities to spend to earn higher tiers of status.

Guide to IHG Club Lounges: Access and Benefits

To qualify for elite status, members need to accumulate either Elite Qualifying Nights or Elite Qualifying Points. The requirements for attaining each status vary based on the number of nights stayed, and points earned. Companies at this level have achieved maximum compliance and enjoy significant advantages when bidding for government tenders, securing contracts, and building relationships with other businesses committed to BEE. Moreover, Level 1 businesses are seen as leaders in promoting transformation and empowerment. BEE status refers to a company’s compliance level with the B-BBEE framework, which measures various aspects of black economic empowerment. These include ownership, management control, skills development, enterprise and supplier development, and socio-economic development.

• His favorite destinations (so far) are Iceland, Japan, Hawaii, New Zealand and Chile.
• United is now allowing partner flights that aren’t book through United to earn PQPs.
• Once you get to the Premier Platinum level things really start to get good.
• Especially on flights where you’re lumped in with many other elites, there will be a lot of priority bags coming out at any one time.
• This perk drops the cost of every fourth night on stays of four nights or more that you book with IHG points to zero points.

At the end of each calendar year, IHG will calculate the rollover nights for Gold Elite and above members as the qualifying nights they earned above the number required for their status. These nights will roll over and count toward earning elite status in the new calendar year. IHG elite status offers some valuable perks to travelers who frequently stay at IHG hotels and resorts.

Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, PreCheck lines will be faster thanks to expedited screening, so you may not always want to use an elite line, even if it is a benefit. All elite levels have access to priority check-in areas, though this benefit can vary depending on the airport you’re at. Premier 1K members are eligible for complimentary premier upgrades to business and first class 96 hours before departure on full-fare economy tickets on some domestic and a few short-distance international routes. This level is worth considerably more than the preceding tiers due to PlusPoints, which provide upgrades on pricey long-haul business class routes for yourself and your companions. While checked bag fees vary, you can expect to pay $35 to $40 for your first bag for a one-way flight, so this perk of Silver status can add up fast.