United Airlines Increases Spending Requirements for MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Status

United Airlines has announced a significant change to its MileagePlus loyalty program, raising the spending requirements for customers to achieve frequent flyer status starting next year. This move, which reflects a broader trend in the airline industry, aims to boost profits while enhancing the exclusivity of elite status levels amid growing competition for premium travelers.

Under the new guidelines, the thresholds to earn elite status will increase by approximately 25%, impacting both the spending on co-branded credit cards and the combination of flying and spending. The updated status requirements will come into effect next year, with the benefits earned valid for the year 2026.

Major airlines, including United, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, have been shifting their loyalty programs to focus more on the amount spent rather than the distance flown. This strategy recognizes the growing importance of co-branded credit cards in generating revenue, as banks compensate airlines when consumers utilize these cards for purchases.

Achieving elite status with United Airlines offers several perks, including complimentary upgrades (when available), priority boarding, improved seat selection, and access to extra legroom options. However, the increase in high-spending customers has led to overcrowded airport lounges and boarding groups, prompting the need for more stringent requirements to maintain an exclusive feel for elite members.

For the 2025 travel year, the entry-level Silver Premier status will now require travelers to earn 5,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) and complete 15 qualifying flights, an increase from the previous requirement of 4,000 PQP and 12 qualifying flights. Customers can earn 1 PQP for every dollar spent on United and other qualifying flights.

Alternatively, travelers looking to earn Silver status solely through spending will need to accumulate 6,000 PQPs, up from 5,000. This means customers could achieve this status by spending $6,000 on United flights, an increase from the prior threshold of $5,000, regardless of the number of flights taken. Additionally, customers can earn 1 PQP for every $20 spent on co-branded credit cards, with some credit card options allowing for 1 PQP for every $15 spent.

Here’s a summary of the new requirements for each elite status level:

Silver Status: 5,000 PQPs and 15 Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) or 6,000 PQPs alone (previously 4,000 PQPs and 12 PQFs or 5,000 PQPs).
Gold Status: 10,000 PQPs and 30 PQFs or 12,000 PQPs (previously 8,000 PQPs and 24 PQFs or 10,000 PQPs).
Platinum Status: 15,000 PQPs and 45 PQFs or 18,000 PQPs (previously 12,000 PQPs and 36 PQFs or 15,000 PQPs).
1K Status: 22,000 PQPs and 60 PQFs or 28,000 PQPs (previously 18,000 PQPs and 54 PQFs or 24,000 PQPs).

These changes reflect United Airlines’ ongoing efforts to refine its loyalty program and cater to the needs of high-spending travelers while ensuring that elite status remains desirable and exclusive. As competition among airlines intensifies, these adjustments will likely reshape customer behavior and spending patterns within the MileagePlus program.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnbc.com