MileagePlus
MileagePlus is the frequent flyer loyalty program operated by United Airlines, launched in May 1981 as one of the earliest such initiatives in the aviation industry, allowing members to earn redeemable miles primarily through air travel and partner activities for rewards including award flights, seat upgrades, and additional travel perks.[1][2] The program serves over 100 million members worldwide (as of 2023) and integrates with United's extensive network, which includes nearly 4,600 daily flights to over 380 destinations in 76 countries as part of the Star Alliance.[3][4][5] Members earn miles on United-operated flights based on the ticket's base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, with bonus miles available through co-branded credit cards, hotel bookings, dining programs, shopping portals, and transfers from partners like Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio.[4][6] Miles can be redeemed for flights on United or its 25 Star Alliance partners covering 1,169 destinations in 196 countries, using a dynamic pricing model where award costs vary by route, date, and demand; other redemption options include upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise, and experiences, with no expiration as long as the account remains active through qualifying activity.[4][7][8] MileagePlus features four tiers of elite status—Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K—earned via a combination of Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) and Premier Qualifying Points (PQP), such as 15 PQF and 5,000 PQP for Silver or 28,000 PQP alone for 1K, offering escalating benefits like complimentary checked bags, priority boarding, Economy Plus seating, and upgrade priority.[9][10] The program also includes the Million Miler lifetime status for long-term loyalists and has evolved through milestones like the introduction of Premier elite tiers in 1983 and the first co-branded credit card in 1987.[11][12]Program Overview
Membership and Enrollment
MileagePlus membership is free and open to individuals who enroll through United Airlines' official website or mobile app. The enrollment process requires providing basic personal information, including full name, email address, and date of birth, to create an account.[2][13] Eligibility for membership extends to individuals of any age, with no minimum age requirement; however, children under 18 must be enrolled by a parent or legal guardian.[14][15] Each member is permitted only one account, and duplicate accounts are prohibited, with any such accounts subject to cancellation and forfeiture of associated miles or benefits.[14] United Airlines reserves the right to terminate membership without notice for abuse, including fraudulent activity or violation of program rules, potentially resulting in the cancellation of miles, benefits, and future participation.[14] Upon enrollment, members can set up their profile with travel preferences and link accounts for family pooling, allowing up to five members to combine miles into a shared pool managed by a designated leader for redeeming award bookings on United and United Express flights.[16] Pool participants must each hold an active MileagePlus account, and miles contributed remain the property of the originating member but can be used collectively for awards.[16] By 2023, MileagePlus had grown to over 100 million members, reflecting significant expansion since its inception.[17] Advanced tiers, such as elite status, build upon basic membership by offering enhanced recognition based on qualifying activity.[9]Core Features and Benefits
MileagePlus serves as the frequent flyer loyalty program for United Airlines, a founding member of the Star Alliance global airline network, allowing members to earn and redeem miles across its 25 partner airlines for flights, upgrades, and other travel experiences. A hallmark of the program is the absence of blackout dates on award bookings, meaning members can redeem miles for available seats at any time without seasonal or date-based restrictions. In November 2019, United transitioned to a dynamic pricing model for award redemptions, where the number of miles required varies based on factors like route demand, seasonality, and booking window, replacing fixed award charts to better align with real-time availability and pricing.[7][18] The program's core currencies consist of redeemable award miles, which do not expire as long as the member's account remains open and in good standing, and Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs), which track progress toward elite status tiers based on spending and flight activity. All members benefit from the flexibility to use miles for a range of redemptions beyond flights, such as offsetting checked baggage fees on United-operated flights—where the first bag is complimentary for many ticket types when combined with certain bookings. Priority boarding is available in groups 2 through 4 for members holding certain co-branded credit cards or qualifying under specific promotions, enhancing the travel experience for frequent users.[14][6] Integration with the United Airlines mobile app provides all members with seamless tools for managing their MileagePlus account, including real-time mile balance tracking, personalized travel offers based on past activity, and notifications for redemption opportunities. In June 2023, United launched an upgraded MileagePlus X app, consolidating features for easier navigation and incorporating enhanced personalization, such as tailored recommendations for earning miles through linked credit cards and daily spending. Partnerships within Star Alliance and with non-airline entities further expand redemption flexibility, allowing miles to be used for experiences like hotel stays and car rentals across a global network.[2][19]History
Founding and Early Years
MileagePlus originated as United Airlines' formal frequent flyer program, launched in early May 1981 under the name "Mileage Plus," shortly after American Airlines debuted its AAdvantage program on May 1, 1981. This initiative replaced prior ad-hoc promotions, such as occasional free tickets offered to high-volume business travelers, marking a structured shift toward loyalty incentives in the deregulated airline industry. Developed rapidly in response to competitive pressures, the program was announced in 48 hours and fully operational within 10 days, automatically enrolling members of United's Executive Air Travel Program and Red Carpet Club.[20] The program's initial structure awarded miles based on flight distance, granting one mile per mile flown in economy class and higher ratios for premium cabins, emphasizing actual travel over spending. Redemption options started modestly, with 15,000 miles sufficient for a domestic economy round-trip award, while international and first-class redemptions required progressively more. This distance-based earning model encouraged repeat business on longer routes, aligning with United's expanding domestic hub-and-spoke network.[21] During the 1980s, MileagePlus experienced rapid growth, reaching approximately 2 million members by 1985 through innovative cross-industry partnerships. United's 1985 acquisition of Hertz for $587 million integrated car rentals into the program, allowing members to earn miles on rentals alongside flights. United, which had acquired Westin Hotels in 1970 and Hilton International in 1987, enabling mile accrual via hotel stays; partnerships with other chains like Marriott soon complemented these, broadening earning opportunities beyond air travel.[22][23] By the decade's end, the program had issued millions of award tickets, solidifying its role in customer retention amid fierce industry competition.[24] In the 1990s, MileagePlus further evolved to enhance member benefits and global reach. The introduction of the Premier elite program in 1983 provided escalating perks, such as priority boarding and upgrades, for frequent flyers based on qualifying miles and flights, fostering deeper loyalty among business travelers. A pivotal expansion came in 1997 with United's co-founding of Star Alliance alongside Lufthansa, Air Canada, Scandinavian Airlines, and Thai Airways International, which interconnected networks and allowed MileagePlus members to earn and redeem miles across international partners, significantly boosting the program's appeal for transoceanic travel.[25][26]Key Developments and Rebranding
In 2007, United Airlines introduced significant updates to the MileagePlus program, including a policy requiring miles to expire after 18 months of inactivity for accounts unused since July 1, 2006, aimed at managing program costs amid financial challenges.[27] This change marked an early effort to streamline operations and reduce the liability of unused miles on the balance sheet.[28] Following the 2010 merger with Continental Airlines, the program underwent a formal rebranding in June 2011, consolidating under the single-word "MileagePlus" name to unify branding across the combined network. These developments reflected United's push toward greater program efficiency and integration in the post-merger era. A major overhaul occurred in 2019 when United shifted elite qualification from a distance-based model to a revenue-based system, introducing Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) earned at a rate of one per dollar spent on flights and select partners, alongside Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) to ensure a minimum number of segments.[29] Basic economy fares were excluded from earning PQFs under this structure, though they still accrued PQPs, limiting their value for status pursuit while aligning rewards more closely with revenue generation.[30] This transition, effective for the 2020 qualification year, simplified metrics but drew criticism for favoring high-spending travelers over frequent short-haul flyers.[31] The 2010s saw backlash against program devaluations, including class-action lawsuits filed in 2012 alleging breach of contract over reduced benefits for Million Miler members following the merger, such as diminished upgrade priority and lounge access.[32] Courts largely upheld United's right to modify terms, but the litigation highlighted member frustrations with abrupt changes.[33] In response, United implemented improvements like eliminating fuel surcharges on award tickets with Star Alliance partners, enhancing redemption value by avoiding carrier-imposed fees common in other programs.[34] For 2025, United announced further evolutions effective January 1, raising elite status thresholds for the first time since 2019; top-tier Premier 1K now requires 28,000 PQPs or a combination of 22,000 PQPs and 60 PQFs, potentially demanding up to $28,000 in flight spending.[35] Starting November 24, 2025, upgrade awards will shift to dynamic pricing, eliminating fixed charts to better reflect demand and availability.[18] In October 2025, United announced a reduction in partner award rates by approximately 9%, lowering transpacific business class redemptions to 100,000 miles one-way for holders of United co-branded credit cards following a reversal for non-cardholders in November 2025.[36][37] In September 2025, United announced that MileagePlus miles would never expire, removing previous inactivity-based expiration rules effective immediately.[38] These adjustments underscore United's strategy to balance revenue growth with loyalty retention amid competitive pressures.[39]Partner Networks
Airline Partners
MileagePlus members can earn and redeem miles through United Airlines' extensive network of airline partners, primarily centered on its membership in the Star Alliance, the world's largest global airline alliance.[40] This partnership enables seamless connectivity across a vast international route network, allowing travelers to accumulate and utilize miles on flights operated by alliance members without the need for separate bookings in many cases.[40] The core of United's airline partnerships is the Star Alliance, which as of 2025 comprises 25 member airlines operating to 1,160 destinations in 193 countries.[41] Prominent examples include Lufthansa, Air Canada, and All Nippon Airways (ANA), providing MileagePlus members with opportunities to earn miles at a standard 100% rate based on flight distance for eligible fare classes on most partner flights.[40] Redeeming miles for award travel on these partners is straightforward, with United facilitating bookings for flights on any Star Alliance carrier, often without passing on fuel surcharges, which enhances value for international redemptions.[34] Beyond the Star Alliance, MileagePlus collaborates with approximately 16 additional airline partners through codeshare agreements and bilateral arrangements, expanding earning and redemption options to non-allied carriers.[42][43] Key examples include Aer Lingus for transatlantic routes and Cape Air for short-haul regional service, where members typically earn miles based on the ticketed fare—for instance, 5 miles per U.S. dollar spent on United-marketed flights operated by these partners.[42] These partnerships focus on complementary routes, such as European feeders via Aer Lingus or U.S. island connections via Cape Air, ensuring broader domestic and international coverage.[44] For domestic operations, United relies on United Express regional carriers to provide feeder services to its main hubs, operated by trusted partners that carry the United flight designator. Major operators include SkyWest Airlines, Republic Airways, and GoJet Airlines, which together manage a fleet of over 400 aircraft to connect smaller markets to United's global network.[45] Flights on these regional partners earn MileagePlus miles at the same rates as mainline United service, supporting seamless travel within the U.S. and to nearby international points.[42] As of November 2025, MileagePlus offers enhancements to partner redemptions for holders of United co-branded credit cards, including an approximately 9% reduction in miles required for business class awards on Star Alliance partners like ANA and Singapore Airlines, without additional surcharges.[37][46] These updates build on United's policy of not imposing fuel surcharges on partner award tickets, further improving redemption efficiency for long-haul routes.[34]Non-Airline Partners
MileagePlus members can earn miles through a variety of non-airline partnerships that extend rewards to everyday travel and lifestyle activities, such as hotel stays, car rentals, ridesharing, shopping, and dining. These collaborations allow accumulation of miles without flying, often through direct spending or point transfers from partner loyalty programs.[47] In the hotel sector, MileagePlus partners with major chains to facilitate mile earning on stays and point conversions. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to MileagePlus at a 3:1 ratio, with members receiving 10,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred, enabling efficient conversion for award travel.[48] IHG One Rewards points convert at a 5:1 ratio, allowing members to transform hotel points into MileagePlus miles in increments of 1,000 points.[49] Additionally, Rocketmiles offers bonus miles on hotel bookings, with earning potential ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 miles per night depending on the property and promotion.[47] For ground transportation, partnerships with car rental companies and rideshare services provide miles based on rental duration or ride fare. Hertz awards 500 miles per qualifying rental to general members, increasing to 1,250 miles for Premier Platinum, 1K, and Global Services members.[50] Avis and Budget rentals earn up to 1,250 miles per rental for eligible MileagePlus members, with base rates starting at 500 miles.[51] The recent Lyft partnership, launched in November 2025, enables earning 1 mile per dollar spent on standard, Priority Pickup, and XL rides, scaling to 4 miles per dollar on premium options like Lux Black and Wait & Save, plus 1,000 bonus miles for new riders completing initial rides; mile redemptions for Lyft rides are planned for early 2026.[52][53] Retail and dining programs further expand earning opportunities through online portals and linked purchases. The MileagePlus Shopping portal connects members to over 1,000 retailers, offering 1 to 10 miles per dollar spent, with bonus incentives during promotional periods; for example, new enrollees can earn up to 1,000 bonus miles after initial qualifying purchases.[54] The MileagePlus Dining program rewards up to 5 miles per dollar at more than 30,000 participating restaurants for dine-in, takeout, or delivery, with an additional 500 bonus miles available upon joining and meeting a $25 spending threshold.[54] Beyond these, Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio in 1,000-point increments, providing a seamless way for cardholders to bolster their mile balance for redemptions.[55] Telecom partnerships, such as with AT&T through the shopping portal, allow earning miles on device and accessory purchases, though specific bill payment integrations vary by promotion.[56]Earning Miles
Earnings on United and Partner Flights
Members earn MileagePlus award miles on flights operated by United or United Express at a base rate of 5 miles per U.S. dollar spent on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, excluding government taxes and fees, with a maximum of 75,000 miles per ticket.[6] This earning applies to tickets marketed by United (stock code 016) and requires the MileagePlus number to be added to the reservation before travel.[6] Premier status members receive additional bonus award miles on these flights, calculated as a percentage of the base miles earned: Premier Silver members get a 25% bonus (6.25 miles per dollar total), Premier Gold a 50% bonus (7.5 miles per dollar total), Premier Platinum a 75% bonus (8.75 miles per dollar total), and Premier 1K a 100% bonus (10 miles per dollar total).[57] These bonuses are applied based on the member's status level at the time of travel and do not count toward Premier qualifying points (PQPs).[57] On flights operated by Star Alliance partner airlines, MileagePlus members earn award miles based on the actual distance flown, adjusted by a percentage determined by the booking fare class.[6] For example, full-fare economy tickets in Y class earn 100% of the miles flown, while premium cabin classes such as first (F) or business (J, C, D, Z) typically earn 100% to 150%, and discounted economy classes (e.g., B, M, E) earn 50% to 100%, depending on the specific partner airline's rules.[58] Earning requires presenting the MileagePlus number at check-in, and credits are based on the operating carrier's fare class, not the marketing carrier.[42] Specialty tickets, such as group or bulk fares, earn at reduced rates based on distance and class, often 25% or less.[6] As of 2025, PQPs for Premier status qualification on United-operated flights are earned at a rate of 1 PQP per U.S. dollar spent on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, mirroring the spend-based model for award miles but without the 5x multiplier.[10] Members holding Premier status as of February 1, 2025, receive a one-time starter PQP deposit to accelerate qualification for 2026 status: 300 PQPs for Silver, 600 for Gold, 900 for Platinum, and 1,400 for 1K (excluding trial status holders).[18] Basic Economy fares on United do not earn Premier qualifying flights (PQFs) but fully accrue award miles and PQPs based on ticket spend.[59] Award tickets redeemed with miles do not earn additional award miles, though PQPs can be earned separately through eligible credit card spending on United co-branded cards.[10]Earnings Through Credit Cards and Daily Activities
MileagePlus members can earn award miles through co-branded credit cards issued by Chase, which offer accelerated earning rates on specific categories tied to travel and everyday spending. The United℠ Explorer Card provides 2 miles per dollar spent on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, along with 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases, and includes a 25% statement credit on inflight food, beverage, Wi-Fi, and premium drink purchases aboard United-operated flights.[60][61] The United Quest℠ Card builds on this with 3 miles per dollar on United purchases, 2 miles per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and all other travel, and 1 mile per dollar elsewhere, making it suitable for frequent diners and travelers seeking higher returns on non-United spending.[62] These cards also contribute to Premier qualifying points (PQP) accrual, with updates effective in 2025 providing 25 PQP for every $500 spent (1 PQP per $20) on purchases for most eligible cards, capped at 1,500 PQP annually for the Explorer Card and the Quest Card; premium cards like the United Club Infinite earn at 1 PQP per $15 with a 10,000 PQP cap.[18][63] In addition to direct earning on co-branded cards, MileagePlus integrates with transferable points from major issuers, allowing members to convert rewards at a 1:1 ratio for flexible accumulation. Chase Ultimate Rewards points from cards like the Sapphire Preferred or Reserve transfer instantly to MileagePlus at this ratio, meaning 60,000 Chase points yield 60,000 MileagePlus miles.[64] American Express Membership Rewards and Capital One Miles programs follow the same 1:1 structure, enabling members to pool points from multiple sources without loss in value, provided the minimum transfer amount of 1,000 points is met.[65][66] Beyond financial products, daily activities offer accessible ways to accrue miles through partnered services and spending portals. The MileagePlus Shopping portal rewards members with miles on online purchases at over 1,100 retailers, often featuring promotions such as double miles during seasonal events, and a signup bonus of up to 1,000 miles after spending $25 within the first two weeks.[54] Xfinity Rewards, available to Comcast customers, allows redemption of earned points for up to 5,000 MileagePlus miles annually as a loyalty perk for maintaining eligible services.[67] Similarly, the newly launched MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card in 2025 enables earning on everyday debit spending and account balances, providing 1 mile per dollar on United purchases and 1 mile per $2 on other eligible buys, plus miles based on average monthly balances starting at $2,500, effectively rewarding direct deposits and savings habits.[68] These options complement flight-based earnings by turning routine expenditures into redeemable miles without requiring air travel.Redeeming Miles
Award Flights
Award flights represent the primary method for redeeming MileagePlus miles, allowing members to book free or discounted tickets on United Airlines and its partners. Since November 2019, United has employed dynamic pricing for these awards, where mile requirements fluctuate based on factors such as route, demand, date, and cabin class rather than a fixed chart.[69][70] This system enables pricing as low as 5,000 miles for short-haul one-way economy flights within the continental United States, while international business class awards often start at 55,000 miles or more one-way.[71] Unlike many competitors, United does not impose fuel surcharges on its own award tickets, though partner flights may include carrier-imposed fees.[71] For flights on Star Alliance partners, MileagePlus uses a zone-based award chart that determines fixed mile costs by distance and region. For instance, transpacific business class awards, such as those on ANA or EVA Air, previously required 110,000 miles one-way but were reduced by approximately 9% to 100,000 miles starting in October 2025, affecting most long-haul partner redemptions.[72][36] Transatlantic business class awards similarly dropped from 88,000 to 80,000 miles one-way.[36] These partner bookings provide access to over 1,000 destinations but require availability in the partner's inventory, which United members can search and reserve through the United website or app.[7] Booking award flights follows specific rules to maximize flexibility. Reservations can be made up to 330 days in advance, giving members ample time to plan trips.[73] If desired seats are unavailable, members may join a waitlist for award space, with priority often given to higher-tier Premier status holders.[71] Additionally, since March 2024, MileagePlus has offered family pooling, enabling up to five members (including children) to combine miles into a single account for redeeming award tickets without transfer fees.[16][74] The value of miles redeemed for award flights averages about 1.2 cents per mile, though this can vary significantly based on the route and class.[75] For example, a round-trip economy flight from the continental U.S. to Hawaii can be booked for as few as 30,000 miles, offering strong value for popular leisure destinations.[76]Other Redemption Options
MileagePlus members can redeem miles for a variety of non-travel options through the MileagePlus Store, which offers merchandise such as electronics, home goods, and accessories at fixed mile rates. For example, items like coffee makers or kitchen appliances typically require tens of thousands of miles, such as 64,000 miles for a high-end espresso maker.[77] This program allows members to exchange miles directly for products shipped to U.S. addresses, with eligibility limited to active members residing in the United States.[78] Gift cards represent another popular non-flight redemption avenue, available via the MileagePlus eGift Cards portal for over 200 merchants including Amazon, Target, Apple, and Starbucks. Redemption rates vary by merchant and denomination, starting as low as 333 miles for a $5 Target card, 666 miles for a $10 Apple card, or 1,666 miles for a $25 Walmart card, equating to approximately 0.3 to 0.8 cents per mile in value.[79] Members can purchase up to $100 worth of gift cards per 24 hours using miles alone or in combination with cash, with electronic delivery typically within 72 hours; no miles are earned on these transactions.[79] Experiences provide opportunities to bid on or purchase access to exclusive events using miles through MileagePlus Exclusives. Auctions feature items like concert tickets, such as a pair for Andrea Bocelli in New York starting at 86,000 miles or backstage tours for shows like HELL’S KITCHEN at 23,000 miles, while fixed-price options include dining events or tours from 2,000 miles, such as a cocktail reception in Chicago.[80] Hotel stays can also be redeemed directly through the United Hotels platform, where members toggle "Use Miles" to book accommodations worldwide, for instance, a one-night stay in Scottsdale, Arizona, for 25,010 miles in December 2025.[81] Although flight awards generally offer the highest value per mile, these experiences diversify redemption versatility for lifestyle enhancements.[82] Subscriptions and services extend mile utility to everyday conveniences, including in-flight Wi-Fi packages redeemable at 1,600 miles per flight or via annual subscriptions payable with miles instead of cash.[83] CLEAR Plus membership is complimentary for Global Services members and $129 annually for Premier 1K members, with discounted rates of $169 for other Premier members and co-branded credit cardholders upon linking accounts, though direct mile redemptions are not available for this service.[84][85] Non-travel redemptions like these follow standard MileagePlus rules, where miles do not expire with account activity but may be subject to program terms limiting eligibility or value compared to travel uses.[7]Premier Status
Qualification Criteria
Since 2021, United Airlines' MileagePlus program has employed a hybrid qualification model for Premier status, requiring members to earn a combination of Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs), or a sufficient number of PQPs alone, to achieve elite tiers. This system replaced the previous reliance on Premier Qualifying Dollars (PQDs) and segments, emphasizing spending and flight activity. For the 2025 qualification year (valid through January 31, 2027), thresholds have increased by approximately 25% across levels to reflect program adjustments. A minimum of four flights on United or United Express is required for all tiers, excluding Basic Economy tickets on certain routes.[10][18][35] The specific 2025 thresholds are as follows:| Status Level | PQP + PQF Requirement | PQP-Only Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Premier Silver | 5,000 PQP + 15 PQF | 6,000 PQP |
| Premier Gold | 10,000 PQP + 30 PQF | 12,000 PQP |
| Premier Platinum | 15,000 PQP + 45 PQF | 18,000 PQP |
| Premier 1K | 22,000 PQP + 60 PQF | 28,000 PQP |
Status Levels and Perks
MileagePlus offers four tiers of Premier elite status—Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K—each providing progressively enhanced benefits to reward frequent flyers with improved travel experiences, priority services, and earning opportunities. Qualification for 2026 status is based on activity from January 1 to December 31, 2025, requiring a combination of Premier qualifying flights (PQF) and Premier qualifying points (PQP), or PQP alone, along with a minimum of four flights operated by United or United Express. These tiers share core advantages such as waived fees for redepositing award tickets, close-in booking fees, and domestic award changes, as well as priority access to check-in counters, security lanes (where available), and baggage handling. All members also receive corresponding Star Alliance elite status: Silver for Premier Silver and Gold for higher tiers, enabling reciprocal benefits across the alliance network.[10][57] The entry-level Premier Silver status requires 5,000 PQP plus 15 PQF or 6,000 PQP alone. Benefits include a 7x miles earning multiplier on eligible United and United Express flights (base fare plus carrier-imposed surcharges), one free first checked bag on United and United Express flights (up to 70 pounds), and complimentary Economy Plus seating assignment at check-in for the member plus one companion. Silver members board in Group 2 and are eligible for complimentary upgrades starting the day of departure, with priority over non-elites but after higher tiers. Starting in 2025, Silver members receive a discounted CLEAR Plus membership at $169 annually (standard rate $209), expediting identity verification at participating airport security checkpoints.[9][57][84] Premier Gold, requiring 10,000 PQP plus 30 PQF or 12,000 PQP alone, builds on Silver perks with an 8x miles earning multiplier, two free checked bags, and Economy Plus seating available at booking for the member plus one companion. Gold members enjoy Group 1 boarding, complimentary upgrades clearing 48 hours before departure, and Star Alliance Gold status, which grants lounge access for the member plus one guest when traveling internationally in premium cabins on Star Alliance carriers. Additional perks include automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status for enhanced hotel benefits and the same $169 CLEAR Plus discount. In 2025, Gold and above also qualify for lounge access on international Star Alliance flights in economy when connecting to a United flight.[9][57][84] Premier Platinum status demands 15,000 PQP plus 45 PQF or 18,000 PQP alone and offers a 9x miles earning multiplier, three free checked bags, and Economy Plus or preferred seating at booking for the member plus eight companions. Upgrades clear 72 hours prior to departure, with Group 1 boarding and priority services extended across United and Star Alliance partners. Platinum members receive 40 PlusPoints upon qualification, redeemable for premium cabin upgrades on United flights (valid through January 31 of the following year), and a $100 discount on United Club membership. The CLEAR Plus discount remains at $169, and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status applies. High-achieving Platinum members may receive referrals to the invite-only Global Services program, providing concierge-level support.[9][89][57] The top Premier 1K tier, achieved with 22,000 PQP plus 60 PQF or 28,000 PQP alone (capped at $28,000 in spend-based earnings for the latter option), delivers the most comprehensive rewards, including an 11x miles earning multiplier, three free checked bags, and Economy Plus or preferred seating at booking for the member plus eight companions. 1K members receive priority pre-boarding, complimentary upgrades 96 hours before departure (highest priority after Global Services), 280 PlusPoints, and a complimentary beverage and snack in Economy on United flights. Lounge benefits include a $200 discount on United Club membership and full Star Alliance Gold access with a guest on international premium cabin flights. The CLEAR Plus discount is enhanced to $129 annually, and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status is included. In mid-2025, PlusPoints for Platinum and 1K become more flexible, redeemable for gifting status, earning additional PQP or PQF, TravelBank cash, or bonus miles. Achieving 1 million lifetime miles extends Premier status indefinitely through the Million Miler program.[9][18][89][84]| Tier | Qualification (PQP + PQF or PQP only) | Miles Multiplier | Free Bags (Economy) | Upgrade Window | CLEAR Plus Discount (2025) | PlusPoints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | 5,000 + 15 or 6,000 | 7x | 1 | Day of departure | $169 | None |
| Gold | 10,000 + 30 or 12,000 | 8x | 2 | 48 hours | $169 | None |
| Platinum | 15,000 + 45 or 18,000 | 9x | 3 | 72 hours | $169 | 40 |
| 1K | 22,000 + 60 or 28,000 | 11x | 3 | 96 hours | $129 | 280 |