LOS ANGELES, CA – United Airlines announced adjustments to its MileagePlus program, affecting the requirements needed to achieve elite status in 2025. The changes are part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to cater to high-spending customers and enhance the exclusivity of its loyalty programs as the airline industry becomes increasingly competitive.
The modifications to United’s loyalty program will see a significant increase in the thresholds needed to earn elite status, which will now be approximately 25% higher than previous levels. These adjustments will apply to both spending on co-branded credit cards and a combination of spending and flying with the airline. The updated elite status requirements and associated perks will take effect in 2025 and be valid through 2026.
Airlines like United, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines have been reevaluating their loyalty programs in recent years to reward travelers based on their spending rather than just distance traveled. This shift is in response to the growing number of high-spending customers who have filled airport lounges and early boarding groups, creating a need for more exclusive perks and benefits for loyal travelers.
For example, to achieve Silver Premier status in 2025, customers will need to earn 5,000 premier qualifying points (PQPs) and fly 15 qualifying flights. Alternatively, customers can reach Silver status by earning 6,000 premier qualifying points alone, signaling a significant increase compared to previous years. Customers earn PQPs based on every dollar spent on United flights and other qualifying purchases.
The changes to United’s MileagePlus program will also impact Gold, Platinum, and 1K statuses, each requiring higher thresholds for both PQPs and qualifying flights. These adjustments aim to streamline the loyalty program, cater to the airline’s high-spending clientele, and provide a more personalized and exclusive experience for frequent flyers.