United’s Frequent Flier Program Is Changing—Here’s Who Stands to Gain

16.11.2023 - 18:47 / afar.com

United Airlines is making changes to its MileagePlus frequent flier program—and thankfully, the elite status qualification requirements for 2024 will remain the same as 2023. What is changing—and for the better—is how travelers can earn Premier qualifying credit with cobranded MileagePlus credit cards (which are offering increased welcome bonuses currently). This good news comes at a time when earning elite status has become a hot topic. Here’s what you need to know about United’s 2024 program adjustments and why, despite the positive modifications, achieving even basic elite status in the MileagePlus program remains difficult.

Elite status on United Airlines is determined by two metrics: Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) and Premier Qualifying Points (PQP). PQF are achieved by actual flight segments on United, United Express, Star Alliance airlines, and other United airline partners while PQP are determined by the amount spent on United flights, seat assignments, and upgrades. It’s also possible to earn PQP on award flights (at a rate of 1 PQP per 100 United miles redeemed) and through spending on United’s cobranded credit cards.

There are currently two routes for achieving each status rung. One: Bank a combination of PQF and PQP. Two: Rack up more PQP but fly a minimum of four United or United Express flight segments during a qualifying year.

These status thresholds for 2023 will remain the same for 2024. While that’s positive, let’s compare that to the recent Delta changes. In 2024, Delta’s moving to a single metric of Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQD)—similar to United’s PQP—and the following requirements.

Given that a minimum of four flight segments are required to get any status on United, by default this makes Delta’s Silver, Gold, or Platinum easier to achieve in 2024 than similar tiers on United.

What is changing in 2024 is the rate at which PQP can be earned from credit card spending. PQP are traditionally earned on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges of United flight purchases, seating purchases, and paid upgrades as well as flight purchases on Star Alliance airlines and other airline partners. (You must use your United Mileage Plus number to get these credits.)

PQP can also be earned by spending on select cobranded cards with United’s portfolio. (The United Gateway Card and United MileagePlus Card with no annual fee do not earn PQP for card spend.) The current rates of banking PQP from credit card spending on the United Explorer, Quest, and Infinite credit cards are 500 PQP per $12,000 spent. Next year, this will change to 25 PQP for $500 spent. Each card has a different cap on the number of PQP that can be earned through this channel. In 2024, the cap on the United Club Infinite