United Airlines recently confirmed a change that is likely to disappoint some of its frequent travelers. The airline announced that it is adjusting its MileagePlus loyalty program, making it more difficult for customers to earn elite status in 2024. This change follows a trend among major airlines, as they continue to tweak their loyalty programs to reflect the evolving travel landscape.
Starting in 2024, United will increase the number of Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) needed to achieve elite status. PQPs are earned based on the amount of money spent on tickets and certain other purchases, such as upgrades and seat selection fees. The new thresholds will require passengers to spend more to reach each level of elite status, which offers benefits like free checked bags, complimentary upgrades, and priority boarding.
For example, to attain the lowest level of elite status, Premier Silver, travelers will now need to earn 4,000 PQPs, up from the previous requirement of 3,500. The requirements for higher tiers, such as Premier Gold and Premier Platinum, have also increased significantly. Additionally, United is reducing the number of miles that can be earned on certain lower-cost tickets, further impacting travelers who seek to maximize their mileage accrual on a budget.
This change is part of United’s broader strategy to prioritize its most profitable customers, particularly those who travel frequently for business and are willing to pay premium fares. While the airline argues that these adjustments are necessary to maintain the quality of its elite program, many loyal customers are expressing frustration over the higher barriers to entry.
The changes reflect the growing complexity of airline loyalty programs, where earning and maintaining elite status is becoming more challenging, especially for leisure travelers and those on tighter budgets.