What is United Airlines elite status worth in
2023?
(Courtesy of Kyle Olsen, The Points Guy)
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
When selecting an airline to earn most (or all) of your business, many factors come into play.
Fee waivers, upgrades, lounge access and other valuable perks can turn a stressful travel experience into
a smooth one, but have you crunched the numbers to see if your current carrier makes the most sense
for your travel patterns and your wallet?
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into one of the major U.S. carriers to identify how well it rewards loyal
flyers by evaluating the most important benefits provided at each elite status level. We'll put a specific
value on each benefit.
So, if you’re considering pursuing Premier status with United, how rewarding can
the MileagePlus program be? Let’s take a closer look.
Methodology
Before we get to the details of the United elite status tiers, here are a couple of disclaimers.
First, it’s important to note that these mathematical analyses represent just one way of calculating the
value you’d get from a given elite status level.
Everyone has their own way of valuing the various benefits of loyalty programs; some may always pay
for business class and thus not need complimentary upgrades, while others may travel exclusively in the
U.S. and don’t care about free lounge access on international itineraries. Feel free to adjust my numbers
to make them more relevant to your valuation.
Second, these numbers are based on the benefits you’d enjoy after achieving the given status level and
continuing to qualify each year. If you’re starting from scratch, these values are skewed since the first
several flights you take will provide no benefits. I’ve provided some analysis for those in that position
toward the end of the post.
This brings me to the third and final, critical part of this analysis: the underlying assumptions I’m making.
To hit a value for benefits, I have to assume a certain amount of flying and a corresponding amount of
spending.
It’s worth pointing out that United changed how it awards status a few years ago. Distance flown is no
longer a factor, except in the case of lifetime status. Instead, you must fly a certain number of segments
(known as Premier qualifying flights, or PQFs) and spend a certain amount of money (to earn Premier
qualifying points, or PQPs), or you can just spend a certain amount of money (to earn PQPs).
For the sake of this analysis, I’m making the following assumptions:
• You reach United Premier status through the combination metric (PQFs plus PQPs).
• You earn 10% more PQPs than the minimum required for the given status level.
• You complete at least the minimum number of PQFs to earn the given status level.
• At least four of your PQFs are operated by United or United Express (a prerequisite for
earning any level of United Premier status).
Be sure to adjust these numbers based on your given travel patterns. Those who travel in paid first or
business class internationally will likely spend significantly more and thus earn more PQPs across fewer
PQFs. At the same time, some domestic road warriors purchasing low-fare economy tickets may need
dozens of PQFs to achieve entry-level Premier Silver status.
Two final bits of information: For this analysis, I’m valuing any bonus miles earned based on TPG’s most
recent valuations, which peg United miles at 1.21 cents apiece. In addition, I’m rounding all of the
individual benefit valuations to the nearest $5.
With all that said, let’s hit the friendly skies.
United Premier status tiers
United offers four status tiers besides its unpublished ultra-exclusive tier, Global Services.
Premier
Silver
Premier Gold
Premier
Platinum
Premier 1K
Qualifications
4,000 PQPs +
12 PQFs or
5,000 PQPs.
8,000 PQPs +
24 PQFs or
10,000 PQPs.
12,000 PQPs
+ 36 PQFs or
15,000 PQPs.
18,000 PQPs + 54
PQFs or 24,000 PQPs.
Star Alliance
status
Silver.
Gold.
Gold.
Gold.
Premier mileage
bonus
40%.
60%.
80%.
120%.
Priority check-in,
security and
boarding
✓
✓
✓
✓
Premier
Silver
Premier Gold
Premier
Platinum
Premier 1K
Free checked 70-
pound bags
One bag.
Two bags.
Three bags.
Three bags.
Preferred seating
for up to nine
travelers
✓
✓
✓
✓
Economy Plus
seating
At check-in
(up to two
travelers).
At booking
(up to two
travelers).
At booking
(up to nine
travelers).
At booking (up to
nine travelers).
First-class
upgrades at the
time of booking
Y and B fares.
Y and B fares.
Y and B fares.
Y, B and M fares.
Clear
membership
$109.
$109.
$109.
Complimentary.
First-class
upgrades on
select routes as
early as
Day of
departure.
48 hours
before
departure.
72 hours
before
departure.
96 hours.
Highest waitlist
priority.
PlusPoints
40.
280 (in addition to
the 40 once you
meet Platinum
requirements).
One free drink
and one snack in
economy
✓
Premier
Silver
Premier Gold
Premier
Platinum
Premier 1K
Boarding group
2.
1.
1.
Preboard.
United Club
membership
discount
$50.
$100.
Better award
availability in
economy
✓
✓
✓
✓
Better award
availability in
select premium
cabins
✓
✓
This raises the question of how much each United Premier status tier is worth. Here’s our analysis:
United Premier Silver: $475
The lowest tier in United’s program is Premier Silver status, which requires at least 12 PQFs plus 4,000
PQPs, or just 5,000 PQPs. For this analysis, I’ll base my numbers on earning 4,500 PQPs (total spending
of $4,500) plus taking at least 12 PQFs to ensure you satisfy the hybrid qualification criteria.
Benefit details
Value
Premier Silver members can select Economy Plus seats for
themselves and one companion (only available at check-in)
and select preferred seats for them and up to eight
companions (at the time of booking). Economy Plus seats are
available on most United-operated flights and offer
additional legroom near the front of the coach cabin.
However, they don’t provide additional benefits (like you’d
get with Delta’s Comfort+), so they’re most similar to Alaska
Premium-class seats — but Economy Plus seats don’t include
free drinks, so I’ll value this perk a bit lower.
$50.
Benefit details
Value
You’ll also be eligible for complimentary upgrades to first
class as a Premier Silver traveler, which applies to domestic
flights and flights to Hawaii (from the West Coast only),
Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. These
typically won’t clear until the day of departure, and you’ll be
prioritized behind all other elite members. Complimentary
Premier upgrades also don’t apply to award tickets unless
you also have a cobranded card like the United Explorer Card,
so I’ll peg this perk just below the value we assigned to
the comparable benefit on Delta. Unfortunately, with long
waitlists, many Premier Silver members are unlikely to
receive any complimentary upgrades.
$100.
United utilizes a revenue-based scheme for awarding miles,
and Premier Silver flyers will earn 7 miles per dollar spent, 2
more than a non-status member; $4,500 in spending equates
to roughly 9,000 additional miles, worth $108.90.
$110.
Unlike American and Delta, United provides its lowest-tier
elite members with priority security and baggage handling (in
addition to preferred check-in and boarding). As a result, I’ll
bump the value a bit compared to those carriers.
$50.
This can be a nice perk to have in case of a significant issue
but typically isn’t the most valuable benefit out there.
$25.
Premier Silver members can check a bag for free when
traveling in economy class, saving up to $60 per round-trip
flight. This is similar to the benefit offered to holders of the
Explorer Card (though you’ll need to purchase the ticket
using the card for that perk to apply). As of September 2018,
however, the weight limit was increased from 50 pounds to
70 pounds, so I’ll peg this at the same value we assigned to
Delta Silver Medallions.
$50.
Benefit details
Value
One way United stands out from the other carriers is the
collection of benefits it offers Premier members when it
comes to award tickets. Even Premier Silver travelers enjoy
priority waitlisting for award flights, can stand by if their
ticketed class of service isn’t available on one or more legs
and will gain access to “better” availability of United Saver
awards in economy class.
$75.
Premier Silver travelers will be designated as Star Alliance
Silver when flying on a Star Alliance carrier. However, this
only includes priority waitlisting and priority standby, neither
of which is worth much.
$5.
Finally, Silver members will enjoy perks with Avis thanks to
the company’s partnership with United — including
automatic Preferred Plus status in the Avis Preferred
Rewards program and an additional 500 United miles per
rental. This could be quite valuable if you frequently rent
from Avis, but I’ll peg this at a conservative $10 for Premier
Silver travelers.
$10.
$475.
United Premier Gold: $1,520
The second tier in United’s program is Premier Gold status, which requires at least 24 PQFs plus 8,000
PQPs, or just 10,000 PQPs. For this analysis, I’ll base my numbers on earning 9,000 PQPs (total spending
of $9,000) plus taking at least 24 PQFs to ensure you satisfy the hybrid qualification criteria.
Benefit details
Value
Complimentary
access to Economy
Plus/preferred seats
Premier Gold members can also access Economy Plus seats
for them and a travel companion plus preferred seats with
up to eight companions. The big difference from Silver is
$250.
Benefit details
Value
that both of these perks are available at booking. Given the
additional flying and earlier availability, I’ll bump this to
$250.
Complimentary
Premier upgrades
Again, it's harder to get upgrades as a mid-tier United elite
member nowadays. Still, as a Gold member, you're eligible
for complimentary upgrades to first class on paid domestic
and short-haul international flights. These will be prioritized
ahead of Silver travelers and will start clearing 48 hours
before departure but aren’t applicable on award tickets
without a United credit card. I’ll boost the value due to the
additional travel and higher priority, but don't pursue
Premier Gold status only for this benefit.
$200.
Mileage bonus
Under United’s revenue-based accrual scheme, Premier
Golds will earn 8 miles per dollar spent (3 more than non-
status flyers). Spending $9,000 will give you 27,000 extra
miles, worth $326.70.
$325.
Priority check-in,
security, baggage
handling and Group 1
boarding
Same benefit except with Group 1 boarding and more
frequent utilization.
$125.
Priority phone line
Same benefit and more frequent utilization, though you’ll
also likely have more knowledgeable agents than Silver
members.
$50.
Waived baggage fee
Premier Gold members can check two bags weighing up to
70 pounds apiece on domestic United flights when traveling
in economy, a decent step up from Silver travelers.
$100.
Award travel
benefits
Premier Gold travelers have the same award travel benefits
as Premier Silvers, including greater availability of economy
$100.
Benefit details
Value
awards at the Saver level. However, you probably wouldn’t
use them twice as frequently, so I’m just bumping the value
slightly.
Star Alliance Gold
status
United Premier Gold members will be recognized as Star
Alliance Gold travelers when flying on any Star Alliance
carrier. This provides many benefits above Star Alliance
Silver status, including priority check-in, extra baggage
allowances, priority security/immigration (where available)
and priority boarding. However, the most valuable perk is
lounge access, which is included when you’re ticketed on
any Star Alliance flight (the lone exception is traveling on
domestic United flights, where you won’t have access to
United Clubs but will be able to get into Star Alliance
lounges in the U.S.). This means that you could get into a
Senator Lounge on a Lufthansa flight within Germany, a
United Club on a United flight from the U.S. to the
Caribbean or a Turkish Airlines lounge on a United-operated
domestic flight. This is a nice step up from comparable
status tiers on American and Delta.
$250.
Marriott Gold status
Another benefit offered to Premier Gold members is Gold
status with Marriott Bonvoy, thanks to the RewardsPlus
partnership launched in 2013. Unfortunately, this isn’t
equivalent to the Gold Elite status you previously enjoyed
with the legacy Marriott program. However, it still includes
perks like bonus points and upgrades to preferred rooms
after you link your United and Marriott accounts. The true
value of this benefit depends on how frequently you stay at
Marriott properties, so I’ll assume a conservative $100. Feel
free to adjust this if you have more frequent Marriott stays.
$100.
Avis benefits
Like Premier Silver flyers, Gold members will enjoy Avis
Preferred Plus status plus 500 additional bonus miles when
compared to a non-status holder. With the additional travel,
I’ll double the value of this perk to $20.
$20.
Benefit details
Value
Total value
$1,520.
United Premier Platinum: $2,700
Premier Platinum members can use their 40 PlusPoints for a round-trip international upgrade from
economy to Premium Plus.
The third tier in the MileagePlus program is Premier Platinum status, which requires at least 36 PQFs
plus 12,000 PQPs, or just 15,000 PQPs. For this analysis, I’ll base my numbers on earning 13,500 PQPs
(total spending of $13,500) plus taking at least 36 PQFs to ensure you satisfy the hybrid qualification
criteria.
Benefit details
Value
Complimentary access
to Economy
Plus/preferred seats
Premier Platinums can also access Economy Plus and
preferred seats at booking, extending to up to eight
companions, even if they’re on separate reservations. You’ll
need to call United if you want to arrange for Economy Plus
or preferred seating for your companions if they’re on a
separate reservation.
$250.
Complimentary
Premier upgrades
As a Platinum member, you have higher upgrade priority,
but don't expect upgrades on all your flights with Platinum
status. Upgrades could clear as early as three days before
departure. Given the additional flying and higher likelihood
of clearing, I’m bumping this to $400.
$400.
40 PlusPoints
You'll receive 40 PlusPoints as a Platinum member. That's
enough for a single upgrade from some economy fares
to United Polaris. Alternatively, you could use these for two
regional upgrades to first class or two upgrades from any
standard economy-class fares to Premium Plus. You can use
PlusPoints to upgrade a friend or family member, even
when you aren’t traveling together.
$400.
Benefit details
Value
Mileage bonus
Premier Platinum members will earn 9 miles per dollar
spent, a bonus of 4 miles over the earning rate for regular
members; $13,500 in spending gets you an extra 54,000
miles, worth $653.40.
$655.
Priority check-in,
security, baggage
handling and Group 1
boarding
Same benefit, more frequent utilization.
$190.
Priority phone line
Same benefit, more frequent utilization and more
knowledgeable agents.
$90.
Waived baggage fee
Premier Platinum members can check three bags of 70
pounds each for free when traveling in economy on United,
though most flyers probably won’t utilize the full extent of
this benefit.
$150.
Award travel benefits
As a Premier Platinum member, you’ll have access to the
same award travel perks listed above for Silvers and Golds.
Still, you’ll also see greater availability for United Saver
awards in premium cabins.
$125.
Phone service charge
waiver
In addition to the discounted or waived fees above, you’ll
also avoid the $25 direct ticketing charge when making a
reservation over the phone. However, I’ve frequently been
able to get this waived without elite status when I couldn’t
book a ticket online. I’ll assume that you utilize this once per
year.
$25.
Star Alliance Gold
status
Same benefit, more frequent utilization.
$275.
Benefit details
Value
Marriott Gold status
Platinum members will also be able to link their United and
Marriott accounts to earn Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy,
but this value depends on how frequently you stay at these
brands.
$100.
Avis benefits
As a Platinum traveler, you’ll enjoy automatic Avis
President’s Club status in the Avis Preferred Rewards
program and enjoy 750 additional miles over a non-status
flyer. As a result, I’ll double the value of these perks
compared to Premier Gold.
$40.
Total value
$2,700
United Premier 1K: $7,455
Premier 1K members can use their 320 PlusPoints for eight single upgrades from economy class in a W
or higher fare to Polaris business class.
The final tier in the MileagePlus program is Premier 1K status, which requires at least 54 PQFs plus
18,000 PQPs, or just 24,000 PQPs. For this analysis, I’ll base my numbers on earning 20,000 PQPs (total
spending of $20,000) plus taking at least 54 PQFs to ensure you satisfy the hybrid qualification criteria.
Benefit details
Value
Complimentary
access to Economy
Plus/preferred seats
Same benefit, more frequent utilization.
$625.
Complimentary
Premier upgrades
Premier 1K members enjoy the highest upgrade priority
(aside from Global Services travelers, who are likely
traveling in paid first class anyway). They will begin clearing
into first class as early as four days before departure. Still,
as a Premier 1K member, I seldom receive complimentary
Premier upgrades, so I'm decreasing the value of this
benefit compared to previous years.
$500.
Benefit details
Value
280 PlusPoints
Premier 1K members earn 280 PlusPoints when qualifying
for status. You’d also take home 40 for reaching Premier
Platinum, and for every additional 3,000 PQPs, you’ll enjoy
another 20 PlusPoints.
As a result, a Premier 1K member with the above travel
activity (20,000 PQPs and 54-plus PQFs) will have a total of
320 PlusPoints. This would be worth $3,200 based on the
above valuation for Platinums, but I’ll add $50 thanks to the
added Skip Waitlist feature.
$3,250.
Mileage bonus
Premier 1K members earn 11 miles per dollar spent, 6 miles
more than regular members. By spending $20,000, you’ll
take home an extra 120,000 miles, worth $1,452.
$1,450.
Priority check-in,
security, baggage
handling and Group 1
boarding
Same benefit, more frequent utilization. Premier 1K
members are also invited to preboard.
$300.
Complimentary snack
and drink in economy
In 2016, United announced that Premier 1K and Global
Services travelers would enjoy a free drink and snack item if
they didn’t score the upgrade to first class.
Snack boxes and Bistro on Board items cost around $10
each, and you can expect to pay $5 for an alcoholic drink.
This benefit can save $15 per flight, but since you might not
use it on each flight, I’ll value it at $5 per flight.
$270.
Priority phone line
Same benefit, more frequent utilization and more
knowledgeable agents.
$120.
Waived baggage fee
Same benefit, more frequent utilization.
$200.
Benefit details
Value
Award travel benefits
Same benefit, same limited usage.
$175.
Phone service charge
waiver
Same benefit, same limited usage.
$25.
Star Alliance Gold
status
Same benefit, more frequent utilization.
$300.
Marriott Gold status
Same benefit.
$100.
Avis benefits
Same benefit.
$40.
Complimentary Clear
membership
In mid-2019, United announced a partnership with Clear,
the popular expedited security program that has expanded
to more than 40 cities (in both airports and event venues).
The U.S. membership normally costs $189 per year, but
non-status United members will pay $119. The yearly price
for United credit card holders and lower-tier elite members
drops to $109, but Premier 1K travelers can enjoy a
complimentary membership. Given that this is currently
available at United’s U.S. hubs, I’ll value this benefit at $100.
$100.
Total value
$7,455.
What if I’m starting from scratch?
These numbers are based on the benefits you’d enjoy by spending a full year with the given status.
However, suppose you’re starting from scratch. In that case, the calculations become a bit more
complicated since you won’t start to enjoy any benefits until you hit the PQF and PQP (or just PQP)
requirements to earn Premier Silver status.
To help modify the analysis for those individuals, I’ve taken the above valuations and converted them to
a value per PQP, as follows:
• United Premier Silver: $475 / 4,500 PQPs = 10.56 cents per PQP.
• United Premier Gold: $1,520 / 9,000 PQPs = 16.89 cents per PQP.
• United Premier Platinum: $2,700 / 13,500 PQPs = 20 cents per PQP.
• United Premier 1K: $7,455 / 20,000 PQPs = 37.28 cents per PQP.
Is it worth pursuing United Airlines status?
United Premier Gold and higher members enjoy special perks when traveling on partner airlines like
Lufthansa.
So, given these values, is it worth pursuing elite status (or the next tier of elite status) with United?
Like any analysis we undertake here at TPG, there isn’t an easy answer to this, as it depends entirely on
your situation. However, here are a few overarching questions that can help you arrive at a decision:
How much will you travel in the future?
If you earn United elite status in 2023, it’s valid through Jan. 31, 2025. It’s critical to think about how
much you’ll be traveling in the future. If you push hard to earn Premier 1K, the valuable perks outlined
above only apply when you travel.
What’s the incremental value of one tier over another?
Many of you may wind up within striking distance of the next tier, so consider whether the benefits are
worth pushing for it. There’s no sense in going out of your way for perks that don’t matter to you.
How well does United’s route map match your typical travel patterns?
It's not worth pursuing status when you can't enjoy the benefits. Be sure to consider United’s service
from your home airport(s) and how easy it is to get to your desired destination.
How sensitive are you to price and convenience?
There are many trade-offs in this hobby, and one of the most common is deciding whether to use your
preferred airline or hotel chain when it’s not the most convenient or cheapest.
Would you book a one-stop United flight if Alaska had a cheaper nonstop option? If the answer is no, it
may not be worth going out of your way to earn United elite status (or any elite status, for that matter).
Could you enjoy elite-like perks with a credit card?
The final consideration involves travel rewards credit cards. Many airline cobranded cards offer perks to
cardholders that can mirror what you’d enjoy as an elite member.
For example, the United Explorer Card includes a free checked bag, priority boarding and two one-
time United Club passes. The United Club Infinite Card provides a complimentary United Club
membership and two free checked bag fees (among other perks).
If you can pay a flat annual fee for one of these cards and gain access to perks that matter to you
without going out of your way to earn elite status, that may be a better option.
These questions are also not easy to answer, as many different factors come into play with each of
them. Nevertheless, evaluating your situation is worthwhile as you determine if United elite status is for
you.
Bottom line
As someone who has been a Premier 1K member for about half a dozen consecutive years, I have grown
to be very familiar with the ins and outs of United’s sought-after Premier status.
Premier perks can make the travel experience less stressful and (dare I say?) even enjoyable. Every
traveler has their own set of benefits that make it worthwhile to pursue elite status, and it's gotten
noticeably harder to receive complimentary upgrades and redeem PlusPoints for Polaris flights.
If you’re in the market for a new preferred carrier in 2023 and have United on your shortlist, we hope
this post has given you some great information to help you decide.