Changes to United’s Frequent Flyer Program—Who Benefits?

United Airlines is updating its MileagePlus frequent flyer program, and fortunately, the criteria for elite status in 2024 will stay consistent with 2023. What’s improving is how travelers can accumulate Premier qualifying credits using co-branded MileagePlus credit cards, which are currently offering enhanced welcome bonuses. This is great news at a time when earning elite status is a significant topic. Here’s what to know about the adjustments to United’s 2024 program and why, despite these favorable changes, reaching even basic elite status in MileagePlus remains a challenge.

Criteria for Attaining United Elite Status

United Airlines determines elite status based on two factors: Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) and Premier Qualifying Points (PQP). PQFs are earned through actual flight segments on United, United Express, Star Alliance carriers, and other partner airlines, while PQPs are calculated based on spending on United flights, seat upgrades, and assignments. PQPs can also be accrued on award flights at a rate of 1 PQP for every 100 United miles redeemed and through purchases on United’s co-branded credit cards.

Currently, there are two pathways to reach each status level. First: Accumulate a mix of PQF and PQP. Second: Collect more PQP while completing at least four flight segments on United or United Express within a qualifying year.

The status thresholds for 2023 will remain unchanged in 2024. While this is a positive aspect, it’s worth noting the recent updates from Delta. In 2024, Delta will adopt a single metric of Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQD)—similar to United’s PQP—and will implement the following requirements.

• Delta Silver Medallion: $5,000 MQD
• Delta Gold Medallion: $10,000 MQD
• Delta Platinum Medallion: $15,000 MQD
• Delta Diamond Medallion: $28,000 MQD

Since United requires a minimum of four flight segments to attain any status, this makes achieving Delta’s Silver, Gold, or Platinum tiers easier in 2024 compared to similar levels on United.

How United's elite status becomes more accessible in 2024

In 2024, the way PQP can be earned through credit card spending will change. PQP are typically accumulated from the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges on United flights, seating purchases, and paid upgrades, as well as flight purchases with Star Alliance airlines and other partners. (You must provide your United MileagePlus number to receive these credits.)

PQP can also be earned through spending on select co-branded cards in United’s lineup. (The United Gateway Card and the no-annual-fee United MileagePlus Card do not accrue PQP from card spending.) Currently, PQP earned from credit card spending on the United Explorer, Quest, and Infinite cards is 500 PQP for every $12,000 spent. This will shift next year to 25 PQP for every $500 spent. Each card has different limits on the total PQP that can be accumulated through this method. In 2024, the cap on the United Club Infinite Card will increase. This information is summarized in the table below.

Essentially, this means you’ll earn 500 PQP after spending $10,000 instead of $12,000. While this is an improvement, achieving the initial Premier Silver status with United requires 5,000 PQP. If relying solely on credit card spending, you’ll need to fly four times on United or United Express and spend $100,000 on the Quest or Infinite card to qualify for entry-level Silver status—quite a hefty amount for limited perks.

In contrast, American Airlines’ Citi/AAdvantage cardholders earn one Loyalty Point for every $1 spent, requiring $40,000 in spending to reach entry-level AAdvantage Gold status. JetBlue credit card holders can achieve Mosaic Status with $50,000 in spending. Delta’s new earning structure allows Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders to gain at least entry-level Silver Medallion status after spending $25,000 in a year.

Additional United updates for 2024

United has introduced a few other minor updates for the upcoming year. Starting February 1, 2024, those with United elite status will receive a small boost of PQP for the next qualifying status year in the following amounts:

• Premier Silver: 250 PQP
• Premier Gold: 500 PQP
• Premier Platinum: 750 PQP
• Premier 1K: 1,250 PQP

Starting in 2024, there will be no cap on earning PQP across multiple United credit cards, which is great news for those who hold both consumer and business cards. However, each individual card still has its own limit, which restricts the total PQP that can be earned through credit card spending.