United Airlines removing one path to elite status in 2027 and making the top tier more difficult to achieve.
The Chicago-based airline is eliminating the ability of MileagePlus members to earn status in part based on flight segments flown in the calendar year for 2027. However, starting January 1, United will only consider the number of points earned by members based on Premier qualifying points earned from eligible flight expenses, award travel and eligible United credit card spend.
United announced the change Tuesday in an email to MileagePlus members and on its website. The change is to simplify how customers earn Premier status, according to an email obtained by CNBC that United sent to members.
Previously, members could earn status at the lowest elite level, Premier Silver, with a combination of 15 flight segments and 5,000 points earned in a year, or with 6,000 points. Currently, customers will only be able to earn status through points at a threshold of 6,000 points.
The number of Premier qualifying points required for members to reach Premier Gold and Platinum levels through points will also remain the same as the previous points-only option. However, to reach United’s highest reward level, Premier 1K, members now need 32,000 qualifying points, up from 28,000 in 2026.
Flyers earn one Premier qualifying point, or PQP, for every dollar spent on United fares and upgrades, and for every 100 miles they redeem for travel on United flights. United Chase cardholders also earn points when they spend money with the card.
MileagePlus members must still take at least four flights on a United or United Express jet in a year to earn Premier status.
In an interview with travel website The Points Guy, MileagePlus President Jarad Fisher United called the flight segment an “old relic,” saying that the airline “considers it more important that they have consistent metrics…
United also announced Tuesday that United cardholders with Premier status will get a head start by automatically receiving 5% of the points needed to reach the status level earned in the previous year when the new year begins.
United earlier this year revamped the way travelers earn miles to reward customers who hold credit cards. The carrier also cut revenue for basic economy flights, following earlier changes to similar practices American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. United previously raised the threshold required to achieve Premier status in 2024 for the 2025 qualifying year.