United Airlines will change how frequent flyers earn elite status starting in 2027 by eliminating the option to qualify through flight segments flown in a calendar year. Instead, MileagePlus members will need to accumulate elite status solely based on Premier qualifying points (PQP), which are earned through spending on paid airfare, award travel, and eligible United credit card purchases. This new approach aims to simplify the qualification process by focusing on a single metric, according to communication from the airline.

While the thresholds for the lower tiers Premier Silver, Gold, and Platinum remain mostly unchanged for the points-only path, the airline has raised the points requirement to attain the highest tier, Premier 1K. Members will now need 32,000 PQP, up from 28,000 in 2026. Points are earned at a rate of one PQP per dollar spent on United base fares and upgrades, and also through partnership credit card spending. Additionally, members must take at least four flights on United or United Express each year to be eligible for any elite status.

United's President of MileagePlus, Jarad Fisher, described the flight segment metric as outdated and emphasized the company’s desire for a consistent and straightforward way for members to measure their engagement with the airline. United is also introducing a new benefit for cardholders with Premier status by giving them a 5% head start in PQP accumulation based on the points needed to maintain the status level earned the previous year, effective January 1.

This adjustment follows United’s ongoing efforts to revamp its MileagePlus program, including a recent overhaul of how miles are earned and adjustments to earnings on basic economy flights. These moves align with similar changes by other major U.S. carriers like American Airlines and Delta, reflecting a broader industry trend toward tightening loyalty qualifications and rewarding higher spending over flying frequency.