Source: The Points Guy
Summary
United Airlines will stop using Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) to award elite status in 2027, replacing them with Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs). Members will need more PQPs to reach top-tier status, including a 14% increase for 1K status. The airline will also require at least four United flights per year for Premier eligibility. Certain credit cardholders will receive a 5% PQP head start in 2027, according to the airline’s loyalty chief.
Our Reading
The escape is carefully planned.
United Airlines shifts focus to spending over flying. PQPs replace PQFs for status. 1K status demands more money. Credit cards offer a shortcut. Elite tiers require more points.
Elite status is now a financial calculation, not a travel habit.
Author: Evan Null
United Airlines Changes Loyalty Program
United Airlines is changing how it awards elite status to MileagePlus members. Starting in 2027, the airline will stop counting the number of flights members take and instead focus on how much money they spend. This shift affects how travelers earn Premier status and requires more points to reach top-tier levels.
PQPs Replace PQFs
United will no longer use Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) as a way to determine elite status. Instead, members will need to earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) through spending on flights and United credit cards. This change is part of a broader effort to simplify the loyalty program and focus on spending as the main metric for status.
1K Status Becomes Harder
The requirements for 1K status, the highest tier, will increase significantly. Members will need 32,000 PQPs in 2027, up from 28,000 in previous years. This change makes it harder for travelers who previously reached 1K by combining flights with spending. The shift aligns United with other airlines that prioritize spending over flight segments.
Credit Cards Offer a Head Start
Certain United credit cardholders will receive a 5% head start on their PQP requirements in 2027. For example, 1K members will get 1,600 PQPs automatically. This move encourages members to use United credit cards to help meet status requirements more easily.
Impact on Frequent Travelers
The changes will affect travelers differently. Those who rely on flights to earn status may need to spend more to reach the same tier. Meanwhile, members who already use United credit cards may find the new system more favorable. United’s loyalty chief said the shift reflects how most members currently earn status, focusing on spending rather than flight counts.
