Frequent flyer status with United Airlines now requires higher spending.

• Next year, earning frequent flyer status with United Airlines will require customers to spend more and fly more.
• Elite benefits requirements have been consistently raised by airlines as travel demand increased following the pandemic.

To achieve frequent flyer status next year, customers will need to spend more money, as the airline introduces a new policy to boost profits and create an exclusive experience for top-ranking loyalty program members.

The MileagePlus program's elite status thresholds will increase by approximately 25% in 2026, requiring either spending on a co-branded card or a combination of spending and flying.

Airline loyalty programs have evolved to prioritize spending over distance, with carriers such as United and others offering rewards based on the amount spent. Co-branded credit cards are a significant source of revenue for airlines, as banks pay them each time consumers use those cards.

Elite status offers benefits such as free upgrades, priority boarding, better seat selection, and extra legroom. However, airlines have faced challenges with the growing number of high-spending customers, resulting in overcrowded lounges and early boarding groups.

In 2025, Silver Premier customers will need to earn 5,000 premier qualifying points (PQP) and take 15 qualifying flights, an increase from the previous requirement of 4,000 PQP and 12 qualifying flights.

For every dollar spent on qualifying flights with United, travelers receive one PQP.

Customers can earn Silver status on United by spending $6,000 on flights, up from $5,000, without needing to take qualifying flights. Additionally, customers will earn 1 PQP for every $20 spent on co-branded cards, with some options offering 1 PQP for every $15 spent.

Here are the changes:

• Silver status can be achieved with 5,000 PQPs and 15 Premier qualifying flights, or 6,000 Premier qualifying points alone (an increase from 4,000 PQPs and 12 PQFs, or 5,000 PQPs alone).
• The gold status requirement has been updated to 10,000 PQPs and 30 PQFs, or 12,000 PQPs (an increase from the previous requirement of 8,000 PQPs and 24 PQFs or 10,000 PQPs alone).
• Platinum status: 18,000 PQPs (Up from 12,000 PQPs and 36 PQFs, 15,000 PQPs alone)
• The number of PQPs and PQFs has increased from 18,000 to 28,000.