United Airlines is making it harder to reach its top frequent flyer status in 2027
United Airlines is doing away with flight segment as a way to reach Premier status and increasing the spending requirements for Premier 1K.
Key points
- United Airlines will stop using flight segments as a way to earn MileagePlus elite status starting in 2027.
- Premier 1K will require 32,000 qualifying points, up from 28,000 in 2026.
- Members must still take at least four United or United Express flights a year to qualify.
United Airlines is eliminating one route to elite status in 2027 and raising the bar for its top tier. The Chicago-based carrier said MileagePlus members will no longer earn status partly through flight segments flown in a calendar year.
Starting Jan. 1, United will base Premier status only on points, including Premier qualifying points from eligible flight spending, award travel and eligible United credit card spending. The change was announced Tuesday in emails to members and on the airline's website, and United says it aims to simplify how customers earn Premier status.
Higher bar for top tier
The lowest elite tier, Premier Silver, was previously reachable with 15 flight segments plus 5,000 points in a year, or with 6,000 points. Under the new rules, members can only reach it through points at the 6,000 point threshold.
The points needed for Premier Gold and Platinum stay the same as the earlier points-only option. But Premier 1K, United's highest rewards tier, now requires 32,000 qualifying points, up from 28,000 in 2026.
thought it made more sense for them to have one consistent metric ... that they could focus on across the board between their flight activity, their engagement in the airline
— United's President of MileagePlus Jarad Fisher
Cardholders get a head start
United also said Tuesday that cardholders with Premier status will automatically receive 5% of the points needed for the status level they earned the previous year when a new year begins.
Flyers earn one Premier qualifying point per dollar spent on United base fares and upgrades, and for every 100 miles redeemed for travel on United flights. United Chase cardholders also earn points on card spending. Members must still take at least four flights on United or United Express jets in a year to be eligible for Premier status.
