When Does Elite Status Reset and How Long Does It Last?
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TPG reader Keith tweeted me to ask:
@thepointsguy– “Can you clarify the reset dates for United Premier status? If I earn elite status this year, how long will it last?”
Tick tock, tick tock…hear that? That’s the elite status qualifying clock, and you have until December 31, 2014 to get your elite miles in. Keep in mind that earning elite status this year may be more difficult than in the past, as United and Delta now have revenue requirements for elite status in addition to elite mileage requirements.
Some airlines allow status to persist until February of the following year, giving elite members a two month grace period between New Year’s Day and the end of February. Airlines do this because customers are often waiting for miles to clear from flights on partner airlines, or for credit card miles to post (which can often take a while), and they don’t want to prematurely drop anyone who has actually met the requirements.
However, last year United and Delta (with program changes that seemed to mirror one another) dropped elite status flyers at the end of January, offering one month less of benefits. American and US Airways still allow elite status through the end of February.
So what does that mean for this year? If you qualify for elite status by December 31, 2014, you’ll keep that status until the following dates.
- American Airlines: through end of February, 2016
- US Airways: through end of February, 2016
- Delta Air Lines: through end of January, 2016
- United Airlines: through end of January, 2016
If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook, or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.
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