United, following Delta's lead, extends elite status for all Premier members and more
Well, that was quick. In response to Delta's announcement Sunday morning extending elite status for another year, United's just made its move.
Like Delta, United is extending status to all its current Premier members through the end of the 2021 program year, which ends on Jan. 31, 2022. There's a lot more in UA's announcement than just a status extension, so let's take a look at the details.
Stay up-to-date on the outbreak by visiting our hub page for coronavirus coverage and signing up for our daily newsletter.
United Premier elite-status extension
As mentioned above, all current elite status will be extended until Jan. 31, 2022. This includes all tiers, up to UA's highest Premier 1K.
Unfortunately, the carrier isn't ready to announce what's going to happen to fliers holding its invite-only Global Services (GS) status. According to recent reports, at a minimum, United is going to offer current GS members 1K status for 2021.
Earning United Premier status in 2020
Earlier this year, United introduced new paths to earning Premier status, based on spend with the airline (which United refers to as Premier Qualifying Points (PQP), earning 1 PQP for roughly every dollar you spend on a United-operated flight) combined with number of flights taken (known as Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF), which you earn for each flight segment you fly with United or its Star Alliance partners).
Related: Complete guide to United Premier elite status
In order to incentivize customers to continue flying with the airline, United is going to lower the PQP and PQF thresholds by 50% for earning status this year. (Delta pulled a similar move by rolling over all Medallion Qualifying Miles earned this year to 2021).
If you're going for status with United, here's the updated chart:
| Status level | PQF | PQP | PQP only |
|---|---|---|---|
Silver | 6 | 2,000 | 2,500 |
Gold | 12 | 4,000 | 5,000 |
Platinum | 18 | 6,000 | 7,500 |
1K | 26 | 9,000 | 12,000 |
Note that there are two tracks to earning status — either a combination of PQF and PQP, or just PQP (at a higher rate). Depending on when it's safe to once again resume travel, these numbers are certainly within reach for those looking to lock in status with United. Interestingly, United halved all the requirements, except for PQF for Premier 1K, which should've been 27 — not 26 — as fellow Zach (Honig) originally reported.
Related: Best credit cards for flying United
Furthermore, United's making it easier to earn PQPs from its co-branded cards. From May 1 until Dec. 31, you can earn double the PQP from the United Explorer Card family or quadruple the PQP from the United Club Infinite Card family. Unfortunately, PQP earned from co-branded cards are only applicable up to the Premier Platinum. (Specifically, this offer will apply to the United Explorer Card, United Business Card, United Club Card, United Club Business Card and the United Club Infinite Card).
Earning United Premier status in 2021
Delta's move of rolling over all MQMs makes it easier to earn status in 2021 for 2022. Well, unsurprisingly, United plans to do something similar. Although the airline doesn't have details to share yet, it promises that "changes" will be made "to help you earn status in 2021 for 2022."
We expect to learn more about those plans later this year.
PlusPoints upgrade extensions
PlusPoints are United's newest currency, which let Platinum and 1Ks apply upgrades on all United operated flights. United's extending the validity of all PlusPoints that are set to expire on or before Jan. 31, 2021 by six months.
Furthermore, UA's greatly expanding the availability of the Skip Waitlist feature for the remainder of 2020 and 2021. This option allows you to confirm an upgrade at the time of booking in exchange for a higher number of PlusPoints. It's hardly a good deal, so I wouldn't get too excited about this news. (Plus, there should be plenty of confirmable upgrade space for the rest of year, rendering the Skip Waitlist feature useless).
Related: How to upgrade United flights
But perhaps worst of all is that United isn't giving PlusPoints next year to Platinum and 1K members if they didn't re-qualify for status (at the decreased thresholds). Delta, on the other hand, is giving all members a fresh set of Choice Benefits for 2021, so this move is definitely a bit stingy on United's part.
If you over-qualify for 1K using a combination of PQF and PQP, you'll receive additional PlusPoints at the standard rate — 20 PlusPoints for every 3,000 additional PQPs earned. Sadly, these thresholds are unchanged from the beginning of 2020.
Extending United Club memberships and subscriptions
United is extending all of its annual subscription options, including United Club memberships, Wi-Fi packages, Economy Plus and checked bag memberships by six months for each customer.
Additionally, if you've got a one-time United Club pass that expires between March and July, it'll get extended for 90 days.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B99ezpjld-E/
United status match extensions
If you signed up for a status match and already earned status, it'll be extended until Jan. 2022. If you're in the middle of one and want to change the date or cancel and restart later, you can do so by calling United.
Waived award redeposit fees
As we previously reported, United is waiving all award redeposit fees from March 30 until May 31. And now, as part of this news, the airline is going to waive redeposit fees for the remainder of 2020, so long as you cancel your award more than 30 days before scheduled departure.
Bottom line
This is great news for United MileagePlus members. Though Delta led the pack, United was quick to follow up with the details of the Premier program for 2020 and 2021. The only real difference from Delta's plan is that UA's not giving extra upgrades to elites whose status is extended and didn't fly enough in 2020 to re-qualify for status.
Now that Delta and United have made their move, it's only days (or minutes) until we hear from American.
For the latest on elite status extension, check out:
- Delta becomes the first U.S. airline to extend elite status
- Why TPG’s Brian Kelly is becoming more loyal to Delta — without even flying
- Here’s how Delta, Hilton and Hyatt impressed me during a crisis
- Is it time for AAdvantage to once again follow Delta’s lead?
All photos by the author.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.