United Revamps MileagePlus: Flight Segments Dropped, 1K Status Made Tougher

Starting in 2027, United Airlines will no longer count flight segments—Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs)—when awarding MileagePlus elite status. Members will rely solely on Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs), earned through flight spend and select United co‑branded credit cards. The change does not alter the PQP thresholds for Silver, Gold or Platinum, but 1K status now requires 32,000 PQPs, up from 28,000, a 14% increase. All members still need at least four United flights in a year to be eligible for any Premier tier. Those holding an eligible United card receive a 5% PQP head start at the start of 2027, and new cardholders by Dec. 31 get a deposit for the next year. The move simplifies the program but will push segment‑run flyers to spend more, while credit‑card holders can bridge the gap.