I know I am a little late… but its better late than never.
United announced their new qualification for 2020 with substantial changes. Out are the distance-based qualification (PQM) and in are increased dollar spend (formally called PQD) with less segments (previously called PQS).
With the removal of the distance-based qualification, members will now have to spend more to qualify for elite status. This is now called Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF). A PQF is really no different than the old PQS. This time United is providing two options for qualification:
| MileagePlus Status | 2019 Qualifying | 2020 Qualifying – Option 1 | 2020 Qualifying – Options 2 |
| Premier Silver | 25,000 PQM or 30 PQS and 3,000 PQD | 12 PQF and 4,000 PQP | 5,000 PQP |
| Premier Gold | 50,000 PQM or 60 PQS and 6,000 PQD | 24 PQF and 8,000 PQP | 10,000 PQP |
| Premier Platinum | 75,000 PQM or 90 PQS and 9,000 PQD | 36 PQF and 12,000 PQP | 15,000 PQP |
| Premier 1K | 100,000 PQM or 120 PQS 15,000 PQD | 54 PQF and 18,000 PQP | 24,000 PQP |
For all intended purposes PQD = PQP but as United puts it, you have more ways to earn PQP! In addition to the base fare, you may earn PQP on the following:
- Base fare + surcharge
- Economy Plus seating or subscription
- Preferred seat purchase
- MileagePlus Upgrade Award co-pays
- Paid Upgrades
- Flights Tickets by Start Alliance Partners
There are a few minimum requirements. Regardless if you qualify simply via the PQP route, you will still need to fly a minimum of 4 United flights per year. Star Alliance flights qualify and are converted into PQP by dividing the award miles earned by 5. If it’s a MileagePlus partner then divide the award miles by 6.
Your typical award fares, basic economy, light fares, etc. do not count towards qualifying status.
Anlaysis
Right off the bat you can see you are going to have to spend more money to qualify. For example, for Premier 1K you will either need to spend $3,000 more (but fly less in theory) or spend $9,000 more to simply qualify by spending. That’s a lot for most of us who commute most weeks in economy.
I believe United is doing this to weed out mileage runners and the number of people that have simply qualified. If you travel for business like myself, the 1K “boarding group” sometimes can be half the plane. I can see why United is doing this as it will make their statuses feel more prestigious for those who qualify especially at the top tiers. Good or bad let’s hope for deep pockets.
References
MileagePlus Qualication Changes for 2020