United States Valuation in 2025: An Estimation

United Airlines has unveiled the benefits and assumptions behind each elite status tier, offering a comprehensive look at the value they provide to frequent flyers.

Starting at the entry level, United Silver status can be earned at 15 Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) and 5,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP). This status offers complimentary upgrades, access to Economy Plus seating at check-in for the member and one companion, and a free checked bag.

For those who hold a United MileagePlus credit card, additional PQP can be earned by spending on the card. The New United QuestSM Card, for example, earns 1 PQP for every $20 spent on up to 18,000 PQP per year.

Moving up the ladder, United Premier Gold status, achieved after flying 50,000 miles or 60 flight segments, offers 100% bonus miles on flights, Star Alliance Gold benefits such as extra free checked baggage, priority boarding, access to special check-in counters, and access to Star Alliance lounges.

United Premier Platinum status, earned at 45 PQF and 15,000 PQP, offers more upgrade priority, a checked bag allowance for the member and up to eight companions, and 40 flexible PlusPoints for upgrades on both domestic and international flights.

The top tier, United Premier 1K status, can be earned at 60 PQF and 22,000 PQP. This status offers upgrades starting at 96 hours before the flight, a free drink and snack in Economy, waived CLEAR+® membership fee, waived fees for changing or canceling all award tickets, and 280 PlusPoints for international upgrades.

The value of these United status tiers is comparable to other legacy mainline carriers in the U.S., but the value will vary based on the traveler's location and the offerings of other carriers in their area.

To determine the value of each United status tier, the analysis considered bonuses miles, bag fee offsets, premium seating upgrades, first-class upgrades, upgrade certificates, fee waivers, and other individual program perks with clear value. The methodology excluded luxury benefits like dedicated phone lines.

United miles are worth approximately 1.2 cents per mile toward main cabin travel. The program also offers sweet spots, such as short-haul economy flights, business class flights to Europe, round-trip flights to the Caribbean, flights from the U.S. to Tahiti, flights to Peru on United or Copa Airlines, and using the United Excursionist Perk for a free one-way flight as part of a multi-city trip.

For those looking to earn more PQP, the United ClubSM Business Card earns 1 PQP for every $15 spent, up to 28,000 PQP per year. The New UnitedSM Explorer Card and The New UnitedSM Business Card both earn 1 PQP for every $20 spent each year, up to 1,000 PQP and 4,000 PQP per year, respectively.

One notable advantage of United Silver status compared to Delta Air Lines is the same-day change benefit, which allows Premier members to change to any flight within 24 hours of their flight if the same fare class is available.

In conclusion, United Airlines' elite status tiers offer a range of benefits that can significantly enhance a traveler's experience. By understanding the value of each tier and the methods for earning PQP, frequent flyers can make informed decisions about which status to aim for and how to maximise their rewards.