AwardWallet receives compensation from advertising partners for links on the blog. Terms Apply to the offers listed on this page. The opinions expressed here are our own and have not been reviewed, provided, or approved by any bank advertiser. Here's our complete list of Advertisers.
Update: See United's increased elite status requirements for 2023 here
In a surprise move, some United MileagePlus members report having their elite extended again through all of 2022. Additionally, United has announced that it will keep the reduced status requirements from 2021, making it easier to earn elite status in 2022.
Here's what we know about both of these developments.
United Extends Status for Some Members
United extended status certain MileagePlus members “who were not able to engage with United at their accustomed level due to the pandemic restrictions.” We take this to mean that these members didn't requalify for MileagePlus status.
For these lucky members, United has extended elite status through all of 2022. Since United MileagePlus typically carries its status levels through January 31 of the following year, these members should now have status into early 2023. Not all members were selected, though.
This extension was first reported at Live and Lets Fly. No communication came from United, but his status and Plus Points had new extension dates. Status extension for selected members adds a year to current elite status levels. Depending on the member, PlusPoints validity was extended by 6-12 months.
Reduced Requirements for United MileagePlus Status in 2022
United announced reduced requirements for 2021 status, which we first wrote about here. United will keep these reduced requirements through 2022. Here are the earning requirements for MileagePlus status next year:
- Premier Silver — 3,000 PQPs + 8 PQFs, or 3,500 PQPs
- Premier Gold — 6,000 PQPs + 16 PQFs, or 7,000 PQPs
- Premier Platinum — 9,000 PQPs + 24 PQFs, or 10,000 PQPs
- Premier 1K — 13,500 PQPs + 36 PQFs, or 15,000 PQPs
That means the 2022 status requirements are between 33–43% lower than in typical years.
Remember that earning status with United MileagePlus is done in year 1 to qualify for year 2. Thus, status earned with these reduced requirements in 2022 will be valid through the end of the year in which you finish the requirements (2022), all of the following year (2023), and until January 31 of the following year (2024). You can read more in our Ultimate Guide to United MileagePlus.
Other Ways to Earn United Elite Status
Remember that a perk of earning Titanium Elite Status with Marriott Bonvoy is that you automatically receive Premier Silver status with United Airlines. Since Marriott Bonvoy has extended status to February of 2023, anyone with Titanium Elite Status with Marriott should see their United Premier Silver status extended, as well. Just make sure to register for this perk if you haven't already.
If you have elite status with another airline, you can use United's elite status match-challenge to short-cut your way to United elite status.
Our Take
It's surprising to see an airline silently extend status and perks without any communication, announcements, or fanfare. However, it looks like United has extended status through 2022 for select members. To see if you're one of the lucky few, check your account online. Note the expiry date on your status and your PlusPoints.
For the rest of us, the key takeaway is that elite status with United will be easier to earn in 2022.
Did United extend your status? If not, will you pursue status, due to their lower requirements in 2022?
The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Yes, United did extend my Premier Silver status. Its benefits help a bit when I fly with United and also with Lufthansa when I fly to Europe. I just do not fly enough to get Gold status. 🙂