United Status guide · Updated 2026-09-24

How United PQP and PQF work

Short answer

United Premier status is based on Premier qualifying points (PQP), either alone or combined with Premier qualifying flights (PQF). On flights United sells, you generally earn about 1 PQP per dollar of base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges. PQF counts eligible flight segments.

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What are the 2026 Premier thresholds?

For each tier, you qualify either with the PQP + PQF combination or with a higher PQP-only total. United also requires a minimum number of segments on United or United Express.

  • Official United rule

    Premier Silver: 5,000 PQP + 15 PQF, or 6,000 PQP.

  • Official United rule

    Premier Gold: 10,000 PQP + 30 PQF, or 12,000 PQP.

  • Official United rule

    Premier Platinum: 15,000 PQP + 45 PQF, or 18,000 PQP.

  • Official United rule

    Premier 1K: 22,000 PQP + 60 PQF, or 28,000 PQP.

How are PQP earned?

On tickets sold by United, PQP generally follow what you pay in base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges. On partner airlines, PQP usually depend on the fare class and distance flown. Some co-branded credit cards and other MileagePlus activity can add PQP, within limits United publishes. Always check United's current terms for your specific card.

How do I project year-end status?

Add the PQP and PQF you've already earned to what your booked trips will earn, then compare the total with each tier. A free TopTier account does this automatically from your actual travel.

Frequently asked questions

PQP measure qualifying spend. PQF count qualifying flight segments. You qualify for a tier with PQP alone or with a lower PQP total plus enough PQF.

28,000 PQP, or 22,000 PQP plus 60 PQF, based on United's published 2026 thresholds.

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