United has announced major changes to how elite status will be earned for the 2020 year. Previously you could earn elite status with either Premier Qualifying Miles (PQM) or Premier qualifying segments (PQS) and Premier qualifying dollars (PQD). Under the new structure you’ll need a combination of Premier qualifying points (PQP) and premier qualifying flights (or a higher threshold of just premier qualifying points).
You’ll earn 1 PQP for every $1 spent (base fare only). Each take off and landing will be equal to one PQF, regardless of fare class (although basic economy fares will be excluded). The elite status requirements are as follows:
- Premier Silver: 12 PQF and 4,000 PQP or 5,000 PQP
- Premier Gold: 24 PQF and 8,000 PQP or 10,000 PQP
- Premier Platinum: 36 PQF and 12,000 PQP or 15,000 PQP
- Premier 1K: 54 PQF and 18,000 PQP or 24,000 PQP
Personally I gave up caring about elite status a long time ago, the benefits elites receive has deteriorated over time and the requirements has increased.
