I have requalified for United Silver. I have enough PQPs for Gold, but am one PQF short. I already got the 2 PQFs from my United card and the 3000 PQPs. I won't have enough PQPs to qualify for gold with only PQPs.

I am thinking about using miles to make a short award trip to get the PQF I need to make it to gold. The benefit would be the access to United Plus seats at booking. We fly to and from Germany at least once a year, so having United plus at booking would be a big benefit. Usually United plus for roundtrip to Europe is about $250-300 per person. I have the united club card with chase so I already get 2 free bags and club access.

Is this worth it? With so many silver and gold members, every domestic flight I have been on has had over 30 people on an upgrade waitlist for 12 first class seats, so I am don't think gold will be any better in terms of upgrades. The only real benefit I can see is the united plus at booking instead of at check in.

Is it worth it? Thanks in advance!