I'm looking to get to next level status with United Mileage Plus, either via United accruals or reaching Marriott Titanium (up to 63 nights YTD). I already have met PQF threshold for 2022. However I still need just over 1,500 additional PQP. So far in YTD 2022, I have domestic and international, to South/Central America, all on Copa, trips but largely have been on bottom dollar fares and economy fare classes. So PQP is languishing.

I have upcoming travel in November: IAD-LIS (United/Swiss, and return LIS-IAD (Air Canada). I know from the Points Guy the best way to maximize your PQP earnings is by purchasing inexpensive long haul Star Alliance flights in premium cabins.

I have bottom dollar Economy fares booked via United website for whole R/T itinerary (includes UN, Swiss and AC operated flights). For return trip LIS-IAD, via YYZ, if I were to upgrade to business class how do I determine how many PQP could be earned? The transatlantic flight is operated by AC, but code-shared as UA 8038, current booking class K. (Current roundtrip fare is under $400 USD.) Will PQP earned be calculated as UN as the carrier or AC? Appears if it is AC the PQP accruals are much higher. (Ticket was purchased on United.com.)