With the improvements to plus points and increased requirements probably meaning that there's less competition for upgrades in 2026, what do we think the added value of platinum over gold status is for next year? Kind of trying to figure out my own situation here but also maybe if there's a good conversation it'll help others deciding whether to up some EOY spend to reach the next level.


My own situation: I'll be about 1000-1500 PQP short of keeping platinum next year organically. I can grab a paid upgrade for a late season flight for maybe $1000 more than I value it and that should put me over the top. Trying to decide if it's worth blowing the money. Normally, I'd say "no" because of that gold sweet spot (E+ at booking, group 1, star alliance gold etc.). But maybeeeeeeee? (Based out of ORD, fly mostly to big but non-United-hub airports like LGA, DCA, SEA, etc., probably 30-40 segments next year.)