Jan 13, 2024, 11:09 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is an archive thread, the active thread is United Silver Status - Experiences/Q&A
Qualification Requirements
PQM: 25,000
PQS: 30
PQD: $3,000*
4 flight segments on UA or United Express
*PQD requirement is waived if either of the two conditions are met:
1. With $25k spend on across Chase UA Visa cards where the MileagePlus member is the primary cardholder
2. MileagePlus member is a current, primary cardholder of United MileagePlus Presidential Plus Card
Marriott Titanium members also receive complimentary Premier Silver Status
Published Benefits
Complimentary Access to Economy Plus: At check-in
Economy Plus companions allowed: 1
Complimentary Premier Upgrades: Yes
Complimentary Premier Upgrades for companion: Yes
Complimentary Premier Upgrades confirmation: Day of departure
Instant upgrades on Y- or B-class full-fare economy tickets
500 PQM minimum accrual: Yes
Award miles on United and United Express and select partner airlines: 7 x fare
Priority check-in: Yes
Priority screening: Yes (where available)
Boarding group: 2
Priority baggage handling: Yes
Dedicated phone line: Yes
Access to most sold-out flights: Yes
Complimentary checked baggage allowance for domestic economy tickets: 1 bag at 50lbs (23 kg)
Unrestricted access to Standard Awards on UA and UX: Yes
Better access to Saver Awards: Yes
Booking a MileagePlus award ticket by phone: $25
Close-in ( T-24)?
A: Yes (it may appear to want to charge you but it should not
Q: What are the odds I will get a CPU?
A: Sadly, much lower than you probably want to believe. There seems to be slightly better odds on typical vacation routes--e.g., CUN, MCO, FLL, etc.
Q: I checked in exactly at T-24, and my name was #1 on the upgrade list. A few hours later, I'm suddenly #10 on the list! What gives?
A: This post gives a good explanation why. Basically, those with higher upgrade priority checked-in after you, and they be placed above you on the upgrade list. The harsh reality is that you only have priority only above non-rev travelers.
Q: I'm Marriott Titanium Elite, how do I get my Premier Silver status?
A: Go to https://mrrewardsplus.com/en_US/
Q: If I requalify as a Marriott Titanium Elite, do I have to renew my complimentary Premier Silver status every year?
A: Yes
Q: How can I get a United MileagePlus Presidential Plus Card?
A: Sorry, it is no longer offered.
Q: I qualified for Premier Silver this year (2016). The expiration date on the app says 1/31/2017. Shouldn't it be 1/31/2018?
A: The expiration date will automatically update to 2018 in 2017.
Qualification Requirements
PQM: 25,000
PQS: 30
PQD: $3,000*
4 flight segments on UA or United Express
*PQD requirement is waived if either of the two conditions are met:
1. With $25k spend on across Chase UA Visa cards where the MileagePlus member is the primary cardholder
2. MileagePlus member is a current, primary cardholder of United MileagePlus Presidential Plus Card
Marriott Titanium members also receive complimentary Premier Silver Status
Published Benefits
Complimentary Access to Economy Plus: At check-in
Economy Plus companions allowed: 1
Complimentary Premier Upgrades: Yes
Complimentary Premier Upgrades for companion: Yes
Complimentary Premier Upgrades confirmation: Day of departure
Instant upgrades on Y- or B-class full-fare economy tickets
500 PQM minimum accrual: Yes
Award miles on United and United Express and select partner airlines: 7 x fare
Priority check-in: Yes
Priority screening: Yes (where available)
Boarding group: 2
Priority baggage handling: Yes
Dedicated phone line: Yes
Access to most sold-out flights: Yes
Complimentary checked baggage allowance for domestic economy tickets: 1 bag at 50lbs (23 kg)
Unrestricted access to Standard Awards on UA and UX: Yes
Better access to Saver Awards: Yes
Booking a MileagePlus award ticket by phone: $25
Close-in ( T-24)?
A: Yes (it may appear to want to charge you but it should not
Q: What are the odds I will get a CPU?
A: Sadly, much lower than you probably want to believe. There seems to be slightly better odds on typical vacation routes--e.g., CUN, MCO, FLL, etc.
Q: I checked in exactly at T-24, and my name was #1 on the upgrade list. A few hours later, I'm suddenly #10 on the list! What gives?
A: This post gives a good explanation why. Basically, those with higher upgrade priority checked-in after you, and they be placed above you on the upgrade list. The harsh reality is that you only have priority only above non-rev travelers.
Q: I'm Marriott Titanium Elite, how do I get my Premier Silver status?
A: Go to https://mrrewardsplus.com/en_US/
Q: If I requalify as a Marriott Titanium Elite, do I have to renew my complimentary Premier Silver status every year?
A: Yes
Q: How can I get a United MileagePlus Presidential Plus Card?
A: Sorry, it is no longer offered.
Q: I qualified for Premier Silver this year (2016). The expiration date on the app says 1/31/2017. Shouldn't it be 1/31/2018?
A: The expiration date will automatically update to 2018 in 2017.
United Silver Status - Experiences/Q&A {Archive}
Dec 10, 2012, 7:59 pm
#16
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: MSP/BUF/BNA/LFT
Programs: AA Plat, Priority Club Gold, Choice Privileges Gold
Posts: 1,225
Most of my travel is at off-peak times but I have an 80% upgrade rate this year as a 2P, including some very surprising ones like a Thursday evening DEN-LAX and a NRT-HKG. I probably have cursed myself now...
Dec 10, 2012, 8:02 pm
#17
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 734
I was batting 19 upgrades out of 43 flight segments as CO silver. I haven't been a UA silver since 2002. But all of that data is obviously ancient history, so don't know if it amounts to squat these days. I haven't been less than gold for a while.
Once you're at silver, it'll be easier to stay premier because now you're eligible for that 500 minimum EQM per segment and for the award accelerator purchases.
Once you're at silver, it'll be easier to stay premier because now you're eligible for that 500 minimum EQM per segment and for the award accelerator purchases.
Dec 10, 2012, 9:27 pm
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Pasadena, California
Programs: UA 1K, 1MM
Posts: 10,412
Dec 11, 2012, 12:23 am
#19
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Charlottesville
Programs: UA Gold, VX Gold, AA PLT, DL Gold, MR Gold, HH Diamond, Hertz 5* Gold
Posts: 469
I earned Silver in November, flying primarily out of IAD. (I could have earned UA Gold if I hadn't credited my flights to AC Aeroplan in the first half of 2012, but the lure of a free award ticket IAD-AUS was just too much. ;-)
The weekend after earning Silver, I got a CPU out of PDX to IAD. Other UA Silvers on the same flight reported getting upgraded out of PDX regularly.
Of course, I would use miles to upgrade on IAD-SFO/LAX/DEN, but you never know!
And, even if you don't get upgraded, you will get E+ at check in, priority baggage handling, and a 25 percent RDM bonus - on top of your double miles from the Chase UA card. Awards (like 20k FC upgrades) have the co-pays waived (this can add up). You can also snag instant upgrades on some Y/B fares.
Anyhoo...
Welcome to UA Premier!
Dec 11, 2012, 12:43 am
#20
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Charlottesville
Programs: UA Gold, VX Gold, AA PLT, DL Gold, MR Gold, HH Diamond, Hertz 5* Gold
Posts: 469
Hello all!
I accidentally qualified for UAL's Premier Silver status in 2010/2011 after taking a trip through my graduate program to Asia. Unsurprisingly, I fell in love with the benefits and have sorely missed them this year. I've begun traveling quite a bit for work and am on the brink of re-qualifying, but since I haven't done it on purpose before I have a quick question I'm hoping your expertise can help me with.
As of today I have 22,534 EQM. I also have three trips scheduled:
12/12-12/13: ORD-DCA-ORD - 1,224 EQM
12/19: ORD-DTW-ORD - 470 EQM
12/25-1/2: ORD-PWM-ORD - 1,800 EQM
By the time I complete my trip on Christmas day I should have qualified for Premier Silver with 25,128 EQM. Will this be the case even though I will not have finished out my last reservation with the second leg of the roundtrip? Am I at risk for missing out on qualification? Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!
I accidentally qualified for UAL's Premier Silver status in 2010/2011 after taking a trip through my graduate program to Asia. Unsurprisingly, I fell in love with the benefits and have sorely missed them this year. I've begun traveling quite a bit for work and am on the brink of re-qualifying, but since I haven't done it on purpose before I have a quick question I'm hoping your expertise can help me with.
As of today I have 22,534 EQM. I also have three trips scheduled:
12/12-12/13: ORD-DCA-ORD - 1,224 EQM
12/19: ORD-DTW-ORD - 470 EQM
12/25-1/2: ORD-PWM-ORD - 1,800 EQM
By the time I complete my trip on Christmas day I should have qualified for Premier Silver with 25,128 EQM. Will this be the case even though I will not have finished out my last reservation with the second leg of the roundtrip? Am I at risk for missing out on qualification? Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!
Congrats in advance for earning UA Silver!
Dec 25, 2012, 7:09 pm
#21
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 33
Chances of complimentary Economy Plus upgrade? (Premier Silver)
What are the chances like to get a complimentary upgrade to Economy Plus for a Premier Silver member (must do at airport on departure day)? Am booked on Economy in Feb from Tokyo-Honolulu and was wondering if I should just spend the $ and upgrade or try my luck to see if I can get the upgrade?
Dec 25, 2012, 7:18 pm
#22
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: UA MileagePlus
Posts: 138
Not sure about NRT-HNL, but I do fly TPAC regularly between SFO and NRT, and so far have always been able to get an E+ seat even as a Premier Silver. In my experience, there's always a decent level of E+ availability (including aisle/window seats) at T-24 hrs.
Dec 25, 2012, 7:21 pm
#23
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 33
Thanks, will be traveling with my wife, so will keep our fingers crossed!
I did pay for E+ on the return leg, as even economy was full (we were both seated in different rows)
I did pay for E+ on the return leg, as even economy was full (we were both seated in different rows)
Dec 25, 2012, 7:32 pm
#24
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Aussie in ORD
Programs: Marriott Plat, Ua Gold, GE.. Sucker for punishment
Posts: 4,237
What are the chances like to get a complimentary upgrade to Economy Plus for a Premier Silver member (must do at airport on departure day)? Am booked on Economy in Feb from Tokyo-Honolulu and was wondering if I should just spend the $ and upgrade or try my luck to see if I can get the upgrade?
You need to"circle the parking lot" a little..
Also, at T-24 people holding good E+ seats tend to get upgraded as well.. So if you check in spot on T-24 good chance of getting a nice seat..
So 100% E+ and I would say ~ 90% good E+, ie forward, exit, aisle..
Dec 25, 2012, 8:12 pm
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,521
What are the chances like to get a complimentary upgrade to Economy Plus for a Premier Silver member (must do at airport on departure day)? Am booked on Economy in Feb from Tokyo-Honolulu and was wondering if I should just spend the $ and upgrade or try my luck to see if I can get the upgrade?
Dec 25, 2012, 8:14 pm
#26
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Aussie in ORD
Programs: Marriott Plat, Ua Gold, GE.. Sucker for punishment
Posts: 4,237
Yeah.. airport only == not true..
Get on the app or website at T- 24 E+ is yours..
Believe it or not this is actually a pretty good deal as it is any E+ including bulkheads and exit rows..
And FWIW I have never bought E+
Get on the app or website at T- 24 E+ is yours..
Believe it or not this is actually a pretty good deal as it is any E+ including bulkheads and exit rows..
And FWIW I have never bought E+
Dec 25, 2012, 9:19 pm
#27
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: IHG Spire Elite, Marriott Titanium, AA Plat, WN A-List Preferred
Posts: 267
I've only had about 15 segments as Silver, but I'm 100% on getting E+, and I've gotten two upgrades. One was a IAH-AUS on a Saturday so that wasn't worth much. But the other was EWR to AUS around 5pm on a Friday which was quite surprising to me (I would think that's a prime time for elites to be coming home for the week). I was then 68th on the upgrade list for my IAH-AUS flight 
I think you can count on nearly always getting E+ and the occasional upgrade. The bonus miles, free bags, and priority line for ticket agents and security are nice.
I'm not sure if this has anything to do with being silver, but I've gotten to move up to an earlier flight free on two occasions despite the published fee for silver being $75. I assume this was because they had plenty of space on the earlier flight and were near full on the later flight, what I don't know is whether regular members and non-members would also be offered the free change.
Overall I think it's a nice set of benefits for being the lowest tier of elite
I think you can count on nearly always getting E+ and the occasional upgrade. The bonus miles, free bags, and priority line for ticket agents and security are nice.
I'm not sure if this has anything to do with being silver, but I've gotten to move up to an earlier flight free on two occasions despite the published fee for silver being $75. I assume this was because they had plenty of space on the earlier flight and were near full on the later flight, what I don't know is whether regular members and non-members would also be offered the free change.
Overall I think it's a nice set of benefits for being the lowest tier of elite
Dec 29, 2012, 4:23 pm
#28
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Floating somewhere in the midwest
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 42
Hello fellow 2P's! First post...long time lurker.
I am surprised by my success this month in terms of upgrades. 5/6 segments on transcon flights included upgrades, with the other being E+. I suppose that traveling during the holiday season on elite-light routes certainly helped. I was shocked that on my flight from LAX --> ORD, the entire upgrade list was cleared and there were still 3 empty first class seats. Apparently, miracles do happen....
I am surprised by my success this month in terms of upgrades. 5/6 segments on transcon flights included upgrades, with the other being E+. I suppose that traveling during the holiday season on elite-light routes certainly helped. I was shocked that on my flight from LAX --> ORD, the entire upgrade list was cleared and there were still 3 empty first class seats. Apparently, miracles do happen....
Dec 29, 2012, 6:29 pm
#29
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 546
New silver member enjoying the perks
I recently flew JFK-LAX on a very crowded holiday travel day, and I'd like to tell anyone who thinks that silver status is useless about my experience.
We arrived at JFK terminal 7 about an hour before our 5:50PM p.s. flight. The check in area was packed, and the security line snaked back for what seemed like half of the length from the checkpoint to the entrance. We strolled past the crowds, flashed our premier access boarding passes, and made it through the checkpoint in under 10 minutes.
So each time you board a flight as #45 on the upgrade list, remember how much easier life is when you get to cut the line!
Happy new year to everyone, and thank you all for your contributions to this board.
We arrived at JFK terminal 7 about an hour before our 5:50PM p.s. flight. The check in area was packed, and the security line snaked back for what seemed like half of the length from the checkpoint to the entrance. We strolled past the crowds, flashed our premier access boarding passes, and made it through the checkpoint in under 10 minutes.
So each time you board a flight as #45 on the upgrade list, remember how much easier life is when you get to cut the line!
Happy new year to everyone, and thank you all for your contributions to this board.
Last edited by aindfan; Dec 29, 2012 at 7:27 pm
Dec 29, 2012, 6:32 pm
#30
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: DEN, or so it says...
Programs: UA1K/RCC, Avis CHM, NWA Plat, SPG Plat
Posts: 2,885