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 29, 2012, 6:35 pm
#31
Join Date: Apr 2010
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 697
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 and 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 and 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.
Dec 29, 2012, 7:09 pm
#32
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,826
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 and 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 and 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.
Dec 29, 2012, 7:18 pm
#33
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,521
Dec 29, 2012, 7:23 pm
#34
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 546
I definitely understand the pain of losing E+ at booking, though when I checked in for the p.s. flight, I was lucky enough to snag two bulkhead seats for us (otherwise $19 each).
Dec 29, 2012, 8:03 pm
#35
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: LHR (sometimes CLE, SFO, BOS, LAX, SEA)
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 5,893
Dec 29, 2012, 8:20 pm
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,521
Yes, and will remove the highly coveted Row 9.
Still not relevant to the OP's experience today. In other words, not every "thanks UA" post needs to be thread-jacked.
To be fair, we do already have a "experiences as a UA Silver" thread - this does belong there.
Still not relevant to the OP's experience today. In other words, not every "thanks UA" post needs to be thread-jacked.
To be fair, we do already have a "experiences as a UA Silver" thread - this does belong there.
Dec 30, 2012, 6:28 pm
#37
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: United Platinum
Posts: 320
Silver is what it is, Silver...I will take the perks I can get
Got my E+ for SJD-LAX tomorrow and got an e-mail saying my CPU already cleared LAX-IAH on 787 tomorrow night
Got my E+ for SJD-LAX tomorrow and got an e-mail saying my CPU already cleared LAX-IAH on 787 tomorrow night
Dec 30, 2012, 7:11 pm
#38
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: The place where it gets so hot in the summer some planes can't take off.
Programs: Marriott LT Titanium, WoH Globalist, National EE, United Platinum
Posts: 1,446
I flew Southwest until August this year because I was didn't realize you could qualify for status on segments on United (mainly flying Omaha to St Louis, Denver, and CHI) and SW RR was revenue based.
After hitting Silver in October I have been able to select E+ for every flight. As others said it really is the biggest benefit. I was also surprised to get a upgrade on my last work trip of the year, but it was just an hour hop to Denver, but still nice to get a granola bar with my vodka OJ
Was almost tempted to make a couple MR to hit Gold, but since I have to do it on segments I couldn't find any cheap 6 segment flights. I am on the road again in a couple weeks so hopefully I can hit Gold or higher this year.
After hitting Silver in October I have been able to select E+ for every flight. As others said it really is the biggest benefit. I was also surprised to get a upgrade on my last work trip of the year, but it was just an hour hop to Denver, but still nice to get a granola bar with my vodka OJ
Was almost tempted to make a couple MR to hit Gold, but since I have to do it on segments I couldn't find any cheap 6 segment flights. I am on the road again in a couple weeks so hopefully I can hit Gold or higher this year.
Jan 1, 2013, 7:26 pm
#39
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 84
I am flying EWR to HAM as a Silver, will I still be able to get a upgrade to E+ 24 hours in advance if available?
Jan 1, 2013, 7:37 pm
#40
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Houston
Programs: United Platinum, Chase Presidential Plus
Posts: 299
Silver is also useful if your flight gets cancelled and you have to rebook. You will be given priority over the travelers without status and it becomes easier to get rebooked in first class if there are no coach seats available.
Jan 1, 2013, 9:36 pm
#41
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 48
Silver here as well. i don't fly that frequently. Maybe 1/2 flights internaitionally, plus a few transcon., and 1-2 other shorter trips. I'm based out of elite-heavy EWR, (where it seems everyone is on the upgrade list and i'm in the 50s). Priority Check-in is helpful when i'm traveling internationally. Usually get E+. Only CPU this past year was actually on an award ticket since i have the CC, but i never really count on upgrades anyways.
Jan 4, 2013, 7:40 am
#42
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Houston
Programs: United Platinum, Chase Presidential Plus
Posts: 299
Hehe, today is my first flight after regaining silver, and I have a first class seat assigned! Too bad it's such a short flight (IAH to MSY, just over an hour). I've never had an upgrade confirmed in advance.
Jan 4, 2013, 7:49 am
#43
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA-gld HH-gld Marriot-gld Hertz-Pres Circle
Posts: 48
Just from my experience, I started 2012 with no status, flew segment 30 to get Silver in June and segment 60 to hit gold on 12/27.
Of those 30 flights I flew Silver, only probably 10-12 had a 1st class cabin and I think I was CPU'd on half of them... which I dont think is too bad for only being Silver and flying mostly business times/legs. As far as E+ goes, I only sat in non-E+ once...
I will say however, I am glad to now be able to book into E+ and am interested to see if my CPU percentage increases.
Of those 30 flights I flew Silver, only probably 10-12 had a 1st class cabin and I think I was CPU'd on half of them... which I dont think is too bad for only being Silver and flying mostly business times/legs. As far as E+ goes, I only sat in non-E+ once...
I will say however, I am glad to now be able to book into E+ and am interested to see if my CPU percentage increases.
Jan 4, 2013, 8:12 am
#44
formerly FrequentFlyKid
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Programs: United Global Services, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador, National Executive Elite
Posts: 981
UA Silver Experiences/Comments
As a general response to the OP's post, I think the overall take away should be that it's very subjective and it depends on many variables (home airport, routes flown, times, & what's you value in terms of benefits).
I think the best and most valuable benefits for a Silver are improved IRROPS handling, improved customer service, E+ and premier access security lanes. The upgrades are nice when they come, but don't expect them and you'll be much happier.
Don't let the GS' and 1K's of the world downplay the benefits of being a Silver. Obviously a GS or a 1K is going to have it better, but that's the way it should be. It doesn't take away from the added benefits of being a Silver, especially over a GM.
I think the best and most valuable benefits for a Silver are improved IRROPS handling, improved customer service, E+ and premier access security lanes. The upgrades are nice when they come, but don't expect them and you'll be much happier.
Don't let the GS' and 1K's of the world downplay the benefits of being a Silver. Obviously a GS or a 1K is going to have it better, but that's the way it should be. It doesn't take away from the added benefits of being a Silver, especially over a GM.
Jan 4, 2013, 8:49 am
#45
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: TPA
Programs: UA
Posts: 9
I have been Happy being Silver So far. was able to get an E+ on all 3 flights as silver last year. The trips this year have not started yet so will have to wait and see.
I have booked my first ever MR TPA-EWR-HNL-EWR-TPA @ 4.8CPM in feb. I had to burn a few carried over Vacation days and wanted to do an MR just for the Heck of experience
Also in past my mindset was to always prefer direct flights even if they were an expensive option, All the Forum reading has somehow changed my mindset and am trying out first multi-stop flight in Feb to Maximize milage (actually a bit higher price than the direct flight but better CPM)
Hoping to complete 25K by March at this rate
I have booked my first ever MR TPA-EWR-HNL-EWR-TPA @ 4.8CPM in feb. I had to burn a few carried over Vacation days and wanted to do an MR just for the Heck of experience
Also in past my mindset was to always prefer direct flights even if they were an expensive option, All the Forum reading has somehow changed my mindset and am trying out first multi-stop flight in Feb to Maximize milage (actually a bit higher price than the direct flight but better CPM)
Hoping to complete 25K by March at this rate