Oct 10, 2018, 10:58 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Previous years' thread -- [Consolidated] "I need XXX UA PQD's/PQMs/PQSs in 2017 for Elite Status in 2018
[Consolidated] "I need XXX UA PQD's/PQMs in 2016 for Elite Status in 2017
[Consolidated] "I need XXX UA PQD's/PQMs in 2015 for Elite Status in 2016
& [Consolidated] "I need XXX UA PQD's/PQMs in 2014 for Elite Status in 2015
PQDs are mostly earned by flying, but not all elites are subject to PQD requirements. PQDs can also be earned by Economy Plus purchases (by flight or subscription), although for anyone seeking to qualify for Gold or above an annual plan (min. $499) gets you nothing. There is no way to "pay" UA to fulfill PQD requirement in the qualifying year. There may be a status buy-up in January of the next year -- not cheap and does not come in small increments,
PQMs can be purchased by Premier Accelerator purchases.
related threads
UA/Star Alliance: 2017-2018 Consolidated Mileage/Status/Challenge Runs help needed
Mileage Run Discussion
Mileage Run Deals
Premium Fare Deals
Poor man's MR planner
Google Flights enter a starting airport, leave the destination blank, select airlines - Star Alliance, set travel days and max cost and view the Map for options. Try multiple dates.
kayak.com/explore has similar functionality
Will UA Grant 2019 Elite Status if I am XXX PQM/PQS/{PQD} Short of Qualifying in 2018?
and previously - Will UA Grant 2017 Elite Status if I am XXX PQM/PQS/{PQD} Short of Qualifying in 2016?
Is it worth it to stretch for 1K (over Plat)? [2018 Consolidated]
Is it worth it to stretch for Plat (over Gold)? [2018 Consolidated]
Is it worth it to stretch for Gold (over Silver)? [2018 Consolidated]
Is it worth it making Premier Silver? [2017 Consolidated]
Last year's last resort
2018 UA MP elite status buy-up offers (for higher status than earned in 2017)
[Consolidated] "I need XXX UA PQD's/PQMs in 2016 for Elite Status in 2017
[Consolidated] "I need XXX UA PQD's/PQMs in 2015 for Elite Status in 2016
& [Consolidated] "I need XXX UA PQD's/PQMs in 2014 for Elite Status in 2015
PQDs are mostly earned by flying, but not all elites are subject to PQD requirements. PQDs can also be earned by Economy Plus purchases (by flight or subscription), although for anyone seeking to qualify for Gold or above an annual plan (min. $499) gets you nothing. There is no way to "pay" UA to fulfill PQD requirement in the qualifying year. There may be a status buy-up in January of the next year -- not cheap and does not come in small increments,
Non-USA registered MP members are exempt from PQD requirements.
Others can be exempt from PQDs up to the Premier Platinum level by having a Chase PresidentalPlus credit card {not open to new members} or by annually spending $25,000 or more as a primary MP branded Chase credit cardholder.
PQMs can be earned by flying UA or various flight partners and by various bonuses related to flying (class or service, promos, ...)Others can be exempt from PQDs up to the Premier Platinum level by having a Chase PresidentalPlus credit card {not open to new members} or by annually spending $25,000 or more as a primary MP branded Chase credit cardholder.
PQMs can be purchased by Premier Accelerator purchases.
Consolidated Award / Premier Accelerator questions
United Airlines Award/Premier Accelerator Rates [2018]
Certain legacy (not available to new customers) Chase MP credit cards earn PQMs or FPQMsUnited Airlines Award/Premier Accelerator Rates [2018]
related threads
UA/Star Alliance: 2017-2018 Consolidated Mileage/Status/Challenge Runs help needed
Mileage Run Discussion
Mileage Run Deals
Premium Fare Deals
Poor man's MR planner
Google Flights enter a starting airport, leave the destination blank, select airlines - Star Alliance, set travel days and max cost and view the Map for options. Try multiple dates.
kayak.com/explore has similar functionality
Will UA Grant 2019 Elite Status if I am XXX PQM/PQS/{PQD} Short of Qualifying in 2018?
and previously - Will UA Grant 2017 Elite Status if I am XXX PQM/PQS/{PQD} Short of Qualifying in 2016?
Is it worth it to stretch for 1K (over Plat)? [2018 Consolidated]
Is it worth it to stretch for Plat (over Gold)? [2018 Consolidated]
Is it worth it to stretch for Gold (over Silver)? [2018 Consolidated]
Is it worth it making Premier Silver? [2017 Consolidated]
Last year's last resort
2018 UA MP elite status buy-up offers (for higher status than earned in 2017)
[Consolidated] "I need XXX UA PQD's/PQMs/PQSs in 2018 for Elite Status in 2019"
Nov 17, 2018, 9:17 am
#136
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,271
1. My work trip is scheduled for Dec 3rd and I probably won't find out if it is cancelled or not til 11/26 at the earliest, more likely later in the week. By that time, the price will probably be higher. (Dec 3rd weekend would prob be my only free one this year)
2. Yes I did look at prices and I think I even found a $270 ticket. But when you add parking, gas, etc it is still more than buying PQM (unless that prices goes up too)
Aside from that work trip, I actually have three other scheduled trips to ORD, LAS, and SEA. I was thinking the absolute cheapest option would be a SDC. However, with ORD, it usually doesn't offer a stop option when I try. My routing to LAS and SEA are already pretty long unless I go 2 stop
I guess this is one of those years where all my travel got pushed towards the end of the year. Plus usually I am fine with PQM and under on PQD. This is one of the first times, I was way over on PQD but short on PQM. I guess it's good for next year
Last edited by eng3; Nov 17, 2018 at 9:28 am
Nov 17, 2018, 9:53 am
#137
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,531
Aside from that work trip, I actually have three other scheduled trips to ORD, LAS, and SEA. I was thinking the absolute cheapest option would be a SDC. However, with ORD, it usually doesn't offer a stop option when I try. My routing to LAS and SEA are already pretty long unless I go 2 stop
Nov 17, 2018, 12:11 pm
#140
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,271
Nov 17, 2018, 2:10 pm
#141
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: BA Bronze, United 1K, HH Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,477
If you call UA and ask for a BUYUP to a P or J fare, they do not charge you the change fee. Just call and ask the price. If it's a good price, take it. If it's not a good price, say thank you very much but you will not take it.
Nov 18, 2018, 10:42 am
#142
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Aussie in ORD
Programs: Marriott Plat, Ua Gold, GE.. Sucker for punishment
Posts: 4,237
~3,000 PQM short of platinum.
I have one flight left (after which I will be said 3K short)
6K extra miles is $750 (150 + 600 for the PQM add on)
A bit more that I was hoping to pay. I guess it is a milage run. Unless there are other ideas our there.
I have one flight left (after which I will be said 3K short)
6K extra miles is $750 (150 + 600 for the PQM add on)
A bit more that I was hoping to pay. I guess it is a milage run. Unless there are other ideas our there.
Nov 20, 2018, 3:13 pm
#143
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott LTPP/Platinum Premier, Hyatt Lame-ist, UA !K
Posts: 20,061
Nov 20, 2018, 3:21 pm
#144
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,514
I would stay as Gold unless perceived and incremental benefits would outweigh additional costs. That is what I am going to do for this year, especially considering my home airport is a hub of UA.
Nov 20, 2018, 6:23 pm
#145
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Aussie in ORD
Programs: Marriott Plat, Ua Gold, GE.. Sucker for punishment
Posts: 4,237
Nov 20, 2018, 7:07 pm
#146
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott LTPP/Platinum Premier, Hyatt Lame-ist, UA !K
Posts: 20,061
David
Nov 22, 2018, 7:00 am
#147
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: UA 1K, HH Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle, Marriott Gold, Avis PC, National EE
Posts: 145
Currently 1K, sitting at 70k PQM, 8500 PQD. I will reach platinum by end of the year (have Chase waiver) but really contemplating a mileage run to try and get to 1K. Decisions decisions!
Nov 24, 2018, 8:01 am
#148
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
Programs: AAConciergeKey/1MM, DL DM/2 MM, UA Gold,Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 11,978
I just got burned from United again. Showing no PQD earning on a flight ticket (not basic economy) booked by a cruise. It's a $700 ticket, and some PQD should be earned. As if customers know if it is a bulk fare or not. I am $18 short of Gold and will be furious if nothing is awarded. Does anyone know how PQDs are awarded on those types of tickets or what happens if I buy Y+ or an F upgrade for the PQD?
Nov 24, 2018, 9:04 am
#149
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
I just got burned from United again. Showing no PQD earning on a flight ticket (not basic economy) booked by a cruise. It's a $700 ticket, and some PQD should be earned. As if customers know if it is a bulk fare or not. I am $18 short of Gold and will be furious if nothing is awarded. Does anyone know how PQDs are awarded on those types of tickets or what happens if I buy Y+ or an F upgrade for the PQD?
Nov 24, 2018, 11:29 am
#150
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,857
I just got burned from United again. Showing no PQD earning on a flight ticket (not basic economy) booked by a cruise. It's a $700 ticket, and some PQD should be earned. As if customers know if it is a bulk fare or not. I am $18 short of Gold and will be furious if nothing is awarded. Does anyone know how PQDs are awarded on those types of tickets or what happens if I buy Y+ or an F upgrade for the PQD?
Do you have a UA receipt and does it show a fare?
If the receipt says BULK fare, that is the better indicator.
It is not uncommon for the UA receipt to show, in error, "ineligible", see https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...itinerary.html
It is an all or nothing situation with BULK fares, see https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...elsewhere.html
However, as suggested, E+ fee on BULK fares will earn PQDs.
Purchasing an upfare may not be possible if this is actually a BULK fare