Apr 21, 2019, 12:34 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
The value of Platinum status over Gold status is generally a "YMMV" situation. Different people will value different benefits in different ways. Here are the most commonly cited differences that people mention:
Plat is the highest level still eligible for Chase MP-branded credit card spend waiver of PQD requirements and also the highest elite elite achievable using FlexPQMs .
A list of differences is available here: Premier benefits chart
Related threads
[Consolidated] "I need XXX UA PQD's/PQMs/PQSs in 2019 for Elite Status in 2020"
UA/Star Alliance: 2019 Consolidated Mileage/Status/Challenge Runs help needed
Previous thread(s)
Is it worth it to stretch for Plat (over Gold)? [2018 Consolidated]
Is it worth it to stretch for Plat (over Gold)? [2017 Consolidated]
Is it worth it to stretch for Plat (over Gold)? [2016 Consolidated]
- 2 RPUs (none for Gold), for 2020 it will be 40 Plus Points (good for 2 North American or 1 previous GPU-equivalent W-fare upgrade)
- Improved chances at CPUs through higher priority
- 8 companions in E+ on the same itinerary vs. 1 companion
- 3x 70 lb. bags on UA instead of 2x, although plats and golds have exact same additional bag allowance provided to *G on other Star Alliance carriers
- Greater RDM earning rate (9x instead of 8x base fare)
- Free award reservation changes, cancellations, miles redeposits if 61 days or more before departure, otherwise $50
- Somewhat improved premium cabin award space availability (unclear how the change to dynamic awards post Nov 2019 will impact this)
- Five drink chits
- Presidential Circle status with Hertz
Plat is the highest level still eligible for Chase MP-branded credit card spend waiver of PQD requirements and also the highest elite elite achievable using FlexPQMs .
A list of differences is available here: Premier benefits chart
Related threads
[Consolidated] "I need XXX UA PQD's/PQMs/PQSs in 2019 for Elite Status in 2020"
UA/Star Alliance: 2019 Consolidated Mileage/Status/Challenge Runs help needed
Previous thread(s)
Is it worth it to stretch for Plat (over Gold)? [2018 Consolidated]
Is it worth it to stretch for Plat (over Gold)? [2017 Consolidated]
Is it worth it to stretch for Plat (over Gold)? [2016 Consolidated]
Is it worth it to stretch for Plat (over Gold)? [2019 Consolidated]
Nov 11, 2019, 9:19 am
#121
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: where lions are led by donkeys...
Programs: Lifetime Gold, Global Entry, Hertz PC, and my wallet
Posts: 20,340
I'd rather stick the money on black. Or red. And pray for no 0, 00, 000! But joking aside I cannot see any point. Gold is fine. I'll plummet to lifetime Gold after 2020 and mileage run nonsense does not figure in my horizon. I am not far away from lifetime platinum - but I cannot be bothered with that even.
Nov 11, 2019, 9:09 pm
#122
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, CM Plat, Amex Plat, Hertz CP, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Gold, Vons Club
Posts: 6,851
I'd rather stick the money on black. Or red. And pray for no 0, 00, 000! But joking aside I cannot see any point. Gold is fine. I'll plummet to lifetime Gold after 2020 and mileage run nonsense does not figure in my horizon. I am not far away from lifetime platinum - but I cannot be bothered with that even.
Nov 11, 2019, 10:34 pm
#123
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: USA
Programs: UA Platinum, 1MM
Posts: 13,460
I decided to book a one-day HKG turn in economy plus for $560 to push me over to Platinum. A work trip was putting me almost halfway to the additional 25K miles from Gold so went for it since the Chase CC waiver is ending next year and I completed it this year. Onerous requirements for status next year - I will not make Plat for sure. And this helps me get to 1MM unless United changes the goal posts.
The 2nd HKG flight enables a morning arrival and a late evening departure. More than enough time to catch up with family while I'm there. Let's hope that this week's violent chaos subsides by my trip or I may have to spend time around the airport area and in the lounges.
The 2nd HKG flight enables a morning arrival and a late evening departure. More than enough time to catch up with family while I'm there. Let's hope that this week's violent chaos subsides by my trip or I may have to spend time around the airport area and in the lounges.
Last edited by CApreppie; Nov 12, 2019 at 1:09 am
Nov 12, 2019, 12:17 am
#124
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: where lions are led by donkeys...
Programs: Lifetime Gold, Global Entry, Hertz PC, and my wallet
Posts: 20,340
Nov 12, 2019, 2:40 am
#125
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, CM Plat, Amex Plat, Hertz CP, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Gold, Vons Club
Posts: 6,851
Nov 22, 2019, 12:52 pm
#126
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 29
Question for my wife: after a flight SFO to DFW this year, she's going to have 74163 PQMs. From what I can see, Platinum isn't that big an upgrade in my eyes, so I don't know that having her fly a separate mileage run is worth her time or money. We could buy the elite miles, but...
If we take the paid upgrade on one of our flights, $189 per person (so 378 total), would this provide the PQM multiplier? If so, which? The 200% for C,D and Z is enough to have her make Plat, but the 150% from P,O,A,R,Y and B is not.
My cursory look seems to indicate that it won't, but I figured I'd check. I don't think spending money for an accelerator is worth it either.
If we take the paid upgrade on one of our flights, $189 per person (so 378 total), would this provide the PQM multiplier? If so, which? The 200% for C,D and Z is enough to have her make Plat, but the 150% from P,O,A,R,Y and B is not.
My cursory look seems to indicate that it won't, but I figured I'd check. I don't think spending money for an accelerator is worth it either.
Last edited by BillysBahamaBrunchBar; Nov 22, 2019 at 12:58 pm
Nov 22, 2019, 1:32 pm
#127
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: 66,846
Question for my wife: after a flight SFO to DFW this year, she's going to have 74163 PQMs. From what I can see, Platinum isn't that big an upgrade in my eyes, so I don't know that having her fly a separate mileage run is worth her time or money. We could buy the elite miles, but...
If we take the paid upgrade on one of our flights, $189 per person (so 378 total), would this provide the PQM multiplier? If so, which? The 200% for C,D and Z is enough to have her make Plat, but the 150% from P,O,A,R,Y and B is not. ..
If we take the paid upgrade on one of our flights, $189 per person (so 378 total), would this provide the PQM multiplier? If so, which? The 200% for C,D and Z is enough to have her make Plat, but the 150% from P,O,A,R,Y and B is not. ..
The two principal benefits of Plat is the ability to guest up to 8 into E+, if one has a family this can be a significant benefit.
Also, you would receive the equivalent of two RPUs or 1 GPU, if she can make use of those, it is some value.
Also, the award change fees would be lower, which for some is a benefit.
The thread's wiki has some additional benefits.
Nov 22, 2019, 7:36 pm
#128
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: EWR
Programs: UA 1.65M , Platinum, 1K Emeritus, UC Lifetime , HHonors Gold, Presidential Plus card holder
Posts: 695
Question for my wife: after a flight SFO to DFW this year, she's going to have 74163 PQMs. From what I can see, Platinum isn't that big an upgrade in my eyes, so I don't know that having her fly a separate mileage run is worth her time or money. We could buy the elite miles, but...
If we take the paid upgrade on one of our flights, $189 per person (so 378 total), would this provide the PQM multiplier? If so, which? The 200% for C,D and Z is enough to have her make Plat, but the 150% from P,O,A,R,Y and B is not.
My cursory look seems to indicate that it won't, but I figured I'd check. I don't think spending money for an accelerator is worth it either.
If we take the paid upgrade on one of our flights, $189 per person (so 378 total), would this provide the PQM multiplier? If so, which? The 200% for C,D and Z is enough to have her make Plat, but the 150% from P,O,A,R,Y and B is not.
My cursory look seems to indicate that it won't, but I figured I'd check. I don't think spending money for an accelerator is worth it either.
There have been years that I would not spend that much because of our expected travel.
I do not know how Golds are currently treated but I have been satisfied with United's response during irrops as a Platinum as they have gotten me on my way as quickly as was possible.
Nov 24, 2019, 4:17 pm
#130
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 123
I'm considering a $700 MR to bump up to Plat. It appears most here don't consider Gold to Plat a big difference, but has this changed with the new 40 PlusPoints offering for Plats?
Nov 24, 2019, 4:33 pm
#131
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 1,153
Unless the 8 x E+ is valuable to you, I'd keep that cash, stay Gold, and use the cash toward a paid upgrade.
Nov 25, 2019, 4:55 am
#132
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,395
Only if you have a use for them, and if they clear — and even then, I’d say it’s breakeven at best unless you are regularly purchasing E+ for travel companions, in which case I’d do it.
Nov 27, 2019, 10:56 am
#133
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: EWR
Programs: UA 1.65M , Platinum, 1K Emeritus, UC Lifetime , HHonors Gold, Presidential Plus card holder
Posts: 695
The only way I would do the MR would be strictly because I can visualize the specific advantages of Platinum over Gold in the trips I intend to take.
As I stated above, my 2020 travel plans would cause me to do an MR as you describe.
Dec 3, 2019, 2:30 pm
#134
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
This year I used my first RPU for RDU-ORD-SLC and would have cleared at least one of those. I tried to use my second for SFO-IAD-RDU, IAD-RDU cleared, SFO-IAD I was number 19 on the upgrade list. Unless things get much better next year I think I'd rather put $700 towards a paid J/F fare than in hope of being able to use the PlusPoints.
Sep 2, 2021, 11:59 pm
#135
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,720
I'd rather stick the money on black. Or red. And pray for no 0, 00, 000! But joking aside I cannot see any point. Gold is fine. I'll plummet to lifetime Gold after 2020 and mileage run nonsense does not figure in my horizon. I am not far away from lifetime platinum - but I cannot be bothered with that even.