Oct 11, 2019, 5:20 am
Last edit by: SPN Lifer
tl;dr - PQMs/PQDs/PQS going away, replaced with PQPs. $1 = 1 PQP. See chart below for thresholds:
ex
New Status Measures
Premier Qualifying Points (PQP): Basically the same as PQD. Everything that was a PQD continues to count, plus:
Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF): Same as BIS segments (no class of service bonus) except Basic Economy and award tickets don't count.
PQP Earning on Partners
You can now earn PQP on non-016 tickets when flying eligible partners.
"Preferred" Partners (mostly JV partners): 1/5 of the RDM earned, excluding status bonuses (but including fare class) on AC AD AV CA CM EW LH LX NH NZ OS SN.
Others: 1/6 of the RDM earned, excluding status bonuses (but including fare class) on other airlines with MP earnings available.
Note: Because all partners earn RDM by distance when not on an 016-ticket, this effectively awards PQP by distance, from 40% in many JV First and Business cabins to 5% in things like LX K.
Preferred partners:
Bulk Tickets
Per UA Insider in this post: Yes you will now earn PQP on bulk tickets but not necessarily for the cash value since the price of the ticket is opaque. Bulk tickets will be equal to the award miles you earn for the ticket (excluding Premier bonus miles, if any) divided by 5.
Foreign Addresses
The PQD waiver for foreign MP addresses will no longer apply beginning in 2020.
Credit Card Holders
The PQD waivers and PQM earnings from all Chase cards are ending. Instead, Chase cards allow you to earn 500 PQP for every $12,000 of eligible spend, but only up to the following limits:
1,000 PQP / $24,000: MP Explorer, MP Club, MP Awards, and MP cards, plus their business equivalents (bonus PQP do not count for 1K)
3,000 PQP / $72,000: MP Select and MP Platinum cards
10,000 PQP / $240,000: Presidential Plus and PP Business cards
Existing Flexible PQM (FPQM) on eligible cards will become FPQP at a 5:1 ratio on 01-Apr-20 and will only be applicable through Platinum status.
ex
New Status Measures
Premier Qualifying Points (PQP): Basically the same as PQD. Everything that was a PQD continues to count, plus:
- Copay component of miles+copay upgrades
- Paid upgrades (TOD or "sticker-type")
- Travel on partner airlines on partner stock (awarded as a fraction of the distance, similar to DL)
Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF): Same as BIS segments (no class of service bonus) except Basic Economy and award tickets don't count.
PQP Earning on Partners
You can now earn PQP on non-016 tickets when flying eligible partners.
"Preferred" Partners (mostly JV partners): 1/5 of the RDM earned, excluding status bonuses (but including fare class) on AC AD AV CA CM EW LH LX NH NZ OS SN.
Others: 1/6 of the RDM earned, excluding status bonuses (but including fare class) on other airlines with MP earnings available.
Note: Because all partners earn RDM by distance when not on an 016-ticket, this effectively awards PQP by distance, from 40% in many JV First and Business cabins to 5% in things like LX K.
Preferred partners:
- Air Canada
- Air China
- Air New Zealand
- All Nippon Airways
- Austrian Airlines
- Avianca
- Azul Brazilian Airlines
- Brussels Airlines
- Copa Airlines
- Eurowings
- Lufthansa
- SWISS International Airlines
- Aegean Airlines
- Air Dolomiti
- Air India
- Asiana Airlines
- Croatia Airlines
- Edelweiss
- EgyptAir
- Ethiopian Airlines
- EVA Air
- Juneyao Air
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Olympic Air
- SAS
- Shenzhen Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- South African Airways
- TAP Air Portugal
- Thai Airways International
- Turkish Airlines
Bulk Tickets
Per UA Insider in this post: Yes you will now earn PQP on bulk tickets but not necessarily for the cash value since the price of the ticket is opaque. Bulk tickets will be equal to the award miles you earn for the ticket (excluding Premier bonus miles, if any) divided by 5.
Foreign Addresses
The PQD waiver for foreign MP addresses will no longer apply beginning in 2020.
Credit Card Holders
The PQD waivers and PQM earnings from all Chase cards are ending. Instead, Chase cards allow you to earn 500 PQP for every $12,000 of eligible spend, but only up to the following limits:
1,000 PQP / $24,000: MP Explorer, MP Club, MP Awards, and MP cards, plus their business equivalents (bonus PQP do not count for 1K)
3,000 PQP / $72,000: MP Select and MP Platinum cards
10,000 PQP / $240,000: Presidential Plus and PP Business cards
Existing Flexible PQM (FPQM) on eligible cards will become FPQP at a 5:1 ratio on 01-Apr-20 and will only be applicable through Platinum status.
United is updating the way MileagePlus members qualify for Premier status in 2020 for the 2021 program year. We recognized that distance was not the best way for us to measure customer loyalty, which is why we are introducing a new qualification structure to better deliver Premier benefits to our most valued customers. In 2020, members will only need to account for two factors to earn status: number of flights taken (Premier Qualifying Flights) and value of tickets purchased (Premier Qualifying Points).
Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF): every flight, a takeoff and landing, will count as a PQF except Basic Economy and tickets booked using miles.
Premier Qualifying Points (PQP): 1 PQP = 1 U.S. dollar spent. You will earn PQPs on the base fare of your ticket (no taxes and fees), Economy Plus and Preferred seat purchases, and now on paid upgrades, MileagePlus upgrade award co-pays and credit for Star Alliance partner flights not ticketed or operated by United.
Qualification requirements for 2020
Here’s how members will qualify for each Premier status level starting January 1, 2020 for status in the 2021 program year:
United Cardmembers who are eligible for a PQD waiver, PQM, or Flexible PQM (FPQM) based on annual card spend will be offered new ways to earn Premier qualifying points (PQP) based on annual card spend. The ability to earn a PQD waiver, PQM, or FPQM on these cards will end on December 31, 2019.
Learn more: https://mileageplusupdates.com/milea...qualification/
Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF): every flight, a takeoff and landing, will count as a PQF except Basic Economy and tickets booked using miles.
Premier Qualifying Points (PQP): 1 PQP = 1 U.S. dollar spent. You will earn PQPs on the base fare of your ticket (no taxes and fees), Economy Plus and Preferred seat purchases, and now on paid upgrades, MileagePlus upgrade award co-pays and credit for Star Alliance partner flights not ticketed or operated by United.
Qualification requirements for 2020
Here’s how members will qualify for each Premier status level starting January 1, 2020 for status in the 2021 program year:
United Cardmembers who are eligible for a PQD waiver, PQM, or Flexible PQM (FPQM) based on annual card spend will be offered new ways to earn Premier qualifying points (PQP) based on annual card spend. The ability to earn a PQD waiver, PQM, or FPQM on these cards will end on December 31, 2019.
Learn more: https://mileageplusupdates.com/milea...qualification/
New Premier Qualification Requirements for 2020: Only Spend or Spend + Flight Sectors
Oct 11, 2019, 3:03 am
#91
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PIT
Programs: OZ Diamond, UA Gold
Posts: 9,924
This will be just another change to get adjusted for. The people chasing status are flying primarily on OPM, so I reckon companies are going to fund this next round of status chasing too. The people flying on their own dime are probably going to squeak their way into a status by the end of the year with better understanding of the loopholes.
Anyone who had stepped out of UA in 2018 is going to have a shock of their lives in 2020 when all the changes materializes. I dont recognize or understand this program anymore.
Anyone who had stepped out of UA in 2018 is going to have a shock of their lives in 2020 when all the changes materializes. I dont recognize or understand this program anymore.
Oct 11, 2019, 3:16 am
#92
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,589
Math problem - make sure I am not drunk
EVA air
$1600 ticket price (RT ticket)
IAH-TPE-SIN - 9935 miles (19870 RT)
Premium econ ticket - 100% award miles
19870/6 = 3311 PQP
Same ticket for the dates I chose - UA/ANA combined flights were $2894
So, I can fly EVA and earn 3311 PQP while spending $1600 or fly UA or ANA and spend $2894 for the same ticket and only earn 2894 PQP?
The $800ish fares from EWR-SIN in PE on SQ will earn roughly 3200PQP as well - damn, this is looking better and better
now, I just have to find my routes on LH/ANA exclusively so I can earn /5 instead of /6 and use GPU's
EVA air
$1600 ticket price (RT ticket)
IAH-TPE-SIN - 9935 miles (19870 RT)
Premium econ ticket - 100% award miles
19870/6 = 3311 PQP
Same ticket for the dates I chose - UA/ANA combined flights were $2894
So, I can fly EVA and earn 3311 PQP while spending $1600 or fly UA or ANA and spend $2894 for the same ticket and only earn 2894 PQP?
The $800ish fares from EWR-SIN in PE on SQ will earn roughly 3200PQP as well - damn, this is looking better and better
now, I just have to find my routes on LH/ANA exclusively so I can earn /5 instead of /6 and use GPU's
Last edited by Hipplewm; Oct 11, 2019 at 3:28 am
Oct 11, 2019, 3:19 am
#93
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,969
I think cuts to partner award earning rates are coming up ..
Oct 11, 2019, 3:48 am
#94
Join Date: May 2016
Location: In btw SJC & SFO
Programs: Marriott Titanium & LTP, Hilton Diamond (Aspire card), Hyatt Globalist, UA Gold (almost free agent)
Posts: 510
Math problem - make sure I am not drunk
EVA air
$1600 ticket price (RT ticket)
IAH-TPE-SIN - 9935 miles (19870 RT)
Premium econ ticket - 100% award miles
19870/6 = 3311 PQP
Same ticket for the dates I chose - UA/ANA combined flights were $2894
So, I can fly EVA and earn 3311 PQP while spending $1600 or fly UA or ANA and spend $2894 for the same ticket and only earn 2894 PQP?
EVA air
$1600 ticket price (RT ticket)
IAH-TPE-SIN - 9935 miles (19870 RT)
Premium econ ticket - 100% award miles
19870/6 = 3311 PQP
Same ticket for the dates I chose - UA/ANA combined flights were $2894
So, I can fly EVA and earn 3311 PQP while spending $1600 or fly UA or ANA and spend $2894 for the same ticket and only earn 2894 PQP?
Oct 11, 2019, 4:11 am
#95
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: ASE
Programs: UA 1MM, AA1MM PLTPRO, Hertz PC, National EXC, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton/Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 3,357
So...just to make sure I am correct...I booked and flew the recent Air NZ mistake fare...as an example, the AKL-LAX segment, with fare class bonus earned me a total of 8130 miles/5=1626 PQP earned? Multiple that by 2 for the roundtrip and I'd earn 3252 PQP, which almost would get me to silver on PQP alone?
Oct 11, 2019, 4:14 am
#96
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,599
This will be just another change to get adjusted for. The people chasing status are flying primarily on OPM, so I reckon companies are going to fund this next round of status chasing too. The people flying on their own dime are probably going to squeak their way into a status by the end of the year with better understanding of the loopholes.
I'm 2 years out from pulling the pin, and I will continue to be a free agent, just as I've been for the last 2 years. Much less stress that way.
Oct 11, 2019, 4:18 am
#97
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,589
I think you are right - I'd bet that the vast majority of GS and 1K are traveling on OPM, and UA wants to see how much more juice they can get from the squeeze.
I'm 2 years out from pulling the pin, and I will continue to be a free agent, just as I've been for the last 2 years. Much less stress that way.
I'm 2 years out from pulling the pin, and I will continue to be a free agent, just as I've been for the last 2 years. Much less stress that way.
I fly OPM, but this will push me further away from UA. I had to fly them this year to get PQD. 2020, I can fly LH/LX/AC and ANA exclusively and make 1K and never have to step foot on a UA plane (Except I will as I don't live in a hub....) Based on rough math, and some creative ticketing (I book my own flights) I can maximize PQP pretty easily, therefore maximizing PlusPoints and get easier upgrade on LH and ANA.
Oct 11, 2019, 4:20 am
#98
Moderator: Mileage Run, United Airlines; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: The City/Honolulu
Programs: UA 3MM; Hyatt Glob*****; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,473
Oct 11, 2019, 4:28 am
#99
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: MSP/ORD
Programs: UA 1MM/GS, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 318
As a domestic-heavy segment runner (earlier this week I made 1K for 2020 when I hit 120 PQS and $17K PQD, despite only 91K PQM), I think I am pretty happy about this change. It has always been a little dreary for me to see from the milestone thread how many people are able to make 1K despite only flying a couple dozen times a year, due to their travel patterns being largely international I presume.
I may choose to drop United for other reasons, but if I stay loyal to it, I don’t see much difficulty in hitting $18K + 54 segments, and if this change thins the 1K ranks all the better.
I may choose to drop United for other reasons, but if I stay loyal to it, I don’t see much difficulty in hitting $18K + 54 segments, and if this change thins the 1K ranks all the better.
Oct 11, 2019, 4:43 am
#100
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Hotel Guru
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, UA Gold
Posts: 1,455
I'm an international member and I earned my Gold status or Platinum status (depending on the year) on long-haul international economy class flights thus by actual butt-in-seat miles. This is a slap across my face. What program should I pursue now? Any programs that would match my status next year, so I can still use the benefits of my earned status while chasing a new status in 2020?
Oct 11, 2019, 5:03 am
#101
Company Representative, United Airlines
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Chicago, Houston, or somewhere in between
Posts: 2,176
A new approach to Premier qualification
United is updating the way MileagePlus members qualify for Premier status in 2020 for the 2021 program year. We recognized that distance was not the best way for us to measure customer loyalty, which is why we are introducing a new qualification structure to better deliver Premier benefits to our most valued customers. In 2020, members will only need to account for two factors to earn status: number of flights taken (Premier Qualifying Flights) and value of tickets purchased (Premier Qualifying Points).
Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF): every flight, a takeoff and landing, will count as a PQF except Basic Economy and tickets booked using miles.
Premier Qualifying Points (PQP): 1 PQP = 1 U.S. dollar spent. You will earn PQPs on the base fare of your ticket (no taxes and fees), Economy Plus and Preferred seat purchases, and now on paid upgrades, MileagePlus upgrade award co-pays and credit for Star Alliance partner flights not ticketed or operated by United.
Qualification requirements for 2020
Here’s how members will qualify for each Premier status level starting January 1, 2020 for status in the 2021 program year:
United Cardmembers who are eligible for a PQD waiver, PQM, or Flexible PQM (FPQM) based on annual card spend will be offered new ways to earn Premier qualifying points (PQP) based on annual card spend. The ability to earn a PQD waiver, PQM, or FPQM on these cards will end on December 31, 2019.
Learn more: https://mileageplusupdates.com/milea...qualification/
Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF): every flight, a takeoff and landing, will count as a PQF except Basic Economy and tickets booked using miles.
Premier Qualifying Points (PQP): 1 PQP = 1 U.S. dollar spent. You will earn PQPs on the base fare of your ticket (no taxes and fees), Economy Plus and Preferred seat purchases, and now on paid upgrades, MileagePlus upgrade award co-pays and credit for Star Alliance partner flights not ticketed or operated by United.
Qualification requirements for 2020
Here’s how members will qualify for each Premier status level starting January 1, 2020 for status in the 2021 program year:
United Cardmembers who are eligible for a PQD waiver, PQM, or Flexible PQM (FPQM) based on annual card spend will be offered new ways to earn Premier qualifying points (PQP) based on annual card spend. The ability to earn a PQD waiver, PQM, or FPQM on these cards will end on December 31, 2019.
Learn more: https://mileageplusupdates.com/milea...qualification/
Oct 11, 2019, 5:11 am
#102
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 9,005
Well, having 1K was fun while it lasted...next year will almost certainly be my last year having it. I really need to think about if it’s worth keeping the Presidential Plus as well - the new spending requirements greatly devalue earning PQPs (formerly FPQMs). There’s no way I hit the $240k spend to earn the max 10k PQPs. I honestly might have trouble hitting Platinum as well.
Very, very disappointed in this change, and will make me seriously consider for the first time if I should status match away once the new year starts and abandon UA entirely. I hate dealing with the split-hub setup others use in NYC, but this is a killer change - especially if the hordes of Explorer card users stay in Group 2 after this.
Very, very disappointed in this change, and will make me seriously consider for the first time if I should status match away once the new year starts and abandon UA entirely. I hate dealing with the split-hub setup others use in NYC, but this is a killer change - especially if the hordes of Explorer card users stay in Group 2 after this.
Oct 11, 2019, 5:12 am
#103
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA 1K/1MM, Marriott/IHG Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 291
“The United MileagePlus® Select Card and United MileagePlus® Platinum Class Visa Card earn 500 PQP for every $12,000 in card spend, up to 3,000 PQP in a calendar year, that can be applied up to 1K.”
Really hard to tell as previously this card doesn’t help in PQD but only PQM. Now it helps only in PQP but not PQF. Also you will need to spend $72,000 to reach the maximum benefit 😓
Oct 11, 2019, 5:14 am
#104
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,589
Well, having 1K was fun while it lasted...next year will almost certainly be my last year having it. I really need to think about if it’s worth keeping the Presidential Plus as well - the new spending requirements greatly devalue earning PQPs (formerly FPQMs). There’s no way I hit the $240k spend to earn the max 10k PQPs. I honestly might have trouble hitting Platinum as well.
Very, very disappointed in this change, and very well makes me wonder if I should status match once the new year starts and abandon UA entirely.
Very, very disappointed in this change, and very well makes me wonder if I should status match once the new year starts and abandon UA entirely.
If you have some travel left this year, might be better to status match now and that way you can enjoy some status while you build on the new program next year
Oct 11, 2019, 5:18 am
#105
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Clinging to the edifices of a decadent past from the biggest city in America nobody really cares about.
Programs: (ಠ_ಠ)
Posts: 9,077
Who holds power in a relationship? The person who holds the power to walk away.
Dump the co-branded products, jump onto the flexible point ones (UR, MR, hotel programs), buy cheap P fares when you want to sit up front, and wait to see what the carriers do when the next recession hits.
Last edited by J.Edward; Oct 11, 2019 at 5:25 am