Last edit by: WineCountryUA
05April 2020
FAQ
With extended status. will we automatically get additional PlusPoints in 2021 (40 for Plats and 280 for 1KsGS?
No, your existing PlusPoints will be extended 6 months but to get additional 2021 PlusPoints you will need to meet the reduced thresholds for 2020
[5 April 2020] Status extended 1 year - United Hub
- Status extended 1 year (expires 1/31/22)
- Plus Points extended 6 months
- Lower qualifying thresholds to gain 2021 status in 2020 (about 50%)
[5 April 2020] United will extend Premier status for 12 months (SF Gate):
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[7 March 2020] A message to our Premier members (email):
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MileagePlus Status Extended Until 2022
Throughout these unprecedented times, we remain committed to doing what is right and fair for all of our MileagePlus members and are pleased to share the steps we are taking to reciprocate the trust and loyalty that you have placed in United. These steps include not only Premier status updates, but also an extension of current memberships and subscriptions. The updates will happen automatically over the next few weeks — there's nothing you need to do.
The big news: If you have current 2020 Premier status, it will be extended to January 31, 2022. At a minimum, you will enjoy the same published status next year that you have today, up to Premier 1K®.
We're reducing the 2020 Premier qualifying points (PQP) and flight requirements for all tiers by 50%. You'll still need a minimum of four flight segments on United or United Express®.
We're also doubling PQP for United Explorer cards and quadrupling PQP for the United Club cards.
At the same time that we're decreasing the published program's PQP requirements, via a promotion from May 1 – December 31, 2020, we're doubling (for United Explorer cards) or quadrupling (for United Club cards) the maximum number of PQP that Cardmembers can earn during 2020 to help achieve a higher level of status than you already have.
1K® and Platinum members, we're increasing your ability to upgrade by extending PlusPoints expiration dates by six months and expanding Skip Waitlist.
Over the years, you have placed your trust and loyalty in United, and we are honored to do the same for you. We are all in this together.
Status extension to January 31, 2022, applies to all members that met the published criteria of the MileagePlus program in 2019, status associated with the United/Marriott RewardsPlus program and status offered as part of a Sales nomination. Status granted from other programs and policies may not apply.
Throughout these unprecedented times, we remain committed to doing what is right and fair for all of our MileagePlus members and are pleased to share the steps we are taking to reciprocate the trust and loyalty that you have placed in United. These steps include not only Premier status updates, but also an extension of current memberships and subscriptions. The updates will happen automatically over the next few weeks — there's nothing you need to do.
The big news: If you have current 2020 Premier status, it will be extended to January 31, 2022. At a minimum, you will enjoy the same published status next year that you have today, up to Premier 1K®.
We're reducing the 2020 Premier qualifying points (PQP) and flight requirements for all tiers by 50%. You'll still need a minimum of four flight segments on United or United Express®.
We're also doubling PQP for United Explorer cards and quadrupling PQP for the United Club cards.
At the same time that we're decreasing the published program's PQP requirements, via a promotion from May 1 – December 31, 2020, we're doubling (for United Explorer cards) or quadrupling (for United Club cards) the maximum number of PQP that Cardmembers can earn during 2020 to help achieve a higher level of status than you already have.
1K® and Platinum members, we're increasing your ability to upgrade by extending PlusPoints expiration dates by six months and expanding Skip Waitlist.
- This means a six-month extension of any PlusPoints set to expire on or before January 31, 2021.
- Last year we introduced Skip Waitlist on select flights as a benefit to 1K members, giving you more opportunities to confirm an upgrade request at the time of booking. This benefit will now be available for the rest of 2020 in a significantly expanded selection of long-haul international regions and will have expanded availability in 2021 as well.
- We want to make sure your benefits are still there when you're ready to start flying again. That's why we're extending purchased United Club℠ memberships and purchased subscriptions for Economy Plus®, United Wi-Fi℠ and checked bags by six months. You should see this reflected in your MileagePlus account soon.
- If your travel plans have been disrupted, and you have an electronic travel certificate from us for the value of your ticket, you now have two years from the date it was issued to book a new flight, as well as up to an additional 11 months to travel. This includes all currently valid and all new electronic travel certificates issued on or after April 1, 2020.
- We are currently waiving all award redeposit fees for travel through end of May 2020.
- We are now also waiving all redeposit fees for award ticket cancellations made more than 30 days before departure for the remainder of 2020.
Over the years, you have placed your trust and loyalty in United, and we are honored to do the same for you. We are all in this together.
Status extension to January 31, 2022, applies to all members that met the published criteria of the MileagePlus program in 2019, status associated with the United/Marriott RewardsPlus program and status offered as part of a Sales nomination. Status granted from other programs and policies may not apply.
With extended status. will we automatically get additional PlusPoints in 2021 (40 for Plats and 280 for 1KsGS?
No, your existing PlusPoints will be extended 6 months but to get additional 2021 PlusPoints you will need to meet the reduced thresholds for 2020
[5 April 2020] Status extended 1 year - United Hub
- Status extended 1 year (expires 1/31/22)
- Plus Points extended 6 months
- Lower qualifying thresholds to gain 2021 status in 2020 (about 50%)
[5 April 2020] United will extend Premier status for 12 months (SF Gate):
United will announce on Sunday that it is extending elite status to MileagePlus Premier members through 2021 and members will retain their current status through January 2022. This follows a similar move by Delta Air Lines on April 4 to extend SkyMiles Medallion elite status to 2021.
A United spokesperson has confirmed this to SFGATE, adding: "We are also going to help both general members and members who want to reach the next status level by lowering thresholds for Premier Qualifying Points (PQP’s) for the 2021 status year."
In addition to the elite status extension, United will extend all its annual subscription options by six months, including United Club memberships, wi-fi, checked bags and EconomyPlus, according to the spokesperson.
A United spokesperson has confirmed this to SFGATE, adding: "We are also going to help both general members and members who want to reach the next status level by lowering thresholds for Premier Qualifying Points (PQP’s) for the 2021 status year."
In addition to the elite status extension, United will extend all its annual subscription options by six months, including United Club memberships, wi-fi, checked bags and EconomyPlus, according to the spokesperson.
[7 March 2020] A message to our Premier members (email):
At this time, we are not planning any changes for our 2021 Premier program but we will continue to evaluate our options as we learn more about how the current climate is affecting members' activity. In the interim though, we do plan to give members who are participating in a MileagePlus 2020 Premier Status Match Challenge promotion an additional 30 days to complete their challenge. This extension will automatically be reflected in member accounts within the next week.
There's a good (but not exhaustive) crowdsourced list of company travel restrictions here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...bWhYFM/preview .....
Hey there!
As true loyalty is best tested in challenging times, I did a bit of research on how different airlines and hotel programmes have responded:
Feel free to comment that Google Sheets file and if you have some better insights, let me know (I used only what was available on English-speaking websites and some blog posts I could find, showing emails from the programmes). ....
As true loyalty is best tested in challenging times, I did a bit of research on how different airlines and hotel programmes have responded:
- 74 airline loyalty responses (status, miles expiration extensions) and booking flexibility terms (changes and refunds)
- 18 hotel loyalty responses (status, points expiration extensions) and booking flexibility terms (changes and refunds)
Feel free to comment that Google Sheets file and if you have some better insights, let me know (I used only what was available on English-speaking websites and some blog posts I could find, showing emails from the programmes). ....
UA • CONFIRMS • Status Extension to JAN 2022; PQP Thresholds Reduced by ½ for 2020
#901
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Gold (.85 MM), HH Diamond, SPG Platinum (LT Gold), Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 5,660
so they need to address the new +P question now. Too bad they neglected to address this at all.
It is still listed as: After meeting the requirements for Premier 1K, members earn 20 PlusPoints for every 3,000 PQP beyond 18,000 PQP.
Now, the requirements are no longer 18k PQP but rather 9k PQP. I am currently at 13k PQP so should I get 280 +Ps now? Then another 20 +Ps? because it is 3k beyond the current limit? Or will we get 280 +Ps at 9k and then more once we get beyond 18k?
If this is answered somewhere ... please post!
It is still listed as: After meeting the requirements for Premier 1K, members earn 20 PlusPoints for every 3,000 PQP beyond 18,000 PQP.
Now, the requirements are no longer 18k PQP but rather 9k PQP. I am currently at 13k PQP so should I get 280 +Ps now? Then another 20 +Ps? because it is 3k beyond the current limit? Or will we get 280 +Ps at 9k and then more once we get beyond 18k?
If this is answered somewhere ... please post!
#902
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,026
On my routes, my competition is (usually) less business travelers than leisure travelers. Reduced capacity will probably reproduce the same or tougher competition for upgrades. I promise you UA's schedule will not nearly resemble summer 2019's in summer 2020 or summer 2021. Another contributing factor is some companies will be putting HVFs in coach. They'll want to be in F. There's a lot of moving parts. I hope you're right, but I think reduced capacity is going to be the equalizer relative to reduced travel.
#903
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,074
Also, one of the few incentives to keep flying in 2H20, so quite important IMO for UA to address to keep some of their high spenders.
#904
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,271
On my routes, my competition is (usually) less business travelers than leisure travelers. Reduced capacity will probably reproduce the same or tougher competition for upgrades. I promise you UA's schedule will not nearly resemble summer 2019's in summer 2020 or summer 2021. Another contributing factor is some companies will be putting HVFs in coach. They'll want to be in F. There's a lot of moving parts. I hope you're right, but I think reduced capacity is going to be the equalizer relative to reduced travel.
#905
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 170
Sorry if I missed this explained above. I'm confused about status extension for 2021... I'm a current 1k, does my status just extend with no additional plus points for 2021 or do we get a new batch of them that expire in Jan 2022?
#906
Join Date: Jul 2016
Programs: United, Southwest
Posts: 572
Newbie Question
Does this mean I simply have to spend $2500 on a flight with United before the end of the year and I’ll be Silver? Haven’t flown United since they changed the “rules” last year. Flew Delta and Virgin Atlantic in January (Delta One/Upper Class) and really didn’t like the “pods”. Surprisingly! Thanks. Sorry I’m not up on the lingo.
#907
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,309
Does this mean I simply have to spend $2500 on a flight with United before the end of the year and I’ll be Silver? Haven’t flown United since they changed the “rules” last year. Flew Delta and Virgin Atlantic in January (Delta One/Upper Class) and really didn’t like the “pods”. Surprisingly! Thanks. Sorry I’m not up on the lingo.
#908
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,415
There's been no announcement to this point; until / unless United says otherwise, you should assume that no P+ will be granted unless the new, lower qualification requirements are met.
#909
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: DL SM, UA MP.
Posts: 12,729
Why are people saying there will be more 1Ks in 2021?
Are you able to add to your qualifying totals from 2019 with flying this year?
Or will any flying in 2020 roll in for 2022 status?
Are you able to add to your qualifying totals from 2019 with flying this year?
Or will any flying in 2020 roll in for 2022 status?
#910
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,026
I also assumed during the early tenure of Oscar that UA had a chance to catch up to Delta in terms of the flying experience
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Apr 6, 2020 at 11:58 am
#911
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,309
2019 qualifiers will have 1K until end of 2021 - granted, they will not have upgrades to use past June
2020 qualifiers (at reduced levels) will have 1K until end of 2021 (assuming there is any flying happening in 2020)
2021 as the year goes on, new qualifiers (at supposedly reduced levels) (and status matches) wil join the ranks
Of course, this may not happen, if the economy tanks, and with it OPM flying.
#912
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,116
I emailed united about GS
"Currently The Global Services membership is still by invitation only. Internal parameters may be adjusted in response to the challenges faced by everyone within the program. Please be patient as this ever-changing process reveals itself. If something changes we will expedite our information to you. Thank you for the loyalty you've shown Global Services. We look forward to an opportunity to welcome you onboard again soon."
"Currently The Global Services membership is still by invitation only. Internal parameters may be adjusted in response to the challenges faced by everyone within the program. Please be patient as this ever-changing process reveals itself. If something changes we will expedite our information to you. Thank you for the loyalty you've shown Global Services. We look forward to an opportunity to welcome you onboard again soon."
#913
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,162
I emailed united about GS
"Currently The Global Services membership is still by invitation only. Internal parameters may be adjusted in response to the challenges faced by everyone within the program. Please be patient as this ever-changing process reveals itself. If something changes we will expedite our information to you. Thank you for the loyalty you've shown Global Services. We look forward to an opportunity to welcome you onboard again soon."
"Currently The Global Services membership is still by invitation only. Internal parameters may be adjusted in response to the challenges faced by everyone within the program. Please be patient as this ever-changing process reveals itself. If something changes we will expedite our information to you. Thank you for the loyalty you've shown Global Services. We look forward to an opportunity to welcome you onboard again soon."
#914
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 1K | Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 459
Aside from nominated GS status (corporate accounts, travel deciders, VIPs, 4MMs, companions - those who don’t earn it via $50K+ in-year spend), it will be interesting to see whether UA leaves the qualification requirements relatively intact for those who earn their GS status with their spend. UA will be desperate for this subsegment’s patronage like never before so why send them a signal to take their business elsewhere? Many of these fliers spend closer to $100K than $50K in a normal year. They choose flights based on schedule and are not price sensitive nor driven by luxury, which fits UA’s proposition to a T.
I've seen this sentiment a lot and it really baffles me. I've been GS for a year now and it has absolutely increased my strict loyalty to United not because I am trying to requalify but because I have the top treatment in all cases (efficiency of using miles, treatment in IRROPS, chances of upgrade, number of award miles earned, etc.). Why would I start flying American or Delta where I get no preferential treatment, earn very few miles per dollar, etc. just to get status on two airlines?? I've had this before and found it useless.
The only counter-argument I can see is someone who already has GS and would have normally stayed United to requal but instead will try other carriers where they prefer the product over United (because otherwise why not at least get preferential GS treatment except for a better hard product). But if that's the case, why didn't they just do that all the time before?
#915
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,026
... I've been GS for a year now and it has absolutely increased my strict loyalty to United not because I am trying to requalify but because I have the top treatment in all cases (efficiency of using miles, treatment in IRROPS, chances of upgrade, number of award miles earned, etc.). Why would I start flying American or Delta where I get no preferential treatment, earn very few miles per dollar, etc. just to get status on two airlines?? I've had this before and found it useless....
The differences is benefits received might be better at lower levels. I'm pretty sure (based in Hawaii, and knowing some AAers here) that my upgrade chances out the Islands would be higher on AA than UA, where I'm fighting UA's large West Coast Premier population for CPU and instrument benefits. UA's network/frequencies out of Hawaii is the best of the 3 legacies w/ DL a distant 3rd, which is why I stick w/ UA. If UA is going to give me a pass on qualifying for 1K for 2021 and lowered hurdles, I might give AA a whirl to see how it compares. UA is giving a certain segment of its Premiers the opportunity to try other airlines w/o losing their UA status.
If one status or challenge matches to AA or DL, one gets the preferential treatment.