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
#931
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 171
Kudos to UA for this move. Ironically with the lower threshold I’m already over the 1K spend requirement. Would be nice to have a shot at GS again but not holding my breath on that.
#932
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,087
Although we are lowering our Premier status thresholds by 50% for 2020, we aren’t also lowering our thresholds for incremental PlusPoints because our six month extension of PlusPoints validity coupled with this would negatively impact all Premiers’ ability to receive an upgrade using PlusPoints.
The problem you have right now is that you give everyone +Ps once they hit 9k PQP, then you show everyone the middle finger till they hit 21k PQP. So in a year where UA should do everything to drive additional spent beyond status renewal you'd like to have such a significant earning gap? Seriously? You are concerned about a potential negative impact more than providing an incentive between $9k and $21k?
UA can do what they want here, but I have no incentive to keep flying UA then. Already got all my +Ps and I am much better off getting benefits over with Delta.
#933
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: UA 1K 1MM (finally!), IHG AMB-Spire, HH Diamond
Posts: 60,174
well, I think this is an idea that UA should think about for a bit more. Nobody is asking to lower the earning threshold for extra +Ps per PQP spent. Additional 40 +Ps for every 6k PQP.
The problem you have right now is that you give everyone +Ps once they hit 9k PQP, then you show everyone the middle finger till they hit 21k PQP. So in a year where UA should do everything to drive additional spent beyond status renewal you'd like to have such a significant earning gap? Seriously? You are concerned about a potential negative impact more than providing an incentive between $9k and $21k?
UA can do what they want here, but I have no incentive to keep flying UA then. Already got all my +Ps and I am much better off getting benefits over with Delta.
The problem you have right now is that you give everyone +Ps once they hit 9k PQP, then you show everyone the middle finger till they hit 21k PQP. So in a year where UA should do everything to drive additional spent beyond status renewal you'd like to have such a significant earning gap? Seriously? You are concerned about a potential negative impact more than providing an incentive between $9k and $21k?
UA can do what they want here, but I have no incentive to keep flying UA then. Already got all my +Ps and I am much better off getting benefits over with Delta.
With respect, your tone is harsh (middle finger? Really?). There may be a debatable detail here or there but UA has struck a reasonable balance in an extraordinary circumstance.
Remember a lot of us still have our existing stash of PPs to use as well, since planned travel went poof as early as mid February. So I get where they are coming from. Even if it is debatable.
#934
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,087
And you will use your PPs on DL how?
With respect, your tone is harsh (middle finger? Really?). There may be a debatable detail here or there but UA has struck a reasonable balance in an extraordinary circumstance.
Remember a lot of us still have our existing stash of PPs to use as well, since planned travel went poof as early as mid February. So I get where they are coming from. Even if it is debatable.
With respect, your tone is harsh (middle finger? Really?). There may be a debatable detail here or there but UA has struck a reasonable balance in an extraordinary circumstance.
Remember a lot of us still have our existing stash of PPs to use as well, since planned travel went poof as early as mid February. So I get where they are coming from. Even if it is debatable.
#935
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: UA 1K 1MM (finally!), IHG AMB-Spire, HH Diamond
Posts: 60,174
Those +Ps will find plenty of use, no worries! In a year like 2020 seeing an airline tell a customer they couldn't care less whether they spend $9k or $20k seems really really strange. If it is not +Ps then UA needs to think about how they want to incentivise spent above the threshold limits. They have always done that and just this year of all years they decide to not do this anymore.
$9k spend ($18k - $9k) would provide 2 GPU equivalents. If they hadn’t put in that no-earn zone
#936
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Central New Jersey
Programs: UA-Platimum 2 MM, HH-Gold, MR-Lifetime Gold, Hyatt-Discoverist
Posts: 6,238
Due to achieving 2 Million Miler status in 2019, I was given Lifetime Platinum status along with 40 POints Plus earlier this year. Will I then get another 40 PP next (and subsequent) years due to my Lifetime status? If I don't use my 40 PP this year, I assume I'll have a total of 80 PP to use in the first 6 months of 2021 ??
#937
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 96
Sweet! If things return to “normal” by September, can’t wait to aim for Platinum or 1K.
#938
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,026
Due to achieving 2 Million Miler status in 2019, I was given Lifetime Platinum status along with 40 POints Plus earlier this year. Will I then get another 40 PP next (and subsequent) years due to my Lifetime status? If I don't use my 40 PP this year, I assume I'll have a total of 80 PP to use in the first 6 months of 2021 ??
#941
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: YYC
Programs: UA 1K, Accor Platinum, Marriott Gold, Delta Silver, Hilton Gold
Posts: 362
well, I think this is an idea that UA should think about for a bit more. Nobody is asking to lower the earning threshold for extra +Ps per PQP spent. Additional 40 +Ps for every 6k PQP.
The problem you have right now is that you give everyone +Ps once they hit 9k PQP, then you show everyone the middle finger till they hit 21k PQP. So in a year where UA should do everything to drive additional spent beyond status renewal you'd like to have such a significant earning gap? Seriously? You are concerned about a potential negative impact more than providing an incentive between $9k and $21k?
UA can do what they want here, but I have no incentive to keep flying UA then. Already got all my +Ps and I am much better off getting benefits over with Delta.
The problem you have right now is that you give everyone +Ps once they hit 9k PQP, then you show everyone the middle finger till they hit 21k PQP. So in a year where UA should do everything to drive additional spent beyond status renewal you'd like to have such a significant earning gap? Seriously? You are concerned about a potential negative impact more than providing an incentive between $9k and $21k?
UA can do what they want here, but I have no incentive to keep flying UA then. Already got all my +Ps and I am much better off getting benefits over with Delta.
Border restrictions, service cuts and lounge closures that won't go away overnight, and no PQP rollover or even extra PP before 21K PQP.
I've already re-qualified to 1K and am going to reschedule some trips to 2021. Probably paying K fares instead of W I had paid originally.
#942
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 9,005
I wonder what the scope of the 'Skip the Waitlist' feature is going to be - will it include domestic flights, all international flights? Would be a great way to incentivize burning all of the PlusPoints one is stuck with.
#943
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,469
I don't think there's any need for skip the waitlist currently.
#944
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,417
Because you won't get incremental upgrades flying UA, you will fly DL, who... doesn't give incremental upgrades after reaching Diamond?
Last edited by jsloan; Apr 6, 2020 at 9:43 pm
#945
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 19
A bit of a heads up on how GS qualification might be pro-rated could easily lock down my spend, and give me something to shoot for - especially given the higher number of 1k's that I'd expect next year.