Jan 13, 2024, 11:09 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is an archive thread, the active thread is United Silver Status - Experiences/Q&A
Qualification Requirements
PQM: 25,000
PQS: 30
PQD: $3,000*
4 flight segments on UA or United Express
*PQD requirement is waived if either of the two conditions are met:
1. With $25k spend on across Chase UA Visa cards where the MileagePlus member is the primary cardholder
2. MileagePlus member is a current, primary cardholder of United MileagePlus Presidential Plus Card
Marriott Titanium members also receive complimentary Premier Silver Status
Published Benefits
Complimentary Access to Economy Plus: At check-in
Economy Plus companions allowed: 1
Complimentary Premier Upgrades: Yes
Complimentary Premier Upgrades for companion: Yes
Complimentary Premier Upgrades confirmation: Day of departure
Instant upgrades on Y- or B-class full-fare economy tickets
500 PQM minimum accrual: Yes
Award miles on United and United Express and select partner airlines: 7 x fare
Priority check-in: Yes
Priority screening: Yes (where available)
Boarding group: 2
Priority baggage handling: Yes
Dedicated phone line: Yes
Access to most sold-out flights: Yes
Complimentary checked baggage allowance for domestic economy tickets: 1 bag at 50lbs (23 kg)
Unrestricted access to Standard Awards on UA and UX: Yes
Better access to Saver Awards: Yes
Booking a MileagePlus award ticket by phone: $25
Close-in ( T-24)?
A: Yes (it may appear to want to charge you but it should not
Q: What are the odds I will get a CPU?
A: Sadly, much lower than you probably want to believe. There seems to be slightly better odds on typical vacation routes--e.g., CUN, MCO, FLL, etc.
Q: I checked in exactly at T-24, and my name was #1 on the upgrade list. A few hours later, I'm suddenly #10 on the list! What gives?
A: This post gives a good explanation why. Basically, those with higher upgrade priority checked-in after you, and they be placed above you on the upgrade list. The harsh reality is that you only have priority only above non-rev travelers.
Q: I'm Marriott Titanium Elite, how do I get my Premier Silver status?
A: Go to https://mrrewardsplus.com/en_US/
Q: If I requalify as a Marriott Titanium Elite, do I have to renew my complimentary Premier Silver status every year?
A: Yes
Q: How can I get a United MileagePlus Presidential Plus Card?
A: Sorry, it is no longer offered.
Q: I qualified for Premier Silver this year (2016). The expiration date on the app says 1/31/2017. Shouldn't it be 1/31/2018?
A: The expiration date will automatically update to 2018 in 2017.
Qualification Requirements
PQM: 25,000
PQS: 30
PQD: $3,000*
4 flight segments on UA or United Express
*PQD requirement is waived if either of the two conditions are met:
1. With $25k spend on across Chase UA Visa cards where the MileagePlus member is the primary cardholder
2. MileagePlus member is a current, primary cardholder of United MileagePlus Presidential Plus Card
Marriott Titanium members also receive complimentary Premier Silver Status
Published Benefits
Complimentary Access to Economy Plus: At check-in
Economy Plus companions allowed: 1
Complimentary Premier Upgrades: Yes
Complimentary Premier Upgrades for companion: Yes
Complimentary Premier Upgrades confirmation: Day of departure
Instant upgrades on Y- or B-class full-fare economy tickets
500 PQM minimum accrual: Yes
Award miles on United and United Express and select partner airlines: 7 x fare
Priority check-in: Yes
Priority screening: Yes (where available)
Boarding group: 2
Priority baggage handling: Yes
Dedicated phone line: Yes
Access to most sold-out flights: Yes
Complimentary checked baggage allowance for domestic economy tickets: 1 bag at 50lbs (23 kg)
Unrestricted access to Standard Awards on UA and UX: Yes
Better access to Saver Awards: Yes
Booking a MileagePlus award ticket by phone: $25
Close-in ( T-24)?
A: Yes (it may appear to want to charge you but it should not
Q: What are the odds I will get a CPU?
A: Sadly, much lower than you probably want to believe. There seems to be slightly better odds on typical vacation routes--e.g., CUN, MCO, FLL, etc.
Q: I checked in exactly at T-24, and my name was #1 on the upgrade list. A few hours later, I'm suddenly #10 on the list! What gives?
A: This post gives a good explanation why. Basically, those with higher upgrade priority checked-in after you, and they be placed above you on the upgrade list. The harsh reality is that you only have priority only above non-rev travelers.
Q: I'm Marriott Titanium Elite, how do I get my Premier Silver status?
A: Go to https://mrrewardsplus.com/en_US/
Q: If I requalify as a Marriott Titanium Elite, do I have to renew my complimentary Premier Silver status every year?
A: Yes
Q: How can I get a United MileagePlus Presidential Plus Card?
A: Sorry, it is no longer offered.
Q: I qualified for Premier Silver this year (2016). The expiration date on the app says 1/31/2017. Shouldn't it be 1/31/2018?
A: The expiration date will automatically update to 2018 in 2017.
United Silver Status - Experiences/Q&A {Archive}
Jan 10, 2016, 9:03 pm
#976
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,577
Not paying close attention to any sort of status, I unexpectedly ended up as Silver for 2016. I know, it doesn't mean much, but I'm sort of tickled I stumbled into this. Unfortunately, I recently paid to upgrade to E+ for my family and I, on our long segments before I realized I was silver. So... have I wasted $$$ on what could have been a free upgrade to E+? We are flying HNL-IAH-MCO and return. How do the upgrades work for me +1 when there are 3 in the booking?
Jan 10, 2016, 9:07 pm
#977
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,099
Not paying close attention to any sort of status, I unexpectedly ended up as Silver for 2016. I know, it doesn't mean much, but I'm sort of tickled I stumbled into this. Unfortunately, I recently paid to upgrade to E+ for my family and I, on our long segments before I realized I was silver. So... have I wasted $$$ on what could have been a free upgrade to E+? We are flying HNL-IAH-MCO and return. How do the upgrades work for me +1 when there are 3 in the booking?
I believe that applies to upgrades to First Class, too.
Jan 10, 2016, 9:26 pm
#978
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
On any flight over 5 hours I pay for E+, it's not worth chancing it on a flight on which you'll be abjectly miserable if you gamble and lose.
I've also paid for it in flights where I don't like the backup Y- options, including ones as short as RDU-ORD.
I've also paid for it in flights where I don't like the backup Y- options, including ones as short as RDU-ORD.
Jan 10, 2016, 9:33 pm
#979
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,099
This is the first year in over twelve that I did not make Silver. Only about 18k miles this year so well short and not worth buying into it as a great deal of my flights are RJs. I figure the money not spent to buy 7k miles can be spent buying E+ seats on non RJ flights.
Jan 11, 2016, 10:17 am
#980
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
I flew RDU-SFO-ONT last week. RDU-SFO I was in F thanks to a friend's RPU. SFO was having weather and ATC issues so everything on United Express was delayed. I was able to standby on an earlier SFO-ONT flight along with a few others. However, they quickly realized our flight was overweight and four people, all late standbys, were pulled off. I was not one of those pulled off. If I hadn't had any status I think I would have been.
Jan 11, 2016, 1:41 pm
#981
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,577
Gotcha, thanks. So the question remains... since we are a party of 3, how do they handle an upgrade, if available? Do they call me up to the counter and ask which 2 people want the upgrade? Do they just pass over me because we're a party of 3?
Jan 12, 2016, 12:36 am
#982
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 67,051
You will have to split the PNR or forgo upgrades.
Jan 12, 2016, 10:55 am
#983
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 542
I've never been statused with any airline so I'm not sure how much value to place on it (silver). How often can a silver expect to get upgraded to either economy plus or business? I know it is based on availability and silvers are last but is it a 5% chance or a 50% chance? Most important to me is getting upgraded on long haul flights to Europe and Asia. Do those have higher or lower likelihood of having business seats open to silvers?
I asks because I fly about 30k miles a year. Typically, like most people, I'm booking the cheapest tickets regardless of airlines. If I try a little harder to focus on United, I could get statused through them at an additional cost. I'm trying to figure out how worth it that would be.
Thanks
I asks because I fly about 30k miles a year. Typically, like most people, I'm booking the cheapest tickets regardless of airlines. If I try a little harder to focus on United, I could get statused through them at an additional cost. I'm trying to figure out how worth it that would be.
Thanks
Jan 12, 2016, 11:22 am
#984
Join Date: Feb 2014
Programs: Amex Plat, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold, Carlson Gold, CM Presidential / *A Gold, Hertz 5*
Posts: 1,651
E+ should be ~100% of the time for you. Enjoy!
Jan 12, 2016, 11:32 am
#985
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 74
Alternatively, you can upgrade with miles + copay on most International Economy fares, but your Silver status has no bearing on the likelihood that this upgrade will clear. That depends purely on whether R fare space is available.
As other posters have mentioned, the Economy+ benefit should be available the majority of the time (Intl & Domestic), with the exception of some regional flights that don't have a ton of E+ to begin with.
Jan 12, 2016, 11:35 am
#986
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 16
I fly roughly 30k PQM a year, and it's totally worth it for me to get do extra to get to Silver if I happen to be a little short. I upgrade to E+ on every flight, with 2 upgrades to First last year. The 24 upgrade window comes earlier for me than other silvers - since my itineraries start in Laramie at 6am, usually early enough to get my choice of E+ on all remaining segments.
Jan 12, 2016, 12:13 pm
#987
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,577
Thanks for this. I thought I had read something referencing this on FT or maybe even United.com. I'll call res to split the reservations.
Jan 12, 2016, 9:15 pm
#988
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
In 2015 I was 8/8 on E+ as a Silver and I also got 2 upgrades to First.
Jan 13, 2016, 10:55 am
#989
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 542
I am assuming you are talking about Complimentary Premier Upgrades (CPUs) on long haul flights to Europe or Asia. International trips are not eligible for CPUs at all. This is purely a domestic benefit (with potentially some exceptions on Copa?).
Alternatively, you can upgrade with miles + copay on most International Economy fares, but your Silver status has no bearing on the likelihood that this upgrade will clear. That depends purely on whether R fare space is available.
As other posters have mentioned, the Economy+ benefit should be available the majority of the time (Intl & Domestic), with the exception of some regional flights that don't have a ton of E+ to begin with.
Alternatively, you can upgrade with miles + copay on most International Economy fares, but your Silver status has no bearing on the likelihood that this upgrade will clear. That depends purely on whether R fare space is available.
As other posters have mentioned, the Economy+ benefit should be available the majority of the time (Intl & Domestic), with the exception of some regional flights that don't have a ton of E+ to begin with.
Jan 13, 2016, 11:13 am
#990
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 553
For upgrades on international flights, you have to use GPUs, a mileage + copay upgrade, or pay for an upgrade. The latter may be offered at booking and also at check-in. The price varies quite a bit.
If you have a friend or family member who has GPUs and is willing to give one to you, keep in mind that you have buy a higher fare than what is typically available to be eligible to use it (W class or higher). Even then, you are not guaranteed an upgrade with a GPU unless there is upgrade space available when you apply the GPU.
If you have a friend or family member who has GPUs and is willing to give one to you, keep in mind that you have buy a higher fare than what is typically available to be eligible to use it (W class or higher). Even then, you are not guaranteed an upgrade with a GPU unless there is upgrade space available when you apply the GPU.