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}
Oct 3, 2016, 9:40 am
#1126
Join Date: May 2016
Location: SLC
Programs: United Gold, Hilton Silver, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 768
I scored CPU both directions this past weekend DEN-SLC. My wife (no status, but traveling with me) got the upgrade on the way out, but not on the way back. But she had window exit row, and chose not to trade with me. Overall - nice to get the unexpected upgrades!
Oct 5, 2016, 4:09 pm
#1127
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
RDU-ORD-RDU this week.
- Tuesday RDU-ORD: #25/26 on the upgrade list, a new low! Got 21A on the 737-800 though after I declined the insulting $179 upgrade offer.
- Wednesday ORD-RDU: Originally upgraded at the Silver window, then the plane was downguaged from an E75 to an E70 so myself and two others were kicked back to Y. Ended up in 7D which was fine.
Guess I'm now either 2/7 or 1/7 on upgrades this year depending how you look at it.
- Tuesday RDU-ORD: #25/26 on the upgrade list, a new low! Got 21A on the 737-800 though after I declined the insulting $179 upgrade offer.
- Wednesday ORD-RDU: Originally upgraded at the Silver window, then the plane was downguaged from an E75 to an E70 so myself and two others were kicked back to Y. Ended up in 7D which was fine.
Guess I'm now either 2/7 or 1/7 on upgrades this year depending how you look at it.
Oct 5, 2016, 4:56 pm
#1128
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,521
Oct 5, 2016, 7:37 pm
#1129
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 636
Yes.
Oct 5, 2016, 8:36 pm
#1130
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,471
Seems to have.
Appropriately so.
I went to the gate this morning and asked about compensation. The gate agent told me "you got upgraded for free, you are entitled to nothing". I pressed her on this point and she claimed everyone in First was on a paid F fare. I showed her where the UA app said four people were upgraded. She still refused to help. I then spoke to a service director who eventually did issue the voucher but told me the policy was silly and made no sense. Poor showing by United this morning.
Nov 5, 2016, 1:55 pm
#1131
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
BNA-IAD-CLT this Tuesday. Got 7D (bulkhead on the CR7/E75) at T-24 for both flights. On IAD-CLT I was #2 for 2 seats on the upgrade list and the two seats were sold out from me and the #1 person on the list. That was sad 
Nov 5, 2016, 2:07 pm
#1132
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,088
Or... maybe someone, indeed, popped the hundred bucks for the upgrade when they check in at the airport. It happens. (Don't ask me how I know}
But I understand the frustration. I've sat #1 on the upgrade list before and a guy on the standby list got cleared right before departure and got the last FC seat. Bummer!
Nov 6, 2016, 4:34 pm
#1133
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 assume you mean that someone paid for, or used miles to upgrade shortly before departure. How can you know that for sure? Maybe someone with high status booked the flight at the last minute. Or someone with high status was on the standby list, made the flight and then got the upgrade. A high status reroute?
Or... maybe someone, indeed, popped the hundred bucks for the upgrade when they check in at the airport. It happens. (Don't ask me how I know}
But I understand the frustration. I've sat #1 on the upgrade list before and a guy on the standby list got cleared right before departure and got the last FC seat. Bummer!
Or... maybe someone, indeed, popped the hundred bucks for the upgrade when they check in at the airport. It happens. (Don't ask me how I know}
But I understand the frustration. I've sat #1 on the upgrade list before and a guy on the standby list got cleared right before departure and got the last FC seat. Bummer!
Nov 6, 2016, 4:46 pm
#1134
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,088
I don't know it for sure, but I was watching the upgrade list closely as well as E+ (which I was the sole person in) so I think the best scneario is that two people took buyups. If they had higher status, they'd be shown on the upgrade list with the seat assignment, they didn't.
I once negotiated an upgrade as part of a VDB. I gave up my seat on an afternoon flight for $500 bucks, hotel and meals, and FC on the red eye the next morning, which I already knew was wide open. Lots of FC seats open and virtually no one in E+. Went out with two empties in FC.
Nov 6, 2016, 5:14 pm
#1135
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: Continental OnePass
Posts: 856
Now up to 5 out of 12 for CPUs since turning Silver.
Nov 6, 2016, 6:48 pm
#1136
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 844
I got a CPU on ORD-LGA a couple Fridays ago. I think I was the only silver to clear. Cleared almost immediately after checking at T-24 (I figured I had good odds given that E+ was wide open in the days before checking, indicating very few golds or higher).
Nov 6, 2016, 9:26 pm
#1137
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,425
I don't know it for sure, but I was watching the upgrade list closely as well as E+ (which I was the sole person in) so I think the best scneario is that two people took buyups. If they had higher status, they'd be shown on the upgrade list with the seat assignment, they didn't.
Nov 8, 2016, 1:26 pm
#1138
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MCO
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 78
Denied again
I was in the 20's on the waitlist on both of my segments today (MCO-IAH, IAH-PHX).
0-6 since the end of September.
Should I book on the first flight of the day?
0-6 since the end of September.
Should I book on the first flight of the day?
Nov 8, 2016, 8:43 pm
#1139
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: UA 1K; *G, AA Plat
Posts: 1,700
Although early morning flights may increase your chances, why not just settle for a good E+ seat. And if you happen to get a CPU, well, surprise and delight. As a Gold, my CPU rate was extremely extremely low, as a 1K it's improved, but with the average waitlist that I've seen always around 50-60 passengers deep, why hold out for one?
Just take the flight that works best for your schedule. And get that E+ seat at T-24.