And for those tickets purchased on corporate accounts? Or by certain TAs?

And this would encourage some to become a "puesdo-TA" for others.

I hope they stop the PQP starter nonsense.

Raise the qualifications bar for the top tiers (and improve the boarding process for 1K and GS while they’re at it).

Agreed, and exclude all CC earning nonsense as well. Earn from flying only - wishful thinking.

Nothing really to add to a great discussion except maybe marry a lifetime GS? Not as good as it use to be as a GS spouse ( bmwe92fan has written a book about that ;) ) but ...

Yeah they should raise 1K to 100 K spend. At least the name 1K will make more sense...and they wont have to bother with how to improve preboarding process.

Just a reminder, GS has it own 2026 Qualifications thread, this thread for the non-invitation levels
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...s-guesses.html

I expect that there will be little-to-no change either in starter bonuses or in thresholds this year.

My hope, however, is that they will raise the starter bonuses, as my travel (and work) has been deeply impacted by the new administration's policies around funding research. I'm projecting to barely qualify for Gold this year after over a decade at 1K.

Wouldn't 100K spend get you GS?

Maybe in BFE not at hubs, haha :)

no, PQP does not equate to GS status. PQP earned on non-UA flights does not count for GS

Hopefully they will change that too - maybe 300K...

What I meant is when i book and pay a flight for me together with my nice just the part I've flown counts for pqp on my account. Or I'm wrong.?

yes, only the flown passenger can earn.

your proposal would wipe out almost every corporate flyer, since most tickets are purchased on their behalf by employers. As for personal flight purchases, WineCountryUA's point was some people might start a scheme where they would buy tickets for a bunch of people, get reimbursed, and earn status without spending anything. Airlines want butt in seats and/or spend a lot of money on their credit cards.

Thank you for the clarification

United announced the '26 qualifications on October 29, 2024, so the announcement is later than last year's.
The dates have been fairly inconsistent over the years IIRC (good luck with that).
I expect no change in the qualification requirements for 27 over 26, but I expect the Promo starter will be adjusted to get to UA's desired Premier levels.
The 1MM companion changes will kick in for 27. I don't know if that will affect their calculations.