Summary

  • Earn lifetime Premier Gold elite status at one million miles with United Airlines.
  • You can advance to higher tiers like Premier Platinum at two million miles.
  • Companion benefit included in the Million Miler program is annual, not lifetime, for a spouse or partner.

United Airlines recognizes and rewards its frequent fliers based on their flight activity. Participation in the airline’s frequent flier program offers increasing benefits with each flight taken. Members who accumulate one million miles or more with United Airlines are eligible to join the exclusive Million Miler program. This guide will take a closer look at what benefits come with flying one million miles on United Airlines.

Elite status for a lifetime

After earning one million miles with United Airlines’ MileagePlus frequent flier program, passengers become eligible for lifetime Premier Gold elite status. The key benefit of reaching this milestone is that the Premier Gold status granted through the Million Miler program never expires, regardless of how often you fly in the future.

A United Airlines Airbus A320 landing

Photo: Ryan Fletcher | Shutterstock

Your status level is determined by the total miles the passenger has flown on eligible United and United Express (regional airline brand of United Airlines) flights. You can view your lifetime miles balance at any time by logging into your MileagePlus account.

According to the airline, flight distance is defined as the miles scheduled for a specific flight, as determined solely by United. Also, flights operated by partner airlines do not earn lifetime flight miles.

But one million miles and Premier Gold status is only some of what you can achieve. United Airlines’ frequent flier program has four tiers, and Premier Gold is the second tier. For example, if you fly two million miles with United Airlines, your lifetime elite status will be upgraded to the higher tier, Premier Platinum. Below, you will find a table explaining what status you can earn by accumulating additional millions of miles.

Lifetime flight miles

Elite status earned

1 million

Premier Gold

2 million

Premier Platinum

3 million

Premier 1K

4 million

Premier Global Services

While there are four standard MileagePlus tiers, there is a fifth, invitation-only level called Premier Global Services. This elite status is reserved for the airline’s highest-spending frequent flyers. To achieve lifetime Premier Global Services status, you need to earn four million miles.

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Earning one million miles is challenging, as it requires taking many flights exclusively with United or United Express. According to a report by The Points Guy, if you earn 100,000 lifetime flight miles per year, it will take you a decade to reach one million lifetime flight miles.

Companion benefit

In addition to providing lifetime status, the United Airlines Million Miler program includes a companion benefit. This allows you to share your Premier status with your spouse or someone who lives with you.

However, it is worth noting that the companion benefit is available on an annual, not lifetime, basis. Companion benefits expire if the Million Miler passes away or if the companion no longer meets the eligibility requirements, such as due to death, divorce, or separation.

United Airlines Boeing 767-322/ER N664UA taking off.

Photo: Lukas Wunderlich | Shutterstock

According to the airline’s rules, new companion selections must be completed by December 30 of the current year. Your companion’s status will automatically renew each year unless you decide to change it. To update your companion, submit the new information to your account by November 30.

For example, this year, you can change your companion between mid-September and November 30, 2024. The new companion’s benefits will begin on January 1, 2025.

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More about MileagePlus elite status tiers

MileagePlus offers four status levels: Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K. It is important to note that you can achieve elite status through various means, not just by flying exclusively with United. Premier elite status is awarded based on the number of Premium Qualifying Points (PQP) earned annually.

Austin Texas- April 22, 2023 Austin-Bergstrom International Airport United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 Taking off Runway 18L

Photo: lorenzatx | Shutterstock

While these levels are primarily earned through frequent flying, spending on credit cards can also significantly boost your status. Below, a table showcases the benefits of the airline’s elite status tiers and how to earn them.

Premier status

How to earn (not a lifetime)

Premier status benefits

Premier Silver

5,000 PQPs or 4,000 PQPs with 12 PQFs

  • 40% mileage bonus on flights.
  • Priority check-in, security, and boarding (at some airports).
  • Free same-day flight change.
  • One free checked bag.
  • Free Economy Plus seating at check-in.

Premier Gold

10,000 PQPs or 8,000 PQPs with 24 PQFs

  • 60% mileage bonus on flights.
  • Two free checked bags.
  • Economy Plus seating is offered at the time of booking.
  • Complementary domestic first upgrades from other fares at 48 hours before travel.

Premier Platinum

15,000 PQPs or 12,000 PQPs with 36 PQFs

  • 80% mileage bonus on flights.
  • Three free checked bags.
  • Complementary domestic first upgrades from other fares 72 hours before travel.
  • Further discounts on fees for canceling award tickets ($75).
  • 40 PlusPoints.

Premier 1K

24,000 PQPs or 18,000 PQPs with 54 PQFs

  • 120% mileage bonus on flights.
  • Complimentary domestic upgrades at booking include M booking class.
  • Complimentary Clear membership (lower tiers offer a discount).
  • Complementary domestic first upgrades from other fares at 96 hours before travel.

What are your thoughts on United Airlines’ Million Miler program? Do you frequently fly with United Airlines? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section below.

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