United Airlines Premier 1k: The Ultimate Guide to United’s Top-Tier Status

United Premier 1K is at the top of the MileagePlus elite ladder, above Silver, Gold, and Platinum. It’s there to reward United’s most loyal (and highest-spending) customers with things like upgrades, bonus miles, priority services, and partner. But United Airlines Premier 1K is more than just a title – it’s a deal. You give United a lot of, either by flying a lot or spending a lot, and they give you special treatment in return.

But what does being Premier 1K really get you? Who should try to get it, how do you earn it, and how do you get the most out of it? This guide will give you the lowdown, based on what United says and what real travelers have experienced.

What You Need to Know

Let’s start with some key terms:

Premier Qualifying Points (PQP): You get these mostly from spending money on United flights (1 PQP for every $1 you spend on the base fare, not including taxes and fees). You can also earn them on partner flights and with some credit cards. PQPs show United how much money you’re giving them.

Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF): These are the number of flights you take (one takeoff and landing counts as one flight) that count toward getting elite status. You get 1 PQF for each flight you take on United or its partners.

PlusPoints: This is how United gives upgrades to Platinum and 1K members. You can use them to request upgrades to better seats and, starting in 2025, for other stuff, too.

Star Alliance Gold: If you get United Premier Gold or higher, you also get Star Alliance Gold status. This lets you into international lounges and gives you priority services when you fly with Star Alliance partners.

If you’re not sure about any of this, don’t worry – we’ll explain it more as we go. These are the basics of how United’s elite status program works.

What It Takes to Get United Airlines Premier 1k

How to Qualify

To get Premier 1K, you have to meet certain goals each year. The requirements depend on the year:

Qualification Year	Option 1: PQF + PQP	Option 2: PQP Only
2024	54 PQF + 18,000 PQP	24,000 PQP
2025 onward	60 PQF + 22,000 PQP	28,000 PQP

• PQF (Premier Qualifying Flights): The total number of flights you take.
• PQP (Premier Qualifying Points): The total points you earn from spending money.

You also have to take at least 4 flights on United or United Express each year, no matter how you earn the rest of your points.

Example

If you take 60 flights and spend $22,000 on base fares (not including taxes and fees), you’ll get 1K in 2026. Or, if you spend $28,000 (no matter how many flights you take), you’ll also qualify.

Understanding PQP and PQF United: Earn More, Fly Better

Earning and Activating Premier 1K: The Fine Print

What You Need to Do

• Join MileagePlus: You have to have a United MileagePlus account.
• Book the Right Flights: Only flights with a United ticket number (016) or flights with qualifying partners count. Make sure to add your MileagePlus number when you book.
• Choose the Right Fare: All paid fares earn PQP, but Basic Economy does NOT earn PQF. This can stop you from reaching the flight minimum, even if you spend enough money.
• Track Your Progress: Check your PQP and PQF totals each month in your United account. Partner flights might take a while to show up – keep your receipts.
• Use Credit Cards: Starting in 2024, all PQPs from United credit cards count toward 1K (there’s no limit). This means you could qualify just by using your credit card.

Common Mistakes

• Booking Basic Economy to Get Flights: You’ll earn PQP, but no PQF – so you might not meet the 4-UA-flight requirement.
• Using Online Travel Agencies or Codeshare Partners: If your ticket doesn’t start with 016 or isn’t credited to United, you might not get PQP/PQF credit.
• Forgetting to Add Your MileagePlus Number: If you don’t add it, your flights won’t show up automatically.

When Status Starts and Ends

Let’s say you qualify in August 2026. Your Premier 1K status starts right away, lasts through December 2027, and ends on January 31, 2028. If you don’t qualify again, you go down to a lower level.

Status Extension

If you do not meet the Premier 1K requirements by December 31, United will not automatically renew it — your status will typically be downgraded on or around February 1 to the level you qualified for (or to regular member status if you did not qualify for any level). United does not publish a soft landing policy; occasional one-time extensions or “soft landings” may occur in rare cases if you request it and have compelling circumstances, but they ae not guaranteed.

What to do:

• Keep an eye out for offers in your email; United sends a letter with targeted offers to purchase/retain, which United sends out around January-February.
• Use Premier Accelerator (if available in the “My Trips” section) to purchase PQP before your trip — it’s expensive, but sometimes it’s the only way.If you are close to this, it is worth sending a polite email or calling MileagePlus to request a one-time free extension; some passengers report success, but consider this unlikely.

All the Ways to Get United Premier 1K

The main way is by flying and spending money, but here are a few ways to reach 1K:

1) Standard Qualification (the primary path)

To earn Premier 1K for the 2026 program year, you need 60 PQF + 22,000 PQP in the same calendar year, or you can qualify on PQP-only with 28,000 PQP. For any Premier tier, you must also fly at least 4 segments on United or United Express. 

On United-issued paid tickets, PQP are based on base fare plus carrier-imposed surcharges (taxes/fees don’t count). PQF are simply the number of flight segments you fly. 

Award flights count now. Eligible United/United Express award tickets earn 1 PQP per 100 miles redeemed and 1 PQF per flown segment—handy when you’re redeeming miles but still chasing status. 

2) Credit-Card PQP from Spend

You can supplement flying with PQP from United-branded Chase cards. The earn rate and annual cap depend on the card:

• United Club Infinite: 1 PQP per $15, up to 28,000 PQP/year (plus 1,500 Card Bonus PQP each year starting in 2026). 
• United Quest: 1 PQP per $20, up to 18,000 PQP/year (plus 1,000 Card Bonus PQP each year starting in 2026). 
• United Explorer: 1 PQP per $20, up to 1,000 PQP/year. 

Card-earned PQP can be applied all the way to 1K, but the 4 UA/UAX flight-segment minimum still applies. 

3) Million Miler (lifetime path)

United’s Million Miler program grants lifetime status based on paid miles flown on United/United Express. The 3-Million-Miler milestone confers lifetime Premier 1K (and higher milestones confer higher benefits). You can also designate a companion to share your lifetime status level. 

4) Limited-Time Boosters & “Last-Resort” Options

• PlusPoints exchanges (time-limited): PlusPoints earned in 2025 or later (expiring on/after Jan 31, 2027) can be exchanged through Mar 31, 2026 for perks like extra PQP/PQF, bonus miles, or TravelBank—useful if you’re just shy of a threshold. 
• Premier Accelerator: United’s paid accelerator lets you buy PQP/PQF tied to specific bookings; posting is typically within 24 hours. Pricing is dynamic — treat it as a last resort. 
• Head-start (“Starter PQP”) deposits: If you held Premier status in 2025, United deposits starter PQP in early 2026 to jump-start requalification. 

5) Status Match / Challenge (restricted)

United periodically runs a Premier Status Match Challenge. You’ll receive a temporary tier and must then meet specific PQF + PQP goals within a set window to keep it. Temporary matches to 1K are rare and still require completing the full challenge criteria. 

United Premier 1K Benefits

Let’s look at what United Premier 1K really gets you when you travel.

Category	Premier 1K Benefit	What You Get	Notes
Earn on United flights	Premier mileage multiplier	11x miles per $1 of fare (base fare + carrier-imposed surcharges)	Applies on United-issued, United-operated tickets.
Upgrades (domestic/short-haul)	Complimentary Premier Upgrades (CPUs)	Space-available, highest Premier priority; clearance window up to ~96 hours before departure	Eligible on most U.S./short-haul routes (exclusions apply, e.g., p.s./some Hawaii). PlusPoints & instrument upgrades clear before CPUs.
Upgrades (any cabin/long-haul)	PlusPoints	+280 PlusPoints when you reach 1K (after 40 at Platinum); then +20 per additional 3,000 PQP	“Skip Waitlist” available to 1K on select flights by using more PlusPoints. From 2026, card-earned PQP can count toward the extra +20/3,000 PQP accruals.
Award access	Expanded award availability	Extra United award space, including additional premium-cabin (IN) space for Platinum/1K/GS	Availability appears when signed in; not valid for partner-program bookings.
Same-day flexibility	Same-day confirmed change	Free within 24 hours if your original fare class is available	Change must be same day, same origin/destination; if original fare class not open, a fare difference may apply.
Same-day flexibility	Standby	Free standby on eligible flights	Processed by priority at the airport/gate.
Seats	Economy Plus seating	Free at booking for you + up to 8 companions on the same reservation	Based on availability; Basic Economy can purchase at check-in only.
Baggage	Checked bags (Economy)	3 checked bags free, up to 70 lb (32 kg) each	Allowance varies by route/cabin; use United’s bag fee calculator for specifics.
Airport experience	Premier Access	Priority check-in, security lanes (where available), and priority boarding (pre-boarding group)	Premier Access is included with status (purchased Premier Access differs; no priority baggage handling).
	United Club all-access membership discount	$200 off	Membership price including discount $1,200 or 150,000 miles
	Discounted price on CLEAR+ membership ($209 value)	$129
Onboard	Complimentary snack & drink (Economy)	Free alcoholic beverage and snack in United Economy	On United-operated flights; exclusions may apply.
Award changes	Award redeposit / change	Fee waivers for redeposits/changes	United broadly removed most award change fees; 1K/Platinum explicitly exempt from redeposit fees in policy pages.
Alliance benefits	Star Alliance Gold	Priority check-in/boarding, extra baggage, and lounge access on international itineraries with Star Alliance carriers	Follow Star Alliance Gold rules at partner airlines and on international segments.

Below are more details about the main benefits.

More Mileage

Premier 1K members get 11 award miles for every $1 they spend on United flights (instead of 10x for non-elite members). They also get a 100% bonus on many partner flights. If you spend $5,000 on base fares, you’ll earn 55,000 miles, which is enough for a round-trip domestic flight in many cases.

What’s Not Included: Taxes and fees don’t count toward mileage earning, and award tickets don’t earn miles.

Free Upgrades and PlusPoints

The best thing about 1K is the PlusPoints system. As a 1K member, you get 320 PlusPoints each year (instead of 40 for Platinum), which you can use for upgrades on United and some partners. You can also get free upgrades on most domestic and regional flights, as early as 96 hours before your flight.

For Example: If you use 40 PlusPoints for a business upgrade on a flight across the country and save $600 compared to paying for the business class fare, your value per point is $15. But upgrade availability is limited, and popular flights often have waitlists.

You can also use PlusPoints for PQPs, PQFs, TravelBank cash, or bonus miles if you can’t find upgrade availability.

What’s Not Included: Basic Economy fares don’t qualify for upgrades, and international first class upgrades are only for Global Services members (invitation-only).

Free Checked Bags

1K members can check three (3) bags (up to 70 lbs each) for free on every United or United Express flight. This can save you a lot of money per trip, especially if you’re traveling with family or packing a lot.

You can use the baggage cost calculator (which takes into account your route, ticket class, and elite status) on this page.

What’s Not Included: You still have to pay extra for bags that are too big or too heavy (over 70 lbs).

Free Baggage on United Airlines

Priority at the Airport

You’ll get Premier Access: priority check-in, security lanes (where available), and Group 1 boarding. This can make the airport less stressful, especially at busy airports.

Smaller airports might not have special Premier lanes.

United Premier 1k Lounge Access (Star Alliance Gold)

As a 1K member, you also get Star Alliance Gold status, which lets you into business-class lounges (including United Clubs) when you’re flying internationally. You can bring one guest who’s traveling on the same flight.

United’s definition of international is limited – flights to Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), and the Caribbean don’t count. You won’t be able to get into lounges on domestic flights, even if you’re flying to Hawaii or Puerto Rico.

Discount on United Club Membership

Premier 1K members get a $100 discount on United Club membership each year. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s helpful if you want to use lounges on domestic trips.

Free Economy Plus Seating

You and up to eight people traveling with you can choose Economy Plus seats (extra legroom) for free when you book. This is a great perk for families or groups.

Free Food and Drinks in Economy

On United flights in economy, 1K members get one free drink and one snack per flight, even if they don’t get upgraded. It’s a small perk, but it’s nice on longer flights.

Flexibility and Waived Fees

1K members don’t have to pay change/cancel fees on United tickets, and they get one free same-day flight change per trip. They can also book Y or B fares up to 90 minutes before the flight, even if it’s sold out.

Partner Perks: Marriott, Avis, Timeshifter, Avis and Budget

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite: Connect your MileagePlus and Marriott accounts to get Gold status.

Avis President’s Club: By connecting your MileagePlus account, you’ll get Avis status – free upgrades, guaranteed cars, and priority service.

Timeshifter Jet Lag App: 1K members get a free annual subscription to this app, which helps you manage jet lag.

Avis and Budget car rentals: Up to 1,250 base miles per rental

Keep in mind that you have to sign up or connect your accounts to get these. For example, log in to your MileagePlus account on United’s website, go to the RewardsPlus section, and connect your Marriott and Avis accounts. If you don’t, you’ll miss out on the perks.

Premier 1K members can also call the dedicated 1K 1Call reservation service (phone numbers can be found in the United app by tapping on your digital membership card).

How to Actually Use United Premier 1K

Most benefits are automatic, but some require you to do something:

• PlusPoints Upgrades: Request upgrades on United’s website or app, check the waitlists, and consider paying more points to skip the waitlist.
• Lounge Access: Only go to United Clubs or Star Alliance lounges when you’re flying internationally (not to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean).
• Economy Plus Seating: Choose your seats when you book for yourself and anyone traveling with you.
• Partner Benefits: Go to the United RewardsPlus portal to connect your Marriott and Avis accounts, and download Timeshifter to get your free subscription.

How to Get the Most Out of Premier 1K

To get the most out of Premier 1K, you need to do more than just meet the requirements. Here’s how experienced travelers get the most they can:

1. Plan How to Qualify

Use Credit Card Spending: If you’re not flying enough, use a United credit card for everyday purchases to earn PQPs. This is helpful in years when you’re not traveling as much.

Book Partner Flights: Premium seats on Star Alliance partners (like Lufthansa, ANA) often earn more PQP per dollar than United flights. Always check the earnings charts for each partner.

Plan Your Flights: If you need more PQFs, book flights with connections to earn more segments (each segment gives you 1 PQF).

2. Use PlusPoints Wisely

Use Them Early: It’s easier to find upgrade availability earlier in the year, so don’t wait until the last minute.

Think About Other Options: Starting in 2025, if you can’t use all your PlusPoints for upgrades, think about using them for PQPs, PQFs, or TravelBank cash – but check the value first.

Watch the Expiration Date: PlusPoints expire each year, so use them or lose them.

3. Stay Up-to-Date on Rules and Your Account

Check for Changes: United often changes the requirements and benefits for the following year, so check for announcements each fall.

Check Your PQP/PQF: Make sure your credits post, especially after partner flights or late-year bookings. Keep your boarding passes and receipts as proof.

Is United Premier 1K Worth It?

If you fly United or its partners a lot, spend a lot of money on airfare (or use a United credit card a lot), and you value upgrades, priority, and partner perks, Premier 1K can be worth it. It’s best for people who fly enough to use upgrades and lounge access regularly and who can use the status for business or expensive leisure trips.

How to Decide:

• If you fly 60+ United or Star Alliance flights a year or spend $24,000–$28,000+ on United tickets, 1K is possible and could be worth it.
• If you’re close but not quite there, think about using a United credit card or booking partner flights.
• If you don’t fly United often, don’t care about upgrades, or can’t meet the requirements, Premier 1K probably isn’t worth the effort.

When It’s Not Worth It

If you mostly travel for fun, or your company books you in Basic Economy or through channels that don’t give you credit, it will be hard to get the full value of 1K.

Bottom Line

United Premier 1K is a good elite status, with a lot of upgrades, bonuses, and partner perks for United’s most loyal customers. It can be worthwhile, but only if you know the requirements, avoid common mistakes, and manage your account and carefully. If you’re willing to spend the time and money to qualify, 1K can give you a premium travel experience – but you have to stay on top of it. Keep track of your progress, know the rules, and you’ll be able to make United Premier 1K work for you.

FAQ

How much is United 1K worth?

For frequent flyers in the US, United Premier 1K usually runs about $1,500–$4,000 a year. If you often turn PlusPoints into Polaris upgrades for those long overseas flights, expect to pay $5,000 or more. But if you don't fly often, or can't make use of those upgrades, it might cost you less than $500. Want a fast way to figure out what it's worth to you? Just plug in your own numbers:

• Economy Plus when booking (for you and anyone with you): If Economy Plus seats would normally be around $30–80 per flight and you take about 20 flights a year, you're saving $600–1,600 in fees.
• Free domestic upgrades: If you take about 6 one-way flights and think an upgrade is worth $100–200 because of the comfier seat, food, and drinks, that's $600–1,200 in perks.
• PlusPoints (280 with 1K status): This is a big one. If you play it right – think upgrading from economy to Polaris on a long trip or Premium Plus to Polaris – a lot of people say those upgrades are worth $600–1,500 or more. Two good upgrades on those long flights could save you $1,200–3,000. If you only use them for domestic flights, they might only be worth $200–600.
• Confirmed changes and being ready on the day you fly: If you don't have to pay that $75 change fee four times, that's $300 back in your pocket (not to mention the freedom to change your plans).
• Baggage (when flying economy): You get up to 3 bags free at 70 pounds each. If you normally pay $35 for a first checked bag each way on 5 round-trip flights, that adds up to $350.
• Star Alliance Gold Lounge (when flying international economy): If you take 4 international flights and value getting into the lounge at $30 each time, that's $120.
• Priority services (Premier Access), free snacks/drinks in economy, better award availability, waived fees, and priority if your flight gets messed up: These are harder to put a price on, but you're probably saving $100–300 or more in time, fees, and just having a better flying.