The Guide to United Gold Status

United Premier Gold status offers some of the best benefits of United Airlines and Star Alliance, especially on international itineraries.

For United MileagePlus frequent flyers, this level of airline elite status can make a big difference — even if you're sitting in economy class. With Gold status, you can expect perks like priority boarding, better seat selection options, waived fees and even lounge access on select itineraries.

Premier Gold is the second tier of elite status, above Silver and behind Platinum and 1K.

To get the most out of Premier Gold status, you need to know what benefits you're entitled to. Here's how to achieve MileagePlus Premier Gold and the benefits that come with this mid-tier status.

Premier Gold is the next status tier above Premier Silver, and it includes the following benefits:

• Bonus earnings on flights: Members earn 8x MileagePlus miles on United flights as well as bonus miles on flights issued by United on several Star Alliance partners.

• Complimentary access to Economy Plus: For the member and one companion, extra-legroom Economy Plus seats are available for free at time of booking. Up to eight companions can choose a preferred seat (not Economy Plus) at time of booking.

• Star Alliance status: As a MileagePlus Premier Gold member, you receive Star Alliance Gold status, which comes with priority check-in, security and boarding, an extra baggage allowance, and lounge access on eligible international itineraries.

• Priority boarding: Board in Group 1 on United flights.

• Priority lanes: Access to priority check-in and security lanes at the airport, where available. 

• Complimentary checked bags: Two free checked bags up to 70 pounds each (three if in the premium cabin).

• Premier Gold United phone number: Reach a United agent faster thanks to a dedicated phone line not available to general members of MileagePlus.

• Unlimited complimentary upgrades: Get upgraded on many United-operated U.S. domestic routes, including West Coast to Hawaii, as well as Canadian, Caribbean, Central American and Micronesian routes. Upgrades clear, based on availability, as early as 48 hours before departure for the member plus one companion. Basic Economy fares and tickets on premium transcontinental routes are not eligible. If you have a Chase-issued United credit card, you can even qualify for a complimentary upgrade on award tickets.

• Improved award availability: United makes more economy class award space available to its Premier members on many flights.

» Learn more: The guide to United Airlines Premier elite status

There are a couple of ways to achieve MileagePlus Premier Gold status.

Fly United and Star Alliance

Earn at least 10,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) and take 30 Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) to achieve Premier Gold status. Another pathway is to simply earn 12,000 PQPs. For either option, you’ll also need to fly at least four qualifying segments on United. These milestones must be met within the calendar year.

Spend on United co-branded credit cards

It's also possible to rack up PQPs using a United co-branded credit card based on calendar-year spending. Some of United's more premium cards come with an annual PQP bonus to help boost your status. Here's a quick overview on some of those cards:

• The New United℠ Explorer Card: Earn up to 1,000 PQPs (1 PQP for every $20 spent in a calendar year).

• The New United Quest℠ Card: Earn up to 18,000 PQPs (1 PQP per $20 spent), as well as a 1,000 PQP card bonus.

• The New United Club℠ Card: Earn up to 28,000 PQPs (1 PQP per $15 spent), as well as a 1,500 PQP card bonus each year.

If you have multiple United credit cards, you can stack your credit card PQP earnings and card bonuses.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Not everyone will find the same value because it depends on how you use the benefits of elite status. Those who enjoy complimentary seat upgrades and lounge access will find more monetary value than those who fly domestically on competitive routes with fewer upgrades, for example.

» Learn more: How upgrades work on United

Status matches available

If you have elite status with another airline and are interested in achieving the same tier with United, the airline regularly runs status match challenges. If you qualify, you receive equivalent status for 120 days. In that timeframe, you have to meet certain spending requirements. For Premier Gold, you have to earn 3,400 PQPs on United or United Express flights and earn 10 PQFs.

Star Alliance lounge access

United Premier Gold status gets you lounge access, since reaching this level also gives you Star Alliance Gold status.

This means you and one travel companion on the same flight can enjoy access to Star Alliance business class lounges, even when flying in economy class. In order to access a United Club via Premier Gold status, you'll need to be traveling on an international itinerary.

» Learn more: The complete guide to Star Alliance

Marriott Bonvoy elite status

If you link your Marriott Bonvoy and United accounts, you can earn instant Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status. This reciprocal elite status match is a great way to improve your stays at Marriott properties, too.

Marriott Bonvoy Gold status includes a 25% bonus on points earning, late checkout and a space-available upgrade.

Other nice perks

Gold status flyers qualify for a few extra perks like a discounted $169 membership fee to CLEAR+®, which offers access to expedited security lanes at select airports. They can also status match to Avis Preferred Plus rental car elite status and receive bonus miles when renting with either Avis or Budget.

How long does United status last?

To earn United elite status, you'll need to meet the requirements for PQPs and PQFs in one calendar year. Then, your status is good through the entire next calendar year and the following January. For example, if you earn Gold status in 2025, your status will last through Jan. 31, 2027.

» Learn more: When is the best time to status match with each airline?

You can earn United lifetime Gold status

Frequent United flyers can achieve lifetime Premier Gold status after flying 1 million miles with United on paid tickets (award flights don't count toward Million Miler status). You'll also be able to share your Premier Gold status with someone else in your household.

United Premier Gold benefits are a great way to improve your flying experience.

For example, international travelers get access to United Clubs and other Star Alliance business class lounges through their Star Alliance Gold status. If you’re primarily a domestic flyer, the ability to score complimentary upgrades (or at least Economy Plus seats) for you and a companion is worth it, too.

And the bonus miles you earn on flights with Gold status can get you closer to an award ticket.

(Top photo courtesy of United Airlines)