We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with
confidence. While we don't cover every company or financial product on
the market, we work hard to share a wide range of offers and objective
editorial perspectives.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us for advertisements that
appear on our site. This compensation helps us provide tools and services -
like free credit score access and monitoring. With the exception of
mortgage, home equity and other home-lending products or services, partner
compensation is one of several factors that may affect which products we
highlight and where they appear on our site. Other factors include your
credit profile, product availability and proprietary website methodologies.
However, these factors do not influence our editors' opinions or ratings, which are based on independent research and analysis. Our partners cannot
pay us to guarantee favorable reviews. Here is a list of our partners.
The Guide to United Premier 1K Status
Though expensive to earn, United 1K features extensive benefits, including free checked bags and partner perks.
Tiffani Sherman is a Florida-based freelance writer and producer who works to support her travel habit. After many years producing television newscasts and training videos, she realized working for herself gave her more time to travel and explore the world. She has taken more than 35 cruises and has visited more than 90 countries and all seven continents.
Mary Flory leads NerdWallet's growing team of assigning editors at large. Before joining NerdWallet's content team, she had spent more than 12 years developing content strategies, managing newsrooms and mentoring writers and editors. Her previous experience includes being an executive editor at the American Marketing Association and an editor at news and feature syndicate Content That Works.
Updated
How is this page expert verified?
NerdWallet's content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and
relevance. It undergoes a thorough review process involving
writers and editors to ensure the information is as clear and
complete as possible.
This page includes information about these cards, currently unavailable on
NerdWallet. The information has been collected by NerdWallet and has not
been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.
United Premier 1K status is the highest publicly published elite status available to members of United Airlines’ MileagePlus frequent flyer program, and it comes with a plethora of perks for those who fly United often.
Let’s take a look at the perks available to United 1K members and how to become a 1K member.
Subscribe to our free TravelNerd newsletter for inspiration, tips and money-saving strategies, delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional
content and agree to our Terms of Use
and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
United 1K benefits
United’s Premier 1K benefits include some incredible perks.
Accelerated mileage earning rates
Increased earnings. Premier 1K members get 11 miles per dollar spent on flights. These are the miles you can redeem for award tickets and more.
100% bonus miles on partners. United 1K members get a 100% bonus on the typical earning rate for flights booked through and operated by select airlines, including Air Canada, All Nippon Airways and Lufthansa.
Free upgrades
Complimentary upgrades. Upgrades on eligible routes can clear up to 96 hours in advance of the flight for you and one companion on your reservation. Upgrades are not available on basic economy fare or economy (first bag charge/no changes allowed) fares.
PlusPoints. There are 280 PlusPoints per year valid toward flight upgrades.
Skip Waitlist upgrades. If there's no availability at the time of request, you may be able to pay extra PlusPoints to confirm your upgrade.
Airport perks
Complimentary checked bags. No matter your fare class, with 1K you’ll be able to check up to three 70-pound bags free of charge.
Preboarding. You’ll board before everyone else with preboarding access.
Priority check-in. Premier 1K members have access to a separate check-in line than standard guests, even when flying in economy.
Priority security screening. Those with 1K can skip the regular security line and instead head to a dedicated line, available in certain airports.
Lounge access. As a 1K member, you’ll have Star Alliance Gold status with access to Star Alliance business class lounges. Access to United Clubs is restricted to flying on international itineraries.
United Club annual membership discount. Premier 1K members get a $200 discount on United Club membership.
Discounted $129 price on CLEAR+ membership.
In-flight perks
Complimentary Economy Plus seats. Available at booking and for up to eight companions.
Free drink and snack. When flying in economy, 1K members get one free drink and snack per flight.
Extra flexibility when booking flights
Confirmed flight changes within 24 hours of departure within the same fare class.
Access to most sold-out flights. Access to Y or B fares when booked at least 1.5 hours prior to departure.
What's your experience flying United? Do you have status?
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
How to become a United Premier 1K
The steps to becoming a United Premier 1K member are a bit confusing and dictated by a series of alphabet soups. Rather than meeting a certain mileage or spending requirement to earn elite status — as is the case with many other airline elite status programs — you’ll earn Premier Qualifying Points, or PQPs, and Premier Qualifying Flights, or PQFs, whenever you fly United or a partner airline.
But PQPs and PQFs aren't necessarily based on miles flown. Here's how they work and how to earn them.
Earning is per calendar year.
Earning PQPs and PQFs
Premier Qualifying Points are earned on a variety of spend that you make with United. This includes:
Flights operated by United or United Express at a rate of 1 PQP for every dollar you spend.
Flights operated by Star Alliance preferred partner airlines, MileagePlus partners and connecting United partners.
Economy Plus purchases.
United award flights booked with MileagePlus miles.
MileagePlus Upgrade Award co-pays.
Most preferred seating purchases.
Paid upgrades on flights operated by United and United Express.
Premier Qualifying Flights are much simpler. These are the number of flight segments that you’ve flown on United and partner airlines, excluding basic economy tickets. You’ll need to have flown a minimum of four segments with United to qualify for status.
You can earn United Premier 1K status with a mix of PQPs and PQFs. To qualify using both metrics, you’ll need 22,000 PQPs and 60 PQFs to earn status.
You can bypass the PQF and PQP combination strategy by simply earning enough PQPs.
If you tend to fly fewer but more expensive flights, you can earn United Premier 1K status by earning 28,000 PQPs in a calendar year.
🤓Nerdy Tip
All Premier members who earned status in 2025 will get a PQP deposit in 2026 as an earning head start. Premier 1K members will get 1,400 PQPs.
Earning PQPs with a United credit card
Those who hold a qualifying United credit card can earn PQPs based on their spending. Eligible holders of United MileagePlus cards from Chase earn 1 PQP per $20 spent or 1 PQP per $15 spent, depending on which card you have. Some limits apply.
But you can’t earn 1K status just by spending on an eligible credit card. While the spend will help you reach the PQP requirement, you still must fly at least four segments on United or United Express to qualify for Premier status.
Some United credit cards include an annual Card Bonus PQP deposit at the beginning of the year, which can be helpful for those who think they might fall just a bit short of earning elite status. Occasionally, United will offer PQP as part of a card's welcome offer, so that can be a good time to sign up for a card as well.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
In addition to PQPs and PQFs, there are PlusPoints. 1K members can use PlusPoints to request premium cabin and seat upgrades. Passengers can also use PlusPoints to earn bonus miles, gift status and more.
These points are valuable because you can use them for the perks you like most, they’re flexible, and you can do most things with them yourself, without having to call or talk with someone at United.
Once you reach 1K status, you’ll get 280 PlusPoints in addition to the 40 you received when you hit Premier Platinum status.
After earning them, you can exchange them for perks like TravelBank cash, bonus miles, PQPs, PQFs and gifting Premier status to someone.
PlusPoints expire when your status expires.
Take advantage of United promotions
United will occasionally offer targeted promotions, allowing you to earn additional bonus miles. You’ll always want to check and see if you’ve been targeted for a promotion.
At 1 million miles, you’ll get Premier Gold for life.
At 2 million miles, you’ll receive Premier Platinum status for life.
At 3 million miles, you’ll get Premier 1K for life.
At 4 million miles, you’ll receive lifetime Global Services elite status.
One perk of reaching United million-miler status is the ability to share at least Premier Gold status with a companion in your household. This can be particularly useful if you have a family member who's also a frequent flyer but doesn't always travel with you.
Status match
Although United doesn’t typically accommodate direct status matches, it’s pretty good about offering status match challenges. In these cases, you’ll provide United with evidence of your existing elite status on another airline.
In return, United will grant you elite status after earning a truncated amount of PQPs/PQFs within a 120-day period.
How long does United 1K status last?
United Premier 1K status can be earned at any point in the year. Once you’ve earned it, the status is valid for the remainder of the year, as well as the entirety of the following year and the January following.
This means that if you earned the status in June 2026, you’d have 1K status the remainder of 2026, all of 2027 and through the end of January 2028.
Is United Premier 1K status worth it?
If you’re a frequent United flyer, becoming a Premier 1K member may be a good idea for you.
Although it’s costly, the benefits you’ll receive are expansive, including using PlusPoints to upgrade, complimentary upgrades, free United checked baggage and Marriott elite status.
For folks who are airline agnostic but demand the best of the best, the United MileagePlus program very well could be it.
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary,
trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed
studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with
industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness
and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high
standards for journalism by reading our
editorial guidelines.
