United Airlines Status Levels Explained: PQP & PQF Made Simple

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• Understanding United PQP and PQF for Premier Status

  Hey there, fellow traveler! I totally get the excitement of chasing United Airlines status levels like Premier Silver United—it’s a game-changer for making flights more comfortable. Let’s break down how to earn United PQP, what PQF United means, and how to use a United PQP calculator to hit those United tiers.

  As someone who’s navigated the MileagePlus program, I’ll share practical tips to help you maximize your efforts, especially if you’re flying out of Chicago or exploring crypto-related options.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  What Are PQP and PQF in the United MileagePlus Program?

  Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) are the two metrics United uses to determine eligibility for United Airlines status levels, including Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K. PQP is based on how much you spend on United or United Express flights, calculated as 1 PQP per dollar spent on base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges (excluding taxes).

  For example, a $500 round-trip ticket from Chicago to New York, with $400 as the base fare, earns you 400 PQP. PQF, on the other hand, counts the number of flight segments you take—one takeoff and landing equals one PQF.

  So, a round-trip with a layover in Denver could net you 4 PQF. Note that Basic Economy tickets earn PQP but not PQF, and you need at least four United or United Express flights annually to qualify for any status.

  You can also earn PQP through United’s co-branded credit cards, like the United  Explorer Card or United Quest  Card. For instance, the Quest Card offers 1 PQP per $20 spent, up to 18,000 PQP annually, which could get you close to Premier Platinum if you’re a big spender.

  
  

  Quick Tip: Check your MileagePlus account under  Your Premier Progress  to see your current PQP and PQF totals. United’s website also shows PQP and PQF earnings when booking flights, making it easier to plan.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  How to Earn United PQP Efficiently

  Earning United PQP is all about strategic spending and flying. Here are some ways to rack up PQP toward Premier Silver United (5,000 PQP or 4,000 PQP + 12 PQF):

  Fly United or Star Alliance Partners: Book flights directly with United for 1 PQP per dollar spent on base fare. For Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa, PQP is calculated as award miles divided by 5 ( preferred partners) or 6 (others). For example, a 3,000-mile flight on Air Canada earns 600 PQP. Booking through United (ticket number starting with 016) often maximizes PQP earnings.

  
  

  Use United Credit Cards: Cards like the United Quest℠ Card offer PQP through spending—1 PQP per $20, up to 18,000 PQP. Spending $60,000 annually could earn 3,000 PQP, covering a chunk of Premier Silver’s 5,000 PQP requirement. Some cards also offer welcome bonuses with PQP, like 3,000 PQP with the Quest Card after spending $4,000.

  
  

  Premier Accelerator: If you’re short on PQP, United’s Premier Accelerator lets you buy PQP when booking flights, though it’s pricey and requires purchasing Reward Accelerator miles too. This is best for closing small gaps, like 500 PQP to hit Premier Silver.

  
  

  Award Flights: Redeeming MileagePlus miles for United or United Express flights earns 1 PQP per 100 miles redeemed. A 15,000-mile award flight gets you 150 PQP, plus 1 PQF per segment.

  
  

  For Chicago-based travelers, consider short-haul flights to nearby hubs like Denver or Minneapolis to boost PQF while earning PQP. If you’re exploring crypto, platforms like Coinbase might offer cashback in Bitcoin for travel purchases, which could indirectly fund United flights, but direct PQP earning via crypto isn’t available yet.

  
  

  
  

  What Benefits Come with Premier Silver United?

  Achieving Premier Silver United unlocks perks that make travel smoother, especially for frequent flyers:

  1- Free Checked Bag: One complimentary checked bag (up to 70 pounds) on United and United Express flights.

  2- Priority Boarding: Board earlier for better overhead bin space.

  3- Complimentary Economy Plus: Access Economy Plus seating at check-in for you and one companion.

  4- Bonus Miles: Earn 7 miles per dollar spent on flights, boosting your MileagePlus balance.

  5- Star Alliance Silver: Enjoy priority check-in and boarding on Star Alliance partners like Singapore Airlines.

  To hit Premier Silver, aim for 5,000 PQP alone or 4,000 PQP with 12 PQF, achievable with a mix of flights and credit card spending. For example, four $1,000 round-trips from Chicago to Los Angeles could earn 4,000 PQP and 8 PQF, leaving you just 4 PQF and some credit card spending to qualify.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  CrossChainRider  · 2025-07-18 ·  a month ago

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