United Tightens Million Miler Perks: What You Need To Know

United Airlines has announced that major changes are coming soon to its popular Million Miler program in a move set to annoy some of its loyal customers.

For many years, United’s MileagePlus loyalty program and its Million Miler scheme have been regarded as one of the most generous frequent flyer programs in the U.S. airline industry. However, that reputation may be about to change.

Currently, MileagePlus members who rack up more than a million miles with United become Million Miler members, which offers travelers some extra benefits.

Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines

Firstly, they are automatically offered lifetime Premier status as a token of gratitude for their loyalty, which never expires no matter how much or how little they continue to fly with United. They can also earn higher statuses for each extra million miles flown, up to 4 million miles:

• 1 million miles = Premier Gold status
• 2 million miles = Premier Platinum status
• 3 million miles = Premier 1K status
• 4+ million miles = United Global Services status

Changes to Companion Benefits

In addition to this status offer, Million Miler members can take advantage of companion benefits, where they can choose to extend their status to a companion or become a companion of another Million Miler, matching their status as a result.

A companion must be a spouse, significant other, or someone who lives at the same address as the Million Miler, and they’ll receive all the benefits that come with the applicable status for an entire year.

Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines

For example, a two Million Miler with Premium Platinum status can share their status for a year with their companion, no matter how many miles their companion has flown. Or a one Million Miler who has achieved a higher status, such as Premier 1K, through their spending can extend this status to their companion, too.

But starting in 2027, Million Miler companions won’t receive the earned status of their sponsor but instead will receive just Premier Gold status, regardless of the elite status the Million Miler has otherwise earned.

Understanding the New Million Miler Status

However, it’s worth noting that this only applies to one Million Miler members—those who have flown two, three, or four million plus miles can continue to share their earned status with the companion of their choice.

This significant change will likely cause disappointment among many of United’s frequent flyers, especially those with a higher elite status than what their Million Miler progress provides.

Photo: Courtesy of United

From United’s point of view, however, these upcoming changes make economic sense considering the fact that the number of Million Milers continues to grow, and thus the number of benefits it gives out to customers each year.

Implications for United’s Frequent Flyers

The changes should also encourage Million Miler members to continue flying with United in order to reach two Million Miler status and above. However, this will likely be of little comfort to the airline’s most loyal customers.

Ultimately, though, Premier Gold status is nothing to be scoffed at. While members won’t receive higher-status benefits such as PlusPoints, earlier upgrade priority, and extra miles earned per flight, they still get two free checked bags in Economy, free access to Economy Plus, Group 1 boarding, 8x miles earned per flight, and more.