If you are a frequent flyer at United Airlines, then you must be familiar with the extensive loyalty programs provided in the airline industry through its MileagePlus program, which is made up of a tiered structure rewarding frequent flyers with access to exclusive benefits and perks. The cornerstone of achieving elite status with United is through Premier Qualifying Points (PQP), a key component in determining your membership level and benefits.
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What Are Premier Qualifying Points (PQP)?
A MileagePlus member’s activity on United Airlines flights or on qualified partner airlines is evaluated using the PQP metric. Premier Qualifying Miles (PQM) were once used by United to establish elite status; however, PQP is currently the major indicator for achieving and preserving status. PQP is essentially a method of calculating the amount you have spent on qualified flights as opposed to the distance you have flown.
PQP is based on the amount spent on ticket prices and some other travel-related expenses (such as taxes, fees, and upgrades), as opposed to PQM, which is based on the number of miles traveled. Because of this change, achieving elite rank now more closely correlates with United expenditures.
How Do You Earn PQP?
You earn PQP primarily by flying on United Airlines flights, though flights with partner airlines, such as Lufthansa, Air Canada, and others in the Star Alliance network, can also count. Here’s a breakdown of how PQP is earned:
- United Flights: You receive one PQP for every dollar you spend on qualified United Airlines flights. The base fare, government taxes, and a few other costs are included in this.
- Partner Airlines: PQP accrual is also available for flights on partner airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air Canada, albeit the number of points earned will differ according to the airline and fare class.
- MileagePlus Credit Card: PQP can also be earned by United members using their United MileagePlus credit cards. Up to 1,000 PQP can be earned in a calendar year, with 500 PQP awarded for every $12,000 spent on eligible goods.
- Fare Class and Upgrades: Compared to economy class tickets, premium cabin rates (such as business or first class) and upgrades typically yield higher PQP.
Elite Status with United: What Does PQP Get You?
Members who reach elite status with United Airlines enjoy a number of worthwhile advantages. The levels and associated advantages are broken down as follows:
- Premier Silver (3,000 PQP): United’s entry-level elite status, which comes with free checked baggage, priority boarding, and free upgrades (where available).
- Premier Gold (6,000 PQP): Premier Gold members get extra benefits like higher mile earning rates, two complimentary checked bags, and superior upgrade priority.
- Premier Platinum (9,000 PQP): In certain airports, Premier Platinum status entitles you to priority security screening, bonus miles, Economy Plus seating, and improved upgrade privileges.
- Premier 1K (12,000 PQP): United’s MileagePlus program’s highest tier status provides the most upgrade priority, entry to premium airport lounges, and more chances to earn PQP.
Why Are PQP Important?
In addition to providing a simpler route to rewards, PQP is essential to a member’s advancement in status. United’s loyalty program incentivizes customers to purchase more expensive tickets and take more frequent flights by earning rewards for spending more than just miles flown.
- Easier to Achieve with Spending: You will rapidly accumulate PQP if you choose premium cabins and travel frequently. For instance, business travelers who frequently purchase more expensive tickets can become elite status holders more quickly than those who usually purchase cheap tickets.
- Premium Travel Incentive: Since PQP is directly related to your spending with United, the airline will benefit more from rewarding passengers who make more travel-related investments.
- Improved Travel Experience: As you accrue PQP, you can access superior benefits like priority check-in, additional luggage allowance, and more opportunities for upgrades. This can improve your entire trip, especially if you’re flying large distances.
Ways to Increase Your PQP Profits
Now, if you are confused about how to increase ways to increase your PQP Profits, then have a look to a few of these Profit increasing tips:
- Take Advantageous Cabins: Tickets for first and business classes produce more PQP than those for regular economy. To rapidly increase your PQP totals, choose premium cabin travel if you can afford it or require it for business.
- Benefit from Using Credit Cards: You can earn PQP by making qualified purchases with your United MileagePlus credit card to pay for regular expenses. To effectively accrue PQP, make sure to utilize the card for major purchases like hotel reservations.
- Book Directly With United: Always make your reservations directly with United Airlines to guarantee your flight counts for PQP. Booking websites run by third parties, such as Expedia or Orbitz, might not be eligible for PQP revenue.
- Fly United’s Partners: You can earn PQP by traveling with United’s Star Alliance partners, but be careful to verify which partner airlines and fare classes qualify for PQP credit.
- Keep an eye out for special offers: United occasionally conducts specials that let you earn more PQP for specific purchases or flight reservations. These time-limited deals are worth checking out.
For individuals who are prepared to spend money on first-rate flights and amenities, elite membership is now more accessible thanks to United’s switch from Premier Qualifying Miles (PQM) to Premier Qualifying Points (PQP). PQP is a crucial statistic for attaining top-tier advantages like better upgrades, more miles, and special privileges since it rewards spending and loyalty with United Airlines. Whether you frequently take vacations or travel for business, making the most of PQP can help you take advantage of everything that United Airlines has to offer.
Knowing how PQP operates and how to earn points can improve your travel experience and allow you to take advantage of the many advantages of being an elite MileagePlus member.
Frequently Asked Questions
The amount you have spent with United is indicated by your United PQPs. Flying with United or its Star Alliance partners is the main method of earning PQPs.
PQP or PQF acquired through Premier Accelerator will be credited to your MileagePlus account within 24 hours of purchase.
The member who travels, not the one who buys the ticket, will receive PQP. For each dollar spent on Economy Plus subscriptions (not including taxes and fees), get one PQP.
Every eligible United flight or ticket you purchase will earn you one PQP for every dollar spent on the base rate plus carrier-imposed fees.
Your Premier status is effective from the day of your qualification until the conclusion of the subsequent program year.