United Airlines updates loyalty programme to add more flexibility

6 April, 2020

United Airlines announced (06-Apr-2020) changes to its loyalty programme to provide more flexibility during the coronavirus pandemic, including the following (these are automatic changes that will occur in the coming weeks):

  • Extending current MileagePlus Premier status until Jan-2022 and reducing thresholds for Premier qualification by 50% for each status level in 2021;
  • Increasing the maximum number of premier qualifying points (PQPs) United Explorer and United Club credit card holders are able to earn through card spend toward status in 2021;
  • Offering a promotion to double maximum PQPs for United Explorer credit card members and quadruple the maximum PQPs for United Club card members from 01-May-2020 to 31-Dec-2020;
  • Increasing the ability for Premier members to utilise upgrade benefits, including offering a six month extension for all PlusPoints set to expire on or before 31-Jan-2021;
  • Expanding the availability of Skip Waitlist to significantly more international long haul services;
  • Extending expiration of annual membership and subscription benefits purchased directly from United by six months;
  • Extending electronic travel certificates and waiving redeposit fees for members who booked travel with award miles so as to be valid for two years from the time of booking. [more - original PR]