With circumstances constantly changing, United Airlines has been regularly updating customers with new policies. A recent announcement from Luc Bondar, Vice President of Loyalty and President of MileagePlus, extends some new information to customers. These changes are in regards to Premier status, PQP, PlusPoints, membership, travel certificates and more.
We’ve highlighted each major category and highlighted the details. Hopefully, as a MileagePlus member of any status, this news will bring you some peace of mind. It’s definitely comforting to know that in trying times, loyalty goes both ways.
MileagePlus Premier Status
What might be the biggest news from MileagePlus is that any member with Premier status will have that status extended through January 31st, 2022. At the least, you will be able to enjoy your current status through next year. Members should expect to see this policy reflected on their accounts in coming weeks.
Premier Qualifying Points (PQP)
Just in, your 2020 PQP activity may allow you to reach a higher status. The program has reduced the PQP and flight requirements for all tiers by 50%. Although you will still need a minimum of four flight segments, raising your status might require zero effort on your end. So, flights you’ve already taken this year in addition to flights you may take later in the year can help raise your status for next year.
In addition, MileagePlus will be doubling PQP for the United Explorer cards and quadrupling PQP for the United Club cards. Bondar explains, “At the same time that we’re decreasing the published program’s PQP requirements, via a promotion from May 1 through December 31, 2020, we’re doubling (for United Explorer cards) or quadrupling (for United Club cards) the maximum number of PQP that Cardmembers can earn by using their card during 2020 to help achieve a higher level of status than you already have. More details to come.”
PlusPoints For 1K and Platinum MileagePlus Members
For those who have hold 1K or Platinum memberships, there will be additional perks with PlusPoints. MileagePlus is increasing your ability to upgrade by extending PlusPoints expiration dates by 6 months and expanding Skip Waitlist.
This means you will receive a 6 month extension of any PlusPoints that are due to expire on or before January 31st, 2021. In addition, the Skip Waitlist benefit will be available for the rest of 2020 in an expanded selection of long-haul international regions and will also have greater availability in 2021. For those who are unfamiliar, Skip Waitlist was recently introduced as a benefit to 1K members, providing more opportunities to confirm an upgrade request at the time of booking.
Annual Membership And Subscription Benefits
United wants to ensure customers that their benefits are still going to be there when they’re ready to fly again. Therefore, they will be extending extending United Club memberships purchased directly from United and purchased subscriptions for Economy Plus, United WiFi and checked bags by six months. Expect to see these changes reflected on your MileagePlus account soon.
Travel Certificates
United realizes that you won’t be eager to use your travel certificates that are due to expire. In order to accommodate to this, they are now extending the expiration on these certificates. You will have 2 years from the date it was issued to book a new flight, plus up to an additional 11 months to travel. This includes all currently valid and new electronic travel certificates issued on or after April 1st, 2020.
Redeposit Fees
Currently, all award redeposit fees for travel through the end of May 2020 are being waived. In addition, all redeposit fees for award ticket cancellations made more than 30 days before departure will be waived for the remainder of 2020.
Stay up to date with the latest information from United Airlines regarding Covid-19 on their website.