Elite status match returns at United — here’s how to apply

United's Elite status match program is back

By Mark Reif Published January 29, 2025

united airlines elite status match b777a — United Airlines

United Airlines’ status match program for 2025 just debuted, giving top-tier loyalty members from competitors a chance to earn equal status in the MileagePlus program. The 2025 MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge went live on January 8 and runs through June 30.

The airlines eligible for United’s status match

United SAF livery plane — United Airlines

Eligible frequent flyer programs include Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, JetBlue Airways True Blue, British Airways, Alaska Airlines MVP elite status, Delta Air Lines Medallion level, American Airlines AAdvantage elite status, and more. Those who qualify will be upgraded for 120 days to Premier Silver, Premier Gold, or Premier Platinum status. That happens after completing an “activating” flight on United or United Express within 90 days. Prospective customers can apply via form on the United website.

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Once confirmed, customers can maintain Premier status throughout 2025 by earning Premier qualifying flights (PQFs) and Premier qualifying points (PQPs) on United or United Express flights during the 120-day Challenge Period. The amount of PQFs and PQPs required depends on the Premier status to which customers get matched.

PQF and PQP requirements to maintain premier status (from United):

MileagePlus Premier status	PQF and PQP requirements
Premier Silver	Fly 5 PQF and earn 1,700 PQP on flights operated by United or United Express
Premier Gold	Fly 10 PQF and earn 3,400 PQP on flights operated by United or United Express
Premier Platinum	Fly 15 PQF and earn 5,000 PQP on flights operated by United or United Express

To apply for the program, customers must complete the MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge form on the United website. Required info includes a MileagePlus account number, a digital copy of a 2025 membership card from the matching frequent flyer program, and a valid email address on the MileagePlus account.

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

Travel

How Delta uses nature-inspired methods to increase fuel efficiency

Delta look to nature on its way toward net-zero emissions

Delta aircraft in formation

Delta Air Lines aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The airline formed the Delta Sustainable Skies Lab in January 2023 to work toward that. The first-of-its-kind lab concentrates on research, design, and testing to find innovative solutions for its climate goals.

Now, Delta is using two nature-inspired methods to minimize fuel consumption, one inspired by sharks and the other by geese. Here’s how they work.

Travel

How much is a first-class flight? Here’s the breakdown

This is the true cost of flying first class (and how to save)

First class on an airplane

Have you ever found yourself wondering, how much is a first-class flight? I know I did. Before I had the chance to experience it myself, first class always felt like a luxury that was just out of my reach. But now that I know what it actually costs, I’m here to share what I’ve learned about the true price of flying first class. So, here’s how much a first-class flight really costs.
Factors that affect the price of first-class flights

First things first, the price of a first-class ticket can vary depending on the different factors at play. But there is a general range, so let’s break it down a bit.
The airline and route
The cost of a first-class ticket depends mainly on the airline and the route you’re taking. For example, on a popular international route like New York to London, a first-class ticket can range from $4,000 to $7,000, sometimes even more. If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo, that price tag can jump to $14,000 or more. These prices fluctuate based on the airline’s pricing structure and the demand for seats on that specific flight.
The flight duration
Another big factor is the length of the flight. The longer the journey, the more expensive the first-class ticket tends to be. A shorter domestic flight might cost somewhere in the range of $1,000 for a first-class seat, while international flights that can last 10 hours or more could easily push into the $8,000-$15,000 range for first class.
When you book your flight
Timing also plays a big role in the cost of your first-class ticket. The Luxury Travel Expert recommends booking your flight as early as possible to secure the best deals. So if you book months in advance, you’ll probably find better fares. However, airlines do occasionally offer last-minute discounts or promotions to fill seats, although this isn’t always the case. It’s always best to plan ahead, but keep an eye out for any deals, especially during off-peak travel seasons.
The time of year
Airline ticket prices also vary depending on the time of year. Traveling during peak times, like the holidays or summer vacation, will typically result in higher prices. Airlines usually raise prices to accommodate the increased demand during these periods.
What do you get for the price of first class?

Travel

This continent’s airports lead the top 100 global rankings

Singapore Changi Airport

At the recent Passenger Terminal EXPO in Madrid, the Skytrax World Airport Awards took center stage, revealing the World’s Top 100 Airports for 2025. Asian airports made a strong showing, dominating the top 10 and seen throughout the rankings. Here are the top performers.

Asian airports are among the world’s best