Skip to main content

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.

Recommended Videos

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 storyteller focused on the intersection of outdoor culture, travel, and design. From the peaks of Banff to the…

Travel

There’s more to do in Napa Valley than just wine tasting

Silverado Resort is the ideal place to experience it all

Silverado Resort in Napa Valley

Tell someone you're going to Napa Valley, and it conjures images of rolling vineyards and wine tastings. Both are good things to be sure, but there's more to do in Napa than sample fermented grapes. And that's good news for travelers who don't drink, want to explore a different side of Napa, or simply prefer other pursuits.

Napa Valley's wine country reputation, while well-earned, can overshadow what is a legitimately diverse playground. There are championship golf courses, world-class spas, hiking trails, a walkable downtown, and some of the best dining in the country. And it's all easily accessible, whether these activities are the focus of your trip or something to squeeze in between tasting rooms.

Travel

These 8 Philadelphia historic activities reveal the America most tourists miss

Skip the overwhelm and consider these 8 under-the-radar stops on your next visit to the City of Brotherly Love.

People, Person, Clothing

Philly has so many layers of American history that it’s hard to take it all in. Like most first-time visitors, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of Philadelphia history sites at my disposal. So I stuck to safe bets like the Liberty Bell and Reading Terminal Market, usual suspects that tourists explore when planning a trip to Philadelphia.

And while these stops hold real significance, I was left feeling that I had barely scratched the surface. With century-old landmarks piquing my curiosity at every turn, I knew I’d be back for a deeper dive.

Travel

Lucciola Belongs on Every Serious Gourmet’s New York Hit List

An intimate Upper West Side restaurant with extraordinary wines, century-old Aceto Balsamico di Modena, and soulful Italian cooking.

Alcohol, Beer, Beverage

My younger sister works in tech and lives her best life in the West Village. When she first moved to New York, she developed a simple strategy for choosing restaurants: open Instagram or TikTok, identify the week's viral sensation, and fight for a reservation.

As the weeks passed and photos from the latest algorithmic darlings poured into our text thread, I watched with mounting alarm. My sweet little sister—so innocent, so naïve—lost to the wicked spell of the influencer. The squandered income! The wasted chances for truly great meals! When she mentioned what she'd spent for dinner at The Corner Store, I finally reached my breaking point. I vowed to show my wayward sibling the light.