United Airlines just announced the MileagePlus® Premier® program changes for the 2026 qualification year — and on the surface, most of the updates look positive for loyal flyers. Qualification thresholds stay the same, starter PQP deposits are returning, award ticket upgrades are expanding, and PlusPoints earning opportunities are increasing.
But buried in the announcement is a major negative change that could affect the value of elite benefits starting in February 2027: the removal of the fixed PlusPoints upgrade chart in favor of dynamic upgrade pricing.
If you rely on PlusPoints to upgrade to premium cabins — especially long-haul business class — this is the update you need to pay attention to.
The Big Negative: Dynamic PlusPoints Coming in 2027
United will retire the fixed PlusPoints upgrade chart in February 2027, transitioning to a dynamic model. Instead of predictable upgrade costs — like 40 points to move from Economy to Polaris — members will face variable pricing based on:
- route demand
- seasonality
- cabin type
- fare class
- market pricing
United describes this as offering “greater flexibility,” but in reality, dynamic pricing usually means higher costs when you want upgrades the most — peak travel periods, premium routes, and long-haul Polaris business class.
Why This Matters
The fixed chart has been one of the most valuable parts of Premier 1K® and Platinum benefits. Members could plan strategically, knowing exactly how many points upgrades would require.
With dynamic pricing:
- Predictability disappears
- Upgrade costs will likely rise
- Saver opportunities may shrink
- Premium international upgrades could become much more expensive
It mirrors the shift from award charts to dynamic award pricing — and we’ve already seen how that resulted in higher mileage requirements over time.
So while 2026 looks great, 2027 could reduce the total value of PlusPoints for many loyal United flyers.
No Changes to Premier Qualification Thresholds for 2026
The good news? For 2026, qualification requirements remain unchanged from 2025 — making it easier to plan your travel year.
Premier Qualification Requirements
| Status Tier | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Premier Silver | 5K PQP + 15 PQF or 6K PQP |
| Premier Gold | 10K PQP + 30 PQF or 12K PQP |
| Premier Platinum | 15K PQP + 45 PQF or 18K PQP |
| Premier 1K | 22K PQP + 60 PQF or 28K PQP |
Consistency here is a positive — especially compared to recent elite program overhauls across the airline industry.
Starter PQP Deposit Returns
United will again give Premier members a starter PQP deposit at the beginning of 2026, helping members get a head start toward requalifying.
| Status (2025) | PQP Deposit in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Premier Silver | 300 PQP |
| Premier Gold | 600 PQP |
| Premier Platinum | 900 PQP |
| Premier 1K | 1,400 PQP |
This is a solid perk that rewards continued loyalty.
More Ways to Earn PlusPoints in 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, Premier 1K® and above members will be able to earn even more PlusPoints, thanks to PQP earned from eligible United® credit card spending.
Unlike before, there’s no upper limit on how many PlusPoints you can earn, which is great for high spenders.
However, the looming move to dynamic pricing means these extra points might not stretch as far in 2027 and beyond.
Award Ticket Upgrades Expand
Beginning February 1, United will allow PlusPoints and Complimentary Premier Upgrades (CPUs) on award tickets for all Premier members.
This is a major improvement — especially for domestic redemptions and last-minute award bookings. It makes miles more flexible and adds tangible value to your Premier status.
Improved Polaris Saver Award Access
United Chase Cardmembers, Premier Silver, and Premier Gold members will now get increased access to Polaris Saver Award fares, making it easier to find business class seats at lower award rates when available.
For flyers who love flat-bed comfort without paying cash prices, this is a welcome update.
United Credit Card PQP Earning
United is tweaking how much PQP certain co-branded cards can earn in 2026.
BAM MileagePlus Visa Infinite Card
- 1 PQP per $20 spent
- Cap: 1,500 PQP
First Hawaiian Bank United® Cards
- 1 PQP per $20 spent
- Cap increased to 2,000 PQP
These boosts make it easier to combine card spend with flight activity to reach status faster.
Bottom Line: Enjoy 2026, Prepare for 2027
United’s 2026 Premier status program offers:
✔ unchanged qualification thresholds
✔ valuable starter PQP deposits
✔ more PlusPoints earning potential
✔ upgrades on award tickets
✔ improved Polaris access
But the dynamic PlusPoints change in 2027 could significantly reduce the value of upgrades — especially for long-haul premium cabins. If you hold Premier Platinum or 1K status, 2026 may be the ideal y