United Airlines announced they’re making some changes to their Premier program, both on the benefits side and on how to qualify for elite status.

All Premier members will now receive the same standard weight baggage allowance of 70 pounds; Premier 1K members will now be invited to pre-board (previously in Group 1). Qualification becomes harder for Premier 1K as now the revenue requirement will be $15,000 in spend effective in 2019, and for all members discounted P first class fares will now only earn 150% PQMs.

Another change for Premier 1K members has to do with upgrades who will now earn a Global Premier Upgrade for every 25,000 Premier qualifying miles or 30 Premier qualifying segments after qualifying for status.

Baggage Policy Changes: 

Effective September 28, 2018, all Premier members, regardless of Premier status, receive the same standard weight allowance for complimentary checked baggage: 70 lbs. (32 kg).

Additionally:

• All Premier members flying in United Business®, United First®, or United Polaris® business class are allowed up to three bags with a maximum weight of 70 lbs. (32 kg) per bag.
• Premier Gold members flying in United Economy® between the U.S. and Europe are allowed three bags with a maximum weight of 70 lbs. (32 kg) per bag.
• Premier Silver members flying in United Economy between the U.S. and Europe are allowed two bags with a maximum weight of 70 lbs. (32 kg) per bag.

Boarding Changes:

As of September 18, 2018, Premier 1K members are called to board during pre-boarding and Premier Gold members now board in Group 1.

Qualification Changes: 

Effective January 1, 2019, the Premier® qualifying dollars (PQD) requirement for Premier 1K® status will be raised from $12,000 to $15,000.

P‑class fares with a travel date on or after January 1, 2019, will change from earning 200% PQM to 150% PQM. P‑class fares are a type of discounted premium cabin fare.

Upgrade Changes: 

Effective for the 2019 program year, we’re changing the way you earn upgrades that are in addition to the upgrades you earn with Premier® 1K® status. For every 25,000 Premier qualifying miles (PQM) or 30 Premier qualifying segments (PQS) after you qualify for Premier 1K status, we’ll add one Global Premier Upgrade into your account. We will no longer offer additional Regional Premier Upgrades for flight activity after qualifying for Premier 1K status.

Bottom Line

United has made several changes to their Premier program on both how you qualify for elite status, as well as the benefits associated with a Premier member.

1K members see the biggest change with these updates, as the PQD requirement to earn their status now is $15,000 in spend on flights per year. Additionally, how Global Premier Upgrades for 1K’s are earned as offer additional Regional Premier Upgrades for flight activity after qualifying for Premier 1K status. United is allowing them to pre-board as a new benefit, but that doesn’t really make up for the upgrade changes.

Premier Gold members are now moved up to board in Group 1, previously in Group 2, and all Premier members can check bags weighing 70 pounds complimentary.

Are there any 1K Premier members who feel these changes aren’t in your favor? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.