Here’s what changes for elite status

United Airlines joins Delta Airlines In keeping its requirements steady for elite frequent flyer status next year after raising the bar in 2025.

Airlines have spent years making it more expensive to have high-level status, which comes with perks like early boarding, free first class upgrades (when available), waived baggage fees or even airport lounge access.

But hordes of elite travelers in the wake of the pandemic — when airlines allowed many customers to keep their status — meant more crowded early boarding groups. The increase in the number of customers holding premium credit cards has led to longer wait times in some airport lounges than at TSA checkpoints.

Airline executives also said more customers are willing to pay cash to sit in first class, making fewer seats available for free upgrades that are a draw for many consumers to chase status.

Luc Bondar, head of United’s MileagePlus loyalty programme, said its program was now more balanced for United.

“When you have benefits like promotions, if everyone has status, then… fewer and fewer customers will have access to promotions,” he said in an interview. “We feel good that they are at the right level.”

United is making some changes next year, when travelers will apply the status for travel in 2027. The airline is changing how it uses so-called Plus Points — a currency beyond the regular miles that can be earned through its elite Platinum loyalty program and 1K first-class loyalty.

The carrier currently has a mileage chart, where customers need to earn specific amounts for certain cabins, such as Polaris’ long-haul business class. In 2027, it will instead move to dynamic pricing based on demand. Next year, United will also allow top-tier 1K elites to earn Plus Points through spending on co-branded credit cards.

The carrier also said status holders and United Chase credit card holders will also have “increased access” to Polaris Saver award fares, which the airline said will make it easier to book in the overhead cabin.

Lucrative airline loyalty programs generate billions in profits, in part because airlines sell miles to banks when customers earn them through credit card spending.

Last year, United raised the amount customers must spend to reach frequent flyer status in 2026. The thresholds for reaching elite status in the airline’s MileagePlus program rose by about 25% and include either spending on a co-branded card or a combination of spending and flying.

Last week, Delta said it would keep its earnings requirements the same next year for the 2027 case.

American Airlines It has not announced a change to the elite thresholds for the frequent flyer program this year. The carrier lags behind Delta and United in earnings and is trying to attract more big spenders with updated cabins and lounges, though a decision by its rivals to hold elite earning requirements constant may put pressure on American to do the same.