United Airlines targets select members with offers for higher premier status in 2025

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United Airlines targets select members with offers for higher premier status in 2025

Research

Andrea M. Rotondo Director of content operations | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Jan 29, 2025

United Airlines is offering select members an opportunity to purchase a higher Premier status for 2025. This offer is extended to some who did not earn any status in 2024. The Points Guy (TPG) staff have reported receiving notifications via email with the subject "Get Premier status before January 31." Even without an email, members can check their eligibility by logging into their United MileagePlus account.

Erica Silverstein, TPG's managing editor, received an offer to upgrade from Premier Gold to Premier Platinum for $7,226 or 722,600 miles until January 31. After this date, the cost rises to $7,726 or 772,600 miles. Erica remarked on the offer saying, "It's likely a bad idea," a sentiment echoed by others at TPG.

Carly Helfand and Summer Hull also received similar offers. Carly could upgrade to Premier Platinum for $6,493 or 649,300 miles by January 31. Summer was offered an upgrade from Premier Gold to Premier Platinum for $4,063 or 406,300 miles by the same deadline.

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Ashley Kosciolek qualified for Premier Silver in 2024 and was offered an upgrade to Premier Gold for $3,772 or 377,190 miles by January's end. Zoe Jablow did not qualify last year but was close; she received an offer to buy up to Premier Silver for $410 or 40,950 miles.

Zoe commented that her offer might be worth considering: "This is actually probably less money than if I had taken a mileage run (because of taxes)."

Rachel Craft's husband received an offer despite not holding current United status. He could purchase Premier Silver status for $844 or 84,420 miles by January's end.

Most TPG staffers are hesitant about these offers due to their high costs compared to potential benefits. They suggest using funds towards travel instead of upgrading status tiers. Adding certain United credit cards may provide elite perks like free checked bags and lounge access without purchasing a higher status.

For those considering accepting these offers using United miles valued at approximately 1 cent per mile might not be optimal since TPG values them at around 1.35 cents each as of January 2025.

The consensus among TPG staff is that while United’s buy-up offers exist through January and beyond—careful consideration should be given regarding future travel plans before committing financially or with accrued mileage points toward such upgrades.