Do all United flights earn PQP?

Decoding PQP: Do All United Flights Really Earn You Premier Status?

For frequent flyers seeking to unlock the coveted benefits of United MileagePlus Premier status, understanding Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) is crucial. These points are the key to climbing the tiers, from Silver to 1K, and enjoying perks like priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, and bonus miles. But does every United flight contribute to your PQP balance? Let’s break it down.

The Short Answer: Generally, Yes, But…

The good news is that, in most cases, yes, you will earn PQP on United flights. The MileagePlus program awards PQP for flown flights, allowing you to progress towards elite status. This is a cornerstone of the program and a powerful incentive for choosing United.

The Nitty-Gritty: How PQP is Calculated

PQP are primarily based on the fare and carrier-imposed surcharges associated with your United flight. This means the more you spend on the base fare and fuel surcharges, the more PQP you’ll accumulate. Taxes and government-imposed fees are not included in the PQP calculation.

Here’s a more concise formula:

• PQP = Fare (including carrier-imposed surcharges) – Taxes & Fees

Important Considerations and Exceptions:

While most United flights earn PQP, there are a few key considerations and potential exceptions to keep in mind:

• Booking Classes: Certain deeply discounted or non-revenue tickets, such as award tickets or companion tickets booked with miles, may not earn PQP. Always check the specific terms and conditions of your fare class before booking.
• Third-Party Bookings: While you typically will earn PQP if you’re flying on a United flight even when booked through a third-party travel agency, be mindful of the terms. Sometimes, deeply discounted rates offered by Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) might come with restrictions that impact mileage earning.
• Partnership Flights: Flights operated by United partners (like Lufthansa, ANA, or Air Canada) may earn PQP, but the earning rate might differ from standard United flights. It depends on the fare class booked and the specific partnership agreement. Check the MileagePlus website or consult with a United representative for details on partner airline earning rates.
• Basic Economy: Basic Economy fares typically earn PQP at the same rate as other fares, but remember that Basic Economy fares often come with restrictions, such as not being able to select seats in advance or being last to board.

The “Four Flight Segment” Rule:

It’s important to remember the “four flight segment” rule. To achieve Premier status, you must complete a minimum of four flight segments on United or United Express. This means even if you accumulate enough PQP through other means, you still need to fly at least four segments operated by United or United Express.

In Conclusion:

While the general rule is that United flights earn PQP, it’s essential to be aware of the nuances and potential exceptions. By understanding how PQP is calculated and paying attention to the terms and conditions of your specific fare class, you can ensure you’re maximizing your opportunities to achieve your desired Premier status. Always double-check the fine print before booking to ensure your flights are contributing to your elite status goals. Happy flying!

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