Do flight upgrades count towards PQP?

Do Flight Upgrades Count Towards Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs)? Unlocking Elite Status with Your Miles

For United MileagePlus members striving for elite status, the question of whether flight upgrades contribute to Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) is crucial. The short answer is yes, but with a crucial caveat: the PQP accrual rate is lower than for paid fares.

Many members diligently save their miles for award travel, perhaps dreaming of a premium cabin experience. The good news is that utilizing those miles, even for upgrades, isn’t a wasted opportunity in the pursuit of elite status. United’s system rewards members for their loyalty, even when redeemed miles are involved.

Specifically, when you redeem miles for an upgrade on a United or United Express flight, you’ll earn 1 PQP for every 100 miles redeemed. This contrasts with the higher PQP earning rate associated with revenue-based tickets, but it’s still a significant contribution. Every PQP counts towards reaching Premier Silver, Gold, or Platinum status, unlocking a wealth of benefits such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to United Clubs.

Consider this example: You redeem 10,000 miles for a flight upgrade. This translates to 100 PQPs (10,000 miles / 100 miles per PQP). While this is less than the PQPs earned from purchasing the same upgrade outright, it’s a valuable addition to your overall PQP tally, bringing you closer to your desired elite tier.

Therefore, strategic use of miles for upgrades can be a powerful tool in your quest for elite status. While it’s always beneficial to earn PQPs through paid flights whenever possible, don’t dismiss the contribution of miles redeemed for upgrades. Every PQP earned, no matter the source, moves you closer to unlocking the perks of United MileagePlus elite membership. Carefully consider your flight choices and mileage redemption strategies to maximize your PQP accumulation and accelerate your journey to elite status.