United MileagePlus Reduces Companion Perks
Let’s face it, United MileagePlus has long been known for its bountiful lifetime elite status program. But hold onto your carry-ons, folks, because the airline is about to snip some of those comfy companion perks, and spoiler alert: it’s not going to sit well with everyone.
Some United Million Miler Companions Brace for Downgrade
Let’s break it down: United MileagePlus rewarded the frequent flyers—really frequent flyers—with some permanent perks:
- Hit the million mile mark, and you’re crowned with lifetime Premier Gold status
- Two million milers? That’s lifetime Premier Platinum
- Three million miles earns you the exclusive Premier 1K status
- For the truly airbound at four million miles, it’s the coveted Global Services status
But wait! There’s more! Million milers haven’t been flying solo when it comes to perks. They’ve been able to bring a companion along for the Swedish massage of elite status. Got that million miler glow? Your companion can bask in the Premier Gold glow, too.
If, however, you’ve racked up enough miles to get something shinier than Premier Gold, your travel buddy also got to strap into that status upgrade. It’s like a BOGO of airline benefits! Alas, that’s all about to change thanks to United’s new rules—grab the tissues. Starting in 2027, beloved one-million-miler companions are getting reined back to only Premier Gold status. Higher-up million milers, those stratospheric two million and above, can still flaunt matching statuses with their trusty co-pilot. Got it? Good.
My Take on These Lifetime Elite Status Changes
Disappointment is as guaranteed as turbulence in economy. You see, tons of travel companions have been living it up with Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, or even Global Services status, simply by riding—or flying—on the coattails of their well-heeled companions.
The reasoning’s pretty straightforward: the elite ranks are getting downright crowded, my friend. With more million milers jetting around, United sees this tweak as a practical way to thin the elite herd just a tad. Let’s play devil’s advocate for a sec. The companion benefit isn’t just about spreading the love; it actually aligns with United’s business zen:
- It motivates million milers to keep earning, chasing that ever-elusive higher tier even after they’ve hit their lifetime ceiling
- And it keeps companions loyal to the airline, enticing them to return instead of straying to rival skies
For those who’ve already celebrated the million-mile marker, watching United switch up the game mid-play is like finding out the in-flight Wi-Fi wasn’t actually free. Sure, United might argue that they’re keeping it fair—companions still get a taste of the primary member’s perks. It’s just the “bonus” fat that’s getting trimmed.
Consider this a timely reminder: don’t fly yourself into a frenzy accumulating lifetime status points if you can’t stomach a change. Perks can vanish faster than the in-flight snacks.
Bottom Line
Come 2027, United’s doing a little remodeling on its MileagePlus program. Starting then, loyal companions of one-million-milers will be hitting a lower high note with just Premier Gold status, regardless of whatever elite tier their frequent-flyer friends achieve. Loyal flyers who’ve hit the two-million stride and up? Their companions can still run with the high-status pack.
So, what’s your opinion on United’s plan to downgrade the million miler companion perk? Think of it next time you’re booking your trip to Val Seny ski resort.