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The Guide to United Premier Silver
United Premier Silver is a great starter status that can be easily earned with the right credit card.
Ramsey is a freelance travel journalist covering business travel, loyalty programs and luxury travel. His work has appeared in Travel+Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Reader's Digest, AFAR, BBC Worldwide, USA Today, Frommers.com, Fodors.com, Business Traveler, Fortune, Airways, TravelAge West, MSN.com, Bustle.com and AAA magazines. As someone who flies more than 450,000 miles per year and has been to 173 countries, he is well-versed in the intricacies of credit cards and how to maximize the associated perks and services.
Meghan Coyle is an editor on the Travel Rewards team and the co-host of the Smart Travel podcast. She covers travel credit cards, airline and hotel loyalty programs, and how to travel on points. Meghan is based in Los Angeles and has a love-hate relationship with LAX.
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Premier Silver is the first elite-status tier in the United Airlines MileagePlus program, and it can significantly improve your flight experience. There are several paths to get there, including matching hotel elite status or leveraging certain credit card perks. Here's what to know.
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United Silver benefits
Achieving entry-level elite status is like dipping your toes into the magical world of elite status perks. Upgrades, bonus miles, savings and travel conveniences start to appear on the horizon.
So, what do you get with Premier Silver status on United?
5x MileagePlus miles: For every eligible dollar spent on airfare, Premier Silver members earn 5 miles. This offers a boost over general MileagePlus members who only earn 3 miles per eligible dollar spent. Eligible United cardholders earn an additional 3 miles per dollar.
Free checked bag: This tier includes one free checked bag weighing up to 70 pounds.
Unlimited complimentary upgrades: Space-available upgrades to first class are a notable perk on non-basic economy domestic and select international flights. This includes award tickets. These free upgrades are processed only on the day of departure.
Premier Access: United Premier Silver members get access to premium check-in, preferred screening airport security lanes where available and an earlier boarding group (Group 2) than general, nonelite MileagePlus members.
Preferred seats, including Economy Plus: When checking in, Premier Silver members may get complimentary Economy Plus and preferred seating access for you and one companion on award flights (for Premier Gold tier and higher, these freebies are available earlier, at the time of booking). This perk is applicable for up to eight companions traveling with you at check-in but not available if you've purchased a basic economy ticket.
Discounted CLEAR+ membership: Premier Silver members receive preferred pricing of $169 for an annual CLEAR+ membership.
Star Alliance Silver status: Silver is the entry-level status for Star Alliance and includes priority perks when flying other member carriers. However, it is not as robust as Star Alliance Gold, and it lacks popular perks like access to member lounges when flying internationally. Its only real benefits are priority waitlisting for reservations and airport standby. It does not even include priority check-in or boarding, which is disappointing.
Higher priority for customer service: When calling United, Premier Silver members have a dedicated phone line for higher priority than general members.
Same-day flight change benefit: All Premier members can change to a different flight within 24 hours of departure, provided the same fare class is available. Otherwise, a difference in fare may apply or the member can stand by for the new flight for free.
Avis elite status: You’ll get Avis Preferred Plus status and up to 1,000 base miles per car rental. This entry-level tier grants you expedited service and ability to skip the line and go straight to your car at most locations.
Discounted award flights. Eligible United cardholders get at least 10% off United flight award tickets; MileagePlus Premier members save at least 15%. United Gateway℠ Card holders need to spend $10,000 a year on the card to qualify for the higher earning rate and award ticket discount.
Nerdy Perspective
What's your experience flying United? Do you have status?
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
"One of the most underrated perks of having United elite status is the Star Alliance status that comes with it. I've saved countless hours waiting in line to check in for flights on other Star Alliance airlines, especially when I'm at an airport overseas that doesn't have check-in kiosks. Fun fact: United elite status members can also check bags over 50 pounds (but under 70 pounds) for free. Say goodbye to wearing three jackets on your next flight home."
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
"I love United. I wish United elite status weren't so expensive to earn — they keep increasing the cost — because I'd still be a Premier 1K if possible. After trying to work with American Airlines' 'systemwide upgrades,' I deeply appreciate the ease of redeeming PlusPoints for confirmed international upgrades."
Carissa Rawson
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
"I used to be a 1K member, but I found that the benefits were becoming fewer and fewer as upgrades were hard to get, and they reduced flying from my home airports. As a result, I have dropped to Gold, which I primarily keep for Star Alliance Gold benefits that I enjoy around the world. I also love being able to access a foreign carrier's lounge in the U.S. when flying a domestic flight on United. Being Star Gold means that I can use the Lufthansa lounges in Detroit, New York JFK and Washington Dulles, for example. I love that perk."
Ramsey Qubein
Contributing Writer, Travel Rewards
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
"My partner has maintained United's Silver status for years via his job, and we often choose to fly this airline for convenience and cost — living in one of United's hub cities, there are usually many flight options priced competitively against our second-choice airline (Southwest). We frequently enjoy the Silver perk of complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus at check-in, and when traveling as a family, it's also great to be allowed a complimentary oversized checked bag. (That extra weight comes in handy when packing kid gear!)."
Jeanette Margle
Former Lead Assigning Editor, Travel Rewards
How to get United Silver status
Earning Premier Silver status with United for all members requires clearing certain goal posts within a calendar year.
These qualifying benchmarks are:
Flying 15 PQF and earning 5,000PQP — OR earning 6,000 PQP.
Flying four flights during the calendar year on United or United Express in addition to the above.
Elite status qualification is solely based on the number of flights you take and the amount of money that you spend. United does not factor in the mileage distance flown into its status earning.
There are a few other paths to Premier Silver that can prove fruitful, even though there is no longer a PQP waiver for United Chase credit card holders or international members.
Other ways to earn PQP
It’s not just the actual United flight cost that earns PQP. You can also earn PQP when flying Star Alliance member carriers or paying for seat selection (including Economy Plus) and upgrade fees.
However, checked bag fees; United Club membership; flight taxes; and in-flight food, drink or Wi-Fi purchases are not eligible for PQP earnings.
You can also accelerate earnings with a United credit card. For example, if you hold the United Quest℠ Card, you would earn 1 PQP for every $20 you spend for a maximum of 18,000 PQP per year. It also gives you an elite status boost of 1,000 PQP each year.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
The ability to earn 5 miles (instead of 3 for general members) per eligible dollar spent as a Premier Silver status holder means that you’re earning significantly more miles. NerdWallet values MileagePlus at1.2 cents each.
Unlimited complimentary upgrades are a valuable perk, especially if you travel on flights that are not super-frequented by lots of elite status members. After all, what good is this perk if you don’t ever get upgraded? But, if you do, then this is highly valuable.
Getting access to preferred seats for yourself and others in your reservation can be valuable, too. If you travel with many people, it’s a great way to ensure you can sit together.
Plus, Economy Plus seats can make the journey more comfortable with extra stretching room. And of course, those who travel with bags will find not having to pay $45 for their first checked bag on United can quickly add up.
Changing to a different flight within 24 hours without paying a fee (based on availability) and getting priority boarding are nice perks for flexibility. For Clear membership, Premier Silver members only pay $169; a typical membership is $209, representing $40 in savings.
While not the best entry-level elite status tier, Silver status can still provide value for the frequent United flyer. It's worth having for the upgrades, free checked bag, bonus miles and Star Alliance Silver status.
The information related to the United Club℠ Business Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
