United Airlines tweaks frequent flyer program to reward spending

United Airlines plans to make it easier for customers to earn elite status through co-branded Chase credit cards, with the latest airline adjusting its lucrative frequent flyer program to reward high spenders intend to do something.

The company will not change its overall requirements for elite mileage status next year, the first time this has happened since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, United announced Thursday that in 2024, it will award customers 25 qualifying points for every $500 spent on co-branded cards. Currently, a customer earns 500 points for every $12,000 he spends. The company also plans to remove the cap on credit card spending to earn elite status.

Travelers need 5,000 qualifying points and four flights to reach the lowest level of Silver status or combine flights and points.

Airlines reward elites with perks such as free upgrades when available. Board early. and other benefits.

But in recent years, elite frequent flier ranks have increased as travelers continued to spend during the COVID-19 pandemic and airlines allowed them to retain elite status even when they weren’t on a plane. It is rapidly increasing.

This has forced airlines to keep their programs exclusive and reasonably available, drawing the ire of elites who flock to fellow travelers for upgrades and airport lounge access. There is.

Delta Air Lines announced in September that elite status would be awarded based on spending alone, rather than a combination of flights and spending, but last month it revised its SkyMiles program and lounge access restrictions after customer complaints. The plan to change departments was cancelled.

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