United Plus Points: How to Earn & Use Them

As a frequent flyer who flies both domestically and internationally. do you know how important it is to turn long-haul flights into seamless, quality experience value? Do you know the United Plus Points? United Plus Points offers you a unique and flexible way to upgrade your flight to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Whether you’re a Premier Platinum or Premier 1K member, these points can take your journey to the next level. regardless of date restrictions or strict fare class requirements. From upgrading to premium Economy or business class to enjoying premium services from partner airlines. Plus Points offers MileagePlus members unmatched versatility.

What are United Plus Points? What are united plus points? As well as how to use and redeem United Plus Points and other related content. I hope to let you quickly understand everything about United Plus Points, please dive with me!

What are United Plus points?

United Plus Points is a flexible upgrade currency offered by United Airlines as part of its MileagePlus loyalty program. Eligible members (typically Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members) can apply for cabin upgrades on United flights. including upgrades from Economy to Premium Economy, business, or First Class. Unlike traditional upgrade certificates, Plus Points offers greater flexibility and can be used on a variety of routes and fare classes.

Here, whether you are booking a Premium Economy or Economy ticket, you will need to use a Global Premium upgrade to upgrade to Business Class. And you need fewer Plus Points to upgrade from Premium to Business Class than you do from Discount Economy.

Best of all, United Plus Points has no limited dates and can be combined for higher-level upgrades. providing frequent fliers with a valuable opportunity to enhance their travel experience.

Main uses of United Plus Points

• Cabin upgrades: Use United Plus Points to upgrade Economy class to First or Business class. The number of points required depends on the route to upgrade, fare class, and cabin.
• Privilege to travel in a higher class: With United Plus Points, you can get a more spacious and comfortable class as well. Flexibility allows families to experience United’s top-notch service without the need for a more high-class ticket.
• Priority Boarding and Baggage Handling: Benefits associated with traveling in Premium class allow you to enjoy priority boarding and express baggage handling privileges. Enhance your travel experience and save time.
• Other uses:
  • Connecting flights ensures you enjoy a comfortable journey on many trips.
  • There are partner airlines that can enhance the upgrade service.
  • Use points to book Premium Economy Plus or other preferred seats.

How to Get Earning Premier status / Earning Premier status in 2025

Because United has raised the bar for elite treatment, it will be more difficult to get VIP status before 2025. To qualify for membership until 31 January 2027, you will need a large number of Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) and Premier Qualifying Points (PQP). as shown in the table below:

Achieving United Airlines Premier membership can be done through three main pathways. each catering to different types of travelers:

1. Combining PQP and PQF Accumulation This is the most common method for frequent flyers. By accumulating PQP (Premier Qualifying Points) and PQF (Premier Qualifying Flights). you can gradually meet the qualification requirements for your desired status level. This approach works well for those who travel often. but it requires careful planning of flight routes and fare classes to maximize both points and flight segments for each trip.
2. Meeting a Higher PQP-Only Target For travelers who rank value per flight over the number of trips. meeting a higher PQP-only target is a faster way to upgrade. This option suits those who buy premium cabin tickets. such as business or first class, as these fares allow you to accumulate much PQP with fewer flights, accelerating the path to Premier status.
3. Using the VIP Hotel Flights Fast Track For those with limited time or who prefer to avoid frequent flights. the VIP Hotel Flights Fast Track is an ideal option. Compared to traditional methods, this pathway saves time and effort while reducing unnecessary expenses. making it an efficient way to achieve Premier status.

Important Qualification Requirements

The first two methods must travelers to complete at least four flights with United or other Star Alliance carriers, excluding partner airlines. This need increases the challenge. with qualification thresholds being about 25% higher than expected.

For example, achieving Premier 1K status through the PQP-only pathway would need travelers to spend up to $28,000 on United flights. This significant expense highlights the importance of choosing the right strategy for earning status.

Recommendation: Choose the VIP Hotel Flights Fast Track

Compared to traditional methods, the VIP Hotel Flights Fast Track simplifies the process while lowering costs. allowing you to achieve Premier status quickly. This option is especially suitable for high-value travelers or those with tight schedules. making it one of the most efficient and practical solutions for unlocking United Premier benefits.

How to earn United Plus Points?

Premier Platinum members: Earn 40 PlusPoints that can be used to upgrade Economy to First Class on short-haul flights or Economy to Premium Economy on long-haul flights.

Premier 1K members: Earn more than 280 PlusPoints for a total of 320 PlusPoints, and can earn more by:

• 20 PlusPoints for every more 2,000 PQP (beyond 15,000 PQP).
• 20 PlusPoints for every more 3,000 PQP (starting at 21,000 PQP).
• Annual cumulative example

If you accumulate 19,000 PQP in one year:

• 40 PlusPoints (Premier Platinum Awards).
• 280 PlusPoints (Premier 1K rewards).
• 40 PlusPoints (more PQP rewards).
• Total: 360 PlusPoints.

How to use United Plus Points?

From the above description, once you have earned these points, how do you use them next? As we understand, these services are typically used as domestic. and international upgrades for United flights are essentially the same as those offered by Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.

United is even a partner of American Airlines, Lufthansa, and All Nippon Airways.

Here we have two ways to use United Plus Points: before and after booking. But the best approach suggests that you find available space before booking your flight. You can view the upgrade space displayed in search with a powerful search feature on American Airlines. I will show you the detailed steps in the following content.

Use United Plus Points when booking your Flight

• 1. First go to the United home page and log in to your United Miles Plus account, then click the “Advanced search” button at the bottom left to go to the next page.
• 2. After entering the Advanced search page, you must enter all the information, including the destination and the travel date. Then scroll down to “Upgrades, certificates, and promotion codes“.
• 3. After clicking the button, you will see an option for PlusPoints upgrades, select it.
• 4. After selecting “PlusPoints upgrades“, a new page will appear. where there are three options such as” Sort flights by“, “Stops” and connecting airports“. which you can select according to your own needs. and click on “Available and waitlist“, which needs to be selected yourself.
• 5. The screenshot from the previous step shows that the round-trip fare for a direct flight is $258. Even if you add the list to the waiting list, there is no possibility of an immediate upgrade here, and you will be taken to the next checkout page.

Attention:

This means that when you choose to add your list to the waiting list, your ticket cash will expire when you check out. Unless, and only if, you upgrade clear, your PlusPoints will be withdrawn. This way, on a round-trip flight, you don’t have to use your points on two flights. which is useful if you have enough points to use directly for one-way upgrades.

Use United Plus Points when booking your Flight: Immediate Upgrades

• 1. The procedure for applying points for Immediate Upgrades is the same as the procedure for waiting for upgrades we sorted out above. The only difference is. You will select an available flight, as shown below:
• 2. Once you select the checkout page, your points will be deducted automatically. What you need to understand here is that you must have enough points, otherwise. you will not be able to deduct them automatically, and this will affect your upgrade.
• 3. You will then be immediately confirmed into the cabin you’ve booked!

Attention:

While it’s easy to use advanced search for flights using PlusPoints. the best thing you can do is to find available upgrades before booking to better ensure your upgrade mission is successful.

Upgrading After Booking

After booking your ticket, you can still use United Plus Points to upgrade your flight. Why might you want to do this? Perhaps your previous upgrade request was unsuccessful, or you’ve earned more points after booking and want to use them. Whatever the reason, there are a couple of ways to apply for an upgrade: online or by phone.

• 1. If you prefer the phone option, you can call United’s dedicated customer service line. where a representative will assist you in applying your Plus Points for an upgrade. For online upgrades, the process is straightforward. Simply log in to your MileagePlus account, select the flight you wish to upgrade, and follow the prompts to submit your request.
• 2. Next please go to your travel page where you can choose your seat, pay for your luggage, and upgrade your cabin. You can click the “Upgrade Cabin” button in the image below.
• 3. Then go to the next page, you will see three different options, including Money. Miles and PlusPoints and other options to complete the upgrade, please select “PlusPoints”.
• 4. Once you have selected “PlusPoints”. Here are some of the flights that may be successfully upgraded for you to check out.
• 5. Then please select the flights you want to upgrade and those that are likely to be upgraded and put them on the waiting list. Once you’ve selected your upgrade preferences for each flight segment, you can scroll down and click “Continue” to get to the checkout page.
• 6. Once you complete the checkout page, you will either be confirmed immediately or put on the waiting list for the flight.

How to Maximize the Value of United Plus Points

1. First, choosing the best time to exchange is crucial.
   • Do not choose to exchange PlusPoints during the peak season or the peak travel period. I think there should be a large number of people who have thought of the need to exchange and upgrade during this period. which makes it difficult to help you successfully upgrade. It is recommended that you choose off-peak so that you can get the opportunity to upgrade with fewer points. Planning your trip strategically can help you maximize the value of Plus points.
2. Second, look for smart upgrades.
   • You can keep an eye out for flights that cost less points to upgrade, for example. Short-haul or domestic flights, as they may be much less redeemable than international ones. Also, booking in advance increases the likelihood of finding an upgrade. as seats in premium classes may be more limited before departure.
3. Third, combine Plus Points with MileagePlus miles.
   • To better optimize your rewards, consider combining Plus Points with MileagePlus miles. This means, for example, that you can use your miles to book flights and Points to upgrade your flight to a premium service in a cost-effective way. By making effective use of both currencies, you can further expand their value and enhance your travel experience.

How to View and Manage United Plus Points

1. Check your United Plus Points balance.

1. Please log into your United MileagePlus account on the United Airlines website or mobile app.
2. Then navigate to the My Account section.
3. Here you can view the current Plus Points balance as well as relevant information about end dates and usage history.

2. Apply for upgrades or use Plus Points.

• To use Plus Points for upgrades or other services you need to do the following:
• Online: You can log into your MileagePlus account, search for your flight, and view the Upgrade Availability section. You can then spend your Plus Points directly on eligible flights.
• By phone: Call United Customer Service and have a representative assist you with using your bonus points for upgrades or other services.
• At the airport: If you haven’t used your plus points before check-in, you can ask at the airport if there are any last-minute upgrade opportunities.

3. Tips for managing bonus points

• Track end dates: Keep track of when your Plus Points expire to ensure they don’t go to waste. Set reminders or alerts in your calendar.
• Track the upgrade waiting list: If you are on the upgrade waiting list. check its status periodically through your MileagePlus account or contact customer service.
• Use points strategically: Use plus points on high-grade flights. or long-haul routes to maximize comfort and value.

United Plus Points compared to other airline loyalty programs

United Plus Points offers a unique balance of flexibility and transparency, making it a competitive upgrade currency in the U.S. and international markets. Frequent fliers can take advantage of this for a better travel experience. Here is a list of pros and cons I compiled.

The main differences are:

United Plus Points allows partial use of smaller-scale upgrades. providing greater flexibility than the all-or-nothing approach of Delta and the American aviation system. And United Plus Points is very transparent about the points required and their availability. making your upgrade planning even easier.

United Plus Points stands out globally for its flexibility of use. with fewer restrictions on fare classes and routes than other airlines. Compared to the opaque processes of some international airlines. United’s upgrade system is more transparent and has significant advantages, as can be seen from the table above.

Strengths and challenges of United Plus Points

As a frequent United Airlines traveler, I’ve found Plus Points to be incredibly flexible and valuable. They not only allow me to upgrade my seat, but they also make long-haul flights much more comfortable. But, like any program, there are some challenges to navigate.

The biggest advantage of Plus Points is their flexibility. For example, I once used 40 points to upgrade from Economy to Premium Plus (Premium Economy) for a flight to London. The extra space and improved service made the journey much more comfortable. I then used the remaining Plus Points to upgrade to a shorter domestic flight to First Class. This ability to spread my points across many flights maximizes their value.

Another great feature is the transparency of the program. United makes it easy to see how many Plus Points are needed for an upgrade on their website. On one occasion, I was booking a flight from San Francisco to Tokyo and noticed that upgrading to Business Class only required 40 points. I quickly applied for the upgrade, and it was confirmed. This kind of clarity is especially helpful for someone like me who likes to plan.

Of course, there are challenges as well. The biggest hurdle is limited upgrade availability, especially on popular routes. For instance, during last year’s Christmas season, I tried to upgrade my flight from Chicago to Paris using Plus Points. but the upgrade wasn’t available because all the premium seats were already booked. This taught me the importance of applying for upgrades as early as possible, especially during peak travel times.

Another thing to keep in mind is the end of Plus Points. There was one time when I couldn’t use all my points within the given timeframe, and I had to use them on a short domestic flight. While it was still a great experience, it felt like I didn’t get the most out of those points, which was a bit disappointing.

, Plus Points are a highly practical tool, and with proper planning, they can really enhance the travel experience. For me, the key to getting the most value out of them is avoiding busy travel periods and checking upgrade availability early. While there are occasional setbacks, Plus Points have made my travels more comfortable and enjoyable.

When Should You Use PlusPoints To Upgrade?

As a Platinum member, you receive 40 PlusPoints annually, which means you need to use these points wisely to maximize their value. For example, upgrading a long-haul flight like New York to Tokyo is a great use of PlusPoints. This route not only enhances your travel comfort but also ensures your points are utilized effectively. In comparison, using PlusPoints for upgrades like moving from Economy to Premium Economy on domestic United flights may not provide as much value.

If you’re a Premier 1K member, you receive 320 PlusPoints each year, which gives you much more flexibility. Spending 40 PlusPoints on an upgrade becomes less of a concern, especially for longer international flights. But, even with a larger balance, it’s still important to focus on getting the best value for your points.

How to Maximize the Value of PlusPoints

One key consideration is that PlusPoints are charged per flight segment, not per itinerary. This means you should strategically plan which segments to upgrade to get the most value. For instance, let’s say you’re flying from California to Dubai with a stopover in Frankfurt. Upgrading the entire trip to business class would cost 80 PlusPoints. But, a smarter approach would be to use your PlusPoints to upgrade the long-haul segment from California to Frankfurt. where enhanced comfort is most valuable while flying Economy for the shorter Frankfurt to Dubai leg. This way, you get the most benefit for a smaller points investment.

In summary, when using PlusPoints, consider the flight length, the comfort gained through the upgrade, and the points cost. Rank high-value flights and segments to make the most out of your PlusPoints and enjoy the perks of premium cabin travel.

Related Articles:

• United Airlines Premier Fast Track to Platinum
• Delta Skymiles Fast Track to Platinum

Related articles:

• American Airlines AAdvantage Fast Track to Platinum.
• SkyTeam Elite Plus: Status, Perks & Upgrades
• Top 10 Safest Airlines in the World in 2026

FAQ

Conclusion

From the detailed introduction of the above article, I believe that United Plus Points is more than just a loyalty reward. it is your gateway to quality travel. You can earn and use these points strategically to maximize the benefits of an upgrade. And allowing you to experience superior service quality every time you travel. Plus Points offers flexibility and value for both domestic and international travel. With smart planning, you can transform your flying experience and truly enjoy the benefits of United’s loyalty program.