Regardless of how many PQPs you buy, you must still fly at least four paid flights operated by United or United Express in a calendar year to qualify for status.
United has maintained the following PQP thresholds for the 2026 program year: Premier Level PQP + PQF Requirement PQP Only Requirement 4,000 PQP + 12 PQF Gold 8,000 PQP + 24 PQF 10,000 PQP Platinum 12,000 PQP + 36 PQF 15,000 PQP Premier 1K 18,000 PQP + 54 PQF 24,000 PQP
This is the most common way to buy status. When you have an existing flight reservation, you can purchase "Award Accelerator" miles and then receive an add-on offer for Premier Accelerator . These PQP count directly toward your status for the current calendar year. united buy miles for status
Customers traveling on Basic Economy tickets are ineligible to purchase Premier Accelerator. Elite Status Requirements (2026)
PQP and miles purchased through accelerators are non-refundable. Regardless of how many PQPs you buy, you
united.com/en/us/fly/mileageplus/whats-new.html">United credit cards to help reach these goals? Mileage Products - United Airlines
Buying regular "Personal Miles" through the MileagePlus Buy Miles portal only gives you award miles for redemptions; these do not count toward Premier status or PQP requirements. These PQP count directly toward your status for
While you cannot directly buy "award miles" to gain United Premier status, you can purchase through specific United programs to reach your status goals. Ways to "Buy" Status Progress