Jan 13, 2024, 11:09 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is an archive thread, the active thread is United Silver Status - Experiences/Q&A
Qualification Requirements
PQM: 25,000
PQS: 30
PQD: $3,000*
4 flight segments on UA or United Express
*PQD requirement is waived if either of the two conditions are met:
1. With $25k spend on across Chase UA Visa cards where the MileagePlus member is the primary cardholder
2. MileagePlus member is a current, primary cardholder of United MileagePlus Presidential Plus Card
Marriott Titanium members also receive complimentary Premier Silver Status
Published Benefits
Complimentary Access to Economy Plus: At check-in
Economy Plus companions allowed: 1
Complimentary Premier Upgrades: Yes
Complimentary Premier Upgrades for companion: Yes
Complimentary Premier Upgrades confirmation: Day of departure
Instant upgrades on Y- or B-class full-fare economy tickets
500 PQM minimum accrual: Yes
Award miles on United and United Express and select partner airlines: 7 x fare
Priority check-in: Yes
Priority screening: Yes (where available)
Boarding group: 2
Priority baggage handling: Yes
Dedicated phone line: Yes
Access to most sold-out flights: Yes
Complimentary checked baggage allowance for domestic economy tickets: 1 bag at 50lbs (23 kg)
Unrestricted access to Standard Awards on UA and UX: Yes
Better access to Saver Awards: Yes
Booking a MileagePlus award ticket by phone: $25
Close-in ( T-24)?
A: Yes (it may appear to want to charge you but it should not
Q: What are the odds I will get a CPU?
A: Sadly, much lower than you probably want to believe. There seems to be slightly better odds on typical vacation routes--e.g., CUN, MCO, FLL, etc.
Q: I checked in exactly at T-24, and my name was #1 on the upgrade list. A few hours later, I'm suddenly #10 on the list! What gives?
A: This post gives a good explanation why. Basically, those with higher upgrade priority checked-in after you, and they be placed above you on the upgrade list. The harsh reality is that you only have priority only above non-rev travelers.
Q: I'm Marriott Titanium Elite, how do I get my Premier Silver status?
A: Go to https://mrrewardsplus.com/en_US/
Q: If I requalify as a Marriott Titanium Elite, do I have to renew my complimentary Premier Silver status every year?
A: Yes
Q: How can I get a United MileagePlus Presidential Plus Card?
A: Sorry, it is no longer offered.
Q: I qualified for Premier Silver this year (2016). The expiration date on the app says 1/31/2017. Shouldn't it be 1/31/2018?
A: The expiration date will automatically update to 2018 in 2017.
Qualification Requirements
PQM: 25,000
PQS: 30
PQD: $3,000*
4 flight segments on UA or United Express
*PQD requirement is waived if either of the two conditions are met:
1. With $25k spend on across Chase UA Visa cards where the MileagePlus member is the primary cardholder
2. MileagePlus member is a current, primary cardholder of United MileagePlus Presidential Plus Card
Marriott Titanium members also receive complimentary Premier Silver Status
Published Benefits
Complimentary Access to Economy Plus: At check-in
Economy Plus companions allowed: 1
Complimentary Premier Upgrades: Yes
Complimentary Premier Upgrades for companion: Yes
Complimentary Premier Upgrades confirmation: Day of departure
Instant upgrades on Y- or B-class full-fare economy tickets
500 PQM minimum accrual: Yes
Award miles on United and United Express and select partner airlines: 7 x fare
Priority check-in: Yes
Priority screening: Yes (where available)
Boarding group: 2
Priority baggage handling: Yes
Dedicated phone line: Yes
Access to most sold-out flights: Yes
Complimentary checked baggage allowance for domestic economy tickets: 1 bag at 50lbs (23 kg)
Unrestricted access to Standard Awards on UA and UX: Yes
Better access to Saver Awards: Yes
Booking a MileagePlus award ticket by phone: $25
Close-in ( T-24)?
A: Yes (it may appear to want to charge you but it should not
Q: What are the odds I will get a CPU?
A: Sadly, much lower than you probably want to believe. There seems to be slightly better odds on typical vacation routes--e.g., CUN, MCO, FLL, etc.
Q: I checked in exactly at T-24, and my name was #1 on the upgrade list. A few hours later, I'm suddenly #10 on the list! What gives?
A: This post gives a good explanation why. Basically, those with higher upgrade priority checked-in after you, and they be placed above you on the upgrade list. The harsh reality is that you only have priority only above non-rev travelers.
Q: I'm Marriott Titanium Elite, how do I get my Premier Silver status?
A: Go to https://mrrewardsplus.com/en_US/
Q: If I requalify as a Marriott Titanium Elite, do I have to renew my complimentary Premier Silver status every year?
A: Yes
Q: How can I get a United MileagePlus Presidential Plus Card?
A: Sorry, it is no longer offered.
Q: I qualified for Premier Silver this year (2016). The expiration date on the app says 1/31/2017. Shouldn't it be 1/31/2018?
A: The expiration date will automatically update to 2018 in 2017.
United Silver Status - Experiences/Q&A {Archive}
Jun 15, 2015 | 3:34 pm
#796
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 70
Cleared LAX-ORD last Monday night right at T-24 during OLCI. Had my choice of about six F seats on a 739. And for good measure sat in front of Vince Vaughn on the flight.
Futhermore, was connecting to MKE to then catch a bus to GRB but flight delayed about an hour (due to MX on the inbound) as the departure time was getting close and I was going to miss my bus in MKE. Called the Premier line, briefly explained the situation, and they moved me over to the next ORD-GRB flight, which was departing about an hour after my original flight. Very happy with the whole experience.
Futhermore, was connecting to MKE to then catch a bus to GRB but flight delayed about an hour (due to MX on the inbound) as the departure time was getting close and I was going to miss my bus in MKE. Called the Premier line, briefly explained the situation, and they moved me over to the next ORD-GRB flight, which was departing about an hour after my original flight. Very happy with the whole experience.
Jun 15, 2015 | 9:16 pm
#797
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Platinum, SPG Gold
Posts: 61
On ORD-YYZ, 5/6 people got a CPU. I was unlucky #6. 
On the plus side, I sure enjoyed my pick of E+ seating!
On the plus side, I sure enjoyed my pick of E+ seating!
Jul 6, 2015 | 6:18 pm
#798
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Flew a RDU-TXL r/t last week on a T Fare.
- RDU-IAD: Number #5 on the upgrade list. It probably helped that I was on an E75 which has a 12 seat F cabin instead of a CR7. Had my choice of four E+ seats at check in and ended up in the bulkhead window.
- IAD-BRU: E+ was open at check in though I'd paid for it in advance. Ended up using 20,000 miles and $550 to upgrade to Business. I was hoping for a decent buy up to Business but the lowest they offered me was $1,189.
- BRU-TXL (Brussels Airlines): Annoyingly, no priority boarding for Star Silver. They boarded Business/Star Gold then everyone else.
- TXL-EWR: Bought E+ again in advance. Nothing but middle seats were available at check in but as upgrades cleared I could have moved to the exit row or bulkhead.
- EWR-RDU: Got offered a $59 buy up to First and took it. First time I've gotten a ToD upgrade as a Silver.
- RDU-IAD: Number #5 on the upgrade list. It probably helped that I was on an E75 which has a 12 seat F cabin instead of a CR7. Had my choice of four E+ seats at check in and ended up in the bulkhead window.
- IAD-BRU: E+ was open at check in though I'd paid for it in advance. Ended up using 20,000 miles and $550 to upgrade to Business. I was hoping for a decent buy up to Business but the lowest they offered me was $1,189.
- BRU-TXL (Brussels Airlines): Annoyingly, no priority boarding for Star Silver. They boarded Business/Star Gold then everyone else.
- TXL-EWR: Bought E+ again in advance. Nothing but middle seats were available at check in but as upgrades cleared I could have moved to the exit row or bulkhead.
- EWR-RDU: Got offered a $59 buy up to First and took it. First time I've gotten a ToD upgrade as a Silver.
Jul 7, 2015 | 8:57 pm
#800
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: IND
Posts: 301
Got an upgrade to F at T-24 for ORD-PHL tomorrow evening.
Jul 8, 2015 | 7:49 am
#801
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Programs: UA 1K, DL Gold, IHG Diamond AMB, MR Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, National EE
Posts: 1,084
In first two months as Silver: 8/8 E+ and 4/12 CPU.
Jul 8, 2015 | 8:35 am
#802
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: EWR
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 35
Flying LAS-EWR on a pretty packed flight was able to get my friend an E+ exit row seat by asking GA. Missed CPU by like... 4 spots, but was able to sleep thru flight in E+ at least.
Jul 14, 2015 | 8:57 pm
#803
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,552
Went online to one of my upcomming reservations DEN-ORD-MKG (muskegon, mi) and saw that there was a change and that I had to accept it.
I called United for the first time as a Silver, got right through to the premier line and explained that getting in an hour and a half later wasn't the best, and politely asked to be put on an earlier flight to GRR.
The agent said "you know, there are nonstops from DEN." I knew that, but didn't think they would put me on that, but she was more than happy to, and also on the way back as well.
It was honestly, the most pleasant customer service phone call I've ever had, and I'm just a silver. I fly for the first time as a silver (was status matched from Mariott) Friday, so I'll report back, but major Kudos to the UA Rep.
I called United for the first time as a Silver, got right through to the premier line and explained that getting in an hour and a half later wasn't the best, and politely asked to be put on an earlier flight to GRR.
The agent said "you know, there are nonstops from DEN." I knew that, but didn't think they would put me on that, but she was more than happy to, and also on the way back as well.
It was honestly, the most pleasant customer service phone call I've ever had, and I'm just a silver. I fly for the first time as a silver (was status matched from Mariott) Friday, so I'll report back, but major Kudos to the UA Rep.
Jul 14, 2015 | 9:19 pm
#804
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Suburban Philadelphia
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,392
Jul 15, 2015 | 3:17 pm
#805
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,122
I've held Silver for about ten years. One year I didn't make it but flew so much in the Spring that I qualified by late May. That covered the rest of that year and all of the next.
A couple of years I was 4-5k miles short of Gold. I was tempted to buy up to Gold but opted not to. This year will be very tight. I'm flying as many segments as I always have but many of them are shorties like IAH-MEM or BNA to IAH. Quite a few MCO-IAH, too.
I always meet the PQD$$ because all business and household expenses (utilities, phones, TV... pretty much everything) goes on my UA Mastercard.
If I come up short in miles I'll have to determine if it's worth it to buy into Silver or do a mileage run. I have Global Entry so get Pre-Check 100%. My card gets me a free bag and 'priority' boarding. I'll miss E+ but those MEM and BNA runs are always RJs so it doesn't matter much.
As far as upgrades, I have been very fortunate to get a LOT of unexpected upgrades. Several from MCO to IAH last Spring. Once, I was #5 with no seats showing right before boarding. I got paged to the gate counter and got the upgrade. The agent said a party of five cancelled at the last minute. I recently got an IAH to MSY. And just last week got the upgrade both ways IAH to Cancun!
A Couple of weeks ago I was sitting #1 ATL-IAH virtually all day with one empty seat. An hour before departure I got bumped to #2 by a guy who was standing by for that flight. It doesn't seem right to get bumped by a standby.
I even got upgraded twice on IAH-SEA and once on a red eye SEA-IAH.
Oh, yeah.... AUS-LAX once. The long hauls are really nice but I've never been upgraded on anything bigger than a 757.
I don't know if they give any priority to long time Silvers vs a newbie, but overall, I've had very good luck with the upgrades. And I have NEVER not been able to get either an E+ exit row aisle or 7C/7D (bulkhead E+ seat.
It's all good.
A couple of years I was 4-5k miles short of Gold. I was tempted to buy up to Gold but opted not to. This year will be very tight. I'm flying as many segments as I always have but many of them are shorties like IAH-MEM or BNA to IAH. Quite a few MCO-IAH, too.
I always meet the PQD$$ because all business and household expenses (utilities, phones, TV... pretty much everything) goes on my UA Mastercard.
If I come up short in miles I'll have to determine if it's worth it to buy into Silver or do a mileage run. I have Global Entry so get Pre-Check 100%. My card gets me a free bag and 'priority' boarding. I'll miss E+ but those MEM and BNA runs are always RJs so it doesn't matter much.
As far as upgrades, I have been very fortunate to get a LOT of unexpected upgrades. Several from MCO to IAH last Spring. Once, I was #5 with no seats showing right before boarding. I got paged to the gate counter and got the upgrade. The agent said a party of five cancelled at the last minute. I recently got an IAH to MSY. And just last week got the upgrade both ways IAH to Cancun!
A Couple of weeks ago I was sitting #1 ATL-IAH virtually all day with one empty seat. An hour before departure I got bumped to #2 by a guy who was standing by for that flight. It doesn't seem right to get bumped by a standby.
I even got upgraded twice on IAH-SEA and once on a red eye SEA-IAH.
Oh, yeah.... AUS-LAX once. The long hauls are really nice but I've never been upgraded on anything bigger than a 757.
I don't know if they give any priority to long time Silvers vs a newbie, but overall, I've had very good luck with the upgrades. And I have NEVER not been able to get either an E+ exit row aisle or 7C/7D (bulkhead E+ seat.
It's all good.
Jul 19, 2015 | 12:28 am
#806
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: EWR
Posts: 2,126
Got yet another upgrade T-24 for tomorrow night's final SFO-SEA on an N fare. This route has always been a relatively easy upgrade for the final sunday night flight as I have only missed it once in the last couple of years
They don't-the CPU order is pretty straightforward
They don't-the CPU order is pretty straightforward
Jul 22, 2015 | 8:16 am
#807
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Silver
Posts: 88
Premier Silver, Star Alliance Gold
I am Premier Silver this year; I was Premier Gold last year. While still Gold back in January, I booked a domestic award ticket for tomorrow. After OLCI, I see my boarding pass says "Premier Silver, Star Alliance Gold." I thought you had to be Premier Gold or higher to get *G. Is this a glitch or something to do with having booked the ticket when I was *G?
I'm curious, because I have an upcoming flight next month EWR-ZRH-MXP on LX. Will I have *G for that flight, assuming I'm still Premier Silver by then? I planned to save my United Club pass for that trip, but I'd use it sooner if I know I will be *G traveling internationally.
I'm curious, because I have an upcoming flight next month EWR-ZRH-MXP on LX. Will I have *G for that flight, assuming I'm still Premier Silver by then? I planned to save my United Club pass for that trip, but I'd use it sooner if I know I will be *G traveling internationally.
Jul 22, 2015 | 8:05 pm
#808
Join Date: Jul 2015
Programs: United Milage Plus &Hawiann
Posts: 31
Great Stories everyone, I will about 10,000 away from silver after a YYZ-ORD-MUC trip next month. Thinking of booking another just to meet silver. Thanks everyone for the post.
I do have one question, when looking at flights to book is there anyway to tell how many EQM's will be awarded? Thanks.
I do have one question, when looking at flights to book is there anyway to tell how many EQM's will be awarded? Thanks.
Jul 22, 2015 | 8:08 pm
#809
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,122
Great Stories everyone, I will about 10,000 away from silver after a YYZ-ORD-MUC trip next month. Thinking of booking another just to meet silver. Thanks everyone for the post.
I do have one question, when looking at flights to book is there anyway to tell how many EQM's will be awarded? Thanks.
I do have one question, when looking at flights to book is there anyway to tell how many EQM's will be awarded? Thanks.
Jul 22, 2015 | 8:27 pm
#810
Join Date: Jul 2015
Programs: United Milage Plus &Hawiann
Posts: 31
Thanks, Kensterfly
Are you saying the Total distance flown and miles per flight segment are the EQM's I would earn to reach Silver. I must be missing something. Is there away to read how many PQM's one earns?
Sorry Meant PQM's not EQM's.
Are you saying the Total distance flown and miles per flight segment are the EQM's I would earn to reach Silver. I must be missing something. Is there away to read how many PQM's one earns?
Sorry Meant PQM's not EQM's.
Last edited by Jason_cdn; Jul 22, 2015 at 8:34 pm