One Million Miler companions capped at Premier Gold status
companion inherits sponsor's earned status → companion capped at Premier Gold (1 Million Milers only)
Announced March 6, 2025 and effective for the 2027 program year (date approximate; United says "starting in 2027"), companions designated by 1 Million Miler members will receive Premier Gold status rather than inheriting the sponsor's highest earned status. Previously, a 1 Million Miler who earned Premier Platinum, 1K, or Global Services could pass that full status to a spouse, partner, or household member each year. Companions of 2 Million Milers and above are unaffected and continue to receive the sponsor's earned status, and companions traveling on the same reservation as the member still receive certain higher-status benefits at the airport. United confirmed the change by email to affected members, citing the long lead time as deliberate advance notice.
What to do: 1MM companions keep the sponsor's full earned status through the end of 2026; plan any status-dependent travel accordingly.
Related changes
- February 1, 2027Fixed PlusPoints upgrade chart to be retired in favor of dynamic pricing · United Airlines
- April 3, 2026Basic Polaris and Premium Plus fares introduced; Polaris Lounge access, free seats and full earning stripped from lowest premium fares · United Airlines
- April 2, 2026Flight earning restructured around credit cards; non-cardholders earn less, zero on Basic Economy · United Airlines
