For frequent flyers of United Airlines, achieving higher tiers of membership can provide numerous benefits. One major aspect is collecting Premier Qualifying Points (PQP), which are essential for earning elite status within the MileagePlus Program. In this article, we’ll help you understand what PQP is, why it matters, and how to calculate your own PQP.

What is PQP (Premier Qualifying Points)?

Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) are a form of currency within the United MileagePlus Program that helps determine your Premier elite status. They are earned based on the amount of money you spend on eligible flights operated by United, United Express, or Star Alliance partners. Your yearly accumulation of PQP decides your eligibility for various tiers of premier status.

Why does PQP matter?

Earning PQPs results in gaining elite membership status and unlocking multiple benefits. Depending on the level you reach, you may attain:

1. Complimentary upgrades

2. Priority boarding

3. Check-in privileges

4. Increased baggage allowance

5. Access to airport lounges

6. Special treatment from partner airlines within the Star Alliance network

How to calculate your PQP:

1. For flights operated by United and United Express:

The simplest method to calculate your PQP for these flights is to look at the base fare plus carrier-imposed surcharges before taxes or fees.

Example:

If a one-way flight costs $280 with a base fare of $200 and $80 in surcharges, you will earn 200 + 80 = 280 PQPs for this trip.

2. For partner-operated flights with tickets issued by United (ticket number starting with “016”):

Your PQP earnings will depend on the distance flown and the purchased fare class. Here’s how you can calculate your PQP:

a) Find out the number of flown miles (you can use tools like Great Circle Mapper or your booking documentation).

b) Determine your fare class and its corresponding PQP multiplier, which can be found on the United Airlines Fare Chart for each partner airline.

c) Multiply the number of flown miles by the PQP multiplier for your specific fare class.

Example:

If a one-way flight with a partner airline has a distance of 1,500 flown miles and you’ve purchased a fare class with a PQP multiplier of 0.5, you will earn 1,500 * 0.5 = 750 PQPs for this trip.

Conclusion:

Understanding how to calculate PQP for United Airlines is essential for frequent flyers who want to take full advantage of their MileagePlus membership. Being aware of how many PQPs you’re earning on each booked flight will help you plan better and achieve higher status tiers within the program, ensuring you reap all the benefits that come with it. So, start calculating and aim for that coveted Premier status!