United Airlines is joining Delta Air Lines in holding steady its requirements to earn elite frequent flyer status next year after it raised the bar in 2025.
Airlines have spent years making it more expensive to get high-tier status, which comes with perks like early boarding, free first-class upgrades (when they're available), waived baggage fees or even airport lounge access.
But hordes of elite travelers in the wake of the pandemic â when airlines let many customers hold onto their status â have meant more crowded early boarding groups. And a rise in premium credit card-toting customers has led to longer waits at some airport lounges than at TSA checkpoints.
Airline executives have also said that more customers are willing to pay cash to sit in first class, making fewer seats available for complimentary upgrades that are a draw for many consumers to chase status.
For United, its program is more in balance now, said Luc Bondar, president of United's MileagePlus loyalty program.
"When you have benefits like upgrades, if everyone has status, then ⦠fewer and fewer customers are going to get access to upgrades," he said in an interview. "We feel good that they're at the right level."
United is making some changes next year, when the status flyers earn will apply to travel in 2027. The airline is changing how its so-called Plus Points â a currency beyond regular miles that can be earned by top-tier Platinum and 1K loyalty program elites â can be used.
The carrier currently has a mileage chart, where customers need to earn set amounts for certain cabins, like its top Polaris long-haul business class. In 2027, it will move instead to dynamic pricing based on demand. United next year will also allow elites with high-level 1K status to earn Plus Points through co-branded credit card spending.
The carrier also said status holders and United Chase credit card holders will also have "increased access" to Polaris Saver Award fares, which the airline said will make it easier to book in the top cabin.
Airlines' lucrative loyalty programs bring in billions in profits, in part when the carriers sell miles to banks when customers earn them through credit card spending.
Last year, United raised the amount customers had to spend to reach frequent flyer status in 2026. The thresholds to reach elite status in the airline's MileagePlus program went up about 25% and include either spending on a co-branded card or a combination of spending and flying.
Last week, Delta said it would keep its earning requirements the same next year for 2027 status.
American Airlines hasn't announced a change to its frequent flyer program elite thresholds this year. The carrier trails Delta and United in profits and is trying to win over more big spenders with refreshed cabins and lounges, though its rivals' decision to hold elite-earning requirements steady could pressure American to do the same.