United Airlines today sent out an email with the subject line “Upcoming changes to 1 Million Miler companion benefits,” and I couldn’t figure out what the benefit change was at first.
United Airlines, like Delta and American, has a Million Miler program for members who have flown with the airline significantly for a longer period. I reached this tier a while back when United and Continental merged and combined miles accounts, including lifetime tallies.
You can access United’s page for the Million Miler program here.
United’s email:
United’s page clarifies the situation:
Companion benefit
All members who have one million lifetime flight miles or more have the option to either select their own companion or become the companion of another Million Miler. Million milers who are already companions cannot choose a companion of their own. Companion benefits are available on an annual, not lifetime, basis.
As a Million Miler, you can extend Premier status to your companion, who is your spouse, significant other or a person who resides at the same home address, based on your MileagePlus profile information. Your companion will enjoy the rewarding perks of Premier membership**. Starting in 2027, companions of 1 Million Milers will get Premier Gold status. Companions of 2 Million Milers, 3 Million Milers or 4+ Million Milers will receive their sponsor’s highest earned status during the applicable program year.
2025 and 2026 companions
2025 and 2026 companions of 1 Million Milers will share the Million Miler’s highest earned Premier status for the applicable program year. Starting in 2027, the companion will receive Premier Gold status unless they earn a higher level on their own.
The change is that if a Lifetime Gold has earned a higher status during the qualification year, their companion has “inherited” that status, but that will no longer be the case from 2027.
Companion benefits for lifetime Platinum, 1K, or Global Services members won’t change. They will continue to receive either the “lifetime” tier or the one earned for the year, if higher.
Conclusion
I am baffled as to why United is rolling out a change that must, at the end of the day, only affect a very small number of accounts.
The change only affects companions of 1 Million Milers who receive a higher status during the qualification year, as the benefit stays in place for 2/3/4 Million Milers.
This is also a good reminder for those who are part of these lifetime programs that companies can and often change their benefits, and not usually for the better.
