Elite airline status can deliver frequent flyers a lot of perks, including free checked baggage, priority boarding access and even complimentary upgrades.

United Airlines has four published elite status levels. Of these, Premier Platinum is the second-highest tier. Here's a look at United Platinum benefits, how to earn this status and how much it's worth.

United Premier Platinum perks

United’s MileagePlus program provides those with elite status a variety of benefits intended to make flying simpler and more lucrative. Here’s what you get once you reach Premier Platinum status:

9x miles on flights. For every eligible dollar spent on airfare, members will earn 9 United miles.

Free checked bags. Premier Platinum members get three complimentary checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds each.

Priority check-in. Take advantage of the Premier Access check-in desk, where it's available.

Priority boarding. Members and their companions receive Group 1 boarding.

Priority security. In airports with priority screening, Premier Platinum members have access to faster security.

Free same-day changes. Free confirmed changes to other eligible flights within 24 hours of boarding.

Better seating. Complimentary access to Economy Plus or preferred seating for the member and up to eight companions when booking.

Unlimited, space-available complimentary upgrades. Upgrades to first class begin clearing at 72 hours before your flight.

Instant upgrades on eligible fares. Those purchasing a Y or B fare class will receive an instant upgrade to first class if space is available.

Discounted Clear membership. An annual Clear membership is available for $149.

United Club membership discount. A $50 discount off the regular annual cost of a United Club membership.

Access to sold-out flights. Ability to purchase Y-fare-class flights up to two hours before departure.

PlusPoints. Platinum members receive 40 PlusPoints per year, which can be used to confirm upgrades to premium cabins starting when you book.

More award availability. Those with Platinum status and above have access to better award availability for premium cabins.

Waived fees. Fees charged for booking by phone are waived.

Star Alliance Gold status. Includes benefits such as free checked bags, lounge access, priority check-in and more on eligible partner alliance bookings.

Marriott elite status. Free Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status.

Avis elite status. Complimentary Avis President’s Club elite status.

How to earn Premier Platinum elite status

To earn Premier Platinum status with United, you'll need to complete the following requirements within a calendar year:

Fly at least four segments with United or United Express.

Complete 36 premier qualifying flights (PQFs) and earn 12,000 premier qualifying points (PQPs). If you don’t meet the PQF threshold, you can qualify by earning 15,000 PQPs instead.

A PQF is determined by the number of flights you’ve taken with United or a partner airline. Each segment within an itinerary counts as a flight, so if you have a layover on a one-way trip you’ll receive two PQFs, whereas a nonstop flight would earn you one PQF.

The amount of PQPs you'll earn is determined by the cost of your ticket (base fare plus carrier-imposed surcharges), along with certain eligible upgrades you can purchase.