United Premier 1K status is the highest publicly published elite status available to members of United Airlines MileagePlus frequent flyer program, and it comes with a plethora of perks for those who fly United often.

Earning it is neither cheap nor easy — expect to spend about an estimated $19,000 just for the privilege. But once you have, the benefits are among the best of any airline elite status program.

Let’s take a look at the perks available to United 1K members, how to become a 1K member and how much this elite status is worth.

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United 1K benefits

United’s Premier 1K benefits include some incredible perks. These include:

Priority check-in. Premier 1K members have access to a separate check-in line than standard guests, even when flying in economy.

Increased earnings. Premier 1Ks get 11 miles per dollar spent on flights.

PlusPoints. There are 320 PlusPoints per year valid toward flight upgrades.

Free drink and snack. When flying in economy, 1Ks get one free drink and snack per flight.

Priority security screening. Available in certain airports, those with 1K can skip the regular security line and instead head to a dedicated line.

Preboarding. You’ll board before everyone else with preboarding access.

Complimentary checked bags. No matter your fare class, with 1K you’ll be able to check up to three 70-pound bags free of charge.

United Club annual membership discount. Premier 1Ks get a $100 discount on United Club membership.

Confirmed flight changes. Free of charge within the same fare class starting at 24 hours prior to departure.

Clear membership. Complimentary Clear membership, which helps you speed through security.

Access to most sold-out flights. Access to Y or B fares when booked at least 1.5 hours prior to departure.

Complimentary upgrades. Premier 1K member upgrades start clearing up to 96 hours in advance of the flight.

Complimentary Economy Plus seats. Available at booking and for up to eight companions.

Instant upgrades to a premium cabin. This benefit is available to 1K customers on Y, B or M fares.

Waived fees. Premier 1K members get waived fees on phone bookings.

Marriott elite status. Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status.

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

Star Alliance status. As a 1K, you’ll have Star Alliance Gold status.

How to become a United Premier 1K

To steps to becoming a United Premier 1K member are a bit confusing and dictated by a series of alphabet soups. Rather than meeting a certain mileage requirement to earn elite status — as is the case with many other airline elite status programs — you’ll earn Premier Qualifying Points, or PQPs, and Premier Qualifying Flights, or PQFs, whenever you fly United or a partner airline.

But, these PQPs and PQFs aren't necessarily based on miles flown. Here's how they work and how to earn them.