Premier Silver is the first tier in the United Airlines MileagePlus program. There are several paths to get there, including matching hotel elite status or leveraging certain credit card perks.

For those who fly frequently with United and Star Alliance partners, the benefits of Silver status can improve your flight experience. Let’s take a look at United Premier Silver elite status, its benefits and how to earn this level of status.

United Silver benefits

As an entry-level tier, achieving this level of status is like dipping your toes into the magical world of elite status perks. Upgrades, bonus miles, savings and travel conveniences start to appear on the horizon.

So, what do you get with Premier Silver status on United?

7x MileagePlus miles: For every eligible dollar spent on airfare, Premier Silver members earn 7 miles. This offers a boost over general MileagePlus members who only earn 5 miles per eligible dollar spent.

Free checked bag: This tier includes one free checked bag weighing up to 70 pounds.

Unlimited complimentary upgrades: Space-available upgrades to first class are a notable perk on non-basic economy domestic and select international flights. This includes award tickets for those who have a United co-branded credit card. These upgrades are free and processed only on the day of departure.

Premier Access: United Premier Silver members get access to premium check-in, preferred screening airport security lanes where available and an earlier boarding group (Group 2) than general, nonelite MileagePlus members.

Preferred seats, including Economy Plus: When checking in, Premier Silver members may get complimentary Economy Plus and preferred seating access for you and one companion on award flights (for Premier Gold tier and higher, these freebies are available earlier, at the time of booking). This perk is applicable for up to eight others traveling with you at check-in but not available if you've purchased a basic economy ticket.

Discounted Clear membership: Premier Silver members receive preferred pricing for an annual Clear membership.

Star Alliance Silver status: Silver is the entry-level status for Star Alliance and includes priority perks when flying other member carriers. However, it is not as robust as Star Alliance Gold, and it lacks popular perks like access to member lounges when flying internationally. Its only real benefits are priority waitlisting for reservations and airport standby. It does not even include priority check-in or boarding, which is disappointing.

Higher priority for customer service: When calling United, Premier Silver members have a dedicated phone line for higher priority than general members.

Reduced fee for canceling award tickets: United charges a fee for canceling or changing an award ticket within 30 days of travel. Premier Silver members pay $100, which is $25 less than general members have to pay.

Same-day flight change benefit: All Premier members can change to a different flight within 24 hours of departure, provided the same fare class is available. Otherwise, a difference in fare may apply or the member can stand by for the new flight for free.

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How to get United Silver status

Earning Premier Silver status with United for all members requires clearing certain goal posts within a calendar year.

These qualifying benchmarks are:

Flying 12 PQFs and earning 4,000 PQPs — OR earning 5,000 PQPs.

Flying four flights during the calendar year on United or United Express in addition to the above.

Elite status qualification is solely based on the number of flights you take and the amount of money that you spend.