United Airlines just announced a big change for its most loyal flyers

If you’ve been a lifelong United Airlines flyer, you might not like this news.

The Chicago-based carrier announced on Thursday a major change to its Million Miler program that will certainly irk some of the airline’s most loyal travelers.

Starting in 2027, companions of 1 Million Miler members will no longer receive the earned status of their Million Miler sponsor. They will instead receive Premier Gold status, no matter what status level the sponsor has earned.

There are no changes for 2025 and 2026, and 1 Million Miler companions will continue to receive the status level of their sponsor until the changes take effect in 2027.

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United says there are no changes to the companion benefit for Million Milers who have flown two million miles or more. Those companions will continue to receive their Million Miler’s earned status.

Historically, travelers who have earned Million Miler status and have also earned status in the Premier program by meeting the annual requirements could extend their status to one companion of their choosing.

This benefit even extended all the way up to invite-only Global Services status. This means that there are some Global Services members who spend far less than the requirement to be extended an invite to the tier, which some reports say is upward of $50,000 a year on United flights.

Clearly, United has had enough of this “free-riding,” and it’ll require companion travelers of 1 Million Milers to earn their own status above Gold going forward.

Of course, the move undoubtedly stings for travelers who have taken advantage of this perk over the years.

United didn’t share the reasoning behind this change, but presumably, it wants to focus on rewarding travelers who continue to spend with the airline on an annual basis. A spokesperson did point out “the importance to us to give significant advanced notice for these top fliers, which is why the change doesn’t take effect until 2027.”

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With limited availability of popular elite perks like upgrades and premium seating, United seems to be doubling down on those who spend the most on an annual basis.

Premier Gold status is still a pretty rewarding mid-tier elite level, so while companions may no longer earn top-tier perks like PlusPoints and higher upgrade priority, they will still enjoy free checked bags and extra-legroom seats.

While this change is surely disappointing to many, it’s worth noting that United is the only airline that lets Million Milers gift status to a companion each year.

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