U.S.TOP STORY

United Airlines is making it harder to reach its top frequent flyer…

United will drop flight segments as a route to Premier status and raise spending requirements for Premier 1K; frequent flying now means frequent paying.

On air: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman on BBN Tonight
Published 7:08 PM ET, Tuesday, October 13, 2026

At a glance

First reported by CNBC: “United Airlines is making it harder to reach its top frequent flyer status in 2027”.
Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 7:08 PM ET on BBN Tonight, by Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman.
Topics: Man United, American Airlines.
BBN covered this story before: Martinez fires at United's bosses after Atletico loss (October 13).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

CNBCUnited Airlines is making it harder to reach its top frequent flyer status in 2027

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorTime to pay that off: United Airlines is changing how you earn elite status in 2027, and it is getting harder to reach the top.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorUnited is scrapping flight segments as a way to qualify for Premier status, and it is raising the spending requirement for Premier 1K, its highest tier.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo a frequent flyer used to be someone who flew a lot. Now it's someone who spends a lot, on a plane.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorSegments were the loophole, Vera. A man could hop three tiny flights to nowhere and walk out with a gold lanyard.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorI've met that man. He lives in Newark.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWell, I think it's lovely that loyalty now has a price tag. It's clarity!
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorIt's a toll booth with a nicer pillow.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorFirst they count your dollars, then they count your breaths, and by twenty-eight it's a subscription to the legroom.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorYour breaths?
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorCabin air, Vera. Premium economy for the inhale, and a small fee for the exhale.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe only status I've ever had on an airline is the middle seat. Brock, is it at least clear for takeoff out there?