Reader AH shared last night that United emailed him with the news he’d been upgraded from Gold to Platinum Premier status for free through January 2017.

No membership card would be mailed (though it is visible in the United app) and he’d have to qualify for Platinum through spend and travel to earn RDU’s. Still, that’s a pretty awesome surprise having flown only 16,000 miles so far for the year on a status challenge.

Not only does the higher status give you a better chance at upgrades, you also earn an extra award mile per fare dollar, cheaper same day flight changes, and better award ticket availability. So if you’re a United Elite, check your account to see if you’re one of the lucky ones!

Anyone else get a status upgrade?

Related Posts:

• United Status Match Challenge: Going for Premier 1K
• Is United’s Bad Press Changing Passenger Behavior?
• United First Class Passenger Ousted for More Important Traveler, Threatened With Cuffs
• United Mileage Plus Shopping 1,000 Mile Bonus
• United Card Holders: Get 500 Bonus Miles for Using Visa Checkout