Delta SkyMiles recently upped the Medallion Qualification Dollars needed for the 2016 membership year and now United has announced higher qualification requirements for Premier status. As with SkyMiles, the mileage thresholds for the elite levels will remain the same, but the dollar component has risen. For 2016, to obtain United Premier Silver status, you’ll need to spend $3,000 in Premier Qualifying Dollars (PQD), up from $2,500; for Premier Gold, $6,000 PQD, up from $5,000; for Premier Platinum, $9,000 PQD, up from $7,500 and to reach Premier 1K, you’ll now need to spend $12,000 PQD, up from $10,000.

Bottom line: United is following Delta’s lead.