United Airlines MileagePlus

Updated on 28 Nov, 2023 - Est. mins read

United Airlines MileagePlus

For avid United Airlines travelers, the go-to loyalty program is United MileagePlus. It covers everything from elite status perks to utilizing miles for free travel, offering a seamless and rewarding experience.

The program is embraced by frequent flyers for its simplicity in earning and redeeming miles. 

United Airlines, a major global carrier, boasts an extensive network with domestic hubs in key cities. The airline’s loyalty program, MileagePlus, offers opportunities to earn and redeem miles.

It operates 4,500 daily flights to over 300 destinations on five continents.

You can discover a world of travel possibilities with United Airlines MileagePlus.

This comprehensive guide unravels the secrets to earning MileagePlus miles, maximizing your miles, exploring United credit cards, achieving elite status, and leveraging alliances with Star Alliance and other partners.

 

What is United MileagePlus?

United MileagePlus stands as United Airlines’ loyalty foundation, empowering travelers to accumulate miles for an array of perks and benefits. These can be earned through flights, credit card spending, Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers, dining, and shopping.

Accumulated miles are redeemable for complimentary flights across different classes, including first, business, and economy, on both United and its partner airlines. Additionally, miles can be utilized for flight upgrades, enhancing your travel experience.

 

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How does United MileagePlus work?

The United MileagePlus program is a flattering airline loyalty initiative that enables you to earn rewards through flights with United and its partners.

It works on a simple principle—earn miles through travel, credit card usage, and partner collaborations.

This earned currency becomes a gateway to redeemable rewards, ranging from flights to various travel-related experiences, elevating your overall journey. 

 

United Airlines Partners

The strength of United’s MileagePlus lies in its extensive network of partners. Teaming up with Star Alliance members and other global airlines, United provides members with diverse opportunities to earn and redeem miles.

United’s partnerships with 14 airlines and Star Alliance membership provide access to a vast network of 39 airlines, offering flexibility and choice for travelers.

Here are the top 8 Star Alliance and other partner airlines.

Star Alliance Member Airlines Other Partner Airlines

Air Canada

Aer Lingus

Turkish Airlines

Cape Air

Lufthansa

Vistara

All Nippon Airways (ANA)

Azul Brazilian Airlines

Singapore Airlines

Edelweiss

Thai

Hawaiian Airlines

Air New Zealand

Virgin Australia

Swiss

Eurowings

 

How much are United Miles worth?

Generally, one United MileagePlus mile is valued at 1.2 cents to each. This value is determined by dividing the cash ticket cost by the reward ticket cost, providing a “cent per mile” measure averaged across multiple flights.

It’s crucial to note that this value is not a maximum but rather a benchmark based on real-world data. United provides various redemption options beyond flights, with the value per mile ranging from 0.3 cents to 2 cents or more, depending on the redemption method. 

 

Is United MileagePlus worth it?

Is United MileagePlus worth it?

United MileagePlus emerges as a worthwhile companion for avid travelers seeking a blend of benefits, from elite status perks to an extensive array of redemption options. The program’s versatility, coupled with robust partnerships, positions it as a valuable asset for various travel preferences. The value of MileagePlus miles can vary, but with strategic planning, members can maximize their worth.

 

Pros and Cons of United MileagePlus

Pros

  • Checkmark

    You get to enjoy a range of diverse redemption choices, from flights to merchandise.

  • Checkmark

    United Airlines' Global partnerships broaden your travel horizons. facilitating seamless travel.

  • Checkmark

    Members can unlock several elite status benefits, like priority services, lounge access, and more.

Cons

  • Award prices may fluctuate based on demand due to dynamic award pricing.

  • Some routes may experience restricted award seat availability.

 

United Elite Status

Enrolling in the Delta MileagePlus program is free and grants basic membership, providing a frequent-flier number and an account to earn valuable points.

However, the real perks come with United Airlines’ elite status, featuring four tiers: Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K. 

Achieving elite status involves meeting specific criteria such as flying frequently, covering significant distances, and making substantial expenditures.

Earning a combination of Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) is key.

  1. PQPs are collected from various expenditures, such as base fare, economy plus seats, preferred seat purchases, paid upgrades, and flights ticketed and operated by Star Alliance partners.

  2. A Premier Qualifying Flight (PQF) is earned per flight, with each segment counting as one PQF. Flights in the basic economy do not accumulate any PQFs.

You can earn United elite status through a combination of PQF and PQP or completing a higher PQP requirement.

Elite Status Level PQF + PQP Only Higher PQP

1. Premier Silver

12 PQF and 4,000 PQPs

5,000 PQPs

2. Premier Gold

24 PQF and 8,000 PQPs

10,000 PQPs

3. Premier Platinum

36 PQF and 12,000 PQPs

15,000 PQPs

4. Premier 1K

54 PQF and 18,000 PQPs

24,000 PQPs

 

Benefits of United elite Status

Upon achieving United elite status, a plethora of perks await to enhance your journey. Beyond upgrades, elite members relish complimentary checked bags, bonus miles, priority boarding, and various privileges.

Each status level brings its unique set of highlights, ensuring a rewarding travel experience for frequent flyers.

Types of Benefits Premier Silver Premier Gold Premier Platinum Premier 1K

United Miles earned per dollar

7 (40% bonus)

8 (60% bonus)

9 (80% bonus)

11 (120% bonus)

Free Upgrade

On the day of flight

Two days before the flight

Three days before the flight

Four days before the flight

Free Checked Bags

1

2

3

3

Priority Boarding

Free Economy Plus

at check-in for you + 1 companion

at booking for you + 1 companion

for you + 8 companions

for you + 8 companions

Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status

United Club Membership Discount

$50

$100

CLEAR Membership Discount

$149

$149

$149

Waived

PlusPoints

40

280

Free Drink and Snack in Economy Class

 

How to Earn United Miles?

How to Earn United Miles

Accumulating miles with United Airlines is a breeze, whether you’re flying with United or its partner airlines, using a United Airlines credit card, or enjoying some shopping.

Discover the multiple avenues to earn United Miles, opening doors to unparalleled travel rewards and benefits.

  1. Fly on United Airlines

    Earning United Miles takes flight literally! The number of miles you accrue for a flight depends on your ticket expenditure and MileagePlus program status, with elite status members enjoying bonus miles, ensuring your travels become a direct pathway to accumulating valuable rewards.

    For instance, while basic members receive a reward rate of 5 miles per dollar, attaining Premier Silver status grants a 40% bonus, elevating the rate to 7 miles per dollar.

  2. Through Transfer Partners

    Extend your mileage potential by transferring points from partner programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy.

    This strategic move allows you to boost your United MileagePlus balance through various everyday expenditures.

    MileagePlus Dining provides another avenue, granting up to 5 miles per dollar spent at over 11,000 participating restaurants, clubs, and bars when you register a credit card.

  3. United Airlines Credit Cards

    You can maximize your mileage accumulation by utilizing United Airlines co-branded credit cards. These cards offer accelerated mile earnings, exclusive perks, and, in some cases, elite status qualification, transforming your everyday spending into a robust source of United Miles.

     

    United Explorer Card
    Earn United miles effortlessly with the United Explorer Card, earning 60,000 miles as a welcome bonus. Enjoy 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United purchases (including tickets, Economy Plus, inflight food, beverages, Wi-Fi, etc). 

    Get a free checked bag, priority boarding, and 25% off in-flight purchases. With a $95 annual fee (waived for the first year), get two United Club passes annually and $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA Precheck, or NEXUS every 4 years.

     

    United Quest Credit Card
    Elevate your United experience with the $250 annual fee Quest Card. the United Quest Credit Card lets you earn 3 miles per $1 on United purchases and 2 miles on dining, select streaming services, and several travel expenses.

    Enjoy up to $125 in annual credits, two free checked bags, no foreign transaction fees, and priority boarding. The Card unlocks many travel insurance perks while offering a sign-up bonus of 70,000 miles + 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP).

     

    United Gateway Card
    The Gateway Card is your entry into the world of United perks with no annual fee. Earn 2 miles on every dollar spent on United purchases, at gas stations, and eligible local transit and commuting. Enjoy a 25% discount on in-flight purchases and priority boarding. 

    With no foreign transaction fees, it also provides a one-year complimentary DashPass and 30,000 welcome bonus miles. Cardholders get 0% intro APR for the first 12 months on purchases, visa concierge, and purchase protection.

     

    United Club Infinite Card

    For unparalleled luxury, the Club Infinite Credit Card is the pinnacle! You can earn 4 miles per $1 on United purchases and 2 miles on dining and all other travel expenses. 

    With a $525 annual fee, cardholders enjoy a sign-up offer of 90,000 miles, a United Club membership, and $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS.

    The card is your key to elite travel experiences, including IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status and a free first and second checked bag.

     

  4. United MileagePlus Shopping Portal

    You can add additional United miles with the MileagePlus Shopping portal and the MileagePlus X app.

    Simply shop at your favorite online retailers through the portal and earn bonus miles, turning your shopping spree into a rewarding experience.

  5. Buy Miles

    Purchasing miles directly from United Airlines is an option when you need an extra mileage boost.

    This method allows you to quickly top up your United account, especially when you’re close to reaching a redemption threshold or planning a specific reward.

  6. With Gift Cards

    Convert your gift cards into United Miles by opting for those offered through the MileagePlus Gift Card Exchange program.

    This ingenious strategy transforms your gift card balances into valuable miles, aligning your spending with your travel aspirations.

 

Best Credit Cards for United Airlines MileagePlus

Selecting the right credit card can significantly enhance your United Miles accumulation. Explore the following credit cards with transferable points to identify the one that aligns with your spending habits and travel goals.

United Airlines collaborates with Chase to offer co-branded credit cards, each featuring its own unique perks. 

You can swiftly transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United at a 1:1 ratio, providing an attractive way to boost your MileagePlus balance instantly.

The Chase Ultimate Rewards points are typically valued at 2 cents each, whereas United miles are 1.45 cents each.

  1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a lucrative sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus points with just a $95 annual fee. What sets this card apart is its flexible rewards program, allowing you to earn 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

    Cardholders also get an impressive 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services. It offers perks like Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Purchase Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection, making Chase Sapphire Preferred a versatile and rewarding choice for those looking to maximize their benefits.

  2. Chase Sapphire Reserve

    The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers an enticing welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points with $300 annual travel credit and no foreign transaction fees.

    Despite a higher annual fee of $550, this premium card comes with various exceptional benefits, such as Complimentary Airport Lounge Access and Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS Fee Credit. 

    It provides 5x total points on flights purchased via Chase Ultimate Rewards, remarkable 10x total points on hotels and car rentals, and 3x on dining at restaurants.

    Cardholders also get to enjoy several travel insurance perks and 1:1 point transfers to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.

  3. United Business Card

    Elevate your business travel experience with the Chase United Business Card, presenting a $100 United Travel Credit, Priority Boarding, and Free First Checked Bag.

    It offers a sign-up bonus of 50,000 miles with a $99 annual fee (waived for the first year). Cardholders earn 2 miles per $1 spent on purchases from United- tickets, Economy Plus, inflight food, etc. 

    You also get 2 miles on dining, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit & commuting.

    This card offers exceptional value for business owners, with travel insurance benefits like trip cancellation insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and lost luggage protection.

    The standout feature of this card is the 5,000 better-together anniversary bonus miles.

  4. Chase Ink Business Preferred Card

    The Chase Ink Business Preferred card stands out as a premier choice for business owners, offering an excellent sign-up bonus of 100,000 bonus points.

    With a $95 annual fee, this card provides 25% more in travel redemption and 1:1 transfer to several hotel and airline partners.

    You can earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in various categories, including shipping purchases, advertisement with social media & search engines, internet, cable & phone services, and travel expenses.

    This ensures businesses can accumulate points quickly in areas vital to their operations.

Credit card
Uthrive rating
Intro offer Rewards rate Annual fee Learn more
card_name
card_name

Terms Apply

Rating

4.8/5
Best Travel Rewards Credit Card

Intro Offer

bonus_miles

Reward Rates

3x - 5x total points

Annual Fees

annual_fees

card_name
card_name

Terms Apply

Rating

4.2/5
Luxury Travel Perks and Rewards Card

Intro Offer

bonus_miles

Reward Rates

2x - 10x total points

Annual Fees

$550

card_name
card_name

Terms Apply

Rating

4.6/5
Good choice for people who are after airline miles.

Intro Offer

bonus_miles

Reward Rates

1x-2x Miles

Annual Fees

annual_fees

card_name
card_name

Terms Apply

Rating

4.7/5
Best for people who are interested in earning flexible rewards.

Intro Offer

bonus_miles

Reward Rates

reward rate of up to 3X, you can earn 3 points per $1

Annual Fees

annual_fees

 

How to Use United Miles?

One can unlock a world of possibilities while redeeming their United Airlines MileagePlus Rewards. Learn how to optimize your United Miles for various benefits, ranging from free flights and upgrades to merchandise, hotel stays, and vacation experiences.

  1. Free Flights or Flight Upgrades

    The primary allure of United Miles lies in their ability to secure free flights or flight upgrades.

    Whether you’re dreaming of a lavish international journey or enhancing your in-flight experience, your accumulated miles make these aspirations within reach.

  2. Merchandise, Gift Cards or Subscriptions

    You can diversify your redemption options by utilizing United MileagePlus for merchandise, gift cards, or even subscription services.

    This flexibility allows you to tailor your rewards to match your preferences, offering a range of choices beyond traditional travel benefits.

  3. Hotel Stays, Vacation Homes, Car Rentals

    Expanding the horizon of your miles, you can also redeem them for hotel stays, vacation homes, car rentals, and cruises.

    As a MileagePlus member, exclusive promotions and discounted bookings await you, with even more perks if you hold a MileagePlus credit card.

  4. United Award Tickets

    Unlock the full potential of your United Airline MileagePlus balance by redeeming miles for award tickets.

    This option lets you choose from a variety of destinations and travel classes, ensuring that your accumulated miles translate into memorable journeys tailored to your desires.

 

Why Maximize your United Airlines MileagePlus with Uthrive?

Opting to maximize your United Airlines MileagePlus with Uthrive is a strategic move that ensures you never miss out on potential savings and rewards.

Uthrive acts as your personal credit card manager, recommending the best credit card for every purchase, be it groceries, dining, or travel. 

 

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By seamlessly integrating with your existing credit cards, Uthrive eliminates the need for manual tracking and ensures you always know the best card to use for maximum benefits.

With an average potential for $200-800 in additional savings or cashback, Uthrive becomes a valuable ally in enhancing your financial gains.

 

FAQs

Is United MileagePlus free?

Enrolling in the United MileagePlus program is free and grants basic membership, providing a frequent-flier number and an account to earn valuable points.

However, the real perks come with United Airlines’ elite status.

How do I apply for United MileagePlus?

To apply for United MileagePlus, visit the United Airlines website or the MileagePlus enrollment page.

Fill out the required information, create an account, and then you can easily earn and redeem miles for various travel benefits.

How do I redeem my United Miles?

You can redeem your United Miles by logging in to your MileagePlus account on the United Airlines website.

Navigate to the “Book Travel” section, enter your travel details, and choose the option to pay with miles.

Can United Miles be transferred to partner airlines?

Yes, United Miles can be transferred to partner airlines within the Star Alliance network, allowing you to use miles for flights with other member airlines.

How many miles does it take for a free flight on United?

The number of miles needed for a free flight on United varies based on factors like destination, class, and availability.

Typically, you can find award flights from 35,000 miles one way in economy or 70,000 miles one way in business class.

Can you use United Miles to pay for part of a flight?

Yes, you can use United Miles to pay for part of a flight using the “Miles + Cash” option, allowing a combination of miles and money for ticket purchases.

When should you use miles instead of paying?

It’s best to use miles instead of paying when the redemption value exceeds the cash value, typically for premium cabin seats or during high-demand periods.

Is United MileagePlus a credit card?

United MileagePlus is the loyalty program of United Airlines, not a credit card. However, there are United co-branded credit cards that earn MileagePlus miles.

How do I find my United MileagePlus number?

You can find your United MileagePlus number by logging into your MileagePlus account on the United Airlines website.

Can I add a family member to United MileagePlus?

Yes, you can add family members to your United MileagePlus account through the “My Profile” section on the United Airlines website.

Can I add a past flight to United MileagePlus?

Generally, past flights cannot be added to United MileagePlus for mileage credit if they were taken before joining the program.

Ensure to provide your MileagePlus number when booking.

Can United MileagePlus miles be transferred?

Yes, United MileagePlus miles are transferable to other members, but they usually come with fees and restrictions. Check United’s policy for details.

Do United MileagePlus miles expire?

United MileagePlus miles do not expire as long as there is account activity at least once every 18 months, such as earning or redeeming miles.

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