United Airlines MileagePlus: Your Complete Guide to Earning and Redeeming Miles, Elite Status, and More

December 3, 2024

United Airlines MileagePlus

United Airlines MileagePlus program is one of the most versatile and rewarding loyalty programs in the travel industry. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, this program offers numerous opportunities to earn and redeem miles, achieve elite status, and unlock exclusive perks. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your MileagePlus membership.


How to Earn United MileagePlus Miles

1. Flying with United and Star Alliance Partners

MileagePlus members can earn miles whenever they fly with United Airlines or its extensive network of Star Alliance partners, which includes 25 airlines like Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Air Canada. Miles earned are based on the ticket price (excluding taxes and fees) and your MileagePlus status.

2. Credit Card Spending

United offers co-branded credit cards through Chase, allowing you to earn miles on every purchase. Popular options include:

  • United Explorer Card: Earn bonus miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels.
  • United Club℠ Infinite Card: Enjoy enhanced earning rates and exclusive benefits.

Additionally, cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Chase Sapphire Reserve® allow you to transfer Ultimate Rewards points to MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio.

3. Shopping and Dining Programs

  • MileagePlus Shopping: Earn miles by shopping online at participating retailers.
  • MileagePlus Dining: Link your credit card to earn miles at thousands of participating restaurants.

4. Partner Activities

United has partnerships with car rental agencies, hotels, and other travel-related businesses, allowing you to earn miles on bookings and purchases.


How to Redeem MileagePlus Miles

1. Award Flights

The most popular use of MileagePlus miles is for award flights on United and its Star Alliance partners. With no blackout dates, you can book flights to thousands of destinations worldwide.

  • Saver Awards: Require fewer miles but are subject to availability.
  • Everyday Awards: More availability but require more miles.

2. Upgrades

Use miles to upgrade from economy to premium economy, business, or first class on United flights.

3. Hotel Stays and Car Rentals

Redeem miles for stays at participating hotels or for car rentals through United’s travel portal.

4. Experiences and Merchandise

MileagePlus offers options to redeem miles for exclusive experiences, gift cards, and products.


United MileagePlus Elite Status Levels

MileagePlus offers four Premier status tiers:

  1. Premier Silver
  2. Premier Gold
  3. Premier Platinum
  4. Premier 1K®

Achieving elite status requires earning Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) and Premier Qualifying Points (PQP). Benefits include priority boarding, free checked bags, upgrades, lounge access, and more.

United Premier Benefits

  • Silver: Complimentary upgrades on domestic flights (space-available).
  • Gold: Access to Star Alliance lounges on international trips.
  • Platinum and 1K: Enhanced upgrade priority and fee waivers.

Maximizing Your MileagePlus Membership

  • Plan Redemptions Strategically: Use miles for high-value award flights to get the most out of your rewards.
  • Leverage Promotions: Keep an eye out for bonus mile offers and discounts on award redemptions.
  • Track Expiration: MileagePlus miles do not expire, giving you flexibility in planning redemptions.
  • Combine Miles and Cash: Use the “Miles + Money” option to stretch your miles further.

Why Choose United MileagePlus?

United MileagePlus stands out for its flexibility, extensive network of partners, and elite status benefits. Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, this program offers valuable opportunities to save money and enjoy premium perks.

Start earning and redeeming miles today, and let MileagePlus turn your travel dreams into reality!

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