United Airlines MileagePlus® is United’s frequent flyer program. And with more than 250 U.S. destinations and 80 destinations abroad, United offers plenty of ways to earn and redeem.
Your United miles never expire, and you can use them to cover the cost of trips plus perks like free baggage check, seat upgrades and more.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can maximize earning and redeeming MileagePlus miles.
How to earn United Airlines MileagePlus miles
While you can earn MileagePlus miles by flying with United or its partners — or through eligible hotel stays, vacation rentals, car rentals and cruises — the best way to earn miles is by using a United Airlines credit card.
How to redeem United Airlines MileagePlus miles
United Airlines MileagePlus miles are worth an estimated 1.15 cents each, based on Credit Karma’s point valuations. Here are a few tips to consider if you’re looking to maximize your miles.
1. Book a stopover on your next international flight
United Airlines’ “Excursionist” perk is a free stop-over nestled within an international travel reservation. This is a great program that can help your rewards miles go further and take you to more destinations.
2. Transfer rewards from Chase
If you have one of Chase’s Sapphire credit cards, you can pool your Chase Ultimate Rewards points and transfer them over to the United MileagePlus program at a 1:1 rate.
3. Catch a limited-time flight award deal
If you’re flexible on dates and locations, United offers limited-time flight award promotions. These discounted fares can be a great way to stretch your rewards miles much further than typical redemptions options may allow.
4. Upgrade your seats
Upgrading your ticket can be a solid way to use miles to squeeze a bit more comfort into your trip. The number of miles required for an upgrade varies on the route, seat type, fare class and Premier status.
5. Use your miles with one of United’s travel partners
In addition to booking flights with United, you can also use your United miles with a variety of United’s travel partners. United is part of the Star Alliance, meaning you can earn and use miles with any Star Alliance partners, including major airlines like Air New Zealand, ANA and Lufthansa.
Beyond air travel, you can also use United miles to book car rentals, hotel stays and even cruise ships through the United Airlines website portal.
Next steps
If you want more out of your United miles, achieving MileagePlus Premier status will help you get more perks. With elite status you’ll get access to benefits like complimentary seat upgrades, pre-boarding and complimentary bag check. Plus, you’ll earn more miles on every flight.
Learn more about what each elite tier offers in our guide to United Airlines MileagePlus Premier status.