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MileagePlus
View on Wikipedia| Type | Frequent-flyer program |
|---|---|
| Owner | United Airlines |
| Introduced | May 1981 |
| Website | MileagePlus |

MileagePlus is the frequent-flyer program of United Airlines that offers rewards to passengers traveling on certain types of tickets.[1] Following the 2010 merger agreement between United and Continental Airlines, United Mileage Plus was chosen to be the frequent-flyer program for the combined airline.[2] The program was subsequently renamed to MileagePlus, and maintains its relationship with its Star Alliance partners, as well as other airline and travel enterprise agreements.
Following the integration and phase out of Continental OnePass on March 3, 2012, MileagePlus also became the frequent flyer program for Copa Airlines and Copa Airlines Colombia.[3] The new program member IDs follow the OnePass format (2 letters + 6 digits) in lieu of the old Mileage Plus format (11 digits), and any members who had existing OnePass member ID numbers retained their existing numbers.[4] In March 2015, Copa Airlines announced that it would phase out the MileagePlus program in favor of a new frequent flyer program called ConnectMiles.[5][6]
History
[edit]Frequent flier programs were introduced in 1979 by Texas International Airlines.[7] Two years later, American Airlines launched their AAdvantage program,[8] and United's Mileage Plus was launched one week later.[9] On June 29, 2011, United officially changed the name of the program from Mileage Plus to MileagePlus.[10]
On July 9, 2011, Tom Stuker became the first member of the MileagePlus program to reach ten million flown miles on United.[11] He earned this distinction flying from Los Angeles to Chicago on flight 942. Jeff Smisek, then president and CEO of United, was on hand to congratulate him.[12] For reaching the ten million mile number, he was given the only United Titanium Card and his name was placed on the side of a United Boeing 747-400.[13] Stuker has since passed the 20 million mile threshold and remains the world's most frequent flyer.[14]
Several controversial changes were introduced to the program in 2012, following the integration of the Continental OnePass program into MileagePlus. This included the reduction in bonus miles for Premier Gold and Premier Platinum members, as well as the inability of Premier Silver members to reserve Economy Plus seats until 24 hours prior to departure.[15] Changes have also occurred to the upgrade process, where upgrades are being sold at check-in for prices as low as $69, even when elites are still being processed on the upgrade waitlist.[16] Million Mile Flyer George Lagen filed, in late May 2012, a class action against United for taking away or demoting "lifetime" benefits promised to pre-merger Million Mile Flyers.[17] A federal judge eventually dismissed the class-action lawsuit on the basis that the contract which regulated "Million Mile Flyer" customers was the same as for all MileagePlus members, which essentially gave the airline the right to unilaterally reduce or discontinue benefits anytime it wanted to.[18]
Following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, MileagePlus made it easier for customers to attain status by lowering requirements and giving bonuses to existing status members.[19] But over time, this resulted in diluted status privileges and as of 2024 the MileagePlus requirements are now back to pre-Covid numbers.[20]
Partner airlines
[edit]In addition to United, all 28 members of the Star Alliance as well as a number of other airlines participate in the MileagePlus program to a certain degree. MileagePlus miles can then be both earned and redeemed on United flights, as well as on any partner airline. However, certain booking classes on partner airlines are excluded from mileage accrual.[21]
The airline partners of MileagePlus are:[22]
| Partner Airline | Star Alliance Member |
|---|---|
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| No | |
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| No | |
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| No | |
| Yes | |
| No | |
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| No | |
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| No | |
| Yes | |
| No | |
| No | |
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| Yes | |
| Yes |
Award travel
[edit]
MileagePlus miles (redeemable miles) can be redeemed for travel on any combination of United and United Express carriers, as well as Star Alliance partners and other airline partners.[23] MileagePlus offers Saver and Everyday awards, at different tiers of pricing with different capacity control mechanisms.[24]
Saver awards are capacity-controlled awards available for travel on all partner airlines. The release of saver award seats is dictated by the operating airline, who will make the award inventory available to all its partners, including United MileagePlus.[25] On flights operated by United Airlines, additional saver award inventory is offered to Premier members and United credit card holders, in addition to that offered to general members.[26] These Saver awards are generally priced using a set of fixed "award charts".
Everyday awards are only available for travel on United and United Express, and have greater availability than Saver awards.[27] Because these Everyday awards are dynamically priced based on factors like current demand level and the cash price of the flights, they may cost significantly more than the equivalent "Saver" awards.[28]
As of August 2019, MileagePlus award miles no longer expire. Before that, there had to be activity in the last 1.5 years.[29]
MileagePlus awards are on a one-way basis and do not require round-trip travel.
Premier status
[edit]
While status levels were not originally part of the MileagePlus program, they were introduced in 1987 to reward customers who had achieved certain qualification thresholds within a given calendar year.[30] All Premier members are eligible for Premier Access, which allows them to use exclusive check-in and security lines, as well as priority boarding and baggage retrieval.[31] Previously, members reached Premier status by earning the required number of Premier Qualifying Miles (PQM) or Premier Qualifying Segments (PQS). Starting in 2014, members living in United States had to meet a minimum annual spending level, tracked as Premier Qualifying Dollars (PQD), on United issued tickets in a calendar year to qualify for a tier.[32] Now, members must earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) and/or Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs). Status can be earned by accumulating PQPs and PQFs, or by attaining a higher PQP threshold.[33]
Status Levels
[edit]Premier Silver status is the lowest status level in the MileagePlus program. This level includes access to Star Alliance Silver status.
Premier Gold status is a mid-level status in the MileagePlus program. This is the lowest level status to include access to Star Alliance Gold status.
Premier Platinum status is an upper level status in the MileagePlus program.
Premier 1K status is the highest status of the MileagePlus Program. Status holders enjoy the highest upgrade priority and access to a dedicated phone line.
Global Services status is a level above Premier 1K. It is a secretive, by-invitation-only status level that provides discrete services to high value individuals that often spend tens of thousands of dollars flying on United per year. Members are often top corporate executives and celebrities. The program was introduced in 2003 and is shrouded in a fair amount of secrecy. Benefits include: Private airport check-in and security, access to private lounges, luxury vehicle tarmac transfer, and exclusive customer service team. United Chairman's Circle is also shrouded in secrecy and comes with Global Services status for the primary member and the member's spouse. Chairman's Circle status is conferred to one individual at companies with significant business partnerships with United.
Million Miler Program
[edit]Million Miler Program is a program offered to MileagePlus members who have demonstrated a long-term loyalty. The Million Miler Program balance is calculated based on the accrued elite qualifying miles prior to January 1, 2012, plus the actual flown miles on United and Copa Airlines after January 1, 2012.[34]
Members receive the following lifetime MileagePlus Premier status based on their Million Miler Program balance:
| Million Miler Level | Lifetime Status |
|---|---|
| 1 Million | Premier Gold |
| 2 Million | Premier Platinum |
| 3 Million | Premier 1K |
| 4 Million | Global Services |
Members eligible for Million Miler status can also designate a companion (defined as their spouse, significant other, or another individual residing at the same address) to receive the same Premier status as themself.
Infinite Elite was a promotional program offered by Continental Airlines in the early 1990s that offered lifetime Platinum Elite status on Continental for flying a certain mileage amount for a number of continuous years.[35] With the integration of OnePass and MileagePlus, Infinite Elite members were offered Premier 1K status, but did not receive Global Premier Upgrades.[36]
Upgrades
[edit]Complimentary Premier Upgrades
[edit]Complimentary Premier Upgrades are offered to all Premier members on flights within North America, Central America and the Caribbean, excluding Premium Service flights and certain flights to/from Hawaii.[37] This is awarded to Premier members on a space-available basis, prioritized by status, then fare class.[38]
PlusPoints Upgrades
[edit]PlusPoints allow Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, and Global Services customers to upgrade paid tickets on any route serviced by United, United Express, and select partner airlines.[39] PlusPoint upgrades are considered instrument upgrades and will clear before Complimentary Premier Upgrades.
References
[edit]- ^ "MileagePlus® program". United Airlines. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ "Continental's OnePass scheme to merge into Mileage Plus". Business Traveller. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ "MileagePlus frequent flyer program". Copa Airlines. Archived from the original on 23 April 2012. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ Kelly, Shannon. "Merger Update: MileagePlus Account Number Update". FlyerTalk.com. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ "Introduction". Copa Airlines. Archived from the original on January 27, 2015. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
- ^ "Introduction". Copa Airlines. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
- ^ David M Rowell (August 13, 2010). "A History of US Airline Deregulation Part 4 : 1979–2010 : The Effects of Deregulation – Lower Fares, More Travel, Frequent Flier Programs". The Travel Insider. Retrieved September 21, 2010.
- ^ American Airlines. "American Airlines AAdvantage Program Details". Archived from the original on 3 March 2009. Retrieved 28 May 2009.
- ^ "United MileagePlus". WebFlyer. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ "Mileage Plus: Loyalty program for the new United in 2012". FlyerTalk.com. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ "United Passenger Logs 10 Million Miles". NBC Chicago.
- ^ Auletta, Kate (11 July 2011). "Thomas Stuker, United Frequent Flier, Logs 10 Millionth Mile On Airline". Huffington Post. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ "United Airlines Frequent Flyer Hits 10 Million Miles". AirlineReporter.
- ^ "20 Million Miles and Counting". United Hub. 2019-01-15. Retrieved 2019-01-20.
- ^ "The New United MileagePlus Takes Off". Insideflyer.com. Archived from the original on 2011-10-21. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
- ^ "United Airlines". Yelp:Real People, Real Reviews. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
- ^ "George Lagen v. United Continental Holdings, Inc. and United Airlines, Inc". Top Class Actions. Retrieved June 1, 2012.
- ^ "Judge Bags United Airlines 'Million Miler' Class Action Lawsuit". Top Class Actions. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
- ^ Mackenzie, Scott (2020-04-06). "United Extends Elite Status, Lowers 2020 Requirements by Half". Travel Codex. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
- ^ "United's Frequent Flier Program Is Changing—Here's Who Stands to Gain". AFAR Media. 2023-11-16. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
- ^ "Sudden Big Changes to Mileage Plus airline partner mileage accrual". Boarding Area. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ "Airline Partners and Global Alliances". United Airlines. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ "MileagePlus air travel and upgrade awards". United Airlines. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ "MileagePlus air awards". United Airlines. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ Leff, Gary. "StarNet: United's Weapon of Mass Award Destruction". Boarding Area. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ Klint, Matthew. "One upside to the United merger elite". Upgrd.com. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ "Award Saver vs. Standard Award". FlyerTalk.com. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ Schlappig, Benjamin. "Could it be? United LOWERS the prices of many awards". Boarding Area. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ "United Airlines Announces MileagePlus Miles Never Expire". The Consumerist. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ^ "High Flyers". InsideFlyer. Archived from the original on 2 November 2011. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ "Premier Access". United Airlines. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ Mutzabaugh, Ben (18 June 2013). "United adds spending threshold to elite-status qualifying". USA Today. Retrieved 19 June 2013.
- ^ "How to Qualify for MileagePlus Premier Status".
- ^ "Million Miler Program". Retrieved 18 June 2014.
- ^ "Very Important Flyers". InsideFlyer. Archived from the original on 2 November 2011. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ O'Leary, Scott. "Merger Update: 2012 MileagePlus Program Details". FlyerTalk.com. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
- ^ "Upgrades Overview". Retrieved 18 June 2014.
- ^ Leff, Gary. "United's New Elite Unfriendly Upgrade Priority Already in Effect". Boarding Area. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
- ^ "PlusPoints".
MileagePlus
View on GrokipediaProgram Overview
Membership and Enrollment
MileagePlus membership is free and open to individuals who enroll through United Airlines' official website or mobile app. The enrollment process requires providing basic personal information, including full name, email address, and date of birth, to create an account.[2][13] Eligibility for membership extends to individuals of any age, with no minimum age requirement; however, children under 18 must be enrolled by a parent or legal guardian.[14][15] Each member is permitted only one account, and duplicate accounts are prohibited, with any such accounts subject to cancellation and forfeiture of associated miles or benefits.[14] United Airlines reserves the right to terminate membership without notice for abuse, including fraudulent activity or violation of program rules, potentially resulting in the cancellation of miles, benefits, and future participation.[14] Upon enrollment, members can set up their profile with travel preferences and link accounts for family pooling, allowing up to five members to combine miles into a shared pool managed by a designated leader for redeeming award bookings on United and United Express flights.[16] Pool participants must each hold an active MileagePlus account, and miles contributed remain the property of the originating member but can be used collectively for awards.[16] By 2023, MileagePlus had grown to over 100 million members, reflecting significant expansion since its inception.[17] Advanced tiers, such as elite status, build upon basic membership by offering enhanced recognition based on qualifying activity.[9]Core Features and Benefits
MileagePlus serves as the frequent flyer loyalty program for United Airlines, a founding member of the Star Alliance global airline network, allowing members to earn and redeem miles across its 25 partner airlines for flights, upgrades, and other travel experiences. A hallmark of the program is the absence of blackout dates on award bookings, meaning members can redeem miles for available seats at any time without seasonal or date-based restrictions. In November 2019, United transitioned to a dynamic pricing model for award redemptions, where the number of miles required varies based on factors like route demand, seasonality, and booking window, replacing fixed award charts to better align with real-time availability and pricing.[7][18] The program's core currencies consist of redeemable award miles, which do not expire as long as the member's account remains open and in good standing, and Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs), which track progress toward elite status tiers based on spending and flight activity. All members benefit from the flexibility to use miles for a range of redemptions beyond flights, such as offsetting checked baggage fees on United-operated flights—where the first bag is complimentary for many ticket types when combined with certain bookings. Priority boarding in Group 2 is available for primary cardmembers of certain co-branded credit cards, such as the United Explorer Card and United Quest Card, along with companions on the same reservation, provided the MileagePlus number is included in the booking; other promotions may qualify members for groups 2 through 4, enhancing the travel experience for frequent users. The United Quest℠ Card and the United Gateway℠ Card do not include United Club lounge passes, but provide benefits such as priority boarding (for the Quest Card), statement credits including 25% back on United inflight and Club premium drink purchases, and higher miles earning rates on certain purchases like United tickets, gas stations, and local transit.[14][6][19][20][21][22] Integration with the United Airlines mobile app provides all members with seamless tools for managing their MileagePlus account, including real-time mile balance tracking, personalized travel offers based on past activity, and notifications for redemption opportunities. In June 2023, United launched an upgraded MileagePlus X app, consolidating features for easier navigation and incorporating enhanced personalization, such as tailored recommendations for earning miles through linked credit cards and daily spending. Partnerships within Star Alliance and with non-airline entities further expand redemption flexibility, allowing miles to be used for experiences like hotel stays and car rentals across a global network.[2][23]History
Founding and Early Years
MileagePlus originated as United Airlines' formal frequent flyer program, launched in early May 1981 under the name "Mileage Plus," shortly after American Airlines debuted its AAdvantage program on May 1, 1981. This initiative replaced prior ad-hoc promotions, such as occasional free tickets offered to high-volume business travelers, marking a structured shift toward loyalty incentives in the deregulated airline industry. Developed rapidly in response to competitive pressures, the program was announced in 48 hours and fully operational within 10 days, automatically enrolling members of United's Executive Air Travel Program and Red Carpet Club.[24] The program's initial structure awarded miles based on flight distance, granting one mile per mile flown in economy class and higher ratios for premium cabins, emphasizing actual travel over spending. Redemption options started modestly, with 15,000 miles sufficient for a domestic economy round-trip award, while international and first-class redemptions required progressively more. This distance-based earning model encouraged repeat business on longer routes, aligning with United's expanding domestic hub-and-spoke network.[25] During the 1980s, MileagePlus experienced rapid growth, reaching approximately 2 million members by 1985 through innovative cross-industry partnerships. United's 1985 acquisition of Hertz for $587 million integrated car rentals into the program, allowing members to earn miles on rentals alongside flights. United, which had acquired Westin Hotels in 1970 and Hilton International in 1987, enabling mile accrual via hotel stays; partnerships with other chains like Marriott soon complemented these, broadening earning opportunities beyond air travel.[26][27] By the decade's end, the program had issued millions of award tickets, solidifying its role in customer retention amid fierce industry competition.[28] In the 1990s, MileagePlus further evolved to enhance member benefits and global reach. The introduction of the Premier elite program in 1983 provided escalating perks, such as priority boarding and upgrades, for frequent flyers based on qualifying miles and flights, fostering deeper loyalty among business travelers. A pivotal expansion came in 1997 with United's co-founding of Star Alliance alongside Lufthansa, Air Canada, Scandinavian Airlines, and Thai Airways International, which interconnected networks and allowed MileagePlus members to earn and redeem miles across international partners, significantly boosting the program's appeal for transoceanic travel.[29][30]Key Developments and Rebranding
In 2007, United Airlines introduced significant updates to the MileagePlus program, including a policy requiring miles to expire after 18 months of inactivity for accounts unused since July 1, 2006, aimed at managing program costs amid financial challenges.[31] This change marked an early effort to streamline operations and reduce the liability of unused miles on the balance sheet.[32] Following the 2010 merger with Continental Airlines, the program underwent a formal rebranding in June 2011, consolidating under the single-word "MileagePlus" name to unify branding across the combined network. These developments reflected United's push toward greater program efficiency and integration in the post-merger era. A major overhaul occurred in 2019 when United shifted elite qualification from a distance-based model to a revenue-based system, introducing Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) earned at a rate of one per dollar spent on flights and select partners, alongside Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) to ensure a minimum number of segments.[33] Basic economy fares were excluded from earning PQFs under this structure, though they still accrued PQPs, limiting their value for status pursuit while aligning rewards more closely with revenue generation.[34] This transition, effective for the 2020 qualification year, simplified metrics but drew criticism for favoring high-spending travelers over frequent short-haul flyers.[35] The 2010s saw backlash against program devaluations, including class-action lawsuits filed in 2012 alleging breach of contract over reduced benefits for Million Miler members following the merger, such as diminished upgrade priority and lounge access.[36] Courts largely upheld United's right to modify terms, but the litigation highlighted member frustrations with abrupt changes.[37] In response, United implemented improvements like eliminating fuel surcharges on award tickets with Star Alliance partners, enhancing redemption value by avoiding carrier-imposed fees common in other programs.[38] For 2025, United announced further evolutions effective January 1, raising elite status thresholds for the first time since 2019; top-tier Premier 1K now requires 28,000 PQPs or a combination of 22,000 PQPs and 60 PQFs, potentially demanding up to $28,000 in flight spending.[39] Starting November 24, 2025, upgrade awards will shift to dynamic pricing, eliminating fixed charts to better reflect demand and availability.[18] In October 2025, United announced a reduction in partner award rates by approximately 9%, lowering transpacific business class redemptions to 100,000 miles one-way for holders of United co-branded credit cards following a reversal for non-cardholders in November 2025.[40][41] In September 2025, United announced that MileagePlus miles would never expire, removing previous inactivity-based expiration rules effective immediately.[42] These adjustments underscore United's strategy to balance revenue growth with loyalty retention amid competitive pressures.[43]Partner Networks
Airline Partners
MileagePlus members can earn and redeem miles through United Airlines' extensive network of airline partners, primarily centered on its membership in the Star Alliance, the world's largest global airline alliance.[44] This partnership enables seamless connectivity across a vast international route network, allowing travelers to accumulate and utilize miles on flights operated by alliance members without the need for separate bookings in many cases.[44] The core of United's airline partnerships is the Star Alliance, which as of 2025 comprises 25 member airlines operating to 1,160 destinations in 193 countries.[45] Prominent examples include Lufthansa, Air Canada, and All Nippon Airways (ANA), providing MileagePlus members with opportunities to earn miles at a standard 100% rate based on flight distance for eligible fare classes on most partner flights.[44] Redeeming miles for award travel on these partners is straightforward, with United facilitating bookings for flights on any Star Alliance carrier, often without passing on fuel surcharges, which enhances value for international redemptions.[38] Beyond the Star Alliance, MileagePlus collaborates with approximately 16 additional airline partners through codeshare agreements and bilateral arrangements, expanding earning and redemption options to non-allied carriers.[46][47] Key examples include Aer Lingus for transatlantic routes and Cape Air for short-haul regional service, where members typically earn miles based on the ticketed fare—for instance, 5 miles per U.S. dollar spent on United-marketed flights operated by these partners.[46] These partnerships focus on complementary routes, such as European feeders via Aer Lingus or U.S. island connections via Cape Air, ensuring broader domestic and international coverage.[48] For domestic operations, United relies on United Express regional carriers to provide feeder services to its main hubs, operated by trusted partners that carry the United flight designator. Major operators include SkyWest Airlines, Republic Airways, and GoJet Airlines, which together manage a fleet of over 400 aircraft to connect smaller markets to United's global network.[49] Flights on these regional partners earn MileagePlus miles at the same rates as mainline United service, supporting seamless travel within the U.S. and to nearby international points.[46] As of November 2025, MileagePlus offers enhancements to partner redemptions for holders of United co-branded credit cards, including an approximately 9% reduction in miles required for business class awards on Star Alliance partners like ANA and Singapore Airlines, without additional surcharges.[41][50] These updates build on United's policy of not imposing fuel surcharges on partner award tickets, further improving redemption efficiency for long-haul routes.[38]Non-Airline Partners
MileagePlus members can earn miles through a variety of non-airline partnerships that extend rewards to everyday travel and lifestyle activities, such as hotel stays, car rentals, ridesharing, shopping, and dining. These collaborations allow accumulation of miles without flying, often through direct spending or point transfers from partner loyalty programs.[51] In the hotel sector, MileagePlus partners with major chains to facilitate mile earning on stays and point conversions. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to MileagePlus at a 3:1 ratio, with members receiving 10,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred, enabling efficient conversion for award travel.[52] IHG One Rewards points convert at a 5:1 ratio, allowing members to transform hotel points into MileagePlus miles in increments of 1,000 points.[53] Additionally, Rocketmiles offers bonus miles on hotel bookings, with earning potential ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 miles per night depending on the property and promotion.[51] For ground transportation, partnerships with car rental companies and rideshare services provide miles based on rental duration or ride fare. Hertz awards 500 miles per qualifying rental to general members, increasing to 1,250 miles for Premier Platinum, 1K, and Global Services members.[54] Avis and Budget rentals earn up to 1,250 miles per rental for eligible MileagePlus members, with base rates starting at 500 miles.[55] The recent Lyft partnership, launched in November 2025, enables earning 1 mile per dollar spent on standard, Priority Pickup, and XL rides, scaling to 4 miles per dollar on premium options like Lux Black and Wait & Save, plus 1,000 bonus miles for new riders completing initial rides; mile redemptions for Lyft rides are planned for early 2026.[56][57] Retail and dining programs further expand earning opportunities through online portals and linked purchases. The MileagePlus Shopping portal connects members to over 1,000 retailers, offering 1 to 10 miles per dollar spent, with bonus incentives during promotional periods; for example, new enrollees can earn up to 1,000 bonus miles after initial qualifying purchases.[58] The MileagePlus Dining program rewards up to 5 miles per dollar at more than 30,000 participating restaurants for dine-in, takeout, or delivery, with an additional 500 bonus miles available upon joining and meeting a $25 spending threshold.[58] Beyond these, Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio in 1,000-point increments, providing a seamless way for cardholders to bolster their mile balance for redemptions.[59] Telecom partnerships, such as with AT&T through the shopping portal, allow earning miles on device and accessory purchases, though specific bill payment integrations vary by promotion.[60]Earning Miles
Earnings on United and Partner Flights
Members earn MileagePlus award miles on flights operated by United or United Express at a base rate of 5 miles per U.S. dollar spent on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, excluding government taxes and fees, with a maximum of 75,000 miles per ticket.[6] This earning applies to tickets marketed by United (stock code 016) and requires the MileagePlus number to be added to the reservation before travel.[6] Premier status members receive additional bonus award miles on these flights, calculated as a percentage of the base miles earned: Premier Silver members get a 25% bonus (6.25 miles per dollar total), Premier Gold a 50% bonus (7.5 miles per dollar total), Premier Platinum a 75% bonus (8.75 miles per dollar total), and Premier 1K a 100% bonus (10 miles per dollar total).[61] These bonuses are applied based on the member's status level at the time of travel and do not count toward Premier qualifying points (PQPs).[61] On flights operated by Star Alliance partner airlines, MileagePlus members earn award miles based on the actual distance flown, adjusted by a percentage determined by the booking fare class.[6] For example, full-fare economy tickets in Y class earn 100% of the miles flown, while premium cabin classes such as first (F) or business (J, C, D, Z) typically earn 100% to 150%, and discounted economy classes (e.g., B, M, E) earn 50% to 100%, depending on the specific partner airline's rules.[62] Earning requires presenting the MileagePlus number at check-in, and credits are based on the operating carrier's fare class, not the marketing carrier.[46] Specialty tickets, such as group or bulk fares, earn at reduced rates based on distance and class, often 25% or less.[6] As of 2025, PQPs for Premier status qualification on United-operated flights are earned at a rate of 1 PQP per U.S. dollar spent on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, mirroring the spend-based model for award miles but without the 5x multiplier.[10] Members holding Premier status as of February 1, 2025, receive a one-time starter PQP deposit to accelerate qualification for 2026 status: 300 PQPs for Silver, 600 for Gold, 900 for Platinum, and 1,400 for 1K (excluding trial status holders).[18] Basic Economy fares on United do not earn Premier qualifying flights (PQFs) but fully accrue award miles and PQPs based on ticket spend.[63] Award tickets redeemed with miles do not earn additional award miles, though PQPs can be earned separately through eligible credit card spending on United co-branded cards.[10]Earnings Through Credit Cards and Daily Activities
MileagePlus members can earn award miles through co-branded credit cards issued by Chase, which offer accelerated earning rates on specific categories tied to travel and everyday spending. The United℠ Explorer Card provides 2 miles per dollar spent on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, along with 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases, and includes a 25% statement credit on inflight food, beverage, Wi-Fi, and premium drink purchases aboard United-operated flights.[64][20] The United Quest℠ Card builds on this with 3 miles per dollar on United purchases, 2 miles per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and all other travel, and 1 mile per dollar elsewhere, making it suitable for frequent diners and travelers seeking higher returns on non-United spending.[65] The United Gateway℠ Card offers 2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases, gas stations, local transit and commuting, and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases; it provides a 25% back statement credit on purchases of food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and Club premium drinks aboard United-operated flights, and earns 2 free checked bag certificates each year after spending $10,000 in a calendar year on purchases with the card.[66] Unlike premium cards such as the United Club℠ Infinite Card, which provides United Club lounge membership, the United Quest℠ Card and United Gateway℠ Card do not include United Club lounge passes or access; they focus on credits, higher earning rates, and other travel perks instead. For frequent United Airlines flyers from Denver (a major United hub), the United Club℠ Infinite Card is typically the best credit card due to its full United Club membership providing lounge access at DEN, plus free checked bags, priority boarding, and high rewards on United purchases. The annual fee is $525, but lounge access can offset this for regular users. For those not needing lounge access, the United Quest Card ($350 annual fee) offers excellent value with a $200 annual United travel credit—enhanced in a March 2025 announcement by Chase and United Airlines and applicable to United flights or select United purchases—free checked bags for cardholder + companions, and strong rewards.[67][68] The Explorer Card and Quest Card also provide priority boarding in Group 2 for the primary cardmember and companions on the same reservation when the ticket is purchased using the card.[64][65] The Explorer Card and Quest Card also contribute to Premier qualifying points (PQP) accrual, with updates effective in 2025 providing 25 PQP for every $500 spent (1 PQP per $20) on purchases for most eligible cards, capped at 1,500 PQP annually for the Explorer Card and the Quest Card; premium cards like the United Club Infinite earn at 1 PQP per $15 with a 10,000 PQP cap. The Gateway Card does not contribute to PQP accrual.[18][69][70] International MileagePlus credit cards, including those available to Japanese citizens through local issuers like Saison and MUFG, can be applied for via the issuers' websites, with links provided on United's international credit cards page.[71] In addition to direct earning on co-branded cards, MileagePlus integrates with transferable points from major issuers, allowing members to convert rewards at a 1:1 ratio for flexible accumulation. Chase Ultimate Rewards points from cards like the Sapphire Preferred or Reserve transfer instantly to MileagePlus at this ratio, meaning 60,000 Chase points yield 60,000 MileagePlus miles.[72] American Express Membership Rewards and Capital One Miles programs follow the same 1:1 structure, enabling members to pool points from multiple sources without loss in value, provided the minimum transfer amount of 1,000 points is met.[73][74] Beyond financial products, daily activities offer accessible ways to accrue miles through partnered services and spending portals. The MileagePlus Shopping portal rewards members with miles on online purchases at over 1,100 retailers, often featuring promotions such as double miles during seasonal events, and a signup bonus of up to 1,000 miles after spending $25 within the first two weeks.[58] Xfinity Rewards, available to Comcast customers, allows redemption of earned points for up to 5,000 MileagePlus miles annually as a loyalty perk for maintaining eligible services.[75] Similarly, the newly launched MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card in 2025 enables earning on everyday debit spending and account balances, providing 1 mile per dollar on United purchases and 1 mile per $2 on other eligible buys, plus miles based on average monthly balances starting at $2,500, effectively rewarding direct deposits and savings habits.[76] These options complement flight-based earnings by turning routine expenditures into redeemable miles without requiring air travel.Redeeming Miles
Award Flights
Award flights represent the primary method for redeeming MileagePlus miles, allowing members to book free or discounted tickets on United Airlines and its partners. Since November 2019, United has employed dynamic pricing for these awards, where mile requirements fluctuate based on factors such as route, demand, date, and cabin class rather than a fixed chart.[77][78] This system enables pricing as low as 5,000 miles for short-haul one-way economy flights within the continental United States, while international business class awards often start at 55,000 miles or more one-way.[79] Unlike many competitors, United does not impose fuel surcharges on its own award tickets, though partner flights may include carrier-imposed fees.[79] For flights on Star Alliance partners, MileagePlus uses a zone-based award chart that determines fixed mile costs by distance and region. For instance, transpacific business class awards, such as those on ANA or EVA Air, previously required 110,000 miles one-way but were reduced by approximately 9% to 100,000 miles starting in October 2025, affecting most long-haul partner redemptions.[80][40] Transatlantic business class awards similarly dropped from 88,000 to 80,000 miles one-way.[40] These partner bookings provide access to over 1,000 destinations but require availability in the partner's inventory, which United members can search and reserve through the United website or app.[7] Booking award flights follows specific rules to maximize flexibility. Reservations can be made up to 330 days in advance, giving members ample time to plan trips.[81] If desired seats are unavailable, members may join a waitlist for award space, with priority often given to higher-tier Premier status holders.[79] Additionally, since March 2024, MileagePlus has offered family pooling, enabling up to five members (including children) to combine miles into a single account for redeeming award tickets without transfer fees.[16][82] The value of miles redeemed for award flights averages about 1.2 cents per mile, though this can vary significantly based on the route and class.[83] For example, a round-trip economy flight from the continental U.S. to Hawaii can be booked for as few as 30,000 miles, offering strong value for popular leisure destinations.[84]Other Redemption Options
MileagePlus members can redeem miles for a variety of non-travel options through the MileagePlus Store, which offers merchandise such as electronics, home goods, and accessories at fixed mile rates. For example, items like coffee makers or kitchen appliances typically require tens of thousands of miles, such as 64,000 miles for a high-end espresso maker.[85] This program allows members to exchange miles directly for products shipped to U.S. addresses, with eligibility limited to active members residing in the United States.[86] Gift cards represent another popular non-flight redemption avenue, available via the MileagePlus eGift Cards portal for over 200 merchants including Amazon, Target, Apple, and Starbucks. Redemption rates vary by merchant and denomination, starting as low as 333 miles for a $5 Target card, 666 miles for a $10 Apple card, or 1,666 miles for a $25 Walmart card, equating to approximately 0.3 to 0.8 cents per mile in value.[87] Members can purchase up to $100 worth of gift cards per 24 hours using miles alone or in combination with cash, with electronic delivery typically within 72 hours; no miles are earned on these transactions.[87] Experiences provide opportunities to bid on or purchase access to exclusive events using miles through MileagePlus Exclusives. Auctions feature items like concert tickets, such as a pair for Andrea Bocelli in New York starting at 86,000 miles or backstage tours for shows like HELL’S KITCHEN at 23,000 miles, while fixed-price options include dining events or tours from 2,000 miles, such as a cocktail reception in Chicago.[88] Hotel stays can also be redeemed directly through the United Hotels platform, where members toggle "Use Miles" to book accommodations worldwide, for instance, a one-night stay in Scottsdale, Arizona, for 25,010 miles in December 2025.[89] Although flight awards generally offer the highest value per mile, these experiences diversify redemption versatility for lifestyle enhancements.[90] Subscriptions and services extend mile utility to everyday conveniences, including in-flight Wi-Fi packages redeemable at 1,600 miles per flight or via annual subscriptions payable with miles instead of cash.[91] CLEAR Plus membership is complimentary for Global Services members and $129 annually for Premier 1K members, with discounted rates of $169 for other Premier members and co-branded credit cardholders upon linking accounts, though direct mile redemptions are not available for this service.[92][93] Non-travel redemptions like these follow standard MileagePlus rules, where miles do not expire with account activity but may be subject to program terms limiting eligibility or value compared to travel uses.[7]Premier Status
Qualification Criteria
Since 2021, United Airlines' MileagePlus program has employed a hybrid qualification model for Premier status, requiring members to earn a combination of Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs), or a sufficient number of PQPs alone, to achieve elite tiers. This system replaced the previous reliance on Premier Qualifying Dollars (PQDs) and segments, emphasizing spending and flight activity. For the 2025 qualification year (valid through January 31, 2027), thresholds have increased by approximately 25% across levels to reflect program adjustments. A minimum of four flights on United or United Express is required for all tiers, excluding Basic Economy tickets on certain routes.[10][18][39] The specific 2025 thresholds are as follows:| Status Level | PQP + PQF Requirement | PQP-Only Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Premier Silver | 5,000 PQP + 15 PQF | 6,000 PQP |
| Premier Gold | 10,000 PQP + 30 PQF | 12,000 PQP |
| Premier Platinum | 15,000 PQP + 45 PQF | 18,000 PQP |
| Premier 1K | 22,000 PQP + 60 PQF | 28,000 PQP |
Premier Status Match Challenge
The MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge is a limited-time program offered by United Airlines that enables eligible MileagePlus members holding elite status in another airline's frequent flyer program to match that status to a corresponding Premier tier and complete a reduced qualification challenge to retain it. For the 2026 offer, applications are accepted for requests received between January 8 and June 30, 2026. Eligible members submit documentation of their current elite status from a participating airline, and upon approval (typically within 14 business days), are granted matched Premier status.[97] Status becomes effective within 5 to 7 business days after completing an Activating Flight, defined as a flight operated by United or United Express. Normally, the Activating Flight must be completed within 90 days after approval of the submitted documentation and posting to the MileagePlus account. However, during the application process, members may elect a qualifying United or United Express flight completed in the past 30 days (with a flight date on or after January 1, 2026, and already posted to the MileagePlus account) to serve as the Activating Flight. If eligible upon one-time review, this prior flight (the earliest if multiple) is designated as the Activating Flight. This election can only be made at the time of document submission.[97] The challenge period lasts 120 days from the Activating Flight date. To retain the matched status beyond this period (through January 31, 2028, or January 31, 2029 if earned on or after January 1, 2027), members must earn the following reduced Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) on United or United Express-operated flights and Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) from United/United Express flights or eligible United Chase credit card purchases during the challenge period:- Premier Silver: 5 PQF and 1,700 PQP
- Premier Gold: 10 PQF and 3,400 PQP
- Premier Platinum: 15 PQF and 5,000 PQP
- Premier 1K: 20 PQF and 7,500 PQP
Status Levels and Perks
MileagePlus offers four tiers of Premier elite status—Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K—each providing progressively enhanced benefits to reward frequent flyers with improved travel experiences, priority services, and earning opportunities. Qualification for 2026 status is based on activity from January 1 to December 31, 2025, requiring a combination of Premier qualifying flights (PQF) and Premier qualifying points (PQP), or PQP alone, along with a minimum of four flights operated by United or United Express. These tiers share core advantages such as waived fees for redepositing award tickets, close-in booking fees, and domestic award changes, no change fees for most domestic and international flight modifications (though members must pay any fare difference if the new flight costs more than the original, including for same-day changes when the original fare class or cabin is unavailable), as well as priority access to check-in counters, security lanes (where available), and baggage handling. All members also receive corresponding Star Alliance elite status: Silver for Premier Silver and Gold for higher tiers, enabling reciprocal benefits across the alliance network.[10][61][98] The entry-level Premier Silver status requires 5,000 PQP plus 15 PQF or 6,000 PQP alone. Benefits include a 7x miles earning multiplier on eligible United and United Express flights (base fare plus carrier-imposed surcharges), one free first checked bag on United and United Express flights (up to 70 pounds), and complimentary Economy Plus seating assignment at check-in for the member plus one companion. Silver members board in Group 2 and are eligible for complimentary upgrades starting the day of departure, with priority over non-elites but after higher tiers. Starting in 2025, Silver members receive a discounted CLEAR Plus membership at $169 annually (standard rate $209), expediting identity verification at participating airport security checkpoints.[9][61][92] Premier Gold, requiring 10,000 PQP plus 30 PQF or 12,000 PQP alone, builds on Silver perks with an 8x miles earning multiplier, two free checked bags, and Economy Plus seating available at booking for the member plus one companion. Gold members enjoy Group 1 boarding, complimentary upgrades clearing 48 hours before departure, and Star Alliance Gold status, which grants lounge access for the member plus one guest when traveling internationally in premium cabins on Star Alliance carriers. Additional perks include automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status for enhanced hotel benefits and the same $169 CLEAR Plus discount. In 2025, Gold and above also qualify for lounge access on international Star Alliance flights in economy when connecting to a United flight.[9][61][92] Premier Platinum status demands 15,000 PQP plus 45 PQF or 18,000 PQP alone and offers a 9x miles earning multiplier, three free checked bags, and Economy Plus or preferred seating at booking for the member plus eight companions. Upgrades clear 72 hours prior to departure, with Group 1 boarding and priority services extended across United and Star Alliance partners. Platinum members receive 40 PlusPoints upon qualification, redeemable for premium cabin upgrades on United flights (valid through January 31 of the following year), and a $100 discount on United Club membership. The CLEAR Plus discount remains at $169, and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status applies. High-achieving Platinum members may receive referrals to the invite-only Global Services program, providing concierge-level support.[9][96][61] The top Premier 1K tier, achieved with 22,000 PQP plus 60 PQF or 28,000 PQP alone (capped at $28,000 in spend-based earnings for the latter option), delivers the most comprehensive rewards, including an 11x miles earning multiplier, three free checked bags, and Economy Plus or preferred seating at booking for the member plus eight companions. 1K members receive priority pre-boarding and highest priority on standby lists for rebooking, including after missed boarding, with waived change fees in many cases, complimentary upgrades 96 hours before departure (highest priority after Global Services), 280 PlusPoints, and a complimentary beverage and snack in Economy on United flights. Lounge benefits include a $200 discount on United Club membership and full Star Alliance Gold access with a guest on international premium cabin flights. The CLEAR Plus discount is enhanced to $129 annually, and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status is included. In mid-2025, PlusPoints for Platinum and 1K become more flexible, redeemable for gifting status, earning additional PQP or PQF, TravelBank cash, or bonus miles. Achieving 1 million lifetime miles extends Premier status indefinitely through the Million Miler program.[9][98][99][18][96][92]| Tier | Qualification (PQP + PQF or PQP only) | Miles Multiplier | Free Bags (Economy) | Upgrade Window | CLEAR Plus Discount (2025) | PlusPoints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | 5,000 + 15 or 6,000 | 7x | 1 | Day of departure | $169 | None |
| Gold | 10,000 + 30 or 12,000 | 8x | 2 | 48 hours | $169 | None |
| Platinum | 15,000 + 45 or 18,000 | 9x | 3 | 72 hours | $169 | 40 |
| 1K | 22,000 + 60 or 28,000 | 11x | 3 | 96 hours | $129 | 280 |
