What is United Airlines Redeem Miles

United Airlines Redeem Miles

Category : Airlines / Posted on: January 28, 2023 / Author: Admin

United Airlines Redeem Miles

While United's MileagePlus members experienced major devaluations in the value of their miles, especially during the pandemics, United MileagePlus is still one of the most easy types of airline miles to earn. It's easy to earn United miles thanks to a number of United credit card, as well as a few transferable point partners. You can also redeem miles on United's extensive network of international and domestic routes and over two dozen Star Alliance partner airlines.

United's website is the best place to find award availability. You can search its site and book most Star Alliance Awards by searching it -- no phone calls necessary.

There are a few things you need to know when booking United MileagePlus award flights. You won't usually get a high redemption price, even though there are other ways to redeem United mile. Let's now look at how to redeem United MileagePlus points for United flights, partner flight, hotels, and other merchandise.

Redeem United Flight Tickets

United has one of the most extensive domestic and international flight networks. There are hundreds of destinations to choose from, and that doesn't include its partner flights. Star Alliance, the largest international airline alliance, offers many attractive options, including Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa.

United has stopped offering mileage redemptions with Singapore Airlines as of December 2020. MileagePlus members cannot still redeem miles on Singapore Airlines, even though this was temporary.

United had its award chart removed just before the pandemic. flights operated in partnership. It now uses dynamic award pricing. This is just a fancy way to say United can charge whatever price it wants for any flight at any time. To find out how much United Airlines flights cost, search for your route and the date you want to fly.

United also introduced Money + Miles in November 2021. This option offers a modestly low 1 cent per mile redemption rate. This option will be available on the final payment screen, after you have selected seats.

How to book United Flights

United's website, which is accessible without having to log in, is one of the best Star Alliance options for searching for award tickets. Simply visit United's website and enter your flight search criteria. Then, click "Book with Miles" to book. To start your search, click on the purple button "Find flights".

You will need to log in if you have United Premier or a United card linked with your MileagePlus account. Members of the elite status and cardholders have access to additional award stock for United-operated flights.

United shows prices and flights in the middle of the page. The United search engine displays a week's worth award pricing at the top. This is a nice feature. To see all available flights for that date, click on the date. Click on the label of the cabin that you would like to fly into to sort the prices. To see options for business-class, click on "Business".

Click the "select button" below the price to make your booking. You must pay all taxes and fees. A credit card that offers bonus miles for airfare, and travel protections.

Partner Flights Eligible for Redemption

Star Alliance is the largest international airline alliance. United is a member. Here is a look at United’s alliance partner list:

Aegean Airlines
Air Canada
Air China
Air India
Air New Zealand
ANA
Asiana
Austrian
Avianca
Brussels Airlines
Copa Airlines
Croatia Airlines
EgyptAir
Ethiopian Airlines
EVA Airways
LOT Polish Airlines
Lufthansa
SAS
Shenzhen Airlines
Singapore Airlines
South African Airways
SWISS
TAP Portugal
THAI
Turkish Airlines

United also has a large portfolio of non-alliance partner:

Aer Lingus.
Aeromar.
Air Dolomiti.
Airlink.
Azul.
Boutique Air.
Cape Air.
Edelweiss.
Euro wings.
Euro wings Discover.
Hawaiian Airlines
Olympic Air.
Silver Airways.
Vistara.

Redeeming United miles has the greatest advantage: the MileagePlus program does not impose fuel surcharges for partner award tickets. Bookings through other programs, such as Aeroplan miles and Asiana Club can cost hundreds of dollars in additional fees. Booking through partners can sometimes result in bookings that cost significantly less miles.

However, the absence of fuel surcharges comes at a cost. United's long-haul partner flight rates in premium class are often more expensive than those offered by United. United used to charge a 10,000-mile surcharge on Star Alliance partner awards. Booking Chicago O'Hare (ORD), to Frankfurt (FRA), on a United Airlines flight would cost 60,000 United Miles, while a Lufthansa operated flight on the same route would be 70,000 miles.

United has raised the prices of all partner award tickets by using dynamic pricing. This applies to flights operated by a partner on short-haul segments. This flight from San Francisco (SFO), to Nagoya via Tokyo (HND), costs 38,500 miles economy class and 77,000 miles business class. ANA Wings only operates the Tokyo-Nagaya leg. However, the prices are still 10% more than the standard award rate (even if the ANA Wings leg was in economy on the business option).

The bright side is that you can book most of your partners online so you won't have to call to book a flight. It is still a good idea to search segment-by-segment for your flight as United's website may not always show all connecting flights.

Redeem Your Points for Travel

Redeem United MileagePlus miles to redeem for United Club memberships and car rentals. We don't recommend this. These redemptions often yield a lower value than TPG’s valuations which set the MileagePlus mile value at 1.13 cents per. These redemptions usually yield a value of less than 0.75 cents.

Here's a quick overview of all your travel redemption options and their redemption values.

Redeem United Miles for Hotels

Although you can book hotel rooms through United Hotels using United miles, it's not a great deal. I booked a one-night hotel stay at the Andaz Singapore through United's online booking portal. A September 2022 night costs $282.40, or 48,680 miles. This means that you will get 0.58 cents per each mile. This is why you should either pay cash or redeem World of Hyatt Points for this stay.

Transfer United Miles to Marriott Bonvoy

Transfer United miles to Marriott Bonvoy at 1:1. TPG rates Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.33 cents per unit, which is 0.33 percent less than TPG’s valuation of United mile. This is not a good deal. If you are transferring a few miles to Marriott to increase the value of a particular award, it is best to do so only.

For Car Rentals, Redeem United Miles

United has recently changed its rental car partner, moving from Hertz to Avis/Budget. United is still working closely with Avis/Budget at the time this article was written. Members can use their miles to rent cars. We expect redemption rates to be comparable to those of Hertz's partnership.

Fly with United Miles and get Wi-Fi in-Flight

United miles can be used to pay for Wi-Fi in-flight on domestic United flights. However, the price varies depending on how long you fly. A $49 monthly Wi Fi pass is also available for $49, or 7,500 miles. This pass can be redeemed using United miles, but you will only receive 0.65 cents per each mile. We recommend that you avoid this redemption.

United Miles are Required to Pay for TSA Precheck

TSA Precheck can be redeemed with United miles. You'd get 0.77 cents per miles if you redeem 11,000 United Miles for the $85 application fee. It's better to get a credit card that covers TSA Precheck and Global Entry fees like the United Explorer Card. You can also save money on the application fee and get a bonus sign-up.

Get Merchandise Back

United miles can be used to purchase merchandise, gift cards and newspapers, as well as Broadway tickets. These redemptions, which are similar to hotel miles redeemable for hotels, are usually of poor quality and should be avoided. Let's take a look at the options and their redemption rates.

Use United Miles to Redeem for Products

United Miles can be used to purchase merchandise from the online store. The store sells electronics, luggage, and home goods. We don't recommend this because you will generally receive a low redemption price. A Bose Portable Speaker is 140,700 miles. These headphones are $399 and cost 0.28 cents per mile.

MileagePlus X gift card with United Miles

The MileagePlus X app is a great way to earn miles, but it's not a good idea to spend your miles. You can use this app to purchase gift cards and earn miles. You'll only get 0.3 cents per miles if you redeem your miles for gift cards. This is almost a full cent less than TPG's value.

Subscribe to magazines and newspapers with United Miles

United Miles can be used to redeem for subscriptions to magazines and newspapers. However, this is a poor way of using miles since it has a very low redemption value.

United Miles allows you to buy tickets for Broadway shows and other events.

Broadway shows and tickets to concerts may not be on your priority list during the coronavirus pandemic. United miles can be used to redeem for tickets if you really want to see a show. This redemption option has a low value and should be avoided.

Donate United Miles to Charity

United Miles can be donated to selected charities. You can donate as little as 1,000 miles per month and choose from many charities. This is a great way to donate your mileage and to support a worthy cause. It's worth looking into if a cash donation would be more effective.

United Miles: Best Use

Although United has reduced the value of its miles quite a few times there are still many great ways to redeem United miles. Here are some top United MileagePlus sweet spots that you need to know.

Fly United Airlines from the U.S.A to Europe

Book flights from the U.S. and Europe using United miles in United’s Polaris business class product. This is one of my favourite ways to use United mile. This flight is usually only 60,000 miles with no fuel surcharges if you have access to discount business-class space. This makes it cheaper than booking with Avianca Life Miles - another Star Alliance loyalty program I love.

What happens to United Miles?

United has changed its expiration policy in 2019. United mile don't expire after prolonged periods of inactivity. This is great news for frequent United flyers as well as travelers who don’t have immediate need for United miles.

Can I transfer points into United MileagePlus

You can transfer miles from Marriott Bonvoy and Chase Ultimate Rewards to United MileagePlus. Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to United at 1:1 ratio, with a minimum 1,000-mile transfer. These transfers are instant and allow you to quickly earn miles.

Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred to United at a ratio of 3:1.1 due to United's Rewards Plus partnership. For every 60,000 points transferred, you'll receive a bonus of 5,000 miles. This means that 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points are equivalent to 27,000 United Miles. Transfers take around three days to process.

Bottom Line

You have many options to redeem United MileagePlus points, but it's best to book award flights. These tickets can be booked online with United or its Star Alliance partners.

The award search engine of this carrier is among the best, and it charges lower taxes and fees than other Star Alliance mileage programs. You can also transfer Chase Ultimate Reward points to United at a 1:1 ratio to quickly increase your account and get some redemptions while you are planning your next trip.