United MileagePlus is the frequent flyer program for United Airlines. The airline loyalty program is free to join and is known for its wide range of award travel destinations, excellent economy award availability and a variety of ways to earn and redeem miles.
As a member, you can get free flights, as well as benefits ranging from complimentary checked bags to club lounge access and upgrades that could make your travel much more enjoyable.
United Airlines operates out of eight hubs and serves dozens of countries around the world. The airline flies to more than 230 U.S. and 124 international destinations. It’s also a member of Star Alliance and has more than 35 partner airlines.
This flexibility and the rich program perks make membership very rewarding. United MileagePlus is worth it for travelers who fly United or partner airlines even infrequently. You can start earning valuable miles on day one.
How much are United miles worth?
United Airlines’ miles are worth approximately 1.3 cents per mile. Based on our most recent valuations, United miles are worth slightly more than Delta SkyMiles (1.1 cents) and JetBlue miles (1.2 cents). American Airlines tops our valuations at 1.8 cents per mile, followed by Southwest Airlines (1.4 cents).
- American Airlines AAdvantage, $0.018
- Southwest Rapid Rewards, $0.014
- United MileagePlus, $0.013
- JetBlue TrueBlue, $0.012
- Delta SkyMiles, $0.011
Despite being in the middle of the pack in terms of monetary value, United MileagePlus miles are relatively easy to use, adding to their value. With over 35 airline partners, members can redeem miles for flights to destinations around the world. Plus, United miles don’t expire. Award flights start at approximately 5,600 miles, so you can redeem them once you hit the minimum or build up your airline miles balance for more expensive award fares.
Ultimately, though, your choice of a frequent flyer program will also depend on factors beyond just the value of the miles, such as where you live, where you fly and the value of elite status perks.
How do you know if using United miles is worth it?
First, take a look at the United Airlines miles value. We peg the value of United miles at around 1.3 cents per mile — so if a fare is worth around 1.3 cents per mile, then it’s likely worth it to use miles. To calculate the value of United miles, use this simple equation:Cash price (minus taxes and fees) / Number of miles needed for fare = Miles value for that specific fare
Is United MileagePlus worth it?
The United MileagePlus program is worth joining if you fly with United or its Star Alliance partners, even occasionally, especially if you live in or near a United hub. United MileagePlus miles don’t offer the same value as other airline loyalty programs but offer a wide range of award flight options to meet various travel needs.
With several elite status tiers, trying to earn higher status is only worth it if you’re a frequent traveler. These levels of status are packed with value, including additional free checked bags, free same-day flight changes, upgrades and access to discounts and status with other loyalty programs. The benefits you receive as a member depend on your status level. Getting a United credit card can help you achieve status quicker and access many of the same perks, such as a free checked bag.
Pros and cons
- Easy miles redemption. MileagePlus gets top ratings among frequent flyer programs for the sheer variety of award ticket redemption options.
- Good perks for higher-level elite members. MileagePlus perks offer top value at middle- and high-tier elite status levels.
- Star Alliance partnership. United is a member of Star Alliance, and United miles can be earned on partner airlines and redeemed for high-value awards, such as luxurious first-class flights on Lufthansa.
- Worldwide flight network. With daily flights all over the world on United and its partners, award ticket redemption options are almost endless.
- Excursionist perk. There are other benefits like the United Excursionist Perk — a free one-way flight you can get on some multi-city award ticket bookings.
United Airlines partners
One of the most valuable benefits of United MileagePlus is the ability to earn miles and redeem them for award flights through dozens of airline partners. Often, you have access to elite benefits with United’s partner airlines.
Airlines often partner together to form an airline alliance. United Airlines is part of Star Alliance. The airline alliance has 26 member airlines spanning 50 global hubs. Current airline members include:
United also partners with several outside of Star Alliance. Currently, there are 18 United non-alliance partners:
How to earn United miles
There are many ways to rack up United miles that can get you free flights and other awards. Buying plane tickets and opening a United credit card with a welcome bonus are two of the best ways to earn United miles. Here are all the ways you can bulk up the balance of your MileagePlus account.
Credit cards that earn United miles
One way to earn United miles quickly: an airline credit card. In fact, getting a United credit card may be the fastest way to earn United miles next to buying a flight.
Not only can you earn a generous sign-up bonus that could get you a free flight right away, but you can also earn United miles for your everyday spending. And if you fly even a few times a year, the amount you save on United baggage fees alone could be worth it.
How to use United miles
There are plenty of ways you can redeem United miles for free flights, cruises, hotel stays and more. Keep reading to learn how to use United miles to get the best bang for your buck.
How to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to United
If you have a premium Chase Ultimate Rewards® credit card (i.e., one with an annual fee), you can transfer Chase points to United. Points transfer at a 1:1 ratio, in increments of 1,000 points.
The transfer process is simple, and your points are converted into United miles almost immediately:
- Initiate transfer on Chase’s website: To initiate a transfer, log in to your Ultimate Rewards account. Select “Transfer to Travel Partners” from the banner of options at the top of the page.
- Select United MileagePlus as transfer partner:Scroll down the list of travel partners until you find United MileagePlus®, and select “Transfer Points.”
- Enter member identification: Enter your United MileagePlus member number. If you aren’t already signed up for United’s MileagePlus program, you’ll have to do that first. It’s free and easy to join.
- Allot # of transfer points: Enter the number of points you’d like to transfer to United (remember, points can be transferred in 1,000-point increments).
- Confirm transaction: Once you have decided how many points you want to transfer, confirm the transaction. Your Chase Ultimate Rewards® points will be immediately deducted, and the miles should show up in your United MileagePlus account within minutes.
United elite status
Wondering how to earn United elite status? There are four levels of United Elite status, and different requirements to attain each level. United grants elite status based on the number of Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) you take and/or Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) you earn.
But what does that mean? We’ll break down those terms for you.
- Premier Qualifying Flight (PQF) — United defines a PQF as a takeoff and landing. You can accrue PQFs with all types of United tickets except for Basic Economy and award tickets.
- Premier Qualifying Point (PQP) — You get 1 PQP for every eligible U.S. dollar you spend with United, including purchase of a Basic Economy ticket (however, PQPs can only be earned on the base fare, and this does not include taxes and fees). Expenses that will accrue PQPs include fares, preferred seat purchases, Economy Plus seating or subscriptions, MileagePlus upgrade award copays, flights ticketed and operated by Star Alliance partners and paid upgrades on flights operated by United and United Express.
You get status based on a combination of the number of flights you take and the amount you spend on those flights. You can earn status based on a combination of PQFs and PQPs or only on PQPs. Here is a breakdown of the different levels of United elite status and the 2022 requirements for earning each one:
Benefits of United elite status
There are many benefits to United elite status, with fewer perks on the lowest tier and more on the higher tiers.
The best MileagePlus perks include:
- Bonus mile earnings on United flights
- Free checked bags
- Free access to Economy Plus seating for you and your travel companions
- The ability to change or cancel a flight without a fee on the day of departure
- A free snack and drink in economy for top elites
- Free upgrades on United when space is available (for MileagePlus Premier members)
This chart shows the main benefits of United elite status at each level:
If you have status with other airlines, you can potentially score a MileagePlus status match. United Airlines is currently running a promotion called MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge. The promotional offer allows you to request a status match received between Jan. 5, 2023, and Dec. 20, 2023. Status matching is available for more major airlines, including the following frequent flyer programs: