United Airlines
MileagePlus
The frequent-flyer programme of United Airlines.
Programme overview
At a glance
- Airline
- United Airlines
- Reward currency
- MileagePlus miles
- Alliance
- Star Alliance
- Airline code
- UA
Earning rates, award charts and elite thresholds change frequently, so they live in dated guides rather than on this page. Always confirm current terms with United Airlines.
What this programme covers
Topics we are documenting
Each of these will become a dated, verifiable guide as the library grows.
Earn miles
Where miles come from — flying, partners, cards and promotions — and which of those actually moves the needle.
Redeem miles
What miles can be spent on, how awards are priced, and which redemptions tend to be worth the balance.
Elite status
How status is earned and what it changes in practice, from boarding order to upgrades.
Expiration
When a balance lapses, and the qualifying activity that resets the clock.
Transfer partners
Which flexible currencies move in, and what to confirm before an irreversible transfer.
Award booking
Finding award space, routing rules, partner access, and the surcharges attached.
Information feed
Latest MileagePlus guides
Related guides
United Airlines travel policies
Loyalty is only half the picture — these cover the rules that apply to the ticket itself.