Do United Airlines Miles Expire?

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United Airlines is one of the world’s largest airlines, offering flights to numerous destinations across the globe. Many travelers love to accumulate United Airlines miles to enjoy free flights, upgrades, and other perks. However, there is a common question that often arises among United Airlines’ frequent flyers: do United Airlines miles expire?

In this article, we’ll answer that question and provide you with all the information you need to know about United Airlines’ mileage expiration policies. Whether you’re a loyal United Airlines customer or a new member of their MileagePlus program, this guide will help you understand how to keep your miles from expiring and make the most out of your travel rewards.

Do United Airlines Miles Expire?

Do United Airlines Miles Expire?

United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, providing its customers with the best services and benefits. They offer a loyalty program known as MileagePlus, allowing frequent flyers to earn and redeem miles. However, many people often ask the question, “Do United Airlines miles expire?” In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide you with some helpful information.

Understanding United Airlines MileagePlus Program

United Airlines MileagePlus program is a loyalty program designed to reward frequent flyers with miles. These miles can be earned by flying with United Airlines, booking hotels, renting cars, shopping at participating stores, and using United co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem these miles for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.

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Earning United Airlines Miles

United Airlines MileagePlus members can earn miles in several ways. When you book a flight with United Airlines, you will earn miles based on the distance traveled, the fare class, and your MileagePlus status. If you book a hotel or car rental through United’s partners, you can also earn miles. Additionally, you can earn miles by shopping at participating stores or using United co-branded credit cards.

Redeeming United Airlines Miles

United Airlines MileagePlus members can redeem their miles for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. To redeem your miles, you can use the United Airlines website or mobile app. You will need to log in to your MileagePlus account and select the “book award travel” option. From there, you can choose your destination, travel dates, and class of service.

Do United Airlines Miles Expire?

The answer to this question is yes and no. United Airlines miles do not expire as long as you have activity in your account within the last 18 months. This means that you need to earn or redeem miles within the last 18 months to keep your account active. If you do not have any activity in your account for 18 months, your miles will expire.

What Counts as Activity?

Activity in your MileagePlus account includes earning or redeeming miles. If you book a flight, hotel, or car rental through United’s partners or use your United co-branded credit card, you will earn miles, which counts as activity. Similarly, if you redeem your miles for a flight, hotel, or car rental, this also counts as activity.

How to Keep Your United Airlines Miles from Expiring?

To keep your United Airlines miles from expiring, you need to have activity in your account within the last 18 months. There are several ways to do this:

  • Book a flight with United Airlines
  • Book a hotel or car rental through United’s partners
  • Shop at participating stores
  • Use your United co-branded credit card
  • Redeem your miles for a flight, hotel, or car rental

Benefits of United Airlines MileagePlus Program

The United Airlines MileagePlus program offers several benefits to its members:

Earn Miles Faster

By participating in the MileagePlus program, you can earn miles faster and redeem them for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.

Elite Status

The MileagePlus program offers elite status to its members, which provides additional benefits such as priority boarding, upgrades, lounge access, and more.

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Partner Benefits

MileagePlus members can earn and redeem miles with United’s partners, including other airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and more.

United Airlines MileagePlus vs. Other Loyalty Programs

When it comes to loyalty programs, there are several options available. Here’s how United Airlines MileagePlus compares to other loyalty programs:

American Airlines AAdvantage

American Airlines AAdvantage program is similar to United Airlines MileagePlus, offering miles for flying, shopping, and more. However, AAdvantage miles expire after 18 months of inactivity, whereas United Airlines miles do not expire as long as you have activity in your account within 18 months.

Delta SkyMiles

Delta SkyMiles program offers miles for flying, shopping, and more. However, SkyMiles miles expire after 24 months of inactivity, which is longer than United Airlines MileagePlus.

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program offers points for flying with Southwest Airlines. Points expire after 24 months of inactivity, which is longer than United Airlines MileagePlus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, United Airlines miles do expire if you do not have activity in your account within the last 18 months. To keep your miles from expiring, you need to earn or redeem miles within this time frame. The United Airlines MileagePlus program offers several benefits to its members, including earning miles faster, elite status, and partner benefits. When compared to other loyalty programs, United Airlines MileagePlus offers a competitive advantage with its longer expiration time frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the United Airlines MileagePlus program?

The United Airlines MileagePlus program is a loyalty program that allows members to earn miles for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other activities. These miles can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other rewards. Members can also earn elite status in the program, which provides additional benefits such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and lounge access.

How long do United Airlines miles last?

United Airlines miles do not expire as long as there is activity on the account every 18 months. Activity can be any earning or redemption of miles, such as taking a flight, using a co-branded credit card, or making a purchase through the MileagePlus shopping portal. If there is no activity on the account for 18 months, the miles will expire and cannot be reinstated.

What happens to United Airlines miles when a member dies?

If a member of the United Airlines MileagePlus program passes away, their miles will expire unless they are transferred to another member. The transfer must be requested by an authorized representative of the deceased member’s estate, and there may be fees associated with the transfer. It is important to include information about the MileagePlus account in estate planning documents.

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Can United Airlines miles be used for travel on other airlines?

Yes, United Airlines miles can be used for travel on United’s Star Alliance partners, which include airlines such as Air Canada, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines. United Airlines miles can also be used for flights on other non-alliance partner airlines, such as Aer Lingus and Hawaiian Airlines. However, the redemption rates and availability may vary depending on the partner airline.

What are some other ways to earn United Airlines miles?

In addition to flying on United Airlines and its partners, members of the MileagePlus program can earn miles by using a co-branded credit card, shopping through the MileagePlus shopping portal, renting a car from a partner car rental company, staying at a partner hotel, or participating in other promotions offered by United Airlines. There are also opportunities to earn bonus miles for completing certain activities or reaching certain milestones, such as flying a certain number of miles in a calendar year.

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In conclusion, United Airlines miles do expire, but there are ways to keep them active. It’s important to keep track of expiration dates and to use your miles before they expire. You can also keep your miles active by earning or redeeming them, or by using a United Airlines credit card.

If you’re a frequent flyer with United Airlines, it’s worth considering their MileagePlus program. This program offers a range of benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles for free flights, upgrades, and more. You can also earn miles by shopping with United Airlines partners or by using their MileagePlus shopping portal.

Overall, United Airlines miles can be a valuable tool for saving money on flights and upgrading your travel experience. By keeping your miles active and taking advantage of the MileagePlus program, you can make the most of your rewards and enjoy more rewarding travel experiences.

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