How Do I Use My United Airlines Miles?

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If you’re a frequent traveler, you know how valuable airline miles can be. United Airlines is one of the major carriers that offer a loyalty program, MileagePlus, which allows you to earn miles for every flight you take and redeem them for various rewards. But how exactly can you use your United Airlines miles, and maximize their value? In this guide, we’ll take a closer look and show you the best ways to redeem your miles for flights, upgrades, and other perks. Whether you’re a seasoned MileagePlus member or a newbie to the program, you’ll find plenty of tips and tricks to make the most of your rewards.

How Do I Use My United Airlines Miles?

Using Your United Airlines Miles: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you a frequent flyer with United Airlines? If so, you may have accumulated a significant number of miles. But how do you make the most of them? In this guide, we will explore the various ways you can use your United Airlines miles, and how to maximize their value.

Redeeming Miles for Flights

One of the most popular ways to use your United Airlines miles is to redeem them for flights. You can use your miles to book flights on United Airlines or any of its partner airlines. The number of miles required will depend on a variety of factors, such as the distance of the flight, the class of service, and the time of year.

To find available flights, log in to your United Airlines account and click on the “Redeem Miles” tab. You can search for flights by destination, date, and class of service. Once you find a flight you want to book, simply follow the prompts to complete your booking.

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If you don’t have enough miles to book a flight outright, you may be able to use a combination of miles and cash to cover the cost of the ticket.

Upgrading Your Flight with Miles

Another way to use your United Airlines miles is to upgrade your flight to a higher class of service. You can use miles to upgrade from economy to business or from business to first class, depending on availability.

To see if an upgrade is available for your flight, log in to your United Airlines account and click on the “Manage Reservations” tab. If an upgrade is available, you will see an option to use miles to upgrade. The number of miles required will depend on the length of the flight and the class of service you are upgrading to.

Booking Hotel Stays with Miles

In addition to flights, you can also use your United Airlines miles to book hotel stays. United Airlines has partnerships with several hotel chains, including Marriott, Hilton, and InterContinental.

To book a hotel stay with miles, log in to your United Airlines account and click on the “Redeem Miles” tab. Select the “Hotels” option and search for available properties. Once you find a hotel you want to book, follow the prompts to complete your booking.

Booking Car Rentals with Miles

If you need a car rental for your trip, you can also use your United Airlines miles to book one. United Airlines has partnerships with several car rental companies, including Hertz, Avis, and Budget.

To book a car rental with miles, log in to your United Airlines account and click on the “Redeem Miles” tab. Select the “Cars” option and search for available rentals. Once you find a rental you want to book, follow the prompts to complete your booking.

Redeeming Miles for Merchandise

If you don’t need to book a flight, hotel, or car rental, you can also use your United Airlines miles to purchase merchandise. United Airlines has an online shopping portal called MileagePlus Shopping, where you can shop for a variety of products, including electronics, clothing, and home goods.

To shop with miles, log in to your United Airlines account and click on the “Redeem Miles” tab. Select the “Shopping” option and browse the available products. Once you find a product you want to purchase, follow the prompts to complete your order.

Donating Miles to Charity

If you don’t need to use your miles for travel or merchandise, you can also donate them to charity. United Airlines partners with several charities, including the American Red Cross and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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To donate your miles, log in to your United Airlines account and click on the “Donate Miles” tab. Select the charity you want to donate to and follow the prompts to complete your donation.

Maximizing the Value of Your Miles

To get the most value out of your United Airlines miles, it’s important to understand how they are valued. The value of a mile varies depending on how you use it. Generally, you will get the most value out of your miles by redeeming them for flights or upgrades.

You can also maximize the value of your miles by booking flights during off-peak times or by taking advantage of special promotions and deals. Additionally, if you have United Airlines credit cards, you may be able to earn bonus miles for certain purchases.

Comparing United Airlines to Other Airlines

While United Airlines is a popular airline with many loyal customers, it’s important to compare it to other airlines to ensure that you are getting the best value for your miles. Some airlines may offer better redemption options or better partnerships with hotels and car rental companies.

Pros and Cons of Using United Airlines Miles

Before deciding how to use your United Airlines miles, it’s important to consider the pros and cons. Some pros of using miles include the ability to save money on travel expenses and the ability to earn miles through credit card purchases. Some cons include limited availability of award seats and potential fees for booking close to your travel date.

Conclusion

United Airlines miles can be a valuable asset for frequent flyers. By understanding the various ways you can use your miles and how to maximize their value, you can make the most of your rewards. Whether you use your miles to book flights, hotels, or car rentals, or to purchase merchandise or donate to charity, you can enjoy the benefits of being a loyal United Airlines customer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use United Airlines miles for any flight?

Yes, you can use your United Airlines miles for any flight as long as there is availability. However, the number of miles required may vary depending on the destination, time of year, and demand. It’s always best to check the United Airlines website or call customer service to confirm availability and the number of miles required.

How do I book a flight using my United Airlines miles?

To book a flight using your United Airlines miles, log into your MileagePlus account on the United Airlines website. Select the “Book Travel” tab and enter your travel details. Select the option to pay with miles and follow the prompts to complete your booking. You can also call customer service to book your flight over the phone.

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Can I transfer my United Airlines miles to someone else?

Yes, you can transfer your United Airlines miles to another MileagePlus member for a fee. The fee varies depending on the number of miles being transferred and there may be restrictions on how many miles can be transferred per year. To transfer miles, log into your MileagePlus account on the United Airlines website and select the “Transfer Miles” option.

What are some other ways to use my United Airlines miles?

In addition to flights, you can use your United Airlines miles to book hotel stays, car rentals, and experiences through the United Airlines website. You can also use your miles to upgrade your seat on a flight, purchase merchandise, and donate to charity.

Do United Airlines miles expire?

Yes, United Airlines miles can expire if there is no activity on your MileagePlus account for 18 months. To keep your miles from expiring, you can earn or redeem miles, use a United Airlines credit card, or participate in other MileagePlus promotions. It’s important to keep track of your miles and make sure to use them before they expire.

United – Purchase flights with Money + Miles


In conclusion, United Airlines miles are an excellent way to save money on your next flight. By using your miles wisely, you can score free flights, upgrades, and other great perks. To start using your miles, sign up for United Airlines’ MileagePlus program. From there, you can earn miles by flying with United Airlines or their partners and by using a United Airlines credit card.

Once you have enough miles, you can redeem them for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. Be sure to check out United Airlines’ award chart to see how many miles you’ll need for different flights. When booking, try to be flexible with your dates and destinations to get the most value for your miles.

Overall, using your United Airlines miles can be a smart way to travel for less. With a little bit of planning and strategy, you can make the most of your miles and save big on your next trip. So, start earning and redeeming those miles today and get ready to take off to your dream destination!

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