How Much Does It Cost To Transfer United Airline Miles?

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If you’re a frequent traveler, you know the value of airline miles. They can be a great way to save on travel expenses and even score free flights. However, transferring airline miles can sometimes be a bit confusing, especially when it comes to United Airlines. In this article, we’ll explore the cost of transferring United Airline miles and everything you need to know before making a transfer.

Are you considering transferring your United Airline miles to someone else? Maybe you want to help a friend or family member book their dream vacation or just need to consolidate your miles. Regardless of the reason, understanding the cost of transferring miles is crucial to making an informed decision. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of United Airline mile transfers together!

How Much Does It Cost to Transfer United Airline Miles?

How Much Does It Cost to Transfer United Airline Miles?

If you’re a United Airlines MileagePlus member, you might be wondering how much it costs to transfer your miles to another account. Whether you want to give miles to a friend or family member, or you need to transfer them to another account for a specific redemption, United Airlines offers several options for transferring miles.

Transferring Miles to Another MileagePlus Account

If you want to transfer your United Airlines miles to another MileagePlus account, you can do so for a fee. The cost of transferring miles is based on the number of miles you want to transfer and the recipient’s MileagePlus account status.

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For general MileagePlus members, the cost is $12.50 per 500 miles transferred, plus a processing fee of $30 per transaction. If you’re a Premier member, the cost is $7.50 per 500 miles transferred, plus the processing fee. And if you’re a Premier Platinum or Premier 1K member, there’s no fee for transferring miles.

It’s important to note that there are some restrictions on transferring miles. You can only transfer a minimum of 500 miles, and you can only transfer up to 150,000 miles per year.

Transferring Miles to Another Airline Program

If you want to transfer your United Airlines miles to another airline program, such as Marriott Bonvoy or IHG Rewards Club, you can do so through United’s MileagePlus Transfer Partners program. The cost and process for transferring miles varies depending on the partner program.

For example, to transfer United Airlines miles to Marriott Bonvoy, the cost is 3,000 United miles for every 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy points transferred. There’s a minimum transfer of 3,000 United miles, and transfers must be made in increments of 1,000 miles.

Benefits of Transferring Miles

Transferring United Airlines miles can be a great way to share your rewards with friends and family, or to combine miles from multiple accounts for a specific redemption. It can also be a way to use your miles for non-flight rewards, such as hotel stays or car rentals.

Additionally, if you have miles that are expiring soon, transferring them to another account or program can help you avoid losing them. United Airlines miles expire after 18 months of inactivity, so transferring them to another account or program can reset the expiration clock.

Transferring Miles vs. Buying Miles

If you’re short on miles for a specific redemption, you might be wondering whether it’s better to transfer miles or buy them. The answer depends on the cost of each option and how many miles you need.

In general, buying miles is more expensive than transferring them. United Airlines sells miles for a base price of 3.76 cents per mile, plus taxes and fees. If you need a small number of miles, it might be more cost-effective to buy them. But if you need a larger amount of miles, transferring them could be a better option.

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Conclusion

Transferring United Airlines miles can be a useful way to share your rewards, combine miles for a specific redemption, or avoid losing miles that are expiring soon. While there are fees associated with transferring miles, they can be worth it in certain situations. Be sure to weigh the costs and benefits before deciding whether to transfer your miles or buy new ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about transferring United Airline Miles.

What is the process of transferring United Airline Miles?

The process of transferring United Airline Miles is simple. You need to visit the United Airlines website and log in to your account. Once you are logged in, you can go to the ‘Transfer Miles’ section and initiate the transfer process. You will need to provide the recipient’s name, MileagePlus number, and the number of miles you want to transfer.

Once you have entered the required details, you will be asked to confirm the transfer. Review the details carefully and click the ‘Confirm’ button to complete the transfer. The transferred miles will appear in the recipient’s account within 24 hours.

Is there a limit on the number of miles I can transfer?

Yes, there is a limit on the number of miles you can transfer. You can transfer a minimum of 1,000 miles and a maximum of 100,000 miles per transaction. In addition, you can transfer a maximum of 150,000 miles per calendar year to another MileagePlus account.

If you want to transfer more than 150,000 miles, you may consider transferring the miles to multiple accounts or wait until the next calendar year to transfer the remaining miles.

How much does it cost to transfer United Airline Miles?

The cost of transferring United Airline Miles varies based on the number of miles you want to transfer. United Airlines charges a fee of $7.50 per 500 miles transferred, up to a maximum of $30 per transaction.

For example, if you want to transfer 10,000 miles, you will be charged a transfer fee of $150 ($7.50 x 20). Please note that the transfer fee is in addition to the cost of the miles you are transferring.

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Can I transfer United Airline Miles to someone who is not a MileagePlus member?

No, you can only transfer United Airline Miles to someone who is a MileagePlus member. If the recipient is not a MileagePlus member, they will need to sign up for the program before you can transfer the miles to them.

Additionally, the name on the recipient’s MileagePlus account must match the name on their government-issued ID to use the miles for travel or other services.

Are there any restrictions on transferring United Airline Miles?

Yes, there are some restrictions on transferring United Airline Miles. You cannot transfer miles that have expired or will expire within 30 days of the transfer date. Additionally, you cannot transfer miles that were purchased or received as a gift.

Moreover, United Airlines may change the terms and conditions of the transfer program at any time without prior notice. It is recommended to review the current terms and conditions before initiating a transfer.

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In conclusion, the cost of transferring United Airline miles can vary depending on several factors. If you are transferring miles to another United Airlines MileagePlus account, you can expect to pay a fee of $7.50 per 500 miles transferred. However, if you are transferring miles to a partner airline or hotel loyalty program, the cost may be higher.

It’s important to note that transferring miles can be a great way to maximize the value of your rewards, but it’s not always the best option. Before transferring your miles, make sure you understand the fees and restrictions involved. You may find that it’s more cost-effective to use your miles for flights or other travel expenses directly through United Airlines.

Overall, the cost of transferring United Airline miles is relatively low compared to other airlines. By understanding the fees involved and weighing your options, you can make the most of your rewards and enjoy more travel for less.

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