United MileagePlus Guide
Your complete guide to maximizing credit card transfers and finding exceptional flight redemptions with one of America's largest airline loyalty programs.
Introduction to United MileagePlus
United Airlines' MileagePlus program is one of the most valuable frequent flyer programs for U.S.-based travelers. With a vast network covering over 350 destinations worldwide and partnerships with all 25+ Star Alliance airlines, MileagePlus offers unparalleled flexibility and global reach. The program underwent significant changes in 2019 when it moved to dynamic pricing for United-operated flights, though partner awards still follow a more predictable award chart structure.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about earning United miles through credit card transfers, finding the best sweet spot redemptions, and maximizing the program's unique features like the valuable Excursionist Perk for incredible travel opportunities.
In This Guide:
Credit Card Transfer Partners
United MileagePlus has a more limited set of transfer partners compared to some other airline programs, with Chase Ultimate Rewards being the primary flexible points currency that transfers to United.
| Transfer Partner | Transfer Ratio | Transfer Time | Transfer Bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Ultimate Rewards | 1:1 | Instant | No recent transfer bonuses |
| Bilt Rewards | 1:1 | Up to 24 hours | Monthly 25% transfer bonus on 1st of month (1-5 minutes) |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 3:1.1 (plus 5,500 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred) | 3-5 days | Occasional transfer bonuses |
Pro Tip: While United isn't a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, you can transfer Amex points to Avianca LifeMiles or Air Canada Aeroplan to book Star Alliance flights operated by United, often with lower fees.
How to Earn United Miles
Credit Card Spending & Bonuses
- Apply for United co-branded credit cards (Quest, Explorer, Club)
- Transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards cards (Sapphire Preferred, Reserve)
- Take advantage of spending bonuses in rotating categories
Flying & Partners
- Fly on United and earn based on ticket fare and elite status
- Credit Star Alliance partner flights to MileagePlus
- Shop through MileagePlus Shopping portal for bonus miles
- Dine with MileagePlus Dining at participating restaurants
For most travelers, earning through Chase Ultimate Rewards cards and United co-branded credit cards represents the fastest and most efficient way to accumulate a substantial balance of United miles, especially given the high welcome bonuses offered on these cards.
Key Program Features
Excursionist Perk
Get a free one-way flight within a single region when booking a round-trip or multi-city itinerary between two different regions.
No Expiration Policy
United miles don't expire, giving you peace of mind and flexibility in planning future redemptions without activity requirements.
Mixed Cabin Booking
Easily book different classes of service for different segments of your journey, optimizing value across your entire itinerary.
United Award Accelerator
Purchase additional miles at a discount when booking revenue tickets or checking in for flights.
RewardPlus Partnership
United MileagePlus Premier members and Marriott Bonvoy Elite members enjoy reciprocal benefits across both programs.
Important Note: United uses dynamic pricing for flights on its own metal, while partner awards follow a more predictable region-based award chart. This hybrid approach means award prices can vary significantly based on demand, seasonality, and whether you're booking United or partner flights.
Sweet Spot Redemptions
United MileagePlus offers several exceptional sweet spot redemptions that provide outsized value for your miles, particularly when you leverage partner airlines and the Excursionist Perk.
| Route | Economy | Business | First | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US to Europe | 30,000-33,000 miles (one-way) | 60,000-77,000 miles (one-way) | 90,000-121,000 miles (one-way) | Best availability on United's own flights and partners like Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian |
| US to Japan | 35,000-38,500 miles (one-way) | 70,000-82,500 miles (one-way) | 110,000-121,000 miles (one-way) | Good value on ANA, especially for business class |
| US to Australia/New Zealand | 40,000-44,000 miles (one-way) | 80,000-99,000 miles (one-way) | 130,000-143,000 miles (one-way) | Better availability than most programs on Air New Zealand and United |
| US to South America | 20,000-30,000 miles (one-way) | 35,000-60,000 miles (one-way) | Not widely available | Excellent value to Southern South America in business class on Copa or Avianca |
| North America Transcontinental | 12,500-17,500 miles (one-way) | 25,000-35,000 miles (one-way) | Not applicable | Saver awards can be a great value when available |
Spotlight: The Excursionist Perk
United's unique Excursionist Perk is one of the program's most valuable features. It allows you to add a free one-way flight within a single region when booking a round-trip or multi-city itinerary between two different regions.
Example: New York to Europe with free intra-Europe flight
- New York (EWR) to London (LHR) - 60,000 miles in business class
- London (LHR) to Paris (CDG) - FREE with Excursionist Perk
- Paris (CDG) to New York (EWR) - 60,000 miles in business class
- Total cost: 120,000 miles for what would normally cost 140,000+ miles
Best Credit Cards for United MileagePlus
These credit cards offer the best opportunities to earn United miles, either directly through co-branded cards or through transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
United Quest℠ Card
Chase
$250
Up to 80,000 United miles
3X on United purchases, 2X on travel, dining, and streaming services; 1X on everything else
- First and second checked bags free on United flights
- Up to $125 annual United credit
- 10,000 miles back when you redeem for flights (up to twice per year)
- 25% back on United in-flight purchases
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit (up to $100)
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase
$95
60,000 Ultimate Rewards points
3X on dining and online groceries, 2X on travel, 1X on everything else
- Points transfer 1:1 to United MileagePlus
- $50 annual hotel credit
- 10% anniversary point bonus
- Travel and purchase protections
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase
$550
60,000 Ultimate Rewards points
10X on hotels and car rentals through Chase, 3X on travel and dining, 1X on everything else
- Points transfer 1:1 to United MileagePlus
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass lounge access
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit (up to $100)
Advanced Tips & Tricks
Maximizing Partner Award Space
- Book exactly 330-337 days in advance for best partner availability
- Search for partner awards segment-by-segment when United.com shows no availability
- United co-branded cardholders get expanded award availability on United flights
- Search for 1 seat at a time to find better availability in premium cabins
Maximizing the Excursionist Perk
- Book your free segment in a premium cabin when available
- Use the multi-city search tool to construct complex itineraries
- Book the longest possible intra-region flight for maximum value
- Use "throwaway" segments to position the Excursionist Perk where you want it
Avoiding Close-In Booking Fees
While United eliminated its explicit close-in booking fees in 2019, they often increase the mileage cost for flights booked within 30 days of departure. Here are strategies to minimize these hidden fees:
- Book partner flights, which tend to maintain fixed pricing regardless of proximity to departure
- Look for "Saver" award space, which is less affected by dynamic pricing increases
- United Premier elite members often see reduced or waived close-in pricing premiums
- Consider booking an alternative date further out and changing to your desired date later (changes are free for all members)
Start Your United MileagePlus Journey
With its massive global network, valuable Excursionist Perk, and strong credit card earning opportunities, United MileagePlus stands out as one of the most practical and valuable loyalty programs for U.S.-based travelers. Whether you're planning a simple domestic trip or a complex international journey, MileagePlus offers tremendous flexibility and value.