Want to make your United miles go further? Turkish Miles&Smiles lets you book the same United business class award for only 45,000 miles each way. United’s network spans domestic and international destinations, so knowing the best booking options can save you thousands of miles.
This piece will help you book United award flights and get the most from your MileagePlus miles.
Understanding United MileagePlus Miles
The MileagePlus program serves as the foundation for booking award flights with United Airlines. You’ll get the most value from your redemption opportunities by first understanding these miles and how to collect them.
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What are United MileagePlus miles?
United Airlines runs the MileagePlus loyalty program that boasts over 100 million members worldwide. These miles work like virtual currency – you earn them and spend them on flights, upgrades, and other travel perks.
A great feature of United’s program ensures your miles never expire while your account stays open. You’ll have unlimited time to build up and strategically use your miles to get the best value.
United, a founding member of Star Alliance (the largest airline alliance), lets you earn and use miles with more than 40 partner airlines worldwide. The network reaches about 300 cities across five continents, which makes it especially valuable when you have international travel plans.
How to earn United miles
Flying remains the quickest way to earn United miles. Your earning rate on United-operated flights depends on two factors:
- Ticket price: Miles come from the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, not government taxes and fees
- MileagePlus status: Higher status means more bonus miles
United uses a tiered structure that determines miles earned per dollar based on your status:
| MileagePlus Status | Base Miles | Status Bonus | Total Miles per Dollar |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Member | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Premier Silver | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| Premier Gold | 5 | 3 | 8 |
| Premier Platinum | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| Premier 1K | 5 | 6 | 11 |
You can earn up to 75,000 miles per ticket.
Your mileage balance can grow through several other methods:
- Credit cards: United co-branded Chase cards give you substantial welcome bonuses and ongoing earning opportunities
- Transfer partners: Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to United at a 1:1 ratio
- MileagePlus Dining: Restaurants in the program offer up to 5 miles per dollar
- MileagePlus Shopping: United’s shopping portal helps you earn miles with over 1,100 retailers
- Hotel stays: Major hotel chains and Vrbo reward you with miles (3 miles per dollar)
MileagePlus vs other airline programs
United’s program stands out from other major U.S. carriers in several ways. The program offers excellent award availability throughout its network, particularly on domestic flights.
Your United miles stay valid forever, unlike other programs that require account activity every 12-24 months.
Star Alliance membership makes MileagePlus a fantastic choice if you travel internationally often. The alliance includes 25+ partner airlines like Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines, giving you more chances to earn and use miles worldwide.
Premier status members enjoy valuable perks including:
- Free upgrades
- Extra baggage allowance
- United Club lounge access (for higher tiers)
- PlusPoints for Premium cabin upgrades on long-haul flights
MileagePlus works best for travelers who frequently fly internationally and want to use their status benefits on non-U.S. carriers.
Types of United Award Flights
You can maximize your miles by learning about United’s different award flight types. Your knowledge of these options makes a huge difference to get the best value from domestic or international travel.
United Saver Awards vs Everyday Awards
United MileagePlus offers two main categories of award flights: Saver Awards and Everyday Awards. The main difference lies in their price and availability.
Saver Awards give you the most affordable option with fewer miles but come with limited availability. These awards give the best value and should be your top choice during award travel searches.
Everyday Awards (previously called Standard Awards) are accessible to more people but cost substantially more miles. MileagePlus members can access any seat on United and United Express flights without restrictions—right down to the last seat.
| Award Type | Mileage Cost | Availability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saver Awards | Lower (Best Value) | Limited | Flexible travelers who book early |
| Everyday Awards | Higher (Variable) | Almost guaranteed | Last-minute travelers, specific dates |
The cost gap between these award types can be huge. To cite an instance, a one-way business class flight to Europe costs 80,000 miles as a Saver Award but can jump to 250,000+ miles as an Everyday Award.
How many miles do you need for a United award ticket?
United’s miles requirements vary since they removed their fixed award chart. These factors affect the price:
- Demand for the route
- Cash price of the ticket
- Cabin class
- Season and travel dates
These general guidelines for one-way Saver Awards help with planning, even with dynamic pricing:
Domestic flights:
- Short-haul flights (under 500 miles): As low as 5,000 miles
- Standard domestic flights: 12,500 miles
- Transcontinental flights: Around 17,500 miles
International flights (Saver Awards):
- Economy to Europe: Starting at 22,500-30,000 miles
- Economy to Asia: From 30,000-35,000 miles
- Business Class to Europe: 60,000-80,000 miles
- Transpacific Business Class: Starting around 70,000 miles
A ground example shows economy seats from Chicago to Munich range from 30,000 to 33,000 miles. Premium economy costs 108,300 miles while business class reaches 175,000 miles.
United also offers a Money + Miles option if you don’t have enough miles for the entire ticket.
Can United miles be used on partner airlines?
Yes! MileagePlus members can use their miles on United’s extensive network of partner airlines. This feature opens up many more travel possibilities.
United miles give you access to flights to nearly 200 countries through over 35 airline partners. You can book all partner award tickets directly on United.com—just like booking any United award flight.
The partnership network brings three major benefits:
- Expanded destinations beyond United’s own route network
- Potential savings in miles compared to using the partner airline’s own program
- Smooth booking experience without waiting for transfers or calling customer service
You could earn United miles on a United flight and use them to book a flight to Belgium on Brussels Airlines. This flexibility makes United miles valuable especially when you have international travel plans.
Partner business class awards to Asia on airlines like ANA start around 75,000 miles for one-way trips. Some partner business routes have seen increases between 10,000-20,000 points per flight over the last several years.
Step-by-Step: How to Book United Award Flights
Booking award flights with United MileagePlus becomes easy once you understand the process. Here’s exactly how you can turn those hard-earned miles into your next adventure.
1. Log in or create a MileagePlus account
You’ll need a MileagePlus account to book award flights. Creating an account is completely free. Head to United.com, click “MileagePlus” in the top menu, and select “Join MileagePlus”.
The registration needs:
- Full name (exactly as shown on your government ID)
- Date of birth and gender
- Contact information including address, email, and phone number
- Security questions and password
You’ll get a confirmation email with your new MileagePlus number after signing up. Keep this handy for future bookings.
2. Use the ‘Book with miles’ option
Head to United’s homepage after logging in. The flight search section lets you:
- Enter your origin and destination airports
- Select your travel dates
- Choose trip type (roundtrip, one-way, or multi-city)
- Check the “Book with miles” box
- Click “Find flights” to start your search
United’s official website mentions that signing into your MileagePlus account speeds up checkout. Elite members and cardholders get access to extra award seats on United flights.
3. Search flights with flexible dates
Your chances of finding good award seats improve with the flexible dates feature:
- Select “Flexible dates” in the search box
- Choose “View 30 day calendar” after your initial search
- Use the arrows at the top of the calendar to switch between months
The calendar shows the lowest prices for the entire month in green. This tool lets you spot dates with better award availability without multiple searches.
Pro tip: Search one-way flights and individual segments for international awards instead of complex itineraries.
4. Filter and compare award options
The search results page shows all available flights. You can sort your options by:
- Best match, travel time, departure/arrival time, or number of stops
- Cabin class, aircraft type, and number of connections
- Nonstop flights only if that’s your preference
| Filter Type | What It Does | When To Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Nonstop only | Removes connecting flights | For simplified itineraries |
| Cabin class | Shows specific cabin options | When seeking premium travel |
| Time of day | Filters by departure window | For specific schedule needs |
Look for “Saver Award” labels above economy options – these offer the best value. Business class seekers should check for fare code “I” in flight details to confirm saver availability.
5. Select and confirm your booking
Ready to book? Here’s what to do:
- Click your preferred flight (the award square turns purple)
- Check all details including connections, layover times, and required miles
- Note any extra taxes and fees that need cash payment
- Fill in passenger information and payment details for applicable fees
- Confirm your booking
United offers a Money + Miles option if you’re short on miles. Premium cabin hunters can join a waitlist if their desired seats aren’t available right away.
A confirmation email follows with your booking details. The good news? Award flights on United or United Express earn Premier qualifying credits—1 PQP per 100 miles redeemed plus 1 PQF per flight.
Finding the Best Value Awards
Getting the best value from United award flights needs smart searching and knowing how to spot the most mile-efficient options. A good grasp of United’s booking interface helps you make your miles go much further.
Use the monthly calendar view
The monthly calendar view is your best tool to find award seats across multiple dates at once. Here’s how to use it:
- After entering your search details, click “View 30 day calendar”
- Use the arrows at the top to move between months
- Pick your preferred cabin class from the dropdown menu
This view lets you spot dates with lower mileage costs without checking each day separately. The calendar shows mileage costs clearly, which makes spotting patterns in seat availability easy.
Your search results become better when you uncheck the “With stops” option at the bottom of the calendar. This shows only nonstop flights, which are usually the best options.
Look for Saver award availability
Saver Awards give you much better value for your miles. These awards need fewer miles for the same flights. You just need to know where to look:
- Economy Saver Awards show “Saver Award” right above the price
- Business/First Saver Awards don’t have this label—check for fare code “(I)” for business class and “(O)” for first class in the flight details
Flexible travel dates boost your chances of finding Saver Awards. Booking early or checking last-minute openings often works best.
| Award Type | Identification Method | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Saver | “Saver Award” label | Best economy value |
| Business Saver | Fare code “(I)” | Premium value sweet spot |
| First Saver | Fare code “(O)” | Highest potential value |
United cardholders and elite members can access more Saver Award seats, making these perks valuable for frequent flyers.
Avoid mixed cabin itineraries
Mixed cabin itineraries happen when only part of your trip is in the premium cabin you picked, but you pay premium rates for the whole journey. These bookings show a “mixed cabin” icon in search results.
Here’s how to avoid these less valuable bookings:
- Click “Details” to see which segments are in lower cabins
- Use the “Exclude mixed cabins” filter if it’s available
- Try searching each flight segment on its own
On the United mobile app, tap “Filters” and uncheck “Single cabin aircraft” to remove mixed cabin options. This tells United to show only trips where all segments match your chosen cabin class.
Compare miles vs cash value
The choice between miles and cash depends on the value per mile. A simple math helps here:
Cash price (minus taxes/fees) ÷ Miles required = Value per mile
You should aim for at least 1.3-1.5 cents per mile—lower values mean cash might be better.
International business class gives you the best value for miles, while domestic economy flights often return lower per-mile value. This helps you save miles for better deals.
Star Alliance partner programs sometimes need fewer miles for the same United flight. It’s worth checking these options occasionally.
Booking Through Partner Airlines
You can save thousands of miles by booking United flights through partner airline programs instead of directly through United. The same United flights often cost less when you use miles from partner airlines.
Why book United flights via partners?
We booked United flights through partner programs to save a lot of miles. A United Polaris business class ticket to Europe now costs at least 80,000 United miles since their spring 2023 price increases jumped 33% from previous rates.
Partner bookings give you these benefits:
- Different award charts with sweet spots
- Knowing how to use multiple credit card transfer programs
- Lower fuel surcharges and fees
Top partners: Aeroplan, Turkish, Singapore
Air Canada’s Aeroplan gives great value for United flights based on distance. Short economy flights under 500 miles cost just 6,000 points. West Coast to Hawaii flights are only 12,500 points – much cheaper than booking through United.
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles offers maybe the best deal. You can book United business class to Europe for only 45,000 miles each way instead of United’s 80,000 miles. Turkish also prices domestic United flights at 10,000 miles each way, including Hawaii.
| Partner Program | United Flight Example | Partner Cost | United Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkish M&S | Newark to Honolulu | 10,000 miles | 25,000+ miles | 15,000+ |
| Aeroplan | Chicago to Nashville | 6,000 miles | 15,000 miles | 9,000 |
| Aeroplan | West Coast to Hawaii | 12,500 miles | 18,200+ miles | 5,700+ |
How to find United award space for partners
Start your search for award space while logged out of your MileagePlus account. Premier members and cardholders see extra inventory that partners cannot book.
United.com helps you find “saver” availability – the only inventory partners can book. Look for the “Saver Award” label above flight options for economy awards. Business class availability shows up as fare code “I” in flight details.
Transfer points from Chase, Amex, Citi
Major credit card programs let you transfer points to United’s partners:
- Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to United at a 1:1 ratio
- American Express Membership Rewards transfers to Aeroplan and Singapore
- Citi ThankYou points transfer to Turkish Miles&Smiles
- Capital One miles transfer to Turkish and Aeroplan
Most transfers complete by the next business day, though some take 1-7 business days.
Tips to Maximize Your United Miles
Your MileagePlus miles can work harder with a few smart strategies. The right approach helps stretch your miles and tap into the full potential of exceptional travel experiences.
Use Excursionist Perk for free stopovers
United’s hidden gem, the Excursionist Perk, rewards you with a free one-way segment on qualifying round-trip award tickets. This benefit gives you:
- A free flight within a region you’re visiting
- Zero additional miles cost (just taxes/fees)
- Much more savings on multi-city trips
The multi-city search tool on United.com makes booking easy. You could fly from New York to London, then London to Paris for zero miles, and return from Paris to New York.
Book one-way flights separately
Separate one-way awards can work better than round-trips:
| Booking Style | Benefits | Potential Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| One-way awards | More flexibility, Mix airlines | Possible booking fees |
| Round-trip | Excursionist Perk eligible | Less flexibility |
Booking each segment becomes possible as soon as availability opens, usually 330-362 days ahead.
Use miles for international flights
International premium cabins are a great way to get the most value from your miles. Business class to Africa costs just 88,000 miles one-way—matching many Europe routes despite covering twice the distance.
Avoid low-value redemptions like merchandise
Your travel style should determine how you spend miles. Of course, skip merchandise, gift cards, and similar options that are nowhere near 0.7 cents per mile in value.
Conclusion
You need smart planning and flexibility to get the most from your United MileagePlus miles. Looking for Saver Awards instead of Everyday Awards can save you thousands of miles on similar flights. Of course, your chances of success increase by a lot when you search with flexible dates using the monthly calendar view.
Partner bookings give you exceptional value. Here are some options to think about: • Book United flights through Turkish Miles&Smiles and save up to 35,000 miles • Use Aeroplan for short-haul United flights starting at just 6,000 miles • Transfer points from major credit card programs to access these sweet spots
Smart award booking makes all the difference:
- Use the Excursionist Perk for a free one-way segment
- Book one-way flights to secure availability as it opens
- Focus on international premium cabins for highest mile value
- Avoid merchandise redemptions that deliver poor value
| Booking Method | Best For | Typical Savings |
|---|---|---|
| United Direct | Last-minute, specific dates | Convenience |
| Partner Airlines | Planned travel, maximum value | 10,000-35,000 miles |
| Excursionist Perk | Multi-city international trips | Entire segment free |
Note that United miles never expire, so you have unlimited time to build up and smartly use them. Your patience and knowledge will help you realize the full potential of travel experiences while keeping your hard-earned miles safe.
Key Takeaways
Master these essential strategies to maximize your United MileagePlus miles and unlock significant savings on award flights.
- Book through partner airlines to save 10,000-35,000 miles per flight – Turkish Miles&Smiles offers United business class to Europe for just 45,000 miles versus United’s 80,000+ miles
- Always search for Saver Awards using flexible dates – Use the monthly calendar view to find the lowest mileage requirements and avoid Everyday Awards that can cost 2-3x more miles
- Leverage the Excursionist Perk for free stopovers – Get a completely free one-way segment within regions on qualifying round-trip international awards, essentially adding an entire flight at zero mile cost
- Focus miles on international premium cabins for maximum value – Business class to Europe or Asia delivers 1.5+ cents per mile value, while domestic economy often provides poor redemption rates
- Transfer credit card points to partner programs for better rates – Chase, Amex, and Citi points can transfer to Aeroplan, Turkish, and other partners offering superior award pricing on identical United flights
The key to success lies in flexibility and strategic planning. Since United miles never expire, you have unlimited time to wait for optimal award availability and partner program sweet spots that can dramatically reduce your mileage costs.
United Airlines Award Flight FAQs
How do I book a United award flight using MileagePlus miles?
To book a United award flight, log into your MileagePlus account on United.com, select “Book with miles” in the flight search, enter your travel details, and choose from available award options. You can use the flexible date calendar to find the best rates and compare different flight options before confirming your booking.
What are the best ways to maximize the value of United MileagePlus miles?
To maximize your miles, focus on booking Saver Awards, use the Excursionist Perk for free stopovers on international itineraries, book one-way flights separately for more flexibility, and prioritize using miles for international premium cabin travel. Avoid low-value redemptions like merchandise or domestic economy flights when cash prices are low.
Can I use United miles to book flights on partner airlines?
Yes, you can use United miles to book flights on over 35 partner airlines, including Star Alliance members. This expands your travel options and can sometimes offer better value than booking directly with United. Partner awards can be booked directly on United.com, just like United-operated flights.
How many United miles do I need for an award flight?
The number of miles required varies based on factors like destination, cabin class, and demand. Generally, one-way Saver Awards start at 5,000 miles for short-haul domestic flights, 30,000-35,000 miles for economy to Europe or Asia, and 60,000-80,000 miles for business class to Europe. Always check the award calendar for current rates.
What’s the difference between United Saver Awards and Everyday Awards?
Saver Awards offer the best value, requiring fewer miles but with limited availability. Everyday Awards have wider availability but cost significantly more miles. Saver Awards are ideal for flexible travelers who book early, while Everyday Awards suit those with specific dates or last-minute travel needs.
How do I book an award flight on United Airlines?
Visit United’s website, search for flights with the “Book with miles” option selected, and choose your preferred available flight. For the best deals, search while logged out to see true Saver availability, then use the calendar view to find dates with the lowest redemption rates.
Can I book award flights with United MileagePlus miles?
Absolutely! Your MileagePlus miles open doors to United’s vast global network and 26+ Star Alliance partners. Simply log into your account on united.com, toggle “Book with miles,” and explore a world of award possibilities with varying redemption levels.
What is the cheapest way to book United award flights?
For savvy travelers, the secret lies in booking through partner programs like Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles or Air Canada Aeroplan. These Star Alliance partners often charge significantly fewer points than United for the exact same flights—like scoring Hawaii for just 7,500 Turkish miles one-way!
How many miles do I need for a United award ticket?
United’s award pricing varies widely based on routes, dates, and demand—expect domestic one-ways starting around 5,000 miles for short hops to 30,000+ for longer routes. For international adventures, budget 30,000-100,000+ miles each way depending on destination and class of service.Can United miles be used on partner airlines?
Your MileagePlus miles are golden keys unlocking journeys on all 26+ Star Alliance carriers, from Lufthansa to ANA. While partner availability can be limited, especially for carriers like Air New Zealand, United’s website seamlessly displays these options when you search award flights.
How to find Saver award availability on United?
The savviest travelers search while logged out of their accounts on United’s special award booking page, select “flexible dates,” and scan the calendar view for the lowest-priced dates. Filter for nonstop flights for cleaner results, and remember—persistence often reveals hidden gems!
Are United award tickets refundable?
United’s award tickets can be fully refundable with redeposit of miles, though fees apply unless you hold Premier elite status. For maximum flexibility, book tickets that show a “free cancellation” banner, or consider changing dates instead of canceling to minimize fees.
Can I mix cash and miles on United Airlines?
United’s “Money + Miles” option lets you blend currencies for a personalized payment approach—perfect for stretching your mileage balance. Alternatively, explore the “PlusPoints” upgrades if you’re a Premier member seeking to elevate your travel experience without spending full mileage rates.
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