United Miles Guide: Best Ways to Use and Maximize for Travel
Here's the concise, valuable rewrite focusing on the key information about redeeming United MileagePlus miles:
United MileagePlus miles are most valuable when redeemed for flights, with an average value of 1.2 cents per mile. Here are the best ways to use your miles, ranked by value:
Award Flights on United & Partners
- Best value: Business/First class international flights (often 2+ cents per mile)
- Good value: Economy Saver Awards (around 1.2 cents per mile)
- Search for "Saver Awards" for best deals
- Book on 26 Star Alliance partners and 18 other airline partners
- Dynamic pricing means rates vary by demand
Book flight search form
Flight Upgrades
- MileagePlus Upgrade Awards: Upgrade paid tickets on United flights
- Star Alliance Upgrade Awards: Upgrade eligible fare classes on partner airlines
- Costs vary by route and fare class
Airport Benefits
- United Club membership: 85,000 miles ($650 value)
- In-flight WiFi: From 7,500 miles monthly
- TSA PreCheck: 11,000 miles ($78 value)
Lower-Value Redemptions (Not Recommended)
- Hotel stays (0.6 cents/mile)
- Car rentals (0.7 cents/mile)
- Shopping & gift cards (0.3 cents/mile)
- Mile transfers to others (high fees)
Tips for Maximum Value:
- Focus on premium cabin awards for international flights
- Book Saver Awards when available
- Check multiple dates using calendar view
- Look for special award deals starting at 8,300 miles
- Consider partner airlines for more options
The best way to search for award flights is using United.com's award search tool:
- Enter your travel details
- Select "Show price in miles"
- Use the calendar view to find lowest rates
- Filter by nonstop flights if preferred
- Compare Saver Awards vs. standard awards
Airfare price calendar grid display
Important Notes:
- United miles never expire
- Can book awards for anyone
- No award charts (dynamic pricing)
- Book well in advance for best availability
- Taxes/fees still apply on award tickets
For international premium cabin travel, compare rates across multiple dates and routes to find the best value. Business class awards to Europe, Asia and Australia typically offer the highest cent-per-mile returns.
Remember that mile values fluctuate based on cash prices, seasonal demand, and availability. Focus on getting at least 1.2 cents per mile value, though premium cabin awards can return 2-3+ cents per mile in value.
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