United Airlines Overview
How United's MileagePlus Rewards Frequent Flyers With Lasting Perks
United MileagePlus is the second-oldest frequent flyer program in the world (only a week younger than American's AAdvantage program). It is consistently voted the world's best frequent flyer program by Global Traveler Magazine's U.S. readers.
A key to MileagePlus's popularity is the ability to redeem miles for awards on Star Alliance partner airlines. The program is free to join, with miles earned mainly from spending and never expire. Elite status offers perks such as upgrades and baggage.
Joining MileagePlus
To join the MileagePlus program, you need to sign up on the United website. Membership is free, and you can start earning and redeeming miles immediately. After entering your personal details, you need to verify your account by email and text.
How To Sign In to Your MileagePlus Account
Sign in on the homepage with your account number, email address, or phone number and your password. Email or phone authentication is required when signing in from a new device or browser.
Viewing Your Account Activity
Use the MileagePlus My Account page to review your activity.
Account activity is displayed in 3 sections: - Your Premier progress, featuring: - Premier qualifying flights (PQFs) - Premier qualifying points (PQPs) - Flight segment minimum - Lifetime flight miles - Your wallet, featuring: - Linked payment cards - TravelBank balance - Receipts for United Airlines transactions - Award activity and travel credits - Upgrade activity (for upgrade certificates issued to MileagePlus members with 1K or Platinum status)
Points Expiration
United MileagePlus miles do not expire. For Premier Platinum status or higher, PlusPoints expire at the end of the program year for which the status was earned.
United MileagePlus Program
Types of MileagePlus Points
Award Miles
Award miles are the main currency of the loyalty program, used to book flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and more. Miles are earned from flying, credit cards, shopping, dining, and travel bookings, and do not count toward elite status.
Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs)
Premier Qualifying Points determine your elite status and are earned from flight spending and some credit card spending. These points are based on how much you spend, not distance flown, and are required for all status tiers.
Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs)
Premier Qualifying Flights track how often you fly, and are earned per flight segment. PQFs are used alongside PQPs as an option to reach status qualification.
PlusPoints
After achieving Premier Platinum status or higher, passengers are immediately awarded PlusPoints (40 for Premier Platinum and 280 for Premier 1K). For every 3,000 PQPs earned above 22,000, an additional 20 PlusPoints are awarded. These can be used to request seat upgrades.
MileagePlus Premier Status
Each Premier tier requires either a combination of PQFs and PQPs or a higher PQP-only total. At least 4 flights must be taken on United or United Express to be eligible. Qualification runs on a calendar year, and status remains valid through the following program year once earned.
MileagePlus has 4 elite status levels, plus the invitation-only Global Services level: - Premier Silver - Premier Gold - Premier Platinum - Premier 1K
MileagePlus Elite Benefits
Premier Silver:
- 5 miles per $1
- Complimentary Economy Plus seats at check-in, or preferred seating at booking for the status holder and 1 companion
- Complimentary upgrades on the day of departure (subject to availability)
- Free same-day flight change within the same fare type (subject to availability)
- Priority check-in, security, and group 2 boarding
- 1 free checked bag of 70 pounds in economy and 3 free checked bags of 70 pounds in the premium cabins
- Increased Saver Award availability
- Discounted membership in CLEAR+ for $169 so you can breeze through airport security
- Avis Preferred Plus status
Premier Gold (all Silver benefits plus:)
- 6 miles per $1
- Complimentary Economy Plus seats at booking
- Complimentary upgrades 48 hours prior to departure (subject to availability)
- Priority boarding group 1
- 2 free checked bags of 70 pounds in economy and 3 free checked bags in premium cabins
- Star Alliance Gold status for access to partner lounges
- Marriott Gold Status with the preferred partnership program
Premier Platinum (all Gold benefits plus:)
- 7 miles per $1
- Complimentary Economy Plus seats, or preferred seating, at booking for the status holder and up to 8 companions
- Complimentary upgrades 72 hours prior to departure (subject to availability)
- 40 PlusPoints to be used for flexible upgrades
- 3 free checked bags of 70 pounds on any flight
- Waived phone booking fee
- Avis President's Club status
- $100 off a United Club All Access membership
Premier 1K (all Platinum benefits plus:)
- 9 miles per $1
- Complimentary upgrades 96 hours prior to departure (subject to availability)
- 280 PlusPoints (plus the 40 you earned with Platinum status)
- An additional 20 PlusPoints for every 3,000 PQP beyond 22,000 PQP
- Priority preboarding
- Free drinks and snacks when in economy on United Airlines
- Discounted membership in CLEAR+ for $129 so you can breeze through airport security
- $200 off a United Club All Access membership
How To Earn United Miles
There are numerous ways to earn United miles, including flights and credit card partnerships.
Earn Miles Through Flying
Mileage earning on United Airlines is based on ticket price rather than distance (base fare plus carrier-imposed fees, excluding government-imposed taxes and fees): - General Member: 5 miles per $1 - Premier Silver: 7 miles per $1 - Premier Gold: 8 miles per $1 - Premier Platinum: 9 miles per $1 - Premier 1K: 11 miles per $1
When flying with a Star Alliance airline, miles are still earned based on distance (when booked with that partner airline), but depending on fare class, you may earn more or less than 100% of the distance flown. Consult the MileagePlus airline partner page to see how many miles your ticket will earn. If the flight was booked with United, but is operated by a partner airline, miles earned will be based on spend.
To chase elite status, Premier Qualifying Flights can only be earned on United Airlines and United Express flights.
