BEGINNING FROM TODAY, UNITED MILEAGEPLUS MILES NO LONGER EXPIRES

Starting from today (August 28, 2019), United Airlines MileagePlus will no longer expires. 

According to United Airlines spokesman, Luc Bondar (President of MileagePlus and Vice President of Loyalty), “Our MileagePlus program provides customers more ways to earn and use miles than any other U.S. airline. More customers used miles to book award trips in 2018 than in any year before, and we expect with today’s announcement that even more will use miles to travel the world in the years to come.”

“We want to demonstrate to our members that we are committing to them for the long-haul and giving customers a lifetime to use miles which is an exceptionally meaningful benefit”. He stated!

United Airlines, a proud member of Star Alliance. Being a MileagePlus member enables you to earn and use miles on United and 27 other Star Alliance member airlines, and Premier® members are recognized with added benefits around the world. With over a thousand locations, the Star Alliance lounge network is the largest in the world. Being able to earn and redeem miles on the alliance that’s the largest in the world is a big draw to United. 

United MileagePlus miles can be redeemed on Singapore Airlines. You can read more about that here

United has now joined the likes of Delta and JetBlue, the only airlines in the US whose frequent flyer miles does not expires. As a United MileagePlus member myself, i have one less thing to worry about. 

This year, United has made some great adjustments to its frequent flyer program. Few months ago, the airline announced that MileagePlus member can apply for CLEAR at a discounted rate. Especially those with status. Instead of the $179/year, some members can apply for free, or at a discounted rate:

MileagePlus Premier 1K status holders: Free.
MileagePlus Premier Platinum, Gold, or Silver status holders: $109/year.
Other MileagePlus members: $119/year.

United Airlines miles can also be redeemed at Marriott Bonvoy hotels worldwide, as well as Marriott Bonvoy Moments for a great experience. Where you could take your tastebuds on a journey by experiencing a private dining experience with renowned chefs, or be a VIP with luxury suite seats at world’s top arenas, to mention a few. 

Marriott Titanium and Ambassador Elite member can also enjoy the benefit of double status. You can enroll for MileagePlus Premier® Silver status. This gives you the power to earn even more miles. You are also eligible for complimentary upgrade. I was able to take advantage of this with a flight from Sacramento California to Toronto Canada via Los Angeles on United and Air Canada for 12.5k miles. 

United Airlines is the only airline that lets you converts frequent frlyer miles into hotel points. Although this is not a smart way to redeem miles, but it comes handy sometimes if you just need to top up your points for that award redemption. Especially in one of those luxury hotels.

In conclusion, I must say that United Airlines is living up to their shared purpose, which is “Connecting People, Uniting the World.” As the airline stated, “We are more focused than ever on our commitment to customers through a series of innovations and improvements designed to help build a great experience: Every customer. Every flight. Every day. Together, United Airlines and United Express operate approximately 4,900 flights a day to 356 airports across five continents”.

Kayode

Nigeria-born, California-based.

Kayode currently holds higher status on multiple airlines and hotel programs. He has visited 4 continents, 30 countries, and 35 of the 50 US states.

He began his adventure journey after selling his first cellphone ever, and used the money to apply for his first passport. He said to himself, “I’d rather have a passport than a cellphone”. And since then, he has been globetrotting.