Airline
United Airlines is the workhorse of US legacy carriers, fewer fortress hubs than Delta, historically a broader international network than American, and a frequent-flyer program (MileagePlus) that's quietly become one of the best transferable-currency hubs for partner premium-cabin awards. Founding member of Star Alliance (1997), United operates fortress hubs at ORD, IAH, EWR, IAD, SFO, DEN, plus coastal LAX and the unique GUM (Guam, the only US carrier with a Pacific island hub).
For points fans, MileagePlus has dynamic pricing on United metal that often beats Delta and AA, deep partner inventory across Star Alliance members (26 as of 2026) plus Aer Lingus and the new Blue Sky collaboration with JetBlue (rolling out reciprocity in 2026, among the first major US carriers to launch reciprocal loyalty integration with a domestic competitor). Through the 2026 earning year, Premier status is dual track: premier qualifying points (PQP) plus a set number of premier qualifying flights (PQF), or a higher PQP only total. From January 1, 2027, PQF is gone and PQP is the only route, still with at least four United or United Express flights. Miles never expire. Note: alliance-wide Star Gold benefits, Gold Track, and Star Alliance lounge ruleset live on the Star Alliance page.
The actual numbers. Get your nerd on, memorize the cheap ones.
The cheat sheet.
United MileagePlus uses fully dynamic pricing on United-operated metal since the November 2019 award-chart removal. Star Alliance partner awards retain a quasi-region-based "Saver" pricing structure.
| Route | Economy | Premium Plus | Polaris Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| US domestic short-haul | 5,000-25,000 | n/a | n/a |
| US transcon | 8,000-40,000 | 25,000-80,000 | 35,000-150,000 |
| US to Europe (Polaris) | 35,000-100,000 | 60,000-150,000 | 80,000-300,000 |
| US to Asia (Polaris) | 45,000-120,000 | 80,000-180,000 | 95,000-350,000 |
| US to Australia / Pacific | 50,000-150,000 | 90,000-200,000 | 110,000-400,000 |
| Route | Economy Saver | Business Saver | First Saver |
|---|---|---|---|
| US to Europe | 30,000-40,000 | 80,000-110,000 | 130,000-160,000 |
| US to Asia | 35,000-45,000 | 80,000-90,000 | 130,000-160,000 |
| US to Australia / South Pacific | 40,000-60,000 | 95,000-110,000 | 140,000-180,000 |
Sweet-spot strategy: Saver partner awards on Star Alliance carriers (Lufthansa, Swiss, ANA, EVA, Singapore, Asiana, Air Canada) are dramatically cheaper than United-metal dynamic awards on the same routes. Search aa.com for date flexibility, then route through United via Aeroplan / Avianca / Turkish if availability is tight.
For current pricing, search united.com directly.
Where your points punch above their weight.
Where this currency genuinely shines.
MileagePlus has more sweet spots than its dynamic-pricing reputation suggests, most live with partners, not on United metal:
Caveats: United's own metal awards on saver tier are increasingly rare and dynamic-priced when available. The play is partners + cardmember booking discount, not United-direct premium awards. Singapore Suites (the most-asked-about Star Alliance redemption) are bookable only via KrisFlyer, not via MileagePlus or any other partner.
Programs that transfer points in.
10 programs that transfer in.
Programs that transfer points or miles into United MileagePlus.
| From | Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | 1,000 UR = 1,000 MileagePlus miles | |
| 1:1 | No transfer fee. MileagePlus. | |
| 2:1 | 2,000 Reward points = 1,000 MileagePlus Miles. | |
| 5:1 | Choice Rewards Exchange (powered by Points.com). United MileagePlus. Starts at 5,000 Choice points for 1,000 MileagePlus miles. Airline-miles exchanges are generally weak value. | |
| 10:1 | United MileagePlus. | |
| 5:2 | Standard World of Hyatt conversion at 5,000 points to 2,000 miles (5:2). Minimum 5,000 points, then 1,250 point increments. | |
| 5:1 | Convert IHG points to United MileagePlus by calling IHG One Rewards. Airline transfers are phone only, never online. Standard rate is 5,000 IHG points for 1,000 miles and can take up to six weeks to arrive. Airline conversions are usually weak value, so keep IHG points for hotel nights unless topping off a specific balance. | |
| 3:1 | Base 3:1 with an enhanced 10,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred. | |
| 1:1 | To United MileagePlus, 1:1. No transfer tax; min 1,000 points. | |
| 5:1 | Standard Wyndham airline transfer at 5:1. Minimum 6,000 Wyndham points converts to 1,200 partner miles. Currently a 100% bonus: 6,000 Wyndham points become 2,400 United miles (confirmed on a Wyndham account 2026-10-14). Shown on the transfer screen once logged in; no end date is published. |
Shopping, hotels, car rental and more — earning without a transfer.
6 partners that pay in miles.
Ways to earn United MileagePlus miles without transferring bank points. Rates are as the program states them and can change without notice — check the partner before you book.
| Partner | Earn rate | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| MileagePlus Shopping | Earn miles on purchases | The rate varies by store. Check the portal for the current rate before you shop. |
| Partner | Earn rate | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| United Hotels | 2 award miles per $1 spent | — |
| Vrbo | 3 miles for every $1 spent | Book through the United Vrbo portal to earn. |
| Partner | Earn rate | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Avis and Budget | Up to 1,250 miles per rental | — |
| Lyft | Up to 4 miles per $1 on Lyft rides | Link your Lyft and MileagePlus accounts. |
| Partner | Earn rate | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| MileagePlus Dining | Up to 5 miles per $1 | — |
The status ladder. 4 rungs, each unlocking better lounges, bags, and bragging rights.
4 status levels.
2026 earning year: 15 PQF + 5,000 PQP OR 6,000 PQP-only. Starting Jan 1, 2027: 6,000 PQP only (PQF removed). Plus 4 minimum United / United Express flights.
2026 earning year: 30 PQF + 10,000 PQP OR 12,000 PQP-only. Starting Jan 1, 2027: 12,000 PQP only (PQF removed). Plus 4 minimum United / United Express flights.
2026 earning year: 45 PQF + 15,000 PQP OR 18,000 PQP-only. Starting Jan 1, 2027: 18,000 PQP only (PQF removed). Plus 4 minimum United / United Express flights.
2026 earning year: 60 PQF + 22,000 PQP OR 28,000 PQP-only. Starting Jan 1, 2027: 32,000 PQP only (PQF removed). Plus 4 minimum United / United Express flights.
Where to vanish before takeoff. Your status (or ticket) opens which doors.
Who gets in, who doesn't, and the carve-outs.
United Club + Polaris Lounge access
United operates 45+ United Club locations worldwide, plus dedicated Polaris Lounges, separate from United Club with their own rules.
Houston (IAH) now has a 54,000 square foot United Club with seating for 800 in the new Terminal B North Concourse, which opened in October 2026.
United Club membership options
There are two purchased membership tiers. Prices are status-based and subject to change.
Individual Membership: $750 or 94,000 miles (all status levels)
All Access Membership: pricing by MileagePlus status:
| MileagePlus status | All Access price |
|---|---|
| Regular / Premier Silver / Premier Gold | $1,400 or 175,000 miles |
| Premier Platinum | $1,300 or 163,000 miles |
| Premier 1K | $1,200 or 150,000 miles |
| GS member | $1,100 or 125,000 miles |
All Access includes: 45+ United Club locations + Star Alliance partner lounges + up to two adult guests (or one adult and any dependents under 18).
United Club access paths
| How you get in | Who qualifies |
|---|---|
| United Club Membership | Annual purchase (see tiers above); also accessible via select United co-branded credit cards, see card pages for current fees |
| Star Alliance international F/J | Same-day international F/J on a Star Alliance-operated flight (must be confirmed in F/J for entire itinerary) |
| Star Alliance Gold, United MileagePlus Star Gold and above | Any cabin, same-day international Star Alliance flight. Access at departure and connecting airports. +1 guest on same flight. |
| Star Alliance Gold, Other Star Alliance airline FFPs | Same-day Star Alliance flight departing from same airport. Access at departure airport only. +1 guest on same flight. |
| Single Visit Pass | Available for purchase; no guests. Entry rules below. |
Credit card members get unlimited access for the primary cardmember + one adult guest and dependents under 18. Cardmembers unlock All Access membership benefits (Star Alliance partner lounges + up to two adult guests) by reaching Premier Gold status OR spending $50,000 on card purchases in a calendar year.
Premier-by-status alone does NOT grant United Club access on intra-North America flights, Membership card or Star Alliance international itinerary required.
Single Visit Pass entry rules
Note: JetBlue is NOT a contracted partner for United Clubs or Polaris Lounges. Discounted industry, airline, or staff travel tickets are not eligible for access.
Polaris Lounges
Six dedicated Polaris Lounges as of 2026: ORD, IAH, EWR, SFO, LAX, and IAD (Washington Dulles). Eligibility is paid Polaris ticket customers only (or qualifying partner long-haul Star Alliance F/J on a co-marketed itinerary). Premier 1K alone does NOT grant access. United Club Membership does not grant Polaris Lounge access.
Effective April 2026: United tightened Polaris Lounge partner access. Several Star Alliance partner J fares (including Singapore Airlines and certain other deeply discounted J classes) no longer qualify; affected travelers route to United Club instead. The new "Base Polaris" fare class is also excluded from Polaris Lounge access, Base Polaris customers get United Club only.
Cross-alliance lounge access
Star Alliance Gold ruleset, including Gold Track at 100+ checkpoints, the 6 Star Alliance-branded lounges (LAX, GIG, EZE, CDG, AMS, Guangzhou T3), lives on the Star Alliance page. United-specific carve-outs above.
The high-leverage moves. Read this before you transfer a single mile.
The smart-money plays.
What to do when plans move: how to change or cancel an award, the fees, and your rights when a flight is delayed.
When plans change.
Stopover rules, surcharges, the stuff nobody tells you until you've been burned once.
The fine print, decoded.
Redeeming & surcharges
Earning & status
Premier status goes PQP only in 2027. The 2026 earning year, through December 31, 2026, is still dual track: PQF plus a lower PQP threshold, or a higher PQP only one. From January 1, 2027, United removes PQF and PQP is the only route: Silver 6,000, Gold 12,000, Platinum 18,000 and 1K 32,000 PQP. You still need at least four United or United Express flights. Status earned in 2026 lasts through January 31, 2028, and the 2027 earning year earns status for 2028.
Starter PQP now needs an eligible United card. For 2027, the PQP head start is 5% of the PQP needed for your level: 300 for Silver, 600 for Gold, 900 for Platinum and 1,600 for 1K. You need an eligible United card account active by December 31, 2026 and Premier status as of February 1, 2027. Only the primary cardmember gets it, not authorized users, though minors linked to an eligible adult cardmember do. For 2026, everyone who earned Premier status in 2025 was eligible for one. United sets which cards are eligible; confirm on united.com. This is not a recommendation to open a card.
Blue Sky / JetBlue collaboration. Reciprocal earning and redemption went live October 23, 2025 - MileagePlus members earn and burn miles on JetBlue-operated flights, and TrueBlue members do the same on United metal. Reciprocal elite benefits (priority check-in, preferred seat selection, a free checked bag, same-day standby) followed May 14, 2026. Important: JetBlue-operated flights earn NO Premier qualifying flights or points, so they build no United status. Note: JetBlue is explicitly NOT a contracted partner for United Club or Polaris Lounge access - don't expect lounge access when flying JetBlue metal.
Million Miler lifetime status ladder. Status earned through the Million Miler program never expires. Based on lifetime miles flown on eligible United / United Express-operated flights; Premier qualifying flights (PQF), Premier qualifying points (PQP), and credit-card spend do NOT count. 1M = lifetime Premier Gold, 2M = lifetime Premier Platinum, 3M = lifetime Premier 1K, 4M and up = lifetime United Global Services. Starting 2027, companions of 1 Million Milers receive Premier Gold (rather than sharing the sponsor's highest status); companions of 2M / 3M / 4M+ members receive the sponsor's highest earned status for the program year.
Polaris Lounges are paid-cabin-only. Premier 1K alone won't get you in; you need to be ticketed in Polaris. Separate lounge product from United Club.
Polaris Lounge tightening (April 2026). United restricted Star Alliance partner J access to Polaris Lounges; Singapore Airlines J among the affected. New "Base Polaris" fare class excluded from Polaris Lounge access (gets United Club only).
Earn rate change effective April 2, 2026: the Premier-tier multiplier vs general member earn was adjusted; see Premier benefits for current per-tier rates.
Premier Priority Desk: 24/7 customer service phone line for all Premier members (not just 1K).
Transfers & sharing
Program history
Cards that earn United MileagePlus directly, or that transfer into it from a flexible-currency program.
United MileagePlus members can buy miles with a targeted bonus through October 31, 2026.
Some United Chase cardholders have a targeted ExtraMile offer for bonus miles on card spending. You have to activate to be in the offer, and activation closes December 15, 2026, before spending ends on December 31.
United Cruises is paying extra miles on balcony and suite bookings made through October 31, with a higher rate for eligible United Chase cardmembers. Sailings run through the end of 2028.
Join MileagePlus Dining and make one qualifying dine within 30 days. Sign up by November 2.
A longer Avis or Budget rental earns more MileagePlus miles. Complete the rental by October 31.
From January 1, 2027, United drops the flight count for Premier status and uses qualifying points only. Silver, Gold, Platinum and 1K need 6,000, 12,000, 18,000 and 32,000 points, plus four United or United Express flights, and 2026 still runs on the old rules.
Wyndham Rewards points can transfer to United MileagePlus with a 100% bonus: 6,000 points become 2,400 miles instead of 1,200. No end date is published, and it makes sense only if you already need United miles.
United is giving three winners MileagePlus miles plus Lyft ride credit, topping out at 100,000 miles and $1,000 in rides. No purchase necessary. Online entries close October 31, 2026.
The United Gateway, Explorer, Quest and Club cards now carry welcome offers of up to 50,000, 80,000, 90,000 and 100,000 miles. The Gateway asks for $1,000 of spend and has no annual fee. Chase shows no end date.
The United Business Card welcome offer is now up to 100,000 miles and 2,000 PQP: 90,000 miles and 2,000 PQP after $5,000 of spend, plus 10,000 miles for adding an employee card. That is down from up to 110,000. There is no published end date.
The prize in United’s Premier Status Match Challenge is not the 120-day trial, it is what the trial can become: elevated United Premier status that runs through January 2028. Match your elite status from another airline into United Premier, take one qualifying United flight to switch it on, then fly your tier’s threshold inside the 120-day window to lock it in. Skip the flying and it expires with the trial, so this is for travelers already moving trips onto United. Applications close December 21, 2026.
United has removed the biggest limitation on its miles pooling feature. Miles pooled with family and friends can be redeemed on more than 40 United partner airlines, in and out of Star Alliance, not just United operated flights. For households pooling toward a big international trip, this is a meaningful upgrade, because the best premium cabin value often sits with partners like ANA, Lufthansa, and Air Canada.
The JetBlue-United partnership just got more useful for loyalty members. As of May, elite members of either program get reciprocal perks when flying the other airline - priority check-in, a free checked bag, preferred seats, and same-day standby - on top of earning 5 points or miles per dollar across both carriers. Two catches worth knowing: no lounge access, and a handful of competitive routes are excluded from earning.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Loyalty programs change rules, fees, transfer ratios, and award pricing all the time — sometimes without warning. We do our best to keep these pages current, but the program's own site is always the final word. Always confirm specifics directly with United MileagePlus before transferring miles or booking an award. Treat anything on this page as a starting point, not a guarantee. Crazy4Points is not responsible for actions taken based on information here — see our Terms of Service for full details.
