A Special Day for United Customers

A Special Day for United Customers

April 2nd marks a significant milestone in 2023 for frequent flyers of United Airlines. This is when a series of major changes to the MileagePlus program officially take effect. Announced back in February, these updates will greatly impact how customers earn miles moving forward.

Notable Changes

Some of the key changes include:

• More miles awarded to loyal members using United's co-branded credit card.
• Fewer miles for members without this card, even if they hold elite status.
• Increased maximum miles that cardholders can earn when purchasing United tickets with their United card.
• Reduced miles for passengers booking basic economy tickets, especially if they lack status or a United card.
• Automatic discounts for cardholders when redeeming miles.

Changes to How Miles Are Earned

Starting April 2nd, United has revamped the way MileagePlus members earn miles while flying. If you don't have a United credit card, unfortunately, this news may not be in your favor. On the bright side, if you're a cardholder, you're in for some good news!

Here’s how the mileage earning rates will look for different tiers:

Elite Status	Previous Rate	New Rate Effective April 2	Rate for Most Cardholders
MileagePlus Member	5 miles per dollar	3 miles per dollar	6 miles per dollar
Premier Silver	7 miles per dollar	5 miles per dollar	8 miles per dollar
Premier Gold	8 miles per dollar	6 miles per dollar	9 miles per dollar
Premier Platinum	9 miles per dollar	7 miles per dollar	10 miles per dollar
Premier 1K	11 miles per dollar	9 miles per dollar	12 miles per dollar

When Do These Changes Take Effect?

Members using the United Gateway℠ Card or the United MileagePlus® Debit Rewards Card will not automatically receive the higher mileage rates. They will qualify for these rates after spending $10,000 in a calendar year.

Changes to Mileage Rates for Cardholders

United cardholders will also earn more miles when paying for flights or other qualifying transactions with United. Here are the new mileage rates:

• United℠ Explorer Card: 3 miles per dollar (up from 2 miles).
• United Quest℠ Card: 4 miles per dollar (up from 3 miles).
• United Club℠ Card: 5 miles per dollar (up from 4 miles).

Discounts for Cardholders

United cardholders will now enjoy the best deals when redeeming miles. They will receive at least a 10% discount on United flights booked with miles. Those with Premier elite status will benefit from a minimum 15% discount on mileage bookings.

Family Benefits

Cardholders flying frequently with children will enjoy a new benefit starting April 2: children of cardholders will earn miles at the same rate as their parents. They'll also enjoy the same discounted fares. Just link your child's MileagePlus number to your account to take advantage of this benefit.

Basic Economy Status Reduced

The changes in April will also affect the mileage policy for the lowest basic economy fares. From now on, if you lack status or a card and book a basic fare, you won't earn any miles. Other passengers will earn fewer miles on these fare classes as well.

Conclusion

These changes by United represent a significant step in adjusting the airline's mileage program and may directly influence your future travel plans. Stay tuned for the latest updates from United Airlines!