If you've been eyeing a trip to Australia, this is a reasonable opportunity to book Premium Economy for less than the usual rate. The Los Angeles to Sydney route typically runs around 80,000 MileagePlus miles in Premium Economy, so 70,000 miles represents a modest but meaningful savings—especially for families booking multiple seats.
Availability appears strong for April 12, 2026, with plenty of seats showing at this price point. April falls during autumn in Australia, offering mild weather in Sydney and fewer crowds than the peak summer season.
Premium Economy on this ultra-long-haul route (roughly 15 hours) gives you wider seats, better recline, and improved meal service compared to standard economy—a worthwhile upgrade for overnight Pacific crossings, particularly if you're traveling with kids who need room to sleep.
One practical note: award availability on partner flights can shift quickly, so if this fits your plans, it's worth booking sooner rather than later. United's cancellation and redeposit policies for award tickets are generally reasonable if your plans change.
How to book
Search and book directly through United's award search tool: https://www.united.com/en/us/book-flight/united-awards/search