United MileagePlus: Economy to London for 40,000 Miles (April 2026)

United is offering award flights from Chicago to London in economy for 40,000 miles plus just $6 in taxes, which is about 33% less than the typical redemption rate for this route.

This is a solid opportunity for families planning a spring trip to London. The route from Chicago O'Hare to London Heathrow typically costs around 60,000 United miles in economy, so 40,000 miles represents genuine savings. The minimal $6 tax bill is also notable—transatlantic awards can sometimes come with hefty carrier surcharges, but this isn't one of those cases.

Availability appears to be wide open for April 23, 2026, which gives you plenty of lead time to coordinate schedules and make plans. If you're booking for a family, the plentiful seat availability means you should be able to secure multiple tickets on the same flight without much trouble.

One practical note: April is shoulder season in London, meaning fewer crowds and milder weather compared to peak summer months. It's a particularly good time for families who want to visit major attractions without fighting the tourist rush.

How to book

Search and book directly through United's award search tool at united.com. Log into your MileagePlus account, select "Award travel," and enter Chicago (ORD) to London (LHR) with your travel date.