This is a solid opportunity for families planning a trip to Australia during the Northern Hemisphere summer. At 110,000 miles, you're saving around 30,000 miles compared to the typical 140,000-mile rate for business class on this route. The low $37 in taxes makes this even more appealing, as transpacific awards often come with minimal carrier surcharges.
The catch: only 4 seats are currently showing as available for the August 12, 2026 departure. That's enough for a family of four, but availability at this price point tends to disappear quickly on premium cabin routes to Australia.
One practical consideration for families: August falls during Australia's winter, so pack accordingly. Sydney will be mild but cooler than what you're leaving behind in Los Angeles. The upside is that it's off-peak tourist season, which often means smaller crowds at major attractions.
If you don't have enough MileagePlus miles, remember that United miles transfer instantly from Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. Check your points balances before searching, as award space can be booked out while you're still moving points around.
How to book
Search and book directly through United's award search tool at https://www.united.com/en/us/book-flight/united-awards/search