Loyalty Program Guide

United MileagePlus
The program that opened Business class to our family.

One of the most flexible award programs in the world — and our personal starting point for flying Business class.

45+
Airline Partners
200+
Destinations
1:1
Transfer from Chase
Overview

What is United MileagePlus?

United MileagePlus is one of the most valuable frequent flyer programs for US-based travelers — and it's where we first discovered what award travel could really look like. As a Star Alliance member, United miles can book seats on dozens of partner airlines, often at rates far below what other programs charge. What makes MileagePlus special is its saver award pricing on partner airlines. You can fly Lufthansa Business class from the US to Europe for as little as 60,000 miles one-way — a flight that costs $3,000+ in cash. That's the kind of value that changes how you think about travel.

Award Rates

How many miles do you need?

These are typical saver award rates for one-way Business or First class. Rates can vary by date, availability, and partner.

RouteCabinMiles (one-way)Best Carriers
US → EuropeBusiness60,000–88,000Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian
US → JapanBusiness80,000–120,000ANA, Japan Airlines
US → AustraliaBusiness120,000Air New Zealand
US → SingaporeBusiness110,000Singapore Airlines
US → LondonBusiness57,500–88,000United, Lufthansa
US → EuropeFirst110,000Lufthansa, Swiss

✦ MileagePlus Sweet Spots

  • ANA Business class from the US to Japan is one of the best deals in aviation — around 88,000 miles for a truly world-class seat
  • Lufthansa Business class to Europe via saver awards is consistently available and great value
  • Partner awards don't charge fuel surcharges — a huge saving vs. some other programs
  • Miles don't expire as long as your account has activity every 18 months
Earn Miles

Best credit cards for United MileagePlus miles

The fastest way to accumulate enough miles for a Business class award is through credit card sign-up bonuses. A single card bonus can cover a round-trip Business class flight.

Chase Sapphire Preferred®
60,000 bonus points
Transfers 1:1 to United. Great everyday earning on dining and travel.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
60,000 bonus points
Premium card with 3x on travel and dining. Best-in-class travel protections.
United Explorer Card
50,000 bonus miles
Direct United miles. Free checked bag + priority boarding on United flights.
United Quest℠ Card
60,000 bonus miles
Strong everyday earning rate + annual credits that offset the fee.

Tapp may earn a commission on credit card applications. Always read full terms before applying.

Book Now

Ready to use your miles?

Check live award availability on our routes pages, then book directly through United MileagePlus.

Book with United MileagePlus → See current deals →
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