Want to secure extra benefits on your next trips?
Traveling is always an incredible experience. But when you start earning miles and turning them into upgrades, free tickets or VIP access at airports, everything gets even better. That's exactly what MileagePlus, United Airlines' loyalty program, offers its members.
If you're not already a member, you may be missing out on great opportunities to save money and travel more comfortably. In this article, you'll learn how MileagePlus works, what the benefit levels are, how to earn miles and how to start enjoying the advantages right now.
What is MileagePlus?
O MileagePlus is the loyalty program of the airline United Airlines, which allows travelers to earn miles on flights, partner purchases and even hotel and car rental reservations. These miles can be exchanged for tickets, class upgrades, access to VIP lounges and various other benefits.
Created to build loyalty among customers who fly frequently with United Airlines (or with airlines in the Star Alliance(such as Lufthansa, TAP and Air Canada), the program is free and can be accessed easily via the company's website or app.
How do I earn miles on MileagePlus?
There are several ways to earn miles in the program, and you don't even have to fly often to get started. Here are the most common ways:
- Flying with United Airlines: With each flight, you earn miles in proportion to the distance traveled and the fare paid. Business class flights, for example, earn more miles.
- Flying with Star Alliance partnersYou also earn miles on flights operated by international partner airlines.
- Buying with partner credit cardsSome cards convert your monthly spending into MileagePlus miles.
- Using partner servicesCar rentals, hotel bookings, orders on partner apps and even online purchases in partner stores earn additional miles.
These miles are added to your account and can be consulted in real time. What's more, the more you fly, the faster you move up a category within the program, which unlocks exclusive benefits.
What are the benefits of MileagePlus?
The benefits of MileagePlus go far beyond exchanging miles for tickets. The traveler's experience changes completely as they move up a category in the program. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Priority boardingMembers of higher categories board earlier and have more comfort and organization in the process.
- Free additional luggageDepending on your status, you can check more bags free of charge.
- Access to preferential seatingWithout paying extra, you can choose the best seats on the plane.
- Free upgrades or with miles: By earning miles, you can easily upgrade to higher classes.
- Check-in and preferential serviceAvoid queues and get dedicated service at airports.
- Access to VIP loungesWith Premier status and card partnerships, access to United Club lounges and partners becomes a reality.
These benefits make all the difference on long flights, connections and frequent travel.
What are the program's status levels?
MileagePlus has different loyalty levels. Each offers specific advantages and can be reached according to the number of miles or flight segments accumulated during the year:
- MileagePlus Member (basic level): Everyone starts here. It already allows you to earn miles and exchange them for tickets.
- Premier SilverAccess to free upgrades on domestic flights, priority boarding and check-in, among others.
- Premier GoldMore upgrades, free checked baggage, better seats and access to Star Alliance Gold.
- Premier PlatinumExtended benefits, exclusive support and additional miles on every flight.
- Premier 1K: Top of the MileagePlus elite, with top priority on upgrades, bonus miles on every flight and privileged access to United services.
The more you fly, the faster you reach the higher levels. It's a smart way to turn your trips into real benefits.
Is it possible to transfer miles?
Yes, MileagePlus allows you to transfer miles to other accounts. However, this operation may incur fees, and it's best to plan well before using this option. It is also possible to buy miles to complete a ticket or anticipate a redemption. All this can be done directly on the United Airlines website or via the app.
It's worth remembering that MileagePlus miles don't expire as long as your account is active and regularly used. This is an important advantage over other programs, which impose expiration dates on the points you earn.
Can you use the miles with other companies?
Yes. As United Airlines is part of Star AllianceWith United, you can use your miles to book flights with partner companies in more than 190 countries. This means that even if you don't fly with United that often, you can earn and redeem miles on flights with other major companies around the world.
It is also possible to book flights with miles using United's own system, which shows available options in real time, flexible dates and suggestions for combinations with other companies in the alliance.
Does the United app help?
A lot. With the United Airlines app, you can track your miles, book flights with points, check available upgrades, access your MileagePlus card and even receive notifications about redemption promotions.
The app also facilitates check-in, baggage tracking and access to boarding passes. All in one place, in a simple and intuitive way.
See also: Use promotion apps to get bigger discounts
May 19th, 2025
Graduated in Languages - Portuguese/English, creator of the Successful WriterHe also writes for Great App, expanding the knowledge of all technology lovers through movie and series reviews, game reviews and the main news of the moment.