United Airlines·Star Alliance
United Loyalty Program — Earning, Tiers & Redemptions
United Loyalty Program — Earning, Tiers & Redemptions — Summary
How the United frequent flyer program works: how miles are earned, elite tiers, redemption value, expiry rules and which credit cards help.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- The program: United operates MileagePlus.
- How you earn: Miles earn on ticket price rather than distance — 5 miles per dollar base, scaling with Premier tier.
- Elite tiers: Tiers run: Member → Premier Silver → Premier Gold → Premier Platinum → Premier 1K..
- Redeeming: Dynamic award pricing on United metal; Star Alliance partner awards are frequently better value for long-haul premium cabins.
The program
United operates MileagePlus. The currency is MileagePlus miles.
How you earn
Miles earn on ticket price rather than distance — 5 miles per dollar base, scaling with Premier tier. Status runs on Premier Qualifying Points and Premier Qualifying Flights.
Elite tiers
Tiers run: Member → Premier Silver → Premier Gold → Premier Platinum → Premier 1K.
Redeeming
Dynamic award pricing on United metal; Star Alliance partner awards are frequently better value for long-haul premium cabins. Excursionist Perk allows a free additional segment within a multi-city award.
Do the miles expire?
MileagePlus miles do not expire.
Credit cards and transfers
United Explorer, Quest, Club Infinite and business cards provide a free checked bag, priority boarding and, on higher cards, a full-size carry-on on Basic Economy.
Baggage benefits from status
First bag free for United Explorer and higher MileagePlus credit cardholders and one companion, for Premier Silver and above, for active-duty US military, and in Premium Plus, First, Business and Polaris.
United loyalty program — common questions
Do United miles expire?
MileagePlus miles do not expire.
What are the MileagePlus elite tiers?
Member, Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K. Miles earn on ticket price rather than distance — 5 miles per dollar base, scaling with Premier tier. Status runs on Premier Qualifying Points and Premier Qualifying Flights.
What is the best way to redeem MileagePlus miles?
Dynamic award pricing on United metal; Star Alliance partner awards are frequently better value for long-haul premium cabins. Excursionist Perk allows a free additional segment within a multi-city award.
More United help
Booking United? Talk to a US travel consultant.
Fare rules, baggage allowances and change policies differ by route and fare brand. Our consultants confirm the exact terms attached to your itinerary before you pay — and handle the change or refund if plans move.