Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

All United Seats Now Bookable With Miles for MileagePlus Members

Carissa Rawson's image
Carissa Rawson
Carissa Rawson's image

Carissa Rawson

Senior Content Contributor

326 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 51U.S. States Visited: 36

Carissa served in the U.S. Air Force where she developed her love for travel and new cultures. She started her own blog and eventually joined The Points Guy. Since then, she’s contributed to Business ...
Jump to Section

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

If you’re a United MileagePlus member without a co-branded United credit card, we’ve got some good news.

Chase and United have a robust selection of co-branded credit cards, including 4 different personal cards and 2 small business card options: United Quest℠ Card, United Gateway℠ Card, United℠ Explorer Card, United Club℠ Infinite Card, United Club℠ Business Card, and United℠ Business Card.

Historically, those who hold any one of the above cards have been able to access additional award seat space that others couldn’t. More specifically, United granted its cardholders the ability to purchase any seat on the plane using their miles — whether there was regular award availability or not. 

Now, that same access has been granted to all United MileagePlus members. This may represent a devaluation to those who’ve used such availability in the past to purchase seats but can spell great news for those who don’t have a United credit card.

MileagePlus Awards May Now Price Higher

Keep in mind, however, that although you can now purchase these seats, they can be exorbitantly expensive, especially when inventory on a flight is low. Take a look at the cost for an economy class flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Frankfurt (FRA):

United mileage award cost LAX-FRA
Image Credit: United

70,000 United miles for an economy flight to Europe is outrageous — and may be more than a Saver-level business class flight. So although it’s now bookable, it doesn’t necessarily make sense to spend your miles on these flights.

Elites and Cardholders May See Reduced Prices

Be aware, however, that pricing can change depending on what kind of elite status and credit cards you’ve got. United maintains additional Saver-level inventory for its elite members and cardholders. Take a look at what happens when we log in as a Premier 1K elite:

United mileage award cost LAX-FRA elite member
Image Credit: United

The cost drops to less than half because, as elite members, Premier 1Ks have additional access to that cheaper inventory. Keep that in mind while you search for your seats.

Hot Tip: Our helpful guides review the value of United elite status prior to departure and at the airport, as well as the perks and benefits for seating and upgrades.

Advertisement

Final Thoughts

This is good news for those who don’t have a United credit card, though how useful it’ll be will depend on how many United miles you’ve got to spend. It can certainly be of aid when you’ve got very inflexible flight dates or need a certain number of seats for your trip. Just be aware that costs can easily pile up when you’re looking to book these flights.


The information regarding the United Club℠ Business Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Carissa Rawson's image

About Carissa Rawson

Carissa served in the U.S. Air Force where she developed her love for travel and new cultures. She started her own blog and eventually joined The Points Guy. Since then, she’s contributed to Business Insider, Forbes, and more.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status