United Revises Mileage Earning Changes for Basic Economy Tickets — Partially Undoing a Recent Update

Updated: February 24, 2026, 9:17am CST

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What Changed in United’s Updated Mileage Policy?
Final Thoughts

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United Airlines is making another adjustment to its recently announced MileagePlus earning changes. After initially outlining new (and less generous) mileage rules for Basic Economy fares, the airline has partially walked back how those changes will apply.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Changed in United’s Updated Mileage Policy?

After we reported last week on United’s broader MileagePlus earning changes for credit cardholders and Premier members, the airline has now revised how part of that update will apply — specifically when it comes to Basic Economy fares.

Originally, United stated that, beginning April 2, 2026, reduced mileage earnings would apply across the board — even to tickets purchased before that date. This meant some travelers who had booked Basic Economy fares, expecting to earn miles, could have seen those earnings reduced or eliminated entirely.

That’s the part that is changing now.

Under the updated policy, only tickets issued on or after April 2, 2026, will follow the new, less generous earning structure.

Here’s what that means in simple terms:

If you booked a Basic Economy ticket before April 2, 2026, your mileage earning will follow the old rules
If you book on or after April 2, 2026:
- United Premier members and eligible United co-branded credit cardholders will earn miles at a reduced rate on Basic Economy and JetBlue Blue Basic fares.
- General MileagePlus members without a qualifying United credit card will not earn miles on those fares.

The main takeaway with this policy update is that United won’t cut mileage earnings on tickets that are already booked. The reduced earning rates will apply only to new tickets issued on or after April 2, 2026.

Hot Tip:

Thinking about booking Basic Economy with United? The date you buy your ticket matters. If you book your flight before April 2, 2026, you’ll earn miles under the current rules. Book on or after that date, and you could earn fewer — or possibly no — miles unless you have Premier status or a United credit card.

Final Thoughts

United has revised its new MileagePlus policy so that reduced mileage earning on Basic Economy fares will apply only to tickets issued on or after April 2, 2026. Previously purchased tickets will continue to earn under the current rules.

Going forward, however, Basic Economy becomes less rewarding — and some travelers without Premier status or a United credit card won’t earn miles at all. If you’re booking Basic Economy, the ticket issue date now matters more than ever.