How to Use United Miles for Flights, Upgrades, and More

United Airlines stands out as a leading global airline, providing a loyalty program that offers various advantages to its members. A key benefit of membership is earning Miles through the airline's frequent-flyer program, enabling members to enjoy multiple benefits. Nonetheless, many people often overlook the importance of Miles and their effectiveness for travelers. Therefore, in this article, we will examine how to utilize United Airlines Miles for booking flight tickets and explore their other applications for which earned Miles can benefit travelers. 

How to use United Miles?

By becoming a MileagePlus frequent flyer program member, members can earn Miles, which can later be used for other applications such as purchasing gift cards, entertainment, flight tickets, and more. Let's explore all these applications individually so you can decide which would be most rewarding for you. 

Ticket Purchases

United Airlines is known for operating flights to an extensive network around the globe, allowing members to travel almost anywhere. Thus, MileagePlus members have an advantage as they can purchase flight tickets with United Airlines and other Star Alliance Partner airlines. You can pay using both money and miles if you do not have enough miles to cover your trip. Here is how you can purchase a ticket using United Miles:

• Step 1 - Visit the official website of United Airlines at www.united.com. 
• Step 2 - By default, the flight booking screen will appear. Here, you must select the type of flight, whether you want a one-way or round-trip. 
• Step 3 - Provide other details, including the destination and arrival cities, travel date, number of passengers, and click on search. 
• Step 4 - Select your preferred flight from the list of available flights and also add any additional services if needed.
• Step 5 - When completing the payment, select the Miles option, or if you do not have enough Miles, choose the Miles + Money option. 

Other Travel Services

If you are a MileagePlus member, your earned Miles can be used for other services besides purchasing flight tickets. These different services will help you to make your journey more manageable and convenient. Here are the services you can buy using United Airlines Miles. 

• Hotels: Miles can be used to book rooms in various hotels and resorts with United Hotels, and if you are a member of the United Airlines loyalty program, you will get VIP access. 
• Car Rentals: Cars can be rented using the Miles with Avis or Budget. Premier members and United Cardmembers can benefit from Avis elite status free of cost. 
• Cruises: Options for paying with Miles and Money + Miles can also be used to book a cruise vacation with United Cruises. Premier members can also use extra services and amenities on select routes. 

In-Flight Services 

Members can also use earned Miles for various In-flight services, which can enhance the overall flight experience of a traveler. To make your journey more comfortable, you can purchase the in-flight services that are: 

• In-flight dining: Travelers can use the earned miles to purchase boxes of snacks, meals, and various other beverages. 
• Wi-Fi: Prices start at $8 or 800 Miles for MileagePlus members. This is another way to use earned Miles to increase your overall facilities. 

Complimentary Upgrades

Earned miles can also enhance the flight experience, especially if you are a United Airlines MileagePlus loyalty program member. Here are the benefits you can get:

• Upgrades: Members can use the earned Miles to travel in one of their premium cabins, allowing passengers access to more amenities and comfort. 
• Seats: Members can also board earlier and choose their preferred seats or get access to economy plus with extra legroom.

Additional Benefits

In addition to travel purchases, Miles offers other advantages, including the ability for members to make additional purchases. These perks encompass shopping, customized packages, and more. Below are some extra benefits available through United Airlines Miles. 

Shopping

Members can use earned Miles to shop for products such as household items, electronics, and jewellery from prominent brands and companies. Here are the things you can purchase using United Miles:

• Gift Cards: Gift Cards can be bought from various merchants, including Starbucks, Walmart, Nike, and more. 
• Apple products: Apple products, including the iPad, Apple Watch, and MacBook, can be bought using the Miles earned by members of the United Airlines loyalty program. 
• Newspaper: Members can subscribe to the local newspaper using the points they earn from Miles. 

Special Facilities

Other special services, such as using the earned Miles points, can also be enjoyed, making traveling hassle-free. Here are the special facilities you can get using Miles:

• Bags: Members can use Miles to pre-pay for baggage up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time of the flights, or pay at check-in on the official website and the United Airlines application for all domestic flights. 
• TSA PreCheck: This process allows passengers to skip a few security screenings and procedures, allowing them to board quicker. This service can also be purchased using Miles earned through United Airlines' MileagePlus program. 

Customized Packages

MileagePlus members can access MileagePlus exclusive rewards and Broadway shows using earned Miles. This way, they can use their earned Miles for more traveling and entertainment opportunities. Here is what you need to know about this:

• MileagePlus Exclusive Rewards: Members can use their miles to obtain VIP tickets for sports events and other international adventures, such as Hadestown, Riverdance, Concerts, and others. MileagePlus Premier members and United Cardmembers also gain access to various additional benefits. 
• Broadway Shows: Across the United States, MileagePlus members have the opportunity to use their Miles to enjoy a variety of outstanding shows from various genres and niches. 

Conclusion

Miles points are underrated and often ignored by travelers, but they can add great value to a journey if used properly. United Airlines' loyalty program, MileagePlus, allows members to earn Miles, which can be used to purchase flight tickets. However, besides that, there are other benefits and ways to utilize the earned Miles, which we discussed above in this article. Using Miles to get access to these features will not only let you have a comfortable journey but also make your trip more manageable.