Some United flight awards to cost more after MileagePlus revamp
Mileage reward flights could get more expensive for some United Airlines’ frequent flyers.
It will employ a ‘dynamic pricing’ model meaning more miles are required for reward flights on routes in high demand while less popular flights could potentially cost less miles for members.
The new redemption policy begins on November 1.
The existing Standard Awards level in MileagePlus will be replaced with a new option called Everyday Awards.
However the lowest-redemption level Saver Awards will continue for the time being and United says it will add an extra 10% more eligible flights within North America.
The change will see miles needed for busy cross country routes like Boston to San Francisco increase from 25,000 miles to 35,000 miles, while transatlantic flights to Europe will also rise.
"Today our customers have only two price points… They will have multiple price points every day," Praveen Sharma, digital products and analytics VP at United told USA TODAY.
"Unlike some of our competitors, we will have a published award chart and we’ll stick the ranges in that award chart. We will not have exceptions."
Sharma was referring to Delta Air Lines which removed its mileage chart when it moved to a dynamic pricing model for its SkyMiles program.
"Planning ahead and booking early is a great way to take advantage of potential savings that may be available during off-peak travel times," United said in a message to members announcing the changes.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Skyscanner reveals major travel trends 2026 at ITB Asia
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists