The Best Ways To Redeem United MileagePlus Miles For Flights

In general, go for Saver Awards if you want the most bang for your MileagePlus rewards. You’ll get an average of $0.014 for an Economy Class ticket. That’s in-line with what we currently value United miles. Saver Awards for Business and First Class hold even more value – approximately $0.027 each mile.

Keep in mind, Saver Awards are limited and may not be available for times and routes that are in high demand.

United Polaris offers lounge access at United’s hub airports, aisle access for every seat, and a 16-inch, inflight, touchscreen entertainment system. This Business Class product is something you definitely want to consider on a long-haul flight.

Destination: Europe / Asia / South Pacific
Miles: 60,000 / 70,000 / 80,000 for a one-way ticket

MileagePlus has limited-time sales that gives discounts on Saver Awards. In the past, United has offered deals like:

• The Sun and Ski Sale with 40% off roundtrip Saver Economy Awards to Hawaii, Aspen, Sun Valley and Jackson, Wyoming.
• 20% off Saver Awards to Asia and the South Pacific, including China, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

For current award sales, click here.

Lufthansa’s First Class product is an amazing experience. But at over $4,000 one way, it’s not within the average Joe’s budget. Luckily, you can snag a free ticket with your United miles. Plus, if you book your award through MileagePlus – as opposed to Lufthansa’s Miles and More program – you’ll save over $400 in fuel surcharges.

Keep in mind, Lufthansa only releases First Class award space to Star Alliance partners 14 days before departure.

We recommend making a connection in Frankfurt, Lufthansa’s hub, so you can experience the First Class Terminal. It’s considered one of the best airport lounges in the world. When it’s time to board your connecting flight, you’ll be whisked away to the aircraft in a Porsche.

Destination: Europe
Miles: 110,000 for a one-way ticket

Thai Airways isn’t a well-known carrier in the United States, but it should be on your radar if you’re looking to travel to or from Asia. With a First Class ticket, you’ll have access to a special check-in area, a complimentary hour-long massage at the Royal Orchid Spa and the Thai Airways First Class lounge (if you’re departing from or connecting in Bangkok).

Thai Airways does not currently fly to the United States, but you can connect through Europe with a Star Alliance partner.

Destination: Bangkok (from Europe)
Miles: 145,000 for a one-way ticket

Like other carriers, ANA First Class provides spacious seating and high-end champagne. But what sets the Japan-based airline apart is its fantastic service. If you don’t have enough mileage for a First Class award, their Business Class isn’t too shabby either.

Destination: Japan
Miles: Business 80,000 / First 110,000 for a one-way ticket

Out of all the carriers in the world, Turkish Airlines flies to the most destinations. That means you have plenty of choices for Business Class awards. We recommend connecting in Istanbul so you can experience the airline’s top-notch Business Class lounge.

Destination: Europe / Africa / Japan
Miles: 70,000 / 80,000 / 80,000 for a one-way ticket

It’s just 80,000 MileagePlus miles to fly Business Class with a Star Alliance partner from the United States to anywhere in Africa. While your first thought might be to fly with Ethiopian Airlines or South African Airways, we suggest first making a stop in Europe for an even better travel experience.

Swiss Air offers a solid Business Class product you can take full advantage of by routing through Switzerland. And Austrian Airlines has a great Business Class with excellent catering service.

Destination: Africa (with stopover in Europe)
Miles: 80,000 for a one-way ticket.

The flight from the United States to New Zealand is an excruciatingly long one, so you’ll want a comfortable seat that reclines to a bed, good catering and a friendly crew. Guess what? Air New Zealand’s Business Class ticks all those boxes.

Destination: New Zealand
Miles: 80,000 for a one-way ticket

The simplest way to use the Excursionist Perk is to add a free leg between two cities in the same region. For example, booking a roundtrip award to Europe and adding a segment between two European cities.

Newark – Vienna – London – Newark

In the example above, the Vienna to London segment would be an Excursionist Perk, priced at 0 miles.

There are loads of creative ways to use the Excursionist Perk. The trick is to use open jaws.

For example:

• East Asia (Business Class: 45,000 miles)
  • Seoul to Taipei
  • Taipei to Singapore (open jaw)*
  • Singapore to BKK (layover) to Hong Kong (Excursionist)
  • Hong Kong to Beijing (open jaw)*
  • Beijing to Seoul (layover) to Jeju
• South Asia (Economy Class: 85,000 miles)
  • Chicago to Istanbul (layover) to Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu to Delhi (open jaw)*
  • Delhi to Bengaluru (layover) to Male (Excursionist)
  • Male to Columbo (open jaw)*
  • Columbo to Bangkok (layover) to Taipei (layover) to Chicago
• Ecuador & The Galapagos (Economy Class: 40,000 miles)
  • Houston to Quito
  • Quito to Guayaquil (open jaw)*
  • Guayaquil to Baltra (Excursionist)
  • Baltra to Quito (layover) to Houston

*You’re responsible for getting from Point A to Point B in an open jaw. Open-jaw travel is not included in the award cost.