If you’re a frequent flyer with United Airlines, you might be wondering whether your hard-earned points will eventually expire. The good news is that United Airlines does have a policy regarding point expiration, but the rules can be a bit complex and vary depending on a few factors.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about United Airlines’ point expiration policy. From understanding the different types of points to learning how to keep your points active, we’ll help you navigate the ins and outs of United Airlines’ rewards program so you can make the most of your points.
Contents
- Do United Airlines Points Expire?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the United Airlines MileagePlus program?
- How long do United Airlines points last?
- Can United Airlines points be transferred to another person?
- What happens to United Airlines points if a flight is cancelled?
- Can United Airlines points be used for non-flight rewards?
- Don’t Buy Extra United Airlines Miles. Here’s Why
- How Many Bags American Airlines?
- How To Fly Standby On American Airlines?
- Why Does My American Airlines Ticket Say Pending?
Do United Airlines Points Expire?
United Airlines is one of the most popular airlines in the world. It operates flights to more than 200 destinations globally. United Airlines has a frequent flyer program called MileagePlus, which allows travelers to earn and redeem miles. One of the most commonly asked questions about the MileagePlus program is whether United Airlines points expire or not. In this article, we will answer this question and provide you with all the information you need to know about the United Airlines points expiration policy.
Do United Airlines Points Expire?
Yes, United Airlines points can expire. According to the MileagePlus program rules, if there is no account activity for 18 months, all the points in the account will expire. Account activity refers to earning or redeeming miles or using the United Airlines credit card. If you have a United Airlines credit card, your points will not expire as long as the account is open and in good standing.
It is important to note that the points expiration policy applies to all members, regardless of their status or tier level. So, whether you are a Premier member or a general member, your points are subject to expiration if there is no account activity for 18 months.
How to Keep United Airlines Points from Expiring?
If you want to keep your United Airlines points from expiring, you need to ensure that there is account activity within 18 months. Here are some ways to keep your account active:
- Book a flight with United Airlines or any Star Alliance partner airlines
- Earn or redeem miles with United Airlines or any Star Alliance partner airlines
- Use a United Airlines credit card for purchases
- Use the United Airlines shopping portal to make purchases
By doing any of the above activities, you can ensure that your account remains active, and your points do not expire.
What Happens When United Airlines Points Expire?
If your United Airlines points expire, you will not be able to use them for future travel or any other rewards. Once the points expire, they cannot be reinstated. The only way to prevent your points from expiring is to have account activity within 18 months.
If you have a large number of points, losing them due to expiration can be a significant loss. Therefore, it is crucial to keep track of your account activity and ensure that your points do not expire.
Benefits of United Airlines MileagePlus Program
The United Airlines MileagePlus program offers several benefits to its members, including:
- Earning miles on flights with United Airlines or any Star Alliance partner airlines
- Redeeming miles for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other rewards
- Access to United Airlines airport lounges
- Premier status for frequent travelers, which offers additional benefits like priority boarding, free checked bags, and upgrades
- Partner perks like free checked bags and priority boarding with Star Alliance partner airlines
The MileagePlus program is a great way to earn rewards for your travel and make the most out of your flights with United Airlines and its partner airlines.
United Airlines Points Vs. Other Airlines’ Points
When it comes to loyalty programs, each airline has its own rules and policies regarding points expiration and rewards. Here are some differences between United Airlines points and other airlines’ points:
Airline | Points Expiration Policy | Rewards |
---|---|---|
Delta Airlines | Points do not expire | Flights, upgrades, and other rewards |
American Airlines | Points expire after 18 months of inactivity | Flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other rewards |
Southwest Airlines | Points do not expire | Flights and other rewards |
As you can see, each airline has its own policies regarding points expiration. It is essential to understand these policies to ensure that you are making the most out of your loyalty program.
Conclusion
United Airlines points do expire after 18 months of inactivity. To prevent your points from expiring, you need to ensure that there is account activity within this period. The MileagePlus program offers several benefits to its members, including earning and redeeming miles, access to airport lounges, and partner perks. By understanding the points expiration policy and other program rules, you can make the most out of your travel with United Airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about United Airlines points.
What is the United Airlines MileagePlus program?
The United Airlines MileagePlus program is a loyalty program that rewards frequent flyers with points, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other benefits. Members earn points based on the distance flown, the fare paid, and their elite status with the airline.
United Airlines has several credit card partners that allow members to earn points on everyday purchases, as well as transfer points from other loyalty programs.
How long do United Airlines points last?
United Airlines points do not expire as long as you have activity on your account at least once every 18 months. Activity can include earning or redeeming points, or using a United Airlines credit card. If you have no activity on your account for 18 months, your points will expire and cannot be reinstated.
If you have elite status with United Airlines, your points will not expire as long as you maintain your status.
Can United Airlines points be transferred to another person?
Yes, United Airlines points can be transferred to another MileagePlus member for a fee. The fee is based on the number of points being transferred and can range from $30 to $600. The recipient must also be a MileagePlus member and have an account in good standing.
Points can also be shared with a member of your household for free, as long as they are listed as a registered member of your MileagePlus account.
What happens to United Airlines points if a flight is cancelled?
If a flight is cancelled by United Airlines, the points used to book the flight will be refunded to your account. If you choose to cancel a flight yourself, the points may be subject to a cancellation fee, depending on the fare type and the time of cancellation.
If you have a United Airlines credit card, you may be eligible for trip cancellation or interruption insurance that can help protect your points in the event of a cancellation.
Can United Airlines points be used for non-flight rewards?
Yes, United Airlines points can be redeemed for a variety of non-flight rewards, including hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise, and gift cards. The value of your points may vary depending on the redemption option you choose.
You can also use your points to upgrade your seat on a flight, or to purchase a United Club membership for access to airport lounges.
Don’t Buy Extra United Airlines Miles. Here’s Why
In conclusion, United Airlines points do expire after a certain amount of time. It is important to keep track of your points’ expiration dates to avoid losing them.
However, there are ways to prevent your points from expiring. One option is to keep your account active by earning or redeeming points at least once every 18 months. Another option is to have a United Airlines credit card that offers points that do not expire.
Regardless of how you choose to prevent your points from expiring, it is always a good idea to stay on top of your account and keep track of your points’ expiration dates. By doing so, you can make the most out of your United Airlines rewards and enjoy the benefits of loyalty programs.