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If you’re a frequent flyer with United Airlines, you’ve probably accrued quite a few miles over time. But what happens if you want to transfer your miles to someone else? Can United Airlines miles be transferred? The answer is yes, but there are certain rules and limitations you need to be aware of.
In this article, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of transferring United Airlines miles, including who you can transfer them to, how much it will cost you, and what restrictions are in place. Whether you’re looking to gift miles to a friend or family member, or simply want to consolidate your miles with another account, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and explore the world of United Airlines mile transfers!
Can United Airlines Miles Be Transferred?
United Airlines offers a loyalty program called MileagePlus that rewards frequent flyers with miles that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel benefits. Many people wonder if it is possible to transfer their United Airlines miles to another person or account. In this article, we will explore the rules and restrictions surrounding United Airlines mile transfers.
Contents
- Transferring United Airlines Miles
- Benefits of Transferring United Airlines Miles
- Alternatives to Transferring United Airlines Miles
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. Can I transfer my United Airlines miles to another person’s account?
- 2. Can I transfer my United Airlines miles to another airline’s frequent flyer program?
- 3. Do United Airlines miles expire?
- 4. Can I buy or gift United Airlines miles?
- 5. Can I combine my United Airlines miles with miles from another airline?
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Transferring United Airlines Miles
United Airlines does allow customers to transfer their miles to another MileagePlus member, but there are several conditions that must be met. Firstly, both accounts must have been open for at least 90 days, and the account holder must have earned or purchased miles at least once before initiating the transfer. Secondly, the recipient must be a member of the MileagePlus program and must pay a fee for the transfer. The fee varies depending on the number of miles being transferred and the recipient’s MileagePlus status.
It is important to note that MileagePlus miles cannot be transferred to another airline’s loyalty program or to a non-MileagePlus member. Additionally, the miles cannot be converted to cash or refunded once they have been transferred. United Airlines also limits the number of miles that can be transferred in a single transaction, depending on the account holder’s status and the recipient’s status.
Benefits of Transferring United Airlines Miles
Transferring United Airlines miles can be a great way to help a friend or family member book a flight or earn enough miles for an award redemption. It can also be a good way to consolidate miles if one person has more miles than they need for a particular redemption, and another person has a shortfall. Additionally, transferring miles can help prevent miles from expiring if the account holder is unable to use them before they expire.
However, it is important to weigh the cost of the transfer fee against the value of the miles being transferred. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to simply purchase the necessary miles or book a flight outright.
Alternatives to Transferring United Airlines Miles
If transferring United Airlines miles is not an option or is not cost-effective, there are other ways to use or redeem MileagePlus miles. For example, miles can be used to book flights, upgrades, and hotel stays, or they can be donated to charity. Additionally, MileagePlus miles can be earned through shopping, dining, and travel partners, or by using a United Airlines credit card that offers bonus miles on purchases.
Another alternative is to book a flight or award redemption for a friend or family member using your own MileagePlus account. This can be a good option if the recipient is not a frequent traveler and does not have their own MileagePlus account, or if the transfer fee is prohibitively expensive.
Conclusion
While United Airlines does allow customers to transfer their MileagePlus miles to another member, there are several conditions and restrictions that must be met. It is important to weigh the cost of the transfer fee against the value of the miles being transferred, and to consider alternative redemption options if transferring miles is not feasible. With careful planning and consideration, United Airlines miles can be a valuable asset for frequent flyers and travel enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about transferring United Airlines miles:
1. Can I transfer my United Airlines miles to another person’s account?
Yes, you can transfer your United Airlines miles to another person’s account. However, there is a fee for this service, and you can only transfer miles to another MileagePlus member. The cost to transfer miles starts at $12.50 per 500 miles, and there is a maximum of 100,000 miles that can be transferred per year.
To transfer miles, log in to your MileagePlus account and go to the “Transfer Miles” page. Follow the prompts to complete the transfer.
2. Can I transfer my United Airlines miles to another airline’s frequent flyer program?
No, you cannot transfer your United Airlines miles to another airline’s frequent flyer program. However, you can use your United Airlines miles to book award travel on partner airlines, including Star Alliance members and other airline partners.
To book award travel on partner airlines, log in to your MileagePlus account and search for flights using the award travel booking tool.
3. Do United Airlines miles expire?
Yes, United Airlines miles expire if there is no account activity for 18 months. Account activity includes earning or redeeming miles, or using a United Airlines credit card. However, if you have elite status with United Airlines, your miles will not expire as long as you maintain your status.
To keep your United Airlines miles from expiring, make sure you earn or redeem miles at least once every 18 months.
4. Can I buy or gift United Airlines miles?
Yes, you can buy or gift United Airlines miles to another MileagePlus member. The cost to purchase miles starts at $35 per 1,000 miles, and there is a maximum of 175,000 miles that can be purchased per year. The cost to gift miles is the same as the cost to transfer miles, starting at $12.50 per 500 miles.
To buy or gift United Airlines miles, log in to your MileagePlus account and go to the “Buy Miles” page. Follow the prompts to complete the transaction.
5. Can I combine my United Airlines miles with miles from another airline?
No, you cannot combine your United Airlines miles with miles from another airline. However, you can use your United Airlines miles to book award travel on partner airlines, including Star Alliance members and other airline partners.
To book award travel on partner airlines, log in to your MileagePlus account and search for flights using the award travel booking tool.
In conclusion, United Airlines miles can be transferred, but with certain conditions and limitations. It is important to note that transferring miles is not a free service, and fees may apply. Moreover, the recipient must have an active United MileagePlus account to receive the transferred miles.
If you are considering transferring miles, make sure to carefully read the terms and conditions outlined by United Airlines to avoid any unexpected fees or restrictions. Also, keep in mind that the transfer process may take some time, so be sure to plan ahead if you need to transfer miles for a specific travel date.
Overall, transferring United Airlines miles can be a useful tool for those looking to maximize their rewards points, but it is important to understand the process and limitations before making any transfers. With careful planning and consideration, transferring miles can help you reach your travel goals and make the most out of your United MileagePlus account.
