United Is Offering a Miles Bonus of Up to 85% — What to Know

The countdown is on to score a great deal when purchasing miles with United Airlines.

“Buy miles and make your dream trip a reality,” the airline shared about the promotion in an email sent to members. “Miles never expire, so take advantage of this limited‍-‍time offer and get more miles for your next trip.”

This mileage deal, which ends on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 11:59 p.m. CT, allows United MileagePlus members to purchase or gift miles to others with up to an 85 percent bonus:

• Buy 3,000 to 14,000 miles and receive 30 percent bonus miles

• Buy 15,000 to 39,000 miles and receive 60 percent bonus miles

• Buy 40,000 to 100,000 miles and receive 100 percent bonus miles

Members can buy up to 200,000 miles per year — including any bonuses received with promotions — though this annual limit will reset on Jan. 1, 2025. Travelers should also know there is a 7.5 percent tax charged at checkout, and it could take up to 72 hours to appear in MileagePlus accounts, according to United.

Buying miles at the standard rate is expensive, as United charges 1,000 miles for $35. However, travelers who take advantage of the maximum 85 percent bonus level can buy those miles at a discount, making buying miles much more reasonable.

United is one of many airlines participating in the Star Alliance, so miles are redeemable for award tickets on United and United Express as well as international carriers like Air Canada and ANA. However, the airline prices award tickets dynamically, so the miles required will depend on the route, fare class, and travel date. Therefore, it’s only recommended to purchase miles right before finding an ideal redemption, as the value of miles can be devalued at any point.

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