How quickly will purchased United miles post to my account?

According to United, purchased miles may take up to 48 hours to post to your account. In practice, miles often post much faster, sometimes within minutes or a few hours after purchase. If you're purchasing miles for an imminent booking, it's still advisable to allow at least 24 hours for processing.

Can I pool United miles with family members?

United doesn't offer a free family pooling feature like some other programs. However, you can transfer miles between accounts for a fee ($7.50 per 500 miles plus a $30 processing fee). Given these high fees, it's generally not economical to transfer miles between accounts. Instead, you can book awards for others directly from your account without transferring miles.

Does United have an award chart?

No, United MileagePlus eliminated its published award charts in 2019 and now uses dynamic pricing for both United and partner airline awards. This means award prices can fluctuate based on demand, seasonality, and cash fares. While there are still some general pricing patterns, there are no guaranteed fixed rates for specific routes or cabins.

Are there any fees when redeeming United miles?

United eliminated close-in booking fees in 2019, so there's no additional charge for booking awards shortly before departure. However, you'll still be responsible for paying the taxes and fees associated with the ticket, which vary by route and can be higher for certain international destinations. United also charges change and cancellation fees for award tickets, though these are waived for Premier elite members.

Can I use United miles for upgrades?

Yes, United MileagePlus miles can be used for upgrades on United and select partner flights. Upgrade costs vary based on your ticket type, route, and elite status. Upgrades on United-operated flights typically offer better value than purchasing miles outright for premium cabin awards, especially if you're starting with a discounted economy ticket.

Can I cancel a miles purchase if I change my mind?

Generally, miles purchases are non-refundable. However, if you have issues with your purchase or believe it was made in error, you can contact United's customer service for assistance. It's always best to be certain about your redemption plans before purchasing miles.

Do United MileagePlus Miles expire?

United MileagePlus miles do not expire, regardless of account activity. This is a positive policy change that United implemented in 2019, removing the previous 18-month inactivity expiration policy.