United Airlines’ MileagePlus program is one of the most recognised frequent flyer schemes worldwide. With MileagePlus, you can redeem miles for flights, upgrades, and even travel with partner airlines. Whether you’re booking a quick domestic trip or heading overseas, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to book a flight using your miles.
Step 1 of 12 – Create a MileagePlus Account
Don’t have a United Airlines MileagePlus account yet? Sign up for free.
👉 Sign up here
Step 2 of 12 – Visit the United Website
Go to the United Airlines website.
👉 Click here
Step 3 of 12 – Log in to Your Account
Log in to your MileagePlus account using your email or membership number and password.
👉 Login here
Step 4 of 12 – Start Your Flight Search
On the homepage, select “Flight.”
Enter your trip details (departure city, destination, dates, passengers), tick “Book with miles” and click “Find flights.”
Step 5 of 12 – Adjust if No Flights Appear
If no flights are available, try adjusting your search:
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Change travel dates
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Pick nearby airports
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Search one-way instead of return
Step 6 of 12 – Select Your Flights
Choose the flights that best fit your travel plans from the options shown.
Step 7 of 12 – Enter Passenger & Payment Details
Fill in passenger details, add extras (like baggage or seat upgrades), and provide payment details for any taxes or fees.
Step 8 of 12 – Confirm Your Booking
Review everything and confirm. You’ll then receive a confirmation email with your flight details.
Step 9 of 12 – Booking for Others
💡 You can use your miles to book flights for yourself or for someone else.
Step 10 of 12 – Booking Partners
Most United award flights can be booked online. Partner airline awards can usually be booked online too, but if you don’t see availability, call United Airlines customer service.
Step 11 of 12 – Plan Ahead
You can book award flights up to 337 days in advance, so plan early to secure the best seats.
Step 12 of 12 – When Availability Seems Missing
If you don’t see flights on the United site but another loyalty program shows them, call United customer service. Sometimes award availability is delayed or restricted online.
💡 Good to Know: MileagePlus® Booking Tips
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You can book award flights for yourself or for anyone else.
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Most partner airlines can be booked online, but if flights don’t show up, you may need to call United Airlines customer service.
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Award bookings open 337 days in advance, so plan ahead to grab the best seats.
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Can’t see seats online? Availability is sometimes restricted or delayed. If another frequent flyer program shows seats for the same flights, it’s worth calling United directly.
🚀 Pro Tip: Get Better Value From Your Miles
Not all MileagePlus redemptions are equal. To get the most value:
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Look at Business or First Class redemptions, especially on international routes.
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Check out Star Alliance partner flights (like Lufthansa, ANA, or Singapore Airlines), which can sometimes offer better value than flying United.
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Keep an eye on off-peak awards for lower mileage requirements.
✨ Your United Miles, Maximised!
Booking a flight with United MileagePlus miles is simple once you know the steps—and it unlocks travel across the globe with United and its Star Alliance partners. Whether you’re booking for yourself, family, or friends, using your miles smartly helps you travel further while spending less.
Want more hacks to earn and spend United MileagePlus miles wisely?
👉 Search for “United Airlines” on Pointrs and discover step-by-step guides, tips, and smarter ways to travel.
