United Makes Major Changes to Miles Earning Rates

United Airlines is revamping its MileagePlus loyalty program, effective April 2, 2026. General MileagePlus members without United co-branded credit cards will earn fewer miles on United flights, while cardholders and elite status members will earn more miles. Additionally, there are new award flight discounts for cardholders and the ability to link parents’ and children’s MileagePlus accounts.

One significant change is that customers purchasing basic economy fares will no longer earn miles unless they have United elite status or a United co-branded credit card. Similar policies have been adopted by American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

For United credit cardholders, the MileagePlus program will become more rewarding. The updated earning rates on eligible United flights starting April 2 are as follows:

– General Member (no elite status): 3 miles per dollar without a United card, 6 miles per dollar with a United card.
– Premier Silver: 5 miles per dollar without a United card, 8 miles per dollar with a United card.
– Premier Gold: 6 miles per dollar without a United card, 9 miles per dollar with a United card.
– Premier Platinum: 7 miles per dollar without a United card, 10 miles per dollar with a United card.
– Premier 1K: 9 miles per dollar without a United card, 12 miles per dollar with a United card.

These changes aim to invest more in members who actively engage with the program. However, there are some caveats for United cardholders, such as minimum spending requirements on certain cards and limitations on earning rates for authorized users and companions.

Parents can also link their children’s MileagePlus accounts to share cardholder perks and discounts on award flights. Additionally, all United cardholders will earn bonus miles for paying for tickets with their United credit card. Different cards offer varying levels of additional earnings, with cards that have higher annual fees typically earning at a higher rate.

This special discount serves as an added perk for loyal United travelers considering getting a United credit card, much like how Delta offers a 15% discount on award flights to eligible cardholders.

United’s recent changes indicate a clear focus on prioritizing customers with airline-branded credit cards.