United Airlines is offering select customers the chance to earn up to a 90% bonus when purchasing miles, but the promotion is available for a limited time only.
“Buy miles and build your balance to redeem for more of what you love,” the airline announced on its website, highlighting the ease of purchasing miles to meet various award goals.
This targeted promotion allows travelers to log in to United’s website with their frequent flyer number to buy miles with up to a 90% bonus. Non-targeted travelers may still receive a smaller bonus. The promotion ends on Friday, June 28, at 11:59 p.m. CT, with the following bonus tiers:
Buy 5,000 to 19,000 miles, get a 25% bonus
Buy 20,000 to 39,000 miles, get a 60% bonus
Buy 40,000 to 105,000 miles, get a 90% bonus
Purchasing at least 40,000 miles unlocks the highest bonus, granting an additional 36,000 miles. This offer reduces the cost per mile to approximately 1.98 cents, significantly lower than the standard rate of 3.5 cents.
Customers can purchase up to 200,000 miles per calendar year, including any bonus miles from this promotion. United notes that it may take up to 72 hours for purchased miles to appear in accounts, which is crucial for travelers planning their next award flight.
United also offers various ways for travelers to accumulate miles quickly. Members can pool miles with up to five other members or transfer Bilt Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards to United MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio. Once earned, United miles can be redeemed for flights with United and its Star Alliance partners, such as Lufthansa and Air Canada.