As the holiday season comes to a close, travelers now have the opportunity to trade in their unwanted gift cards for airline miles in United Airlines’ innovative MileagePlus Gift Card Exchange program.
United’s initiative presents a chance for participants to convert gift cards from over 100 retailers, including major brands like Starbucks, Target, and even Southwest Airlines, into mileage rewards. This seamless online exchange platform enables frequent fliers to input their gift card details and preview the corresponding award miles they stand to receive.”There’s no limit to the number of gift cards you can exchange,” welcoming participants to capitalize on this opportunity without restriction. However, currently available exclusively to U.S. residents, individuals must ensure that their United MileagePlus accounts have been active for a minimum of 90 days before engaging in the program.
For travelers with imminent plans, it’s important to note that while the gift card exchange program isn’t instantaneous, it provides an excellent avenue to clear out those unwanted, unused gift cards that have been gathering dust.
Upon confirmation of the gift card and linkage to your frequent flier account, United’s website indicates a potential waiting period of up to five business days before the accrued miles reflect in your account. The exchange necessitates gift cards with a minimum balance of $15, offering a mileage rate averaging approximately 3.7 cents per mile. As an example, a $15 gift card could yield roughly 550 miles through this program.
Since United removed its award charts in 2019, the mileage rates are subject to variation and contingent on travel dates. However, accessing award flights has become more straightforward, with United’s homepage featuring a “Book with miles” option. Notably, the accumulated miles retain their validity as long as the account remains active.
The gift card exchange scheme stands as one among several avenues through which travelers can accumulate United miles. The airline consistently expands its MileagePlus program by incorporating new partners. Apart from flying with United and its Star Alliance affiliates, travelers can amass miles through cobranded credit card spending, MileagePlus shopping and dining portals, as well as participation in hotel and car rental programs.