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United Airlines is making several notable changes to its MileagePlus program this summer — and it isn't good news for loyal flyers. Among the updates announced on United's website: the end of the Excursionist Perk, the removal of instant upgrades on full-fare tickets, and a shift to dynamic pricing for upgrade awards.
Here’s what’s changing, when the changes take effect, and how these changes might impact your future United flights.
United Excursionist Perk to be Eliminated This Summer
On August 21, United will no longer let members get a free flight through the Excursionist Perk. If you are unfamiliar with the perk — and it is somewhat complicated in nature — the United Excursionist Perk allows flyers a free one-way award flight within a region when sandwiched between two other flights on a single booking. There are several rules to using this perk, but when adhered to, it can be a very valuable tool.
For example, I used the Excursionist Perk on a past European trip to score an award flight from Munich (MUC) to Dublin (DUB) for only the cost of taxes and fees.
The United Excursionist Perk was introduced way back in 2016 to take the place of a much more generous stopover policy that United once had. Although it's a somewhat niche award travel perk, the ability to score a zero-mile award flight through the Excursionist Perk will be missed. If you're planning to use United miles to book a trip using the Excursionist Perk, you have until August 21st to book it.
No More Elite Instant Upgrades at Booking
Currently, United Premier elites who purchase full-fare (fare class: Y, B, or M) tickets get an instant upgrade to first class at the time of booking — as long as space is available. This perk is also being eliminated effective August 21, 2025.
Premier members will still get Complimentary Premier Upgrades (CPU) when available, but instant upgrades at booking will be a thing of the past. Elites will still have the opportunity to use United Plus Points or redeem United MileagePlus miles for an upgrade at the time of booking.
Eliminating this perk hurts a small subset of flyers but is still disappointing. Travelers will now be at the mercy of the waitlist — albeit at a higher position on it.
Related: When and How to Upgrade Paid Tickets With Points and Miles
United Upgrade Award Chart Going Dynamic
The final change takes place on November 24th and involves the removal of United's Upgrade Award chart. Until then, United flyers can reference an award chart to see how much it costs to upgrade to first class using miles. Starting November 24, United will price upgrades dynamically.
In its announcement making the change, United spells out how you'll be able to see the miles required to request your upgrade. During booking, you can click “Advanced search” and then “Upgrades, certificates and promotion codes”. In the “Upgrade type” box, select “MileagePlus® Upgrade Awards” and “Find fights” to see how many miles are required for an upgrade.
For travel already booked, you can select “Upgrade cabin” under a trip and then “Miles” in the “Upgrade by” section to see the mileage required for an upgrade.
Until implemented, it is impossible to know how many miles will be required for certain upgrades and how widely this number will vary based on factors like demand, routing, and time of year. That uncertainty makes this another unwelcome change.
Bottom Line
These changes weaken some of the most valuable features of the MileagePlus program, particularly for savvy and elite travelers. The loss of the Excursionist Perk removes a standout advantage over other programs with dynamic pricing. If you want to take advantage of the Excursionist Perk or secure an instant upgrade, be sure to book by August 21.
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