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United often gives MileagePlus members access to unique experiences that you can't otherwise buy. And another one is about to go on sale.
Beginning Friday, August 7, 2026, United MileagePlus Premier members can bid on tickets for an exclusive tour of Archer Aviation's electric air taxi technology in San Jose, California, this October.
Here's what's included in the package, how to bid on tickets, and a few ways to top off your account so you're ready to act when sales open.
Overview of United MileagePlus Experiences
United semi-regularly offers a handful of unique experiences that MileagePlus members can book using miles. In the past, these have included flight simulator rides, airport maintenance tours, and access to United’s flight attendant training center. These are experiences you can't otherwise pay for with cash. Some of the more exclusive experiences are only available to United Premier members or United credit card holders.
For most events, attendees must meet the stated age requirements and complete a safety waiver, if required. You will receive specific instructions about where and when to meet a couple of weeks before the event. Most events don't include travel or accommodations, which is what makes the current offering so special.
Related: Which United Airlines Credit Card Is Right for You?
Only for Premier members: Exclusive tour of Archer's electric air taxi technology
On October 7 and 8, 2026, Archer Aviation will host an exclusive tour of its testing facilities in San Jose, California. You can bid on the experience only if you are a United MileagePlus Premier member. You can purchase only one package, and each package is for two guests. Two packages will be available, and bids will start at 100,000 MileagePlus miles. This will likely get very competitive.
This experience includes the following:
- United First airfare from your preferred U.S. airport to San Jose, CA (SJC) or San Francisco, CA (SFO)
- One night double-occupancy accommodation at Courtyard by Marriott in San Jose, CA
- Pre-event transportation from hotel to heliport in San Jose, CA
- Private helicopter ride to Archer Aviation testing facilities in Salinas, CA
- Return transportation from Salinas, CA to Archer Aviation headquarters in San Jose, CA
- Meet and greet with Archer leadership
- Exclusive tour of Archer Aviation headquarters, including labs and facilities
- Time in the on-site Midnight air taxi simulator
- Light breakfast items and lunch
- Transportation from Archer Headquarters to San Jose International Airport
Bidding opens on August 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. CT and closes on August 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT. If you win, you will be notified on August 24, 2026. Since it's an auction, you can enter a maximum amount you are willing to bid, and the system will automatically keep you in first place, up to your maximum bid. If you win, the miles will be automatically deducted from your account, and you can't bid more miles than you have available.
Top Off Your United MileagePlus Balance
If you're interested in purchasing tickets to this experience but don't have the necessary MileagePlus miles in your account, a quick way to stockpile some is to initiate a transfer from a credit card or hotel program that partners with United:
Related: Do United Miles Expire?
Our Take
Other loyalty programs, such as Chase, Wyndham, and Marriott, have their own member experiences (or “Moments,” as Marriott calls them). These MileagePlus experiences are another fun way to use your miles. They won’t be for everyone, but for the right traveler, they can offer a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
AwardWallet readers typically redeem United miles at 2.02¢ each. That means the starting bid — 100,000 miles — equates to over $2,000 in value. There's no telling how high the bidding will go throughout the auction. If the experience feels worth it to you and you can make it to San Jose on the right dates, it's worth doing what you can to secure tickets.
If you don't have the necessary miles — or a United card — to take advantage of this drop of experiences, consider grabbing one of these cards so you're ready for next time:
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150Rates & Fees
- Earn at least 9X total miles on eligible United flights (excluding Basic Economy and other base fares)*
- 3X miles on all other eligible United purchases
- 2X miles on dining and direct hotel stays
- 1X on all other purchases
- 6x miles on the primary cardmember’s fare from United as a MileagePlus member
- 3x miles on United purchases with the United℠ Explorer Card
$350Rates & Fees
- Earn at least 10X total miles on eligible United flights (excluding Basic Economy and other base fares)*
- 5X miles on hotel stays at Renowned Hotels and Resorts
- 4X miles on eligible United purchases
- 2X miles on all other travel, select streaming services and dining
- 1X on all other purchases
- 6X miles on the primary cardmember’s fare from United as a MileagePlus member
- 4X miles on entire United purchases with the United Quest℠ Card
$150Rates & Fees
- Earn at least 8X total miles on eligible United flights (excluding Basic Economy and other base fares)*
- 2X miles on eligible United purchases
- 2X miles on dining and all other travel
- 1X on all other purchases
- 6X miles on the primary cardmember’s fare from United as a MileagePlus member
- 2X miles on entire United purchases with the United℠ Business Card
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: United℠ Explorer Card (Rates & Fees), United Quest℠ Card (Rates & Fees), and United℠ Business Card (Rates & Fees)
