{"id":150861,"date":"2024-02-19T22:00:09","date_gmt":"2024-02-19T22:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=150861"},"modified":"2024-03-06T16:53:46","modified_gmt":"2024-03-06T16:53:46","slug":"book-united-award-flights-through-lifemiles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/avianca-lifemiles\/book-united-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"Save Miles by Booking United Award Flights Through LifeMiles"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Ever since the move to dynamic award pricing, United's award costs have been all over the map. Sometimes, you can find great deals, but often I'm looking at routes where 15,000 miles is the minimum price. Enter LifeMiles, my go-to currency for short hops on United Airlines. I find that I can consistently save if I book United flights with LifeMiles instead of MileagePlus.<\/p>\n<p>It's not the answer in every situation, but it has been common enough that I want to highlight the usefulness of keeping a stash of LifeMiles on hand. The program has some quirks, though, that you should be aware of. But savings for certain United itineraries are often worth the trouble.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#LifeMiles_Basics\">LifeMiles Basics<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Book_United_Flights_With_LifeMiles_How_To_Find_Value\">Book United Flights With LifeMiles: How To Find Value<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Comparing_MileagePlus_to_LifeMiles\">Comparing MileagePlus to LifeMiles<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Within_LifeMiles_Region_1_Phoenix_to_Seattle_last_minute\">Within LifeMiles Region 1: Phoenix to Seattle last minute<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Region_1_nonstop_Ski_in_Jackson_Hole_for_7500_miles_each_way\">Region 1 nonstop: Ski in Jackson Hole for 7,500 miles each way<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Region_3_regional_itinerary_Roanoke_VA_to_Portland_ME\">Region 3 regional itinerary: Roanoke, VA to Portland, ME<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Select_short_hops_for_6500_LifeMiles\">Select short hops for 6,500 LifeMiles<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#When_Not_To_Book_United_Flights_With_LifeMiles\">When Not To Book United Flights With LifeMiles<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"LifeMiles_Basics\">LifeMiles Basics<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you're not familiar with the LifeMiles currency, consult our <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/avianca-lifemiles\/avianca-lifemiles-sweet-spots\/\" rel=\"noopener\">LifeMiles program overview and some sweet spots it holds<\/a>. LifeMiles is the award currency of Avianca, a major carrier based in Colombia, with substantial operations in other countries in Central and South America. The airline is a Star Alliance member.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_141144\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-141144 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Sam-Lopez-Unsplash-Avianca-wing-over-San-Francisco-featured-300x240.jpg\" alt=\"an Avianca plane wing seen from the plane window while flying over San Francisco\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Sam-Lopez-Unsplash-Avianca-wing-over-San-Francisco-featured-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Sam-Lopez-Unsplash-Avianca-wing-over-San-Francisco-featured-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Sam-Lopez-Unsplash-Avianca-wing-over-San-Francisco-featured-325x260.jpg 325w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Sam-Lopez-Unsplash-Avianca-wing-over-San-Francisco-featured.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Sam Lopez\/Unsplash<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>You can earn LifeMiles by transferring any of multiple bank currencies to the program, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">American Express Membership Rewards<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/bilt-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Bilt Rewards<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/brex-rewards-guide\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Brex Cash Rewards<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/capital-one-transfer-partners\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Capital One miles<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/citi-thankyou-rewards\/citi-transfer-partners\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Citi ThankYou<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/hotels\/marriott-bonvoy\/marriott-transfer-partners\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Marriott Bonvoy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With plenty of transfer options, accumulating LifeMiles shouldn't be hard. But you'll need to know a few key things before you redeem them. First, the program has a non-refundable award redemption fee. This is usually $25 but is as low as $10 for some awards. Second, it is one of the least flexible currencies when it comes to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/award-ticket-change-and-cancellation-policies\/\" rel=\"noopener\">award changes and cancellations<\/a>. Changes are $150 in every instance. Cancellations range from $50 to $200. The $50 fee applies to domestic United tickets.<\/p>\n<p>One cool aspect of LifeMiles is that the currency<strong> does not<\/strong> pass on carrier surcharges. This makes them an excellent option for carriers with egregious extra fees (looking at you, Lufthansa). But LifeMiles also is useful for booking awards with United, a carrier that does not levy any surcharges.<\/p>\n<p>I use LifeMiles often enough that they are one of the few currencies where I keep a small stash of miles and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/travel\/speculatively-transfer-points-bonus\/\" rel=\"noopener\">speculatively transfer points when transfer bonuses are offered<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_136480\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-136480 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-economy-cabin-300x240.jpeg\" alt=\"United economy cabin seats\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-economy-cabin-300x240.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-economy-cabin-768x614.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-economy-cabin-325x260.jpeg 325w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/United-economy-cabin.jpeg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>United economy isn't glamorous, but it's often a good use of LifeMiles. Photo Credit: United Airlines<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Book_United_Flights_With_LifeMiles_How_To_Find_Value\">Book United Flights With LifeMiles: How To Find Value<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Unlike many award currencies with region-based award pricing, LifeMiles breaks the continental United States up into three regions. Prices within a region are cheaper than across regions. And, just to be quirky, the prices within and across regions aren't 100% consistent, depending on the route. The table below displays what the prices should be, but some routes are slightly different.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the defined regions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Region 1:<\/strong> Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia<\/li>\n<li><strong>Region 2:<\/strong> Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin<\/li>\n<li><strong>Region 3:<\/strong> Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It's the pricing within each region I want to focus on. United has a dynamic pricing model, but these awards often have a floor of 15,000 <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/\" rel=\"noopener\">MileagePlus<\/a> miles, unless that cash price is especially low.\u00a0 You can usually book these flights for just 7,500 LifeMiles, which is an excellent deal.<\/p>\n<p>I also want to highlight using LifeMiles for flights within the coming two or three weeks. United often releases award seats at saver level (X-class fare in economy, I-class fare in business\/first) where before there wasn't much inventory. This is important, as you can only book United flights with LifeMiles when saver-level award space is availa le.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Comparing_MileagePlus_to_LifeMiles\">Comparing MileagePlus to LifeMiles<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Now, let's walk through several real-world comparisons to see how much you can save if you book through LifeMiles rather than through MileagePlus for a United flight. I highlight routes where the cash cost of flights is typically high, so you'll want to book an award in most cases.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Within_LifeMiles_Region_1_Phoenix_to_Seattle_last_minute\">Within LifeMiles Region 1: Phoenix to Seattle last minute<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Although United has a decent price of 15,000 MileagePlus miles for this last-minute ticket, you can book it for half that using LifeMiles. Fares between the two cities just a couple days out cost over $300 one-way on mainline carriers. At the time of writing, I'm looking just two days out, and this economy ticket would get you just over 4 cents per mile using LifeMiles.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_151030\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/310\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-151030 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-phx-sea-award-300x124.png\" alt=\"a United award fare being discussed\" width=\"750\" height=\"310\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-phx-sea-award-300x124.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-phx-sea-award-1024x423.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-phx-sea-award-768x317.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-phx-sea-award.png 1148w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>United is asking 15,000 miles. Credit: United<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>However, the cost is significantly lower with LifeMiles:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_151029\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/300\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-151029 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-phx-sea-300x120.png\" alt=\"booking the flight through LifeMiles, as discussed\" width=\"750\" height=\"300\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-phx-sea-300x120.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-phx-sea-1024x409.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-phx-sea-768x307.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-phx-sea.png 1477w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>The same award using LifeMiles. Credit: LifeMiles<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Region_1_nonstop_Ski_in_Jackson_Hole_for_7500_miles_each_way\">Region 1 nonstop: Ski in Jackson Hole for 7,500 miles each way<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This is another one-way deal within U.S. Region 3.\u00a0 The same flight is currently going for $236.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_151034\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/314\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-151034 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-sfo-jac-300x126.png\" alt=\"15k miles for this United flight\" width=\"750\" height=\"314\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-sfo-jac-300x126.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-sfo-jac-1024x429.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-sfo-jac-768x322.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-sfo-jac.png 1149w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>The 15,000-mile price is the floor for most Saver United awards. Credit: United<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Rather than pay 15,000 United miles for this nonstop, you can get it for 7,500 LifeMiles.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_151033\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/109\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-151033 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-sfo-jac-300x44.png\" alt=\"7500 LifeMiles for the same booking\" width=\"750\" height=\"109\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-sfo-jac-300x44.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-sfo-jac-1024x149.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-sfo-jac-768x112.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-sfo-jac.png 1502w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Again, use LifeMiles to save on this route. Credit: LifeMiles<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Region_3_regional_itinerary_Roanoke_VA_to_Portland_ME\">Region 3 regional itinerary: Roanoke, VA to Portland, ME<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>I highlight this route for two reasons. First, it's an example of regional-to-regional airport travel where you can book United flights with LifeMiles for great value. Second, this itinerary connects in Chicago O'Hare (ORD), which is in LifeMiles Region 2, although the origin and destination are both within Region 3.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_151037\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/325\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-151037 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-roa-pwm-300x130.png\" alt=\"The United award being discussed\" width=\"750\" height=\"325\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-roa-pwm-300x130.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-roa-pwm-1024x444.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-roa-pwm-768x333.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-roa-pwm.png 1153w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Again, you'll see a price of 15,000 United miles if Saver availability exists.<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_151036\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/349\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-151036 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-roa-pwm-300x139.png\" alt=\"Booking the same itinerary using LifeMiles\" width=\"750\" height=\"349\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-roa-pwm-300x139.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-roa-pwm-1024x476.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-roa-pwm-768x357.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-roa-pwm.png 1493w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Save on United regional itineraries with connections like this one using LifeMiles. Credit: LifeMiles<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Select_short_hops_for_6500_LifeMiles\">Select short hops for 6,500 LifeMiles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Select short hops cost just 6,500 LifeMiles \u2014 versus whatever United is charging \u2014 as long as there is saver space. I've positioned to San Francisco several times to connect to a separate award ticket for this dirt-cheap price. There are a good number of routes where you'll see the 6,500-mile price. These are all short nonstops, mostly within the U.S. \u2014 although some Canadian routes feature as well.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_151035\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/109\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-151035 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-united-acv-sfo.png\" alt=\"short United flight priced using LifeMiles\" width=\"750\" height=\"109\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-united-acv-sfo.png 1496w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-united-acv-sfo-300x44.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-united-acv-sfo-1024x149.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/lifemiles-united-acv-sfo-768x111.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Look for short nonstops for just 6,500 LifeMiles. These are sometimes expensive regional routes. Credit: LifeMiles<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>This particular route never drops below $150 one-way. And it often goes for over twice that.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/avianca-lifemiles\/shorthaul-united-awards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">112 United Award Routes That You Can Book for Just 6,500 Miles<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"When_Not_To_Book_United_Flights_With_LifeMiles\">When Not To Book United Flights With LifeMiles<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Avoid using United miles for routes where cash prices are low. For many of these, United will drop its award price to less than what LifeMiles charges. And even then, consider whether you want to use miles at all. For this San Francisco (SFO) to Los Angeles (LAX) route, I'd opt to save my miles and buy a ticket with cash.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_151038\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/252\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-151038 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-saver-sfo-lax-300x101.png\" alt=\"The United award being discussed\" width=\"750\" height=\"252\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-saver-sfo-lax-300x101.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-saver-sfo-lax-1024x345.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-saver-sfo-lax-768x258.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/united-saver-sfo-lax.png 1147w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Don't be fooled by the 6,200-mile award price. The same ticket is available for $76 cash. Credit: United<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>It comes down to some key ideas to remember for booking United flights with LifeMiles within the United States:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Use the LifeMiles U.S. award chart to your advantage by booking flights within a single region when possible, as these should price at 7,500 LifeMiles.<\/li>\n<li>Look for regional-to-regional routes where cash prices are always high. These are a good candidate for using LifeMiles, assuming there is Saver space.<\/li>\n<li>Consider using LifeMiles for last-minute fares where United may open up Saver award space while keeping cash prices high.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid United routes where cash prices are low. You'll often see low award prices with MileagePlus miles, and the value will be poor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>LifeMiles can be an incredible tool for booking United flights. I find this program's greatest value is in booking regional United flights within the U.S. on routes where cash prices are typically high and United has prices starting at 15,000 miles. I've also gotten great value when I use LifeMiles for last-minute United tickets.<\/p>\n<p>The examples above just scratch the surface. There are plenty of other routes where you should book United flights with LifeMiles. What I hope to illustrate are a few of the key ideas that should help you get the most out of your miles.<\/p>\n<p>I've found less great use for LifeMiles booking United internationally, although there can be great value here as well. Given that LifeMiles doesn't pass along fuel surcharges, I find that I end up using these miles to book partner airlines more often than not. United doesn't charge fuel surcharges anyway, and the MileagePlus saver business-class pricing to Europe is competitive enough with LifeMiles \u2014 and you have to factor in award ticket flexibility.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>LifeMiles has been my go-to currency for booking select United flights within the U.S. As a Star Alliance member, you can book any United flight with Avianca LifeMiles that has space available for partners. But there are some idiosyncrasies of the LifeMiles program that make it especially good for booking short flights within the continental United States.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51,"featured_media":70875,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"","_twitter_share_type":"","_linkedin_share_type":"","_pinterest_share_type":"","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"","_medium_share_type":"","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[12068],"tags":[12775,12629],"coauthors":[36394],"class_list":["post-150861","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-award-programs","tag-avianca-lifemiles","tag-using-points"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<title>Save Miles by Booking United Award Flights Through LifeMiles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Book United flights with LifeMiles for certain itineraries within the U.S. to save significantly. Here&#039;s what you need to know.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/avianca-lifemiles\/book-united-awards\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Save Miles by Booking United Award Flights Through LifeMiles\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Book United flights with LifeMiles for certain itineraries within the U.S. to save significantly. 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