{"id":92706,"date":"2026-07-04T12:00:04","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T12:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=92706"},"modified":"2026-07-04T12:00:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T12:00:04","slug":"united-book-with-miles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/united-book-with-miles\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Book United Airlines Award Flights With MileagePlus Miles"},"content":{"rendered":"

The United Airlines MileagePlus program<\/a> is one of the most popular and easiest-to-use frequent flyer programs. There are many ways to earn miles, and finding and booking a United award flight is pretty straightforward.<\/p>\n

Today, we'll go over the basics of how United prices award flights. Then, we'll show you the step-by-step process for finding and booking award flights with United miles.<\/p>\n

How Much Do United Award Flights Cost?<\/span><\/h2>\n

United uses a dynamic pricing model<\/a>, meaning the prices to book a United award flight can change from day to day. In other words, there's no fixed award chart for flights United operates.<\/p>\n

Take a look at the picture below, and you'll see that a flight from San Francisco to New York costs 15,000 one day, 19,400 another day, and 27,700 a different day.<\/p>\n

\"United
Screenshot of United<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

This is important to remember when looking to book award flights with United. You can save a lot of miles if you're flexible with your dates! Thankfully, United's seven-day and 30-day award calendars make it easy to spot the cheapest travel dates.<\/p>\n

Cardmember benefits<\/span><\/h3>\n

MileagePlus Premier members and qualified MileagePlus Chase Cardmembers are eligible for exclusive award space<\/a> and award travel discounts of at least 10%. I've even seen discounts as high as 60%. So, being a United cardmember<\/a> has valuable benefits worth considering.<\/p>\n

\"United
Screenshot of United<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

Partner award rates<\/span><\/h3>\n

When it comes to booking an award flight on a partner airline, prices can be all over the place. It depends on dates, times, connections, which partner airline, and more. To provide some clarity, we have compiled an unofficial United award chart<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How to Book United Award Flights Using Miles<\/span><\/h2>\n

Now it's time to book your award flight. If you've earned United miles through flights or a co-branded credit card, they'll already be in your MileagePlus account.<\/p>\n

When transferring points from a flexible rewards program, make sure to confirm award availability before transferring, as transfers can't be reversed.<\/p>\n

To book an award flight, log in to your MileagePlus account. Then, click “Book” and fill out the search information. Make sure to select “Book with miles.” When you've filled all of that out, click “find flights.”<\/p>\n

\"United's
Screenshot of United<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

The next screen shows all of your flight options. At this point, we suggest either using the seven-day calendar across the top or clicking the 30-day calendar in the upper left to show the surrounding dates and prices. This is very helpful if you're able to adjust your dates to save some miles. Next, select both your departing and returning flights (if it's a round-trip booking).<\/p>\n

\"Search
Screenshot of United<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

After selecting your flights, enter all of your personal information. Make sure that your MileagePlus number is included. You can also include your TSA PreCheck<\/a> information (if you have it) and any travel requests.<\/p>\n

Finally, you will see a cost breakdown and be able to pay for your flight. When you pay the award taxes and fees, don't forget to use a card offering travel insurance benefits<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"A
Screenshot of United<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

How to Earn United MileagePlus Miles<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before you can book a United award flight, you need to earn United miles. To do that, start by signing up for a free United MileagePlus account. This is where all of your United miles live, so you can use them to book award flights.<\/p>\n

There are several ways to earn United miles, including:<\/p>\n