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Update: Those went quick! Both events are now sold out.
United often gives MileagePlus cardholders access to unique experiences you can't otherwise pay for out of pocket. And two new packages were just made available for redemption: a behind-the-scenes tour of Denver Airport on November 6 and an exclusive maintenance tour in San Francisco on November 13.
Both events officially went on sale at 9 a.m. EST on October 10, and you’ll want to move quickly because tickets will sell out fast. Here’s how to snag yours.
Page Contents
Overview of United MileagePlus Experiences
United semi-regularly offers a handful of unique experiences that MileagePlus cardholders 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.
Attendees must meet the stated age requirements and complete a safety waiver, if required. Unless specified, travel and accommodations are not included. You will receive specific instructions about where and when to meet a couple of weeks before the event.
If you have any of the following United credit cards, you’ll likely be eligible to purchase tickets once they launch:
- The New United Gateway℠ Card
- The New United Quest℠ Card
- The New United℠ Explorer Card
- The New United Club℠ Card
- The New United℠ Business Card
Related: Which United Airlines Credit Card Is Right for You?
Behind-the-scenes tour of the Denver Airport
On November 6, 2025, United will host a behind-the-scenes tour of its operations at Denver International Airport. Cardholders can purchase up to two tickets for the event for 20,000 MileagePlus miles per ticket.
This experience includes the following:
- Welcome and introduction from a United Executive
- Facility tour, including a tour of the ramp operations, agent operations, baggage operations, and control tower operations
- Light breakfast items and lunch
- Gift bag
Tickets are available from 9 a.m. EST on October 10 until they sell out. All sales are final, and tickets are non-refundable. The package does not include airfare, accommodations, ground transportation, or anything not explicitly mentioned on the experience webpage.
Exclusive maintenance tour in San Francisco
On November 13, 2025, United will host an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of its maintenance facilities at San Francisco International Airport. Cardholders can purchase up to two tickets for the event for 20,000 MileagePlus miles per ticket.
This experience includes the following:
- Welcome and introduction from Director of Maintenance
- Safety briefing and overview of facility operations
- Access to the 737, engine of the 777, and the Boeing 787
- Light breakfast items and lunch
- Gift bag
Tickets are available from 9 a.m. EST on October 10 until they sell out. All sales are final, and tickets are non-refundable. The package does not include airfare, accommodations, ground transportation, or anything not explicitly mentioned on the experience webpage.
Top Off Your United MileagePlus Balance
If you're interested in booking one of these experiences 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 1.96¢ each. That means 20,000 miles for a ticket equates to about nearly $400 in value. If the experience feels worth it to you and you can make it to Denver or San Francisco 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:
- 2X miles per $1 spent on purchases from United®
- 2X miles per $1 spent on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
- 1X mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
- 5 miles per $1 spent at Renowned Hotels and Resorts
- 3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
- 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel
- 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants
- 2 miles per $1 spent on select streaming services
- 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
- 2x on United® purchases
- 2x on local transit and commuting — including train tickets, taxicabs, mass transit, tolls and ride share services
- 2x at gas stations, restaurants and office supply stores
- 1x on all other purchases
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: The New United℠ Explorer Card (Rates & Fees), The New United Quest℠ Card (Rates & Fees), and The New United℠ Business Card (Rates & Fees)
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