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United often gives MileagePlus cardholders access to unique experiences that you can't otherwise buy. And three new experiences are about to go on sale.
Beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2026,
Here's what's included in the packages, how to snag 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 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
- United Gateway℠ Card
- United Quest℠ Card
- United℠ Explorer Card
- United Club℠ Card
- United℠ Business Card
Related: Which United Airlines Credit Card Is Right for You?
Exclusive tour of United's operations at the Los Angeles Airport
On October 26, 2026, United will host a behind-the-scenes tour of its operations at the Los Angeles airport. MileagePlus cardholders can purchase up to two tickets for the event for 40,000 MileagePlus miles per ticket.
This experience includes the following:
- Welcome and introduction from United LAX operations leadership
- Behind-the-scenes facility tour, including a tour of the ramp operations, agent operations, station operations center, baggage operations, and more.
- Snacks and lunch
Tickets go on sale September 8, 2026, and will be available until sold out.
Behind-the-scenes tour of United's maintenance facilities in Houston
On October 29, 2026, United will host a behind-the-scenes tour of its maintenance facilities in Houston, Texas. Once again, MileagePlus cardholders can purchase up to two tickets for the event for 40,000 MileagePlus miles per ticket.
This experience includes the following:
- Welcome, background, and introduction to the Houston Maintenance Facilities in an intimate group of 10
- Tour of Hangar E, Hangar G, and the Hangar X Engine Build-Up shop
- Meet and greet with various Maintenance personnel
- Light snacks and lunch
- Complimentary parking
Tickets go on sale September 8, 2026, and will be available until sold out.
Go behind the scenes of United's Network Operations Center and Innovation Lab
On November 5, 2026, United will host a behind-the-scenes tour of its Network Operations Center and Innovation Lab in Chicago, Illinois. MileagePlus cardholders can purchase one package for the event (each package consists of two tickets), and bids start at 50,000 MileagePlus miles.
This experience includes the following:
- Behind-the-scenes tour of the Network Operations Center
- Behind-the-scenes tour of the Airshop Innovation Lab
- Exclusive Q&A and meet-and-greet with NOC and Airshop leadership
- Lunch
- Intimate group of 10 members
Bidding will begin on September 8, 2026. Only five packages are available, and bidding will close at 11:59 PM CT on September 22, 2026. It's hard to say how high the bidding will climb. Note that this event is not open to anyone who works for an airline.
General terms
While United doesn't normally specify the exact sale times, previous MileagePlus Cardmember experiences have opened at 9 a.m. ET. If you're interested in any of these experiences, it's worth checking throughout the morning, as tickets are likely to sell out quickly.
Note that all sales are final, and tickets are non-refundable. Packages do not include airfare, accommodations, ground transportation, or any other expenses not explicitly listed on the experience page.
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
AwardWallet readers typically redeem United miles at 2.09¢ each. That means 40,000 miles for a ticket equates to about nearly $800 in value. If the experience feels worth it to you and you can make it to Houston 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)
