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United often gives MileagePlus cardholders access to unique experiences that you can't otherwise buy. And another one is about to go on sale.
Beginning Friday, June 12, 2026, United MileagePlus cardholders can purchase tickets for a behind-the-scenes experience at the United Flight Training Center in Houston, Texas.
Here's what's included in the package, 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 credit cards, you’ll likely be eligible to purchase tickets once they launch:
- 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?
Behind-the-scenes tour of the Denver Airport
On July 29, 2026, United will host a behind-the-scenes tour of its Flight Attendant Training Center in Houston, Texas. MileagePlus cardholders can purchase up to two tickets for the event at a cost of 40,000 MileagePlus miles per ticket.
This experience includes the following:
- Welcome and introduction to Inflight Training
- Introduction to Flight Attendant classes, trainees, and instructors
- Evacuation and water landing demonstration
- Emergency door simulations
- 777 Service Cabin Trainer (Customer Service Module)
- Facility tour
- Snacks and lunch
- Complimentary parking
Tickets go on sale June 12, 2026, and will be available until sold out. While United hasn't specified an exact sale time, previous MileagePlus Cardmember experiences have opened at 9 a.m. ET. If you're interested, it's worth checking throughout the morning, as tickets are likely to sell out quickly.
All sales are final, and tickets are non-refundable. The package does 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 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 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
- 3X 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
$350Rates & Fees
- 4X miled per $1 spent on United® purchases*
- 5X miles per $1 spent at Renowned Hotels and Resorts
- 2X miles per $1 spent on all other travel
- 2X miles per $1 spent at restaurants
- 2X miles per $1 spent on select streaming services
- 1X mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
$150Rates & Fees
- 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: United℠ Explorer Card (Rates & Fees), United Quest℠ Card (Rates & Fees), and United℠ Business Card (Rates & Fees)
