United Airlines will reduce the number of frequent-flyer miles earned by most customers next year, shifting more rewards toward travellers who hold its co-branded credit cards, as US carriers deepen their reliance on loyalty revenue. The changes to United’s MileagePlus programme take effect on 2 April 2026 and mark the airline’s most significant overhaul in more than a decade.
Members earn miles when they fly, which they can later use to book flights or upgrade their seats. Until now, general members earned five miles per dollar spent on tickets. From April 2026, that rate will drop to three miles per dollar for those who do not have a United co-branded credit card. This means travellers without the card will collect miles more slowly than before.
Customers who hold a United credit card will see the opposite effect. General members with a card will earn six miles per dollar spent on eligible United flights. If they use their United card to pay for the ticket, they can earn even more miles, depending on the type of card they have. For example, holders of certain cards, such as the United Explorer card, can earn up to nine miles per dollar on ticket purchases. The airline also confirms that members can earn a maximum of 75,000 miles per ticket, and no miles are awarded on taxes and fees.
The changes also affect travellers with Premier status, which is for frequent flyers who travel often or spend more with United. These members will still earn extra miles compared with regular travellers. Those frequent flyers who also hold a United credit card will earn even more, giving them a bigger reward for their flights. Top-tier members using a premium card will benefit the most, but the exact numbers can vary depending on the card they hold.
Basic Economy tickets will be affected the most. As United’s lowest fare type, it comes with more restrictions, such as limited seat selection and boarding later in the process. From April 2026, general MileagePlus members without a United credit card will not earn any miles when booking Basic Economy. Cardholders will still earn three miles per dollar in this fare class. Premier members will also see lower earn rates in Basic Economy, although those with a card will receive higher rates than those without one.
The overhaul also changes how miles can be used. Eligible United cardholders will receive at least a 10% discount when booking award flights with miles. Premier members who also hold a United credit card will receive at least a 15% discount. For example, a ticket that previously cost 15,000 miles could drop to 13,500 miles for a cardholder without elite status. These discounts apply to flights operated by United or United Express and do not include taxes and fees.
Cardholders will also gain access to discounted Saver Award seats in long-haul Polaris business class. Polaris is United’s premium cabin on international routes, offering lie-flat seats and additional comfort. Previously, these lowest-priced business class award seats were mainly available to top-tier elite members. Under the new rules, MileagePlus members with a United credit card can also access this inventory. United says it will clearly display the discounted prices on its website so customers can see how much they save by holding a card.
The update comes as airlines focus more on rewarding spending rather than distance flown. About a decade ago, major US carriers changed their loyalty programmes to base rewards on money spent instead of miles travelled. Other airlines such as American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have also limited mileage earning on Basic Economy fares. United says it has been working on these changes for around 18 months. The airline hopes the new structure will make its credit cards more attractive in a competitive travel rewards market.
