United Airlines stands as a giant in the aviation industry, not just for its extensive route network, but also for its strategic partnerships. Understanding United Air Alliance Partners is key to unlocking a world of travel benefits, from earning and redeeming miles to enjoying elite status perks across a vast network of airlines. This guide delves into the intricacies of United’s partnerships, focusing particularly on its role within the Star Alliance, and how you can maximize these connections for a more rewarding travel experience.
Understanding United’s Partnership Ecosystem
United Airlines has cultivated a robust network of partners, categorized broadly into airline alliances and individual partnerships. These collaborations significantly expand your travel possibilities and enhance the value of the United MileagePlus program.
The Power of Star Alliance: Your Gateway to Global Travel
At the heart of United’s partnerships lies its membership in the Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline alliance. This powerhouse network brings together 25 leading airlines, offering seamless connections to over 1,150 destinations across 189 countries. For travelers, Star Alliance membership means:
- Expanded Destinations: Access to destinations worldwide, far beyond United’s own route map.
- Mileage Earning and Redemption: Earn United MileagePlus miles when flying with any Star Alliance partner and redeem miles for award flights across the alliance.
- Elite Status Recognition: United Premier status holders are granted Star Alliance elite status, unlocking reciprocal benefits like lounge access, priority check-in, and extra baggage allowance when flying with any Star Alliance carrier.
Here are the esteemed airlines that form the United Air Alliance Partners within the Star Alliance:
- Aegean Airlines
- Air Canada
- Air China
- Air India
- Air New Zealand
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- Asiana Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Avianca
- Brussels Airlines
- Copa Airlines
- Croatia Airlines
- EgyptAir
- Ethiopian Airlines
- EVA Air
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Scandinavian Airlines
- Shenzhen Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- South African Airways
- SWISS
- TAP Air Portugal
- Thai Airways International
- Turkish Airlines
Airplane flying in the sky representing United Airlines Partners
Star Alliance Gold: Elevating Your Travel Experience
Achieving United Premier Gold status, or higher, automatically grants you Star Alliance Gold status. This coveted tier unlocks a suite of premium benefits across the entire Star Alliance network, designed to make your journey smoother and more comfortable. Star Alliance Gold benefits include:
- Priority Airport Check-in: Skip the regular queues and check-in at dedicated priority counters.
- Priority Baggage Handling: Ensure your bags are among the first to arrive at your destination.
- Airport Lounge Access: Relax and unwind in over 1,000 Star Alliance lounges worldwide, regardless of your class of service.
- Priority Boarding: Be among the first to board the plane and settle in.
- Extra Baggage Allowance: Enjoy additional baggage allowance beyond standard limits.
- Priority Reservations Waitlisting and Standby: Increase your chances of securing a seat on sold-out flights.
You can verify your Star Alliance status eligibility and explore the full range of benefits on the Star Alliance website.
Star Alliance status check webpage
Beyond Star Alliance: United’s Additional Airline Partners
United’s partnership strategy extends beyond the Star Alliance, encompassing bilateral agreements with select airlines globally. These partnerships provide even greater flexibility and access to unique destinations not served by United or its Star Alliance counterparts.
These non-alliance United Air Alliance Partners allow you to:
- Earn and Redeem Miles: Accrue United MileagePlus miles on eligible flights and redeem miles for award travel.
- Reach Niche Destinations: Access routes and cities served by partner airlines, expanding your travel horizons.
For instance, United’s partnership with Virgin Australia opens up destinations like Hobart, Australia, on a single United itinerary, allowing you to earn miles for the entire journey. While benefits may vary compared to Star Alliance partners, these collaborations are invaluable for extending United’s reach.
Hotel and Car Rental Partners: Earning Miles on the Ground
United MileagePlus isn’t just about flights. The program extends to partnerships with a wide array of hotel chains and car rental companies, enabling you to earn miles for every aspect of your travel journey.
Hotel Partners:
United collaborates with numerous hotel brands, spanning over 15,000 properties worldwide. By booking stays with these partners and associating your MileagePlus number, you can earn miles on your hotel expenses. Earning rates and specific benefits can vary by hotel chain and brand.
Car Rental Partners:
For ground transportation needs, United partners with leading car rental agencies:
- Avis
- Budget
Renting with these partners and providing your MileagePlus number allows you to accumulate miles on your car rentals.
Strategic Transfer Partners: Boosting Your MileagePlus Balance
United MileagePlus further enhances its value through partnerships with key transfer programs, offering flexible pathways to accumulate miles. These programs allow you to convert your rewards points into MileagePlus miles, accelerating your journey to award flights.
United’s primary transfer partners are:
- Bilt Rewards
- Chase Ultimate Rewards
These partnerships offer a 1:1 transfer ratio, meaning 1 point in the partner program converts to 1 United MileagePlus mile.
Comparing Redemption Value:
While transfer partners offer flexibility, it’s crucial to consider the redemption value within each program. Bankrate valuations (as of the article’s writing) illustrate the point values:
| Program | Bankrate Value** | Estimated value of 50,000 points/miles |
|---|---|---|
| United Airlines MileagePlus | 0.9 cents | $490 |
| Bilt Rewards | 2.1 cents | $1,050 |
| Chase Ultimate Rewards | 2.0 cents | $1,000 |
**Based on weighted average of median point/mile values across economy and first/business class fares for United Airlines MileagePlus, and based on an average of the issuer’s five highest-value transfer partners for Bilt Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards (if available).
Optimizing your point usage involves comparing redemption options. United’s Featured Awards page often highlights “sweet spots” where MileagePlus miles offer exceptional value.
For example, a flight from Washington D.C. to Accra, Ghana, might be significantly cheaper in miles when booked directly through United MileagePlus compared to transferring points from Bilt Rewards.
United Featured Awards page showcasing flight deals
Conversely, there are instances where utilizing transfer partners can be more advantageous. Booking a short-haul flight, like New York/Newark to Boston, might offer better value when redeemed through Chase Travel℠ using Chase Ultimate Rewards points, especially with cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Bilt Rewards example showing flight cost in points
Chase Travel℠ booking example for a flight
United MileagePlus booking example for the same flight showing different point cost
The key is to evaluate all options and choose the redemption method that provides the best value for your specific travel needs.
Maximizing MileagePlus Miles with Partners: Earning Strategies
Earning United MileagePlus miles through partners is straightforward:
1. Star Alliance Flights:
When booking flights with United Air Alliance Partners within Star Alliance, simply add your MileagePlus number during the booking process. This can usually be done in the passenger information section, as illustrated with this Air Canada booking example.
Entering MileagePlus number for Star Alliance partner flight
Mileage accrual varies based on booking channel. Bookings directly with United earn miles based on fare and MileagePlus status. Partner airline bookings typically earn miles based on flight distance and fare class.
Premier qualifying credits also vary for partner flights, impacting your progress towards elite status. Refer to United’s partner PQC page for detailed information.
Remember, loyalty points are not transferable between Star Alliance programs. Lufthansa Miles & More miles cannot be exchanged for United MileagePlus miles, for example.
2. Other Partner Flights:
Earning miles with non-Star Alliance partners involves a similar process. Ensure your MileagePlus number is added to your booking. Crediting processes can vary, so confirm with the partner airline during booking or contact their customer service.
3. Hotel Partners:
Earn miles with hotel partners by either linking your MileagePlus account to your hotel loyalty profile or by booking directly through United’s travel portal. Mileage earning rates depend on the hotel partner, spend, and length of stay. Review hotel partner benefits to optimize your earning strategy.
Credit Cards: Your MileagePlus Mile Accelerators
Co-branded United Airlines credit cards and flexible travel rewards cards are powerful tools for accumulating MileagePlus miles quickly.
United Co-branded Credit Cards:
These cards directly reward your spending with United miles and offer valuable travel perks. Consider these options:
- United℠ Explorer Card: Ideal for occasional United flyers. Earn miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels. Offers benefits like free checked bag and priority boarding.
United℠ Explorer Card image
- United Club℠ Infinite Card: Designed for frequent United travelers. Earns higher miles on United purchases and bonus miles on other travel categories. Provides United Club lounge access and Premier Access benefits.
United Club℠ Infinite Card image
- United℠ Business Card: Catered to small business owners. Earns bonus miles on business-related spending categories and offers travel perks.
United℠ Business Card image
Flexible Travel Credit Cards (Transfer Partners):
Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer Chase Ultimate Rewards points that transfer 1:1 to United MileagePlus, providing redemption flexibility.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: A versatile option for earning transferable points on dining, travel, and streaming services.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card image
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: A premium travel card with enhanced earning on travel and dining, plus lounge access and travel credits.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® image
Redeeming Miles with United and its Partners: Unlocking Award Travel
Redeeming your MileagePlus miles for award flights with United and its partners is simple:
- Visit United’s Website or App: Navigate to the United website or mobile app.
- Enter Flight Details: Input your origin, destination, travel dates, and number of passengers.
- Select “Book with Miles”: Check the “Book with miles” box to view award flight options.
The search results will display available award seats on United, Star Alliance partners, and other partner airlines. You can then book your flight directly using your miles.
United’s 30-day calendar feature helps you identify dates with the lowest mileage costs for flexible travel planning.
United's 30-day low cost calendar
Conclusion: Your Passport to Global Rewards with United Air Alliance Partners
United Airlines’ extensive network of United Air Alliance Partners, particularly within the Star Alliance, provides unparalleled opportunities to earn and redeem MileagePlus miles. By understanding and leveraging these partnerships, you can unlock a world of travel rewards, access a vast global network, and elevate your travel experiences. Remember to explore partner benefits for flights, hotels, car rentals, and credit card spending to maximize your MileagePlus journey.
*Information about the United℠ Explorer Card and United Club℠ Infinite Card has been collected independently by Bankrate. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about United Airlines Partners
- Beyond airlines, where else can I earn United miles? Hotel partners, rental car partners, and select retailers like FTD and Macy’s offer MileagePlus earning opportunities.
- How can I earn miles without flying? United co-branded credit cards, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards transfers, and the United Dining and Shopping programs are excellent ways to earn miles on everyday spending.
- Can I use United miles on Star Alliance airlines? Yes, United MileagePlus miles can be redeemed for award flights on many Star Alliance airlines, subject to availability. Redemptions must be booked through United’s website or app.
- Can United miles be used on non-Star Alliance partners? Yes, in some cases, United miles can be used to book flights with select non-Star Alliance partners like Virgin Australia, depending on availability and routes.
