Earning Skywards Miles just became more versatile thanks to Emirates’ partnership with United Airlines. This collaboration allows Emirates Skywards members to both accrue and redeem miles on flights operated by United Airlines and United Express. However, it’s important to understand the specifics to maximize your rewards. This guide will break down how you can benefit from the Emirates Flight Partners United Airlines, ensuring you make the most of your Skywards membership.
Earning Skywards Miles on United Airlines Flights
When flying with United Airlines or United Express, you can grow your Skywards Miles balance. It’s crucial to note that this earning opportunity applies specifically to flights operated by United Airlines and United Express. Codeshare flights operated by other airlines but marketed under a United code are not eligible for Skywards Miles accrual.
The number of Skywards Miles you earn depends on both the fare type and booking class of your United Airlines flight. Below are the accrual levels for Skywards members:
Accrual Levels for Skywards Members on United Airlines Operated Flights
| Fare type | Booking Class | Skywards Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Full Fare Business | J, C | 150% |
| Business | D, Z | 125% |
| Deep Discount Business | P | 110% |
| Premium Economy | O, A | 110% |
| Discount Premium Economy | R | 100% |
| Full Fare Economy | Y, B | 100% |
| Economy | M, E, U | 75% |
| Discount Economy | Q, V, W | 50% |
| Deep Discount Economy | S, T, L, K, G | 25% |
| Basic Economy | N | 10% |
*F, I , X are ineligible
Accrual Levels for Skywards Members on Emirates Marketed and United Airlines Operated Flights
For flights marketed by Emirates but operated by United Airlines, the accrual structure varies slightly:
| Fare type | Booking Class | Skywards Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Business Flex Plus | J | 150% |
| Business Flex Plus | C | 125% |
| Business Flex | I | 125% |
| Business Saver | O | 110% |
| Business Special | H | 110% |
| Premium Economy | W, E | 100% |
| Economy Flex Plus | Y | 75% |
| Economy Flex Plus | R | 50% |
| Economy Flex Plus | X | 50% |
| Economy Flex | B, M | 50% |
| Economy Flex | U, K | 25% |
| Economy Saver | T, L, Q | 25% |
| Economy Special | V | 25% |
*S, D, N, Z, P, G, F, A are ineligible
If you find that your Skywards Miles haven’t been credited for eligible flights taken within the last six months, you can easily claim missing miles by providing your flight details through the Live Chat service on the Emirates website.
Spending Skywards Miles on United Airlines Flights
Your accumulated Skywards Miles can also be used to book reward flights on United Airlines’ extensive network. Redemption starts from just 8,000 Miles for a one-way Economy Class ticket. For a round-trip flight, you’ll need to double the Miles required for a one-way journey.
Skywards Miles Required for One-Way Reward Flights on United Airlines
| Zone | One-way distance (miles) | Economy Class | Business Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0-250 | 8,000 | 17,500 |
| 2 | 251-500 | 8,000 | 25,000 |
| 3 | 501-1,000 | 12,000 | 35,000 |
| 4 | 1,001-2,000 | 18,000 | 50,000 |
| 5 | 2,001-3,000 | 22,000 | 65,000 |
| 6 | 3,001-4,000 | 26,000 | 77,500 |
| 7 | 4,001-5,000 | 32,000 | 92,500 |
| 8 | 5,001-6,000 | 38,000 | 105,000 |
| 9 | 6,001-7,000 | 44,000 | 125,000 |
| 10 | 7,001-15,000 | 54,000 | 145,000 |
Reward tickets are subject to availability and are valid only on flights operated by United Airlines or United Express displaying the flight code UA. The Skywards Miles values listed are for direct flights. If a direct flight isn’t available, you may need to redeem multiple rewards to reach your destination.
Remember these key conditions when spending your Skywards Miles on United Airlines:
- Reward flights can be booked as one-way or round-trip.
- Reward ticket coupons must be used in sequence.
- All flights need to be confirmed at the time of redemption; waitlists are not permitted.
- Reward tickets are valid for 12 months from the issue date, with a maximum stay of three months.
- Taxes, fuel surcharges, and other charges are not included in the reward values and must be paid separately.
- Adult and child reward tickets require the same number of Skywards Miles. Infant rewards are not available.
For comprehensive details on earning and spending Miles, and any further restrictions, please refer to the Emirates Skywards Program Rules. By understanding the Emirates flight partners program with United Airlines, you can effectively leverage your Skywards Miles for broader travel possibilities.
