United Airlines stands as a giant in the aviation industry, not just for its extensive flight network, but also for its robust ecosystem of partners. For savvy travelers, understanding and leveraging these United Alliance Partners can unlock a world of opportunities to earn and redeem miles, elevate travel experiences, and reach destinations across the globe. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, United’s MileagePlus program, bolstered by its diverse partnerships, offers a powerful way to make your travel dreams a reality.
This guide serves as your roadmap to navigating the landscape of United’s partnerships. We’ll explore the crucial role of united alliance partners, including the expansive Star Alliance network, alongside other key collaborators in airlines, hotels, car rentals, and financial services. By understanding how to strategically earn and redeem United MileagePlus miles with these partners, you can significantly enhance your travel value and unlock premium travel perks.
Decoding United’s Star Alliance Partners
United Airlines is a foundational member of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline alliance. This powerful network encompasses 26 leading airlines, collectively offering flights to over 1,200 airports in 195 countries. For MileagePlus members, this translates to unparalleled access and earning potential across a vast international network. Flying with united alliance partners within Star Alliance allows you to accumulate miles and Premier qualifying credits, accelerating your journey to elite status and unlocking a range of benefits.
Here are United’s Star Alliance partners:
- 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
Unlocking Star Alliance Gold Status Benefits
Achieving Premier Gold status with United not only elevates your experience on United flights but also automatically grants you Star Alliance Gold status. This coveted status extends a suite of premium benefits across all united alliance partners within the network, making international travel smoother and more enjoyable.
Star Alliance Gold benefits include:
- Priority Airport Check-in: Skip the regular lines and access dedicated check-in counters.
- Priority Baggage Handling: Ensure your luggage is among the first to arrive at your destination.
- Airport Lounge Access: Relax and recharge in over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide, regardless of your class of service.
- Priority Boarding: Be among the first to board, allowing ample time to settle in.
- Extra Baggage Allowance: Travel with more luggage without incurring extra fees.
- Priority Reservations Waitlisting and Standby: Increase your chances of securing a seat on your desired flight, even if it’s fully booked.
These benefits can significantly enhance your travel experience, especially on multi-leg international journeys involving united alliance partners. Interestingly, elite status with any Star Alliance member airline can potentially qualify you for Star Alliance status. You can easily verify your eligibility on the Star Alliance website.
Check your status on the Star Alliance website
Expanding Horizons with Other United Airline Partners
Beyond the Star Alliance, United strategically partners with additional airlines globally. These united alliance partners expand United’s reach to destinations not directly served by United or its Star Alliance counterparts, providing MileagePlus members with even greater flexibility and earning opportunities.
For instance, United’s partnership with Virgin Australia opens up destinations within Australia and beyond, allowing you to seamlessly book itineraries and earn miles on routes that might otherwise be inaccessible within the Star Alliance network. While benefits may vary with these non-Star Alliance partners, the core advantage remains: the ability to accrue United MileagePlus miles and access a wider spectrum of destinations when traveling with united alliance partners. Keep in mind that services like mobile boarding passes or priority customer service might not always be consistently available across all non-Star Alliance partners.
Hotel Partners: Earning Miles on the Ground
United’s partnership network extends beyond the skies to encompass a wide array of hotel chains. These united alliance partners provide another avenue to accumulate MileagePlus miles simply by booking accommodations. With a vast global footprint spanning over 15,000 properties, United’s hotel partners likely have a location to suit your travel needs, wherever you go.
Earning miles with hotel partners is typically straightforward. You can often earn miles by:
- Linking your MileagePlus account: Connect your United MileagePlus account with your hotel loyalty program account to automatically earn miles on eligible stays.
- Booking through United’s travel portal: Utilize the United Hotels portal to book your stays and ensure mile accrual.
The number of miles earned can vary based on the hotel chain, brand, spending amount, and length of stay. For example, you might earn a fixed number of miles per stay at certain brands, while others may offer miles per dollar spent. It’s always wise to review the specific earning rates and benefits for each hotel partner to maximize your mile earnings based on your accommodation preferences.
Car Rental Partners: Miles on the Road
Completing the travel ecosystem, United partners with leading car rental companies, offering yet another convenient way to earn MileagePlus miles. These united alliance partners ensure that you can continue accumulating miles even after you’ve landed and checked into your hotel.
United’s car rental partners include:
- Avis
- Budget
Earning miles with these partners is generally as simple as including your MileagePlus number when booking your rental. Check United’s partner pages for specific earning details and potential bonus mile promotions.
Strategic Transfer Partners: Amplifying Your MileagePlus Balance
For those looking to rapidly boost their MileagePlus mile balance, United partners with key transfer programs: Bilt Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards. These united alliance partners offer a powerful mechanism to convert points earned from everyday spending into valuable United miles, bringing your next award flight closer within reach.
Both Bilt Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards offer a 1:1 transfer ratio to United MileagePlus. This means that 1,000 Bilt Points or Chase Ultimate Rewards points convert to 1,000 United MileagePlus miles.
As of the latest Bankrate valuations, the estimated values of these points are:
| 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).
While these valuations provide a general guide, the true value of miles and points can fluctuate based on redemption options and specific travel needs. It’s crucial to compare redemption options across partners to ensure you’re maximizing value.
However, United MileagePlus often presents unique “sweet spots” that can significantly enhance the value of your miles. For example, United’s Featured Awards page showcases discounted award flights, often offering exceptional redemption rates.
Consider the example of a flight from Washington D.C. to Accra, Ghana. United MileagePlus might offer an economy ticket for 45,000 miles one-way through Featured Awards.
Screenshot of United offers its Featured Awards page
Booking the same flight through Bilt Rewards might require 95,000 points, highlighting the superior value of transferring to United MileagePlus in this instance.
Screenshot example from Built Rewards
Conversely, there are scenarios where utilizing external partners might be more advantageous. For instance, a flight from New York/Newark to Boston might present a better value when booked through Chase Travel℠ using a Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, where points can be redeemed at 1.5 cents per point.
Screenshot of deal on Chase Travel℠
The same flight on United.com might require 7,000 United miles, potentially representing a lower redemption value in this specific case.
Screenshot of same flight offered for 7k United miles
Ultimately, strategic transfer partnerships provide flexibility, but always compare redemption values across platforms to identify the most rewarding option for your specific travel goals. Featured Awards on United can be a valuable resource for uncovering exceptional redemption opportunities.
Maximizing Mile Accrual with United Partners
Earning miles with united alliance partners is a fundamental aspect of maximizing your MileagePlus membership. Here’s a breakdown of how to effectively accrue miles across different partner categories:
Earning Miles with Star Alliance Flights
Crediting flights from united alliance partners within Star Alliance to your MileagePlus account is a seamless process. Simply provide your MileagePlus number during the booking process. This field is typically found within the passenger information section, as illustrated in this Air Canada booking example.
Earn United MileagePlus miles on Star Alliance partner flights by entering your MileagePlus number at the time of booking
The mileage accrual rate can vary depending on the booking method. Tickets purchased directly through United generally earn miles based on the fare and your MileagePlus status. Flights booked through partner airlines usually award miles based on the flight distance and fare class.
For those pursuing Premier status with United, it’s important to note that Premier-qualifying credits may vary for partner flights, and not all partner tickets are eligible for Premier-qualifying points. Refer to United’s partner page for detailed information on Premier-qualifying credits with specific partners.
Remember that each Star Alliance airline operates its own distinct rewards program. Points or miles earned within one program are not transferable to another. For instance, Lufthansa Miles & More miles cannot be directly converted to United MileagePlus miles.
Earning Miles with Other Airline and Hotel Partners
Earning miles with United’s non-Star Alliance airline and hotel united alliance partners follows similar principles. For airline partners, ensure your MileagePlus number is included during booking. For hotel partners, either link your accounts or book through United’s travel portal. Earning rates and specific procedures may vary, so always verify the details with the respective partner or United’s partner pages.
Top Credit Cards to Accelerate Your MileagePlus Earnings
Credit cards are powerful tools for accelerating your MileagePlus mile accumulation. United co-branded airline credit cards and flexible travel credit cards that transfer to United offer distinct advantages.
United co-branded cards directly earn MileagePlus miles on purchases and often come with valuable United-specific perks. Flexible travel cards, like those within the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, provide versatility and the option to transfer points to United and other partner programs.
Here are some recommended credit card options for earning United miles:
United℠ Explorer Card – Best for Occasional United Travelers
The United℠ Explorer Card is an excellent entry-level option for United loyalists. With a reasonable annual fee of $95 (waived the first year), it offers a solid earning structure and valuable travel benefits.
- Earning Rates:
- 2X miles on United purchases
- 2X miles on dining and hotel stays
- 1X miles on all other purchases
- Welcome Bonus: 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
- Key Perks: First checked bag free, up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, priority boarding, and two one-time-use United Club passes annually.
United Club℠ Infinite Card – Best for Frequent United Travelers
For frequent United flyers seeking premium perks, the United Club℠ Infinite Card is a top-tier choice, albeit with a higher annual fee of $525.
- Earning Rates:
- 4X miles on United purchases
- 2X miles on non-United travel, dining, and select delivery services
- 1X miles on all other purchases
- Welcome Bonus: 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months.
- Premium Perks: United Club lounge membership, United Premier Access (priority services), two free checked bags for you and a companion, and travel credits.
United℠ Business Card image
United℠ Business Card – Best for Small Business Owners
Small business owners who frequently fly United can benefit significantly from the United℠ Business Card. It carries a $99 annual fee (waived the first year) and offers business-centric benefits.
- Earning Rates:
- 2X miles on United purchases
- 2X miles on dining, gas stations, office supply stores, local transit, and commuting
- 1X miles on all other purchases
- Welcome Bonus: 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months.
- Business Perks: First checked bag free, $100 United travel credit (after 7 United purchases of $100+), and travel protection benefits.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card image
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Best for Flexibility
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers exceptional flexibility with Chase Ultimate Rewards points that transfer 1:1 to United MileagePlus, making it a versatile option for United travelers. It has a $95 annual fee.
- Earning Rates:
- 5X points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 5X total points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025)
- 5X total points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (up to 25,000 total points, through March 31, 2025)
- 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases
- 2X points on general travel purchases
- 1X points on all other purchases
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, plus up to $300 in statement credits for Chase Travel℠ purchases.
- Travel Perks: Annual $50 hotel credit and a 10% anniversary point bonus.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® image
Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Best for Premium Travel
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel card with a $550 annual fee, offering enhanced benefits and the same Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners, including United.
- Earning Rates:
- 10X points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025)
- 10X points on hotels, car rentals, and Chase Dining through Chase Travel℠
- 5X points on air travel booked through Chase Travel℠ (after $300 travel credit is used)
- 3X points on general travel (after $300 travel credit is used)
- 3X points on dining purchases
- 1X points on all other purchases
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
- Premium Benefits: Priority Pass Select lounge membership, $300 annual travel credit, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, and comprehensive travel protections.
Redeeming Miles with United Partners: Unlock Award Flights
Once you’ve accumulated a substantial MileagePlus balance, redeeming miles for award flights with united alliance partners becomes a rewarding experience. United’s website and mobile app provide user-friendly tools for searching and booking award travel.
To search for award flights:
- Visit United’s website or open the mobile app.
- Enter your departure and destination cities/airports, travel dates, number of passengers, and cabin class.
- Crucially, check the “Book with miles” box to display award flight options.
Use your United MileagePlus miles to book a flight on United’s site with its partners
The search results will showcase available award seats on United, Star Alliance united alliance partners, and other partner airlines. You can then select your desired flights and complete the booking using your MileagePlus miles.
United also offers a convenient 30-day calendar view to identify dates with the lowest mileage costs, providing flexibility in your travel planning.
United
The Bottom Line: Maximize Travel with United Alliance Partners
United Airlines’ extensive network of united alliance partners across airlines, hotels, car rentals, and financial institutions creates a powerful ecosystem for earning and redeeming MileagePlus miles. By strategically leveraging these partnerships, travelers can unlock a wider range of destinations, enhance travel experiences, and maximize the value of their miles.
Remember that booking United flights directly through United often yields the best redemption value for your miles. Furthermore, always explore partner benefits when booking hotels, renting cars, or shopping with partner retailers to continuously amplify your MileagePlus rewards over time.
*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, hotels, and rental cars, are there other ways to earn United MileagePlus miles with partners?
Yes, you can also earn miles with select retail partners like FTD and Macy’s, and through programs like United Dining and United Shopping. -
Can I earn United miles without flying?
Absolutely. You can earn miles through spending on United co-branded credit cards, transferring points from Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt Rewards, and participating in United Dining and shopping programs. -
Can I redeem United MileagePlus miles on Star Alliance airlines?
Yes, United allows mile redemptions on many Star Alliance united alliance partners. Award seat availability is required for partner bookings. United miles are not transferable to other airlines and are exclusively used for award options listed on United’s booking platform when “Book with miles” is selected. Availability with partner airlines is subject to change, so always verify on United’s website. -
Can United miles be used to book flights on non-Star Alliance partner airlines?
Yes, in certain instances, United miles can be used to book flights on non-Star Alliance united alliance partners such as Virgin Australia. Check United’s website for a complete list of partners and booking options.
**Quick citation guide**
**APA:** Essilfie, W. (2024, October 21). *Guide to United Airlines partners.* Bankrate. Retrieved February 23, 2025, from https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/united-airline-partners/
**MLA:** Essilfie, Will. "Guide to United Airlines partners." *Bankrate*. 21 October 2024, https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/united-airline-partners/.
**Chicago:** Essilfie, Will. "Guide to United Airlines partners." Bankrate. October 21, 2024. https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/united-airline-partners/.{width=1969 height=1969}
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[ Will Essilfie Arrow Right Icon ](https://www.bankrate.com/authors/will-essilfie/) Contributor, Personal Finance
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Will is a contributor at Bankrate and a lifelong aviation fanatic. He is interested in helping folks discover the world and fostering new communities on a budget using credit card points and other travel hacks. He is always conjuring new trip ideas on Google flights and sharing new commercial aviation facts with friends and anyone interested in listening.
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