Yes, you can absolutely use your United MileagePlus miles to book flights for other people. This is a common and flexible feature of the MileagePlus program, allowing you to share the benefits of your earned miles with family, friends, or anyone else you wish to book travel for.
How United Miles Work for Others
United's MileagePlus program is designed to offer members significant flexibility when it comes to redeeming miles. Whether you're planning a trip for yourself or arranging travel for someone else, your accumulated miles can be put to good use.
This flexibility extends to various redemption methods, including Money + Miles. This payment option allows MileagePlus members to combine their miles with cash to purchase tickets. Importantly, Money + Miles can be used to buy tickets not just for yourself, but also for other individuals. This convenient feature is available for flights operated by United, United Express®, and select partner airlines, covering seats in every cabin, including Basic Economy on specific flights.
Practical Steps to Book a Flight for Someone Else
Booking a flight for another person using your United miles is straightforward, much like booking a flight for yourself. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Log In: Access your MileagePlus account on the United Airlines website or through their mobile app.
- Search for Flights: Enter the desired origin, destination, travel dates, and select the number of passengers. Ensure you choose the "Miles" or "Money + Miles" option when searching for award travel.
- Select Flights: Browse available flights and choose the one that best fits the travel plans and your mileage balance. The system will display the mileage cost, or the combination of miles and cash if using the Money + Miles option.
- Enter Passenger Details: During the booking process, you will be prompted to enter the passenger's information. This is where you'll input the name, date of birth, and contact details of the person you are booking the flight for. You do not need to add them to your MileagePlus account as a "travel companion" beforehand, although some programs offer that for ease of booking.
- Review and Confirm: Double-check all flight details and passenger information before finalizing the booking. The miles will be deducted from your account, and any co-pay (if applicable) will be charged to your payment method.
Benefits of Using Your Miles for Others
- Gifting Travel: It's an excellent way to gift travel experiences to loved ones without spending cash.
- Flexibility: You retain control over the booking process and can manage the reservation.
- No Restrictions: Generally, there are no limitations on the relationship between you and the passenger you are booking for, meaning you can book for anyone.
By utilizing your United miles, you can easily facilitate travel for others, making it a valuable asset for both personal and shared travel plans.
