United Airlines' MileagePlus program is a cornerstone of the Star Alliance and a popular choice for travelers worldwide. When it comes to mileage expiration, United offers a simple and highly beneficial policy for its members.

United MileagePlus Miles Expiration Policy

United implemented a very member-friendly change: MileagePlus miles do not expire.

Previously, miles were subject to expiration after a period of inactivity. However, United eliminated mileage expiration, meaning that as long as your MileagePlus account remains open and in good standing, your miles will remain valid indefinitely. You do not need to worry about earning or redeeming miles periodically just to keep them active.

This policy provides significant flexibility, allowing members to save miles for long-term goals without the pressure of meeting activity requirements.

Other Reasons Why You Might Lose United Miles

While United miles don’t expire, your account could still be closed under certain conditions:

  • Death or inactivity: If a member passes away or stops responding to account communications, United may deactivate the account and remove rewards.
  • Violating program rules: Breaking fare rules, the contract of carriage, or program terms can result in forfeiture of miles.
  • Fraud or prohibited conduct: Any fraudulent activity or violation of applicable laws can cause an account to be shut down.
  • Closing your account: If you request your account to be closed, any unused miles will be lost.

How to Earn More United MileagePlus Miles

Earning miles is easy, especially given United’s wide range of partners.

Flying United and partners

You earn miles on United flights and on Star Alliance airlines, including: Aegean, Air Canada, ANA, Asiana, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, and many more.

United also partners outside Star Alliance with airlines like Aer Lingus, Emirates, Hawaiian Airlines, Virgin Australia, and Vistara.

Mileage earning depends on your status:

  • General members: 5 miles per dollar
  • Premier Silver: 7 miles per dollar
  • Premier Gold: 8 miles per dollar
  • Premier Platinum: 9 miles per dollar
  • Premier 1K: 11 miles per dollar

Hotels, rentals, and more

  • Book rooms through United Hotels, RocketMiles, or major chains like Marriott, Hyatt, IHG, and Wyndham.
  • Rent cars with Avis and Budget.
  • Earn through United Cruises, United Packages, or Villas of Distinction.
  • Other ways include Audience Rewards (Broadway tickets), surveys, energy bills with NRG/Reliant, and retail partners.

Shopping and dining

  • MileagePlus Shopping: Earn miles online at 1,100+ stores.
  • MileagePlus Dining: Earn up to 5 miles per dollar at participating restaurants.
  • MileagePlus X app: Buy e-gift cards, shop, or book last-minute hotels for up to 25 miles per dollar.

Redeeming United Miles

United offers many redemption options:

  • Flights: Book award tickets on United or partner airlines. Use Money + Miles if you don’t have enough miles.
  • Upgrades and extras: Pay for seat upgrades, baggage fees, Wi-Fi, or in-flight dining.
  • Lounge memberships: Use miles for United Club membership or TSA PreCheck fees.
  • Hotels, cars, cruises, and vacation packages: Redeem through United partners.
  • Shopping: Exchange for Apple products, gift cards, or merchandise.
  • Experiences: Use MileagePlus Exclusives to bid on or book concerts, sporting events, and special activities.

Official Policy

You can find confirmation of this policy in the official MileagePlus program rules:

Summary

United MileagePlus miles never expire, which makes them one of the most traveler-friendly rewards currencies out there. You can earn miles by flying, shopping, dining, booking hotels and cars, or using a co-branded credit card. Redemptions cover everything from flights and upgrades to hotels, cruises, merchandise, and experiences.

As long as you follow the rules and keep your account in good standing, your MileagePlus balance is safe — ready to save you money on your next big trip.

Disclaimer: Program terms and conditions can change, although United's policy of non-expiring miles has been a stated feature for some time. This guide is for informational purposes only.