I have sky miles from United Airlines, but how do they calculate them?

Question

I tried to call United, but was on hold for awhile, and was wondering if anyone else has ever redeemed miles or knew how they work. I thought I'd have enough to go and see my family in the midwest, but when I was pulling up flight schedules, I'm waaaay short! lol Also, with gas prices rising the way they are, is there any hidden costs or fees? Just curious.

Answer 1

I agree with the other post, go to United Airlines website, and look it up on there.  That will give you more detailed info on how it actually works.  If you have say 500 miles, it doesn't mean you can get a plane ticket to somewhere that is 500 miles away.

Answer 2

It is usually 25,000 to redeem a free ticket with United.  I think it is 40,000 if you choose a blackout date.  I have redeemed airline miles before and the thing is that airlines only block off a few seats for those who are redeeming their miles for a free flight.  Therefore you have to be flexible and reserve your seat in advance.  If you cash your miles in for a free flight, you are still responsible for airport fees, taxes, etc.  Depending on how short you are, you can purchase miles with United or if you use their partner services, you can also receive United Airline miles.  For example when I send flowers using FTD, I give them my United Mileage Plus account number and they give me a certain number of miles for each dollar I spend.  Also if you rent a car or stay at a hotel, you can earn United mileage.

Answer 3

As a general principle, airlines award points based on the distance you travel.. how many miles you have flown.  Each airline has a different method for accruing and redeeming points.

Your best bet is to go to the United Airlines web site, click on the skymiles icon, and a page should open that will explain the program in detail, as well as give you information as to how many points you need to travel certain distances. You can also enter your member number and create a password so you can check your present point accrual with a bit more accuracy.

Some airlines have been offering the use of a combination of a certain amount of points and cash to purchase tickets. United doesn't fly to where I live (Pacific Island of Guam), so I don't really know if that program may be offered by them right now. Again, your best bet is to jump on the United Air web site and get information straight from the horses mouth.

Good luck.