United Airlines’ updated mileage award chart comes into effect tomorrow and for the most part, the changes are good. There are a few award regions that will see an increased mileage requirement, however, so it might be wise to book something tonight if you are heading to the Middle East or Northern Africa. As always, if you need help booking the UPGRD Award Concierge Service is standing by to meet your travel needs.
Back in March, UA provided only the following details about award redemption changes:
- We will lower the mileage requirement for domestic award trips that are less than 700 miles one way. OnePass members have enjoyed this benefit, and now Mileage Plus members can, too.
- Some destinations will be included in different regions. Most notably, Mexico will become its own region instead of being considered part of Central America, and Guam will be considered part of Oceania.
- Some United and Star Alliance™ Award amounts will change; however many popular award routes, including North America to the Caribbean, will remain the same.
- Some Mileage Plus Upgrade Award and Star Alliance™ Upgrade Award amounts will change.
Since then, we have received the updated award chart (which you can still compare to the current award chart) reflecting the changes that will be implemented tomorrow.
A few highlights to point out in addition to what is above:
- Economy class tickets from North America to Europe will jump from 27.5K to 30K miles each way, while business class tickets will drop from 52.5K to 50K each way.
- Africa will become a single region, meaning it will be cheaper to get to Central and Southern Africa but more expensive to get to get to Northern Africa.
- North America to the Middle East will go up in price 2.5K miles each way for economy and business class, but drop 2.5K miles each way for first class.
- A business class ticket from North America to Japan will drop by 2.5K miles each way.
- First and business class tickets to South and North Asia will drop by 2.5K miles each way.
- Intra-European business class tickets will drop 2.5K miles each way.
Overall, the changes are in the right direction, but if you hold 1K status and are contemplating a trip to one of the regions that will become more expensive, it would be wise to make a speculative booking tonight which you can either modify or cancel without penalty at a later time.
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