It’s simple: upload proof of vaccination and be entered to win a pair of free tickets to anywhere in the world United Airlines flies in any cabin of service. Plus, you’ll be entered to win a grand prize of one year (up to 26 trips) of free travel.
United Airlines “Your Shot To Fly” Sweepstakes
We’ve told you about United’s Travel-Ready Center, a portal on United’s app or website in which you can upload medical records in advance to save time at the airport. Now when you upload medical records you will be eligible to win free flights.
As much of Europe plans to re-open to vaccinated American tourists this summer, those vaccination cards will serve as a key. But keys are easily lost (especially at my house) so having an electronic copy on file with United may save a big headache at check-in (and yes, you should also keep several back-up copies on your phone/laptop/email/tablet).
United will choose winners on the following basis:
- 30 winner during the month of June – round-trip tickets for two to wherever United flies, in any cabin of service
- 5 grand prize winners on July 1st – one year of free travel* on United Airlines (which is up to 26 round-trips according to the fine print, meaning you can travel every other week…that’s ambitious!)
United will chose winners on a rolling basis, so the sooner you upload your proof of vaccination, the better your chances of winning.
*watch the tax man, though. United values prizes at up $27,300 and the grand prize at up to $784,600 each. A tax bill will follow…
The Loophole: Everyone Can Actually Enter
Ok, when you read the fine print you see the sweepstakes is actually open to everyone. You can still enter if you “aren’t vaccinated due to health or religious reasons,” though you do have to enter via snail mail.
CONCLUSION
United says it is offering this promotion “in support of the Biden administration’s national effort to encourage more people to get their COVID-19 vaccination.” While I’m not sure invoking Biden will be helpful in convincing skeptics to get jabbed, perhaps the allure of free flights will move some to accelerate their vaccinations.
But more important than free flights is the fact that vaccinations work and vaccinations are your key to traveling the world (not to mention protecting yourself and those around you).
This is a solid promotion with serious prizes. I’ll be entering shortly and encourage you to do the same.
Will you enter the “Your Shot To Fly” sweepstakes from United Airlines?
Re: taxes—it looks like the winners actually get free flights plus checks for about as much as I’d expect taxes to be ($275k for the grand prizes and $7700 for the other prizes).
I will not be entering. The tax burden is too high. It really is too high if you are in the top tax bracket and live in California. The estimated value of the grand prize is inflated. I am not going to or able to fly every 2 weeks.
I wish I had a year off and could fly every 2 weeks to a different United city. However, if I had that much time, I would stay in Europe and not keep flying back to the US. Stay in Europe for at least 3 months.
Get out of my way. I fully intend on winning this!
The prize is only good for 2 people. You can’t keep changing your flight partner. If allowed, then I’d take a different friend for a long weekend somewhere.
HIPAA anyone? Do you really want to trust United with protected health information?
Agreed.
I’ve never won ANYTHING in my goddamned life!! But, I did enter just in case…
Yes, just entered. I am also unlucky, when it comes to contests, but what is there to lose? I have chances to win free flight(s) in Business Class, yes I will be selecting this option, because where I enjoy flying to, it is quite costly in this class of seating, so why not enjoy this option for free.
United Airlines has always provided me with smooth flights and courteous service, so I will support their efforts in this contest.