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Editor's Note
This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information.
United Airlines has launched a new round of Mile Play promotions, which award bonus miles to targeted members after they complete specific tasks. Now's a good time to check your eligibility and register — even if you're unsure about your upcoming travel plans.
To see if you're eligible and register, visit United's Mile Play page. Enter your United MileagePlus number, check the box stating you aren't a robot and click "Start Mile Play."
As is normal with these promotions, offers vary widely from one member to another. United may not have targeted some members for Mile Play, while others will see different rewards and requirements to earn them. We checked around the TPG team and found varying offers.
Examples of United's Mile Play offers
Senior travel editor Lyndsey Matthews, who does not hold MileagePlus status, received an offer to book and take two trips by Dec. 22 to earn 2,800 bonus miles; the fare has to be more than $300 per trip.
Senior director of content Summer Hull, who has Premier Gold status with United, received an offer to earn 9,000 bonus miles if she takes five trips of $100 or more.
TPG writer, Rachel Craft, does not hold status and received an offer to book and take two trips by Dec. 22 to earn 7,200 miles; the fare has to be more than $175 per trip.
TPG director of travel, Eric Rosen, received an offer to earn 3,000 miles after he books and takes one trip; the fare has to be $100 or more.
Lead writer, Katie Genter, who holds United Silver status because she achieved Marriott Titanium Elite status, received an offer to book and take two trips by Dec. 22 to earn 14,000 miles; the fare has to be more than $225 per trip.
Other TPG staff members received the following offers:
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- Take two trips by Dec. 22 and earn 4,600 miles; the fare has to be more than $225 per trip.
- Take one trip by Dec. 22 to earn 6,000 miles; the fare has to be more than $200.
Keep in mind that to count toward these promotions, trips generally must be booked and flown after you register but before the promotion's end date (Dec. 22). So if you already have a trip planned during the Mile Play window, it won't qualify (though you might consider canceling and rebooking it). Unless otherwise noted in your offer's terms, only paid flights marketed and operated by United and United Express will count toward Mile Play offers.
Best cards to use to book United flights
Whether or not you're targeted for this promotion, you can earn lots of bonus United miles by opening a cobranded credit card. Here's a look at the current welcome bonuses on select United cards:
- United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees): Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees): Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 1,000 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees): Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- United Gateway℠ Card (see rates and fees): Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- United℠ Business Card (see rates and fees): Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Although cobranded credit cards can help you earn United miles, you may earn more rewards when you book with one of the best cards for airfare purchases. For example, American Express Platinum Card® earns 5 points per dollar spent on airfare booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
Bottom line
Even if you don't have any upcoming travel plans with United, it's worth registering and considering whether it's time to plan a trip. If you have any flights booked that are fully refundable — with United or other airlines — you should consider whether your Mile Play offer is compelling enough for you to cancel and rebook with United.
Related reading:
Featured image by
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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