Upcoming Changes United Airlines MileagePlus Program
PointsCrowd is a community-supported platform. When you apply for a credit card, make an order, or otherwise interact with the advertisers through the links on this page we may earn an affiliate commission. This helps us maintain and develop the platform further at no cost to you.
United Airlines has announced significant changes to its MileagePlus program, set to take effect in the latter half of 2025. These modifications may impact frequent flyers who utilize upgrades and multi-city award bookings.
Here’s an overview of the upcoming changes:
1. Excursionist Perk Discontinuation
Effective Date: August 21, 2025
Change: United will eliminate the Excursionist Perk for all new award bookings. This perk allowed members to add a free one-way flight within a multi-city itinerary, provided specific criteria were met. Existing bookings utilizing this perk will be honored; however, any changes made after the effective date will forfeit the benefit.
2. Elimination of Instant Upgrades on Y, B, and M Fares
Effective Date: August 21, 2025
Change: United will no longer offer instant upgrades at the time of ticketing on Y, B, or M fares for Premier members. Previously, booking these fare classes with available upgrade space allowed for immediate confirmation. Post-change, upgrades will be processed through the Complimentary Premier Upgrade waitlist or by redeeming MileagePlus miles or PlusPoints.
3. Removal of Upgrade Award Chart
Effective Date: November 24, 2025
Change: United will discontinue displaying the MileagePlus Upgrade Award chart on its website. This shift suggests a move towards dynamic pricing for upgrades, where the number of miles required may vary based on factors such as route, demand, and timing.
Members can still view the required miles during the booking process by selecting “MileagePlus Upgrade Awards” under “Advanced search.”
To see the required miles or request an upgrade, follow these steps during booking:
– Search for a flight, go to “Advanced search,” and select “Upgrades, certificates, and promotion codes.”
– In the “Upgrade type” box, choose “MileagePlus® Upgrade Awards.”
– The miles required will show in the “Upgrade” columns.
For travel already booked: Go to “My Trips,” choose your booking, select “Upgrade cabin,” and choose “Miles” to see the upgrade cost in miles.
Summary of Key Dates
| Change | Effective Date |
|---|---|
| Excursionist Perk Discontinuation | August 21, 2025 |
| Elimination of Instant Upgrades on Y, B, M | August 21, 2025 |
| Removal of Upgrade Award Chart | November 24, 2025 |
For more detailed information, visit United’s official announcement page.
The announced updates to United Airlines’ MileagePlus program, which include the elimination of the Excursionist Perk program, the discontinuation of instant upgrades on select fares, and the elimination of the fixed award chart for upgrades, are widely viewed as a devaluation of the program’s benefits.
Are These Changes Negative?
Yes, industry experts and frequent flyers agree that these changes are unfavorable. For example, the Excursionist Perk program allowed travelers to add a free one-way segment to a multi-city itinerary, maximizing the value of their miles. Its elimination limits the flexibility and value of booking with bonus miles. Similarly, the elimination of instant upgrades to full-fare economy tickets and the transition to dynamic pricing for upgrades create uncertainty and potential increased costs for members who want premium in-flight services.
How Should Program Members Respond to These Changes?
- To take advantage of the Excursionist Perk, make sure all reward bookings are made before August 21, 2025.
- For service upgrades, we recommend booking before November 24, 2025, to take advantage of the current fixed service upgrade reward chart.
