Transferring United miles to another person can be a valuable way to share your travel rewards with friends, family, or colleagues. Whether you’re looking to help someone book a dream vacation or simply want to give them a boost towards their next flight, the process is relatively straightforward. United allows members to transfer miles to other MileagePlus members, making it easy to spread the joy of travel. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about transferring United miles, including eligibility requirements, fees, and step-by-step instructions.
Before you can transfer United miles, it’s important to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. Firstly, both the sender and recipient must be MileagePlus members. If the recipient is not already a member, they can easily enroll for free online or through the United app. Secondly, the sender must have enough miles in their account to cover the transfer amount. United allows members to transfer a minimum of 1,000 miles and a maximum of 100,000 miles per transaction. Additionally, there are certain fees associated with transferring miles, which vary depending on the number of miles transferred. It’s important to factor in these fees when determining how many miles you want to send.
Now that you understand the eligibility requirements, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions on how to transfer United miles. The process can be completed online or through the United app. If you’re transferring miles online, simply log in to your MileagePlus account and navigate to the “Transfer Miles” section. From there, enter the recipient’s MileagePlus number, the number of miles you want to transfer, and the transfer fee. Once you’ve confirmed the details, click “Submit” to complete the transaction. If you prefer to transfer miles through the United app, the process is similar. Simply open the app, tap on the “MileagePlus” tab, and select “Transfer Miles.” Follow the on-screen prompts to enter the recipient’s information, the transfer amount, and the transfer fee. Once you’ve confirmed the details, tap “Transfer” to complete the transaction.
Understanding United Mileage Transfer Policies
United Airlines offers flexible mileage transfer policies, allowing members to share their rewards with family, friends, or colleagues. However, it’s essential to be aware of specific rules and restrictions to ensure a seamless transfer process.
To qualify for mileage transfers, members must have an active United MileagePlus account and a minimum of 5,000 miles available for transfer. Transfers can be made between individuals who reside in the same country and have the same primary address.
United charges a transfer fee of $30 per transaction, regardless of the number of miles being transferred. Additionally, there’s a minimum transfer amount of 1,000 miles and a maximum transfer amount of 100,000 miles per calendar year. It’s crucial to note that transferred miles cannot be used to qualify for elite status.
To initiate a mileage transfer, members can access their online account, call United MileagePlus customer service, or visit a United ticket office.
Transfer Options
| Transfer Method | Fees | Minimum Transfer Amount | Maximum Transfer Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $30 | 1,000 miles | 100,000 miles per year |
| Phone | $30 | 1,000 miles | 100,000 miles per year |
| Ticket Office | $30 | 1,000 miles | 100,000 miles per year |
Qualifying for United Mileage Transfers
Not every United MileagePlus member can transfer miles to another person. You must meet certain eligibility criteria:
As the transferor, you must:
- Be a United MileagePlus member with an active account for at least 12 months.
- Have earned at least 5,000 MileagePlus miles within the last 12 months.
- Have no outstanding debt or other financial obligations to United Airlines.
As the transferee, you must:
- Be a United MileagePlus member.
- Have a valid United MileagePlus account.
- Agree to the terms and conditions of the United Mileage Transfer program.
Additional Transfer Restrictions
In addition to the basic eligibility criteria, there are a few other restrictions to keep in mind:
- You can only transfer up to 1 million miles per calendar year from each of your MileagePlus accounts.
- Each transfer has a 750-mile minimum and a 100,000-mile maximum.
- Miles can only be transferred in increments of 1,000 miles.
| Transfer Fee | Miles Transferred |
|---|---|
| $30 | 1,000-19,999 |
| $75 | 20,000-49,999 |
| $120 | 50,000-99,999 |
The transfer fee is non-refundable, and it will be applied to the transferee’s account.
Transfer Fees and Restrictions
United Airlines allows members to transfer miles to other MileagePlus accounts. However, there are some fees and restrictions associated with this service.
Transfer Fees
United charges a transfer fee of $12.50 per 1,000 miles transferred. There is no fee for transferring miles to a family member or to someone who is a dependent on your United MileagePlus account.
Restrictions
* You can only transfer miles to another MileagePlus account that has been open for at least 30 days.
* You can only transfer a maximum of 100,000 miles per calendar year.
* You can only transfer miles to someone who is a resident of the same country as you.
* You cannot transfer miles to a MileagePlus account that is delinquent or closed.
Transfer Restrictions on Gift Miles
In addition to the general transfer fees and restrictions, there are some specific restrictions that apply to gift miles. Gift miles are miles that you purchase and then transfer to another MileagePlus account.
* You can only gift a maximum of 50,000 miles per calendar year.
* You must wait 30 days after purchasing gift miles before you can transfer them.
* Gift miles cannot be transferred to a MileagePlus account that is already delinquent or closed.
Steps to Initiate a United Mileage Transfer
1. Eligibility and Requirements
Not every United MileagePlus member is eligible to transfer miles. To qualify, you must have an active MileagePlus account with a positive balance and meet United’s eligibility criteria.
2. Transfer Fee and Limitations
United charges a fee for mileage transfers, which varies based on the number of miles transferred. There are also limits on how many miles can be transferred per year and per transaction.
3. Recipient Account
The recipient of the transferred miles must have an active MileagePlus account. If they don’t have one, you can create an account for them during the transfer process.
4. Transfer Process
To transfer United miles, follow these steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sign in to your United MileagePlus account. |
| 2 | Click on “Mileage” on the top menu bar. |
| 3 | Select “Transfer Miles” from the drop-down menu. |
| 4 | Specify the recipient’s MileagePlus account number, the number of miles you want to transfer, and choose the transfer method (instant or standard). |
| 5 | Enter the required personal information and pay the transfer fee. |
Depending on the selected transfer method, the miles will appear in the recipient’s account either immediately or within 24 to 72 hours.
Waiting Period
Once you initiate a miles transfer, there is typically a waiting period before the miles are credited to the recipient’s account. This waiting period can vary depending on the airline but generally takes 24-48 hours or sometimes 3 to 5 days. During this time, the miles are held in a pending status, and any changes or cancellations to the transfer may not be possible.
Transaction Confirmation
Once the miles transfer is complete, you will receive a confirmation email or notification from the airline. This confirmation will include details of the transfer, such as:
- The number of miles transferred
- The recipient’s account number
- The date and time of the transfer
- Any applicable fees or charges
It is important to keep a record of this confirmation for your records. You may also receive a notification from the recipient confirming that they have received the miles.
Transfer Limits
The number of miles you can transfer to another person depends on your elite status with United. Non-elite members can transfer up to 150,000 miles per year, while elites can transfer up to 300,000 miles per year. You can also transfer up to 15,000 miles per day to another person.
MileagePlus Member Transfer Rate
| MileagePlus Member Tier | Transfer Limit Mileage Cap |
| Non-elite Members | 150,000 per calendar year |
| Premier | 150,000 per calendar year |
| Premier Silver | 200,000 per calendar year |
| Premier Gold | 250,000 per calendar year |
| Premier Platinum | 300,000 per calendar year |
Expirations
United miles generally expire after 18 months of inactivity. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, miles earned from a United credit card will not expire as long as the card is open and in good standing. Additionally, miles can be extended for up to 36 months if you purchase a United Club membership or a United Explorer Card.
To avoid losing your miles, it’s important to use them regularly. You can use miles to book flights, upgrade your seat, or purchase merchandise from the United MileagePlus store.
Authorized Recipients and Eligibility
United MileagePlus members can transfer miles to other MileagePlus members who meet the following requirements:
- The recipient must be over 2 years old.
- The recipient must have a valid MileagePlus account.
- The recipient must not have transferred more than 100,000 miles from other members in the past 12 months.
Additional Authorized Recipients
In addition to individual MileagePlus members, miles can also be transferred to certain authorized recipients, including:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Parents or legal guardians
- Children or stepchildren
- Grandchildren or step-grandchildren
- Siblings or step-siblings
- Aunts or uncles
- Nieces or nephews
Donation to MileagePlus Charities
MileagePlus members can also donate miles to several charities, including the American Red Cross, the USO, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Donations must be made in increments of 1,000 miles, with a minimum donation of 2,000 miles.
| Donation Amount | Minimum Miles Required |
|---|---|
| 1,000 Miles | 2,000 |
| 2,000 Miles | 4,000 |
| 3,000 Miles | 6,000 |
| 4,000 Miles | 8,000 |
| 5,000 Miles | 10,000 |
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
Generally, United miles cannot be transferred to another person. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, such as:
Transferring Miles to Children
Miles can be transferred to a child who is a family member (spouse or dependent child under the age of 21) of the account holder. To complete this transfer, the account holder must call United Airlines customer service.
Transferring Miles to a Spouse in Case of Divorce
In the event of a divorce, miles can be transferred to a spouse as part of a property settlement. To complete this transfer, both parties must submit a notarized statement to United Airlines stating that they agree to the transfer of miles.
Transferring Miles for Charity
United Airlines allows miles to be donated to certain charitable organizations, such as the United Way, the American Red Cross, and UNICEF.
Special Mileage Transfer Program
United Airlines has a special mileage transfer program that allows members to transfer miles to certain individuals. To qualify for this program, the recipient must be a United MileagePlus member and must have flown on a United-operated flight within the past two years. The member can transfer up to 100,000 miles per calendar year to a maximum of five individuals. The transfer fee is $30 per individual.
| Transfer Option | Requirements | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Family Member | Must be a spouse or child under 21 | Free |
| Spouse inDivorce | Notarized statement required | Free |
| Charity | Select organizations | Free |
| Mileage Transfer Program | Recipient must be MileagePlus member and flown on United within the past 2 years and Maximum of 5 per year | $30 |
Alternative Options for Sharing Miles
While the methods mentioned above allow you to directly transfer miles to another United MileagePlus member, there are alternative options that provide some flexibility in sharing miles:
9. Book Awards for Others
Instead of transferring miles, you can book award flights directly for another person using your miles. This option is available for flights on United and partner airlines. To do this, you’ll need to create a United MileagePlus account for the recipient if they don’t have one. Once the account is created, you can book the award flight and provide the recipient’s information.
This method allows you to control the specifics of the award redemption, such as the flight itinerary and travel dates. However, it’s important to note that you’ll need to pay the associated taxes and fees for the award flight using your own form of payment.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to book awards for others:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Create a United MileagePlus account for the recipient if they don’t have one. |
| 2 | Log in to your United MileagePlus account. |
| 3 | Search for flights and select the award option. |
| 4 | Enter the recipient’s information in the passenger details section. |
| 5 | Complete the booking process and pay the associated taxes and fees. |
Benefits of United Mileage Transfers
There are several benefits to transferring United miles to another person, including:
- Help friends and family travel: You can help your loved ones travel by transferring miles to their United MileagePlus accounts.
- Consolidate miles: If you have multiple United MileagePlus accounts, you can transfer miles between them to consolidate your points.
- Maximize award redemptions: By transferring miles to someone with a higher elite status, you can help them access better award redemptions.
- Earn bonus miles: United sometimes offers bonus miles for transferring miles to other people.
Considerations of United Mileage Transfers
There are also a few considerations to keep in mind before transferring United miles to another person:
- Transfer fees: United charges a transfer fee of $15 per 1,000 miles. There are some cases where United may waive these fees.
- Transfer limits: United limits the number of miles you can transfer in a year to 500,000 miles. You can also only transfer up to 150,000 miles per recipient per calendar year.
- Transfer eligibility: To be eligible to transfer United miles, you must have an active United MileagePlus account and have earned at least 500 miles in the past 12 months.
- Recipient eligibility: The recipient of the transferred miles must also have an active United MileagePlus account.
How to Transfer United Miles to Another Person
To transfer United miles to another person, follow these steps:
- Log in to your United MileagePlus account.
- Click on the “Mileage Transfer” tab.
- Enter the recipient’s MileagePlus number.
- Enter the number of miles you want to transfer.
- Review the transfer details and click on the “Transfer Miles” button.
- United will process your transfer request and send you a confirmation email.
Transfer Fees
United charges a transfer fee of $15 per 1,000 miles. This fee is non-refundable and will be deducted from your United MileagePlus account at the time of the transfer. There are some cases where United may waive these fees, such as for MileagePlus Premier members or for transfers to family members.
| Transfer Amount | Transfer Fee |
|---|---|
| 1,000 miles | $15 |
| 5,000 miles | $75 |
| 10,000 miles | $150 |
How to Transfer United Miles to Another Person
Transferring United miles to another person is a simple process that can be completed online or over the phone. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Log in to your United MileagePlus account online.
- Click on the “Mileage” tab.
- Click on the “Transfer Miles” link.
- Enter the recipient’s name and MileagePlus account number.
- Enter the number of miles you want to transfer.
- Click on the “Submit” button.
You can also transfer miles over the phone by calling United Customer Service at 1-800-421-4655.
People Also Ask
How many miles can I transfer?
You can transfer up to 500,000 miles per calendar year.
Is there a fee to transfer miles?
No, there is no fee to transfer miles to another person.
How long does it take to transfer miles?
Miles are typically transferred within 24 hours, but it may take up to 5 business days in some cases.
Can I transfer miles to someone who is not a United MileagePlus member?
No, you can only transfer miles to another person who is a United MileagePlus member.
