By Austin Christensen · Last updated: November 9, 2026
The Best Ways to Use United Miles
Points Mafia may earn a commission or referral bonus when you apply through links on this page. This doesn't change our ratings. Disclosure
Quick answer: the top 3 uses
- United Polaris business to Europe at saver prices. 80,000 miles each way.
- Star Alliance business to Europe on a partner. 88,000 miles each way, or 80,000 with Premier status.
- ANA business class to Tokyo. 110,000 miles each way, with almost no taxes.
How United prices awards
United doesn't publish an award chart. Its own flights are priced by demand, and the cheapest "saver" seats are limited. Partner awards act like a hidden chart, with fixed prices that show up in searches. Cardmembers get at least 10% off United-operated awards, or 15% with Premier status, but not on partner flights, per United (Feb 19, 2026) and Roaming Cactus (Oct 3, 2026).
Ranked list of United mile uses
| Rank | Use | Miles, each way | Why it's here |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United Polaris business, US to Europe, saver | 80,000 | A lie-flat seat for less than most partner prices |
| 2 | Star Alliance business to Europe on Lufthansa, Austrian or LOT | 88,000 | Wide choice of airlines and connections |
| 3 | ANA business, San Francisco to Tokyo | 110,000 | Top business product with low taxes |
| 4 | Domestic United economy, saver | 5,000 to 12,500 | Beats cash when fares spike |
| 5 | Mexico and Caribbean economy | 6,800 to 12,000 | Short beach trips at low saver prices |
| 6 | Lufthansa economy inside Europe, under 800 miles | 8,000 | Cheap hops inside Europe on Lufthansa |
Award prices from United (Feb 19, 2026), NerdWallet (Jul 29, 2026), AwardFares (Aug 7, 2026), AwardWallet partner chart (Dec 19, 2024) and Roaming Cactus (Oct 3, 2026), checked October 29, 2026.
Worst uses of United miles
| Use | Value per mile |
|---|---|
| Gift cards | 0.3¢ |
| Hotels | 0.68¢ |
| Car rentals | 0.75¢ |
| United Club membership | 0.8¢ |
Rates from The Point Calculator (Sep 24, 2026), checked October 29, 2026.
All of these sit below our 1.2¢ value. Spend miles on flights instead.
How to book step by step
- Search award space on united.com with the "Book with miles" box ticked. Partner Star Alliance flights show up there too.
- Look for the saver price, then compare it with the cash fare.
- If you need more miles, move them from Chase at 1:1 or Bilt at 1:1. See how to transfer Chase points to United, or every bank that moves points to United on our transfer partners page.
- Book online on united.com or in the United app.
You can also book the same United flight with partner miles. See how to book United with Aeroplan and how to book United with LifeMiles. MileagePlus and both of those routes are in How to book United with miles.
Learn this properly
Lesson 13: How to Search for Award Flights and Lesson 14: Booking Your First Award walk through a full booking. The glossary explains saver awards, dynamic pricing and partner airlines.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best use of United miles?
A business class seat to Europe or Asia, such as United Polaris business, US to Europe, saver for 80,000 miles each way.
Does United have an award chart?
No. United prices its own flights by demand. Partner awards price at fixed levels in practice, but United doesn't publish them.
What is the worst use of United miles?
Gift cards, at about 0.3¢ per mile.
Are United miles worth it for domestic flights?
Sometimes. Saver economy runs 5,000 to 12,500 miles each way, which beats cash on expensive routes.
Can I use United miles on other airlines?
Yes. United miles book Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa, ANA and Air Canada on united.com.
Get the Points Mafia newsletter
Join the Points Mafia newsletter. Unsubscribe anytime.