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MileagePlus
- Participating Airlines:
- United Airlines
- Owner:
- United Airlines
- Region:
- North America
- Countries:
- United States
- Established Date:
- 1981-05-00
Summary
- United MileagePlus is offering a 30% bonus on transfers from major hotel programs, making it a valuable opportunity for those with large hotel point balances.
- This bonus is only available once a year, so make sure to register beforehand to take advantage of the benefits.
- Transferring points speculatively can be risky, so it’s important to check availability and make sure you have a specific use for the miles before making the transfer.
United MileagePlus’ annual transfer bonus from hotel programs has made a return. From October 1st to 31st, any transfer from five major hotel programs, including Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, will add 30% bonus miles. This could prove to be valuable for many sitting on large balances in hotels that they would much rather use to fly instead.
Back again
Eagle-eyed MileagePlus members are likely familiar with the fall special 30% bonus that the program offers to its hotel transfer partners. Airlines usually offer quite poor value when moving miles from other programs, for example, you’ll only get 1,000 miles for every 10,000 Hilton points transferred (10:1). However, once a year, this bonus can help to soften the blow.
Note that you need to register beforehand to unlock the benefits. Here are the new transfer ratios, accounting for the bonus:
- 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy points: 4,333 MileagePlus miles*
- 10,000 Hilton Points: 1,300 miles
- 10,000 Accor Points: 6,500 miles
- 10,000 Hyatt Points: 5,200 miles
- 10,000 Choice Points: 2,600 miles
Photo: United
*United’s partnership with Marriott Bonvoy means that you receive an extra 10,000 miles for every 60,000 Bonvoy points transferred. Assuming you have 60,000 points available, transferring during this bonus would get you 39,000 MileagePlus miles, an impressive ratio. This would be the most valuable transfer of the five and will be worth it for those who frequently rack up hotel points on trips with little use for them. Note that each program’s points are valued differently.
Search and transfer
Once you have registered, it’s important to take a look at availability before moving over points to United. MileagePlus awards have gone up since Spring, and dynamic pricing means that exorbitant prices are common. While partner awards are still valuable, especially with the Excursionist Perk, these are capacity-limited, so check your destination and then book.
As always, transferring speculatively can lead to disappointment, with availability changing in real time. Many found out recently when Starlux offered bargain mileage prices through Alaska Mileage Plan, only for the limited seats to disappear before transfers hit for many. I have made the same mistake in the past with Emirates business class, so be sure before you move points from one program to the other.
Photo: Lukas Souza | Simple Flying
However, if you do find space, this 30% bonus is a great way to boost your balance along with United’s several partner credit cards. Marriott is the go-to choice, while other programs are only worth it if you don’t expect to spend them in the near future or would much rather fly instead.
Stepping up the Polaris experience
If you choose to use these points on a United Polaris business class ticket, you’ll be treated to new Saks Fifth Avenue amenity kits, the first in-flight upgrade the carrier has brought in seven years to an admittedly solid product. From eye serum to toothbrushes, these sustainable kits are a great way to enjoy the experience and can be quite handy on tight turnarounds on arrival.
What do you think about the latest MileagePlus transfer bonus? Let us know in the comments.