U.S. airline, United Airlines, modifies MileagePlus program in three ways: Learn the revised upgrade cost methodology.
United Airlines Makes Changes to MileagePlus Loyalty Program
Effective August 21, 2025, United Airlines is making adjustments to its MileagePlus loyalty program, eliminating or modifying three benefits. Whilst these updates do not affect the most popular aspects of the program, they may disappoint travelers who have relied on these perks for years.
The airline communicated these changes to customers via emails and its "What's New with MileagePlus" webpage on Thursday.
Key Points to Note
- The Departure of the Excursionist Perk
Beginning August 21st, United Airlines will no longer offer the Excursionist Perk for new award bookings. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, this perk allowed travelers to add a complimentary one-way flight or stopover onto multi-city award tickets. Award trips booked prior to August 21st will retain this perk, but any subsequent modifications will no longer honor the benefit. This perk is highly valued by frequent flyers, and its removal could be seen as a deterioration in the program's appeal.
- No More Instant Upgrades on Premium Economy Tickets
From August 21st, United Airlines will cease offering instant upgrades to eligible Premier members buying full-fare economy tickets (Y, B, or M classes). Previously, if an upgrade was available at booking, travelers could confirm it instantly without delays. Starting August 21st, all upgrades (unless purchased with PlusPoints or miles) will go through United's standard upgrade waitlist. passengers who frequently book last-minute, high-priced tickets may find this change challenging, as they valued the instant upgrade as an added bonus.
- Dynamic Pricing for Upgrade Awards
Effective November 24, United Airlines will phase out the MileagePlus Upgrade Award chart and switch to dynamic pricing for these upgrades, similar to its approach for award tickets. Previously, travelers could see exact mileage costs for upgrades. The upcoming change will see miles required for upgrades fluctuate based on demand and other factors, making it more difficult for frequent flyers to anticipate upgrade costs.
Additional Resources
For a better understanding of the MileagePlus loyalty program, visit United Airlines or contact their customer service.
These adjustments are likely to make the MileagePlus program less advantageous, as the elimination of the Excursionist Perk raises the cost of multi-city trips, and the upgrade modifications heighten the difficulty (and likely expense) of securing a better seat.
Fortunately, for now, United Airlines is not changing the functioning of PlusPoints or other core aspects of the program.
[1] United Airlines Aims to Boost Profits, Announces Changes to MileagePlus Loyalty Program[2] United Airlines Removes Excursionist Perk from MileagePlus Loyalty Program[3] MileagePlus Loyalty Program Changes: What Travelers Need to Know[4] United Airlines Eliminates Excursionist Perk from MileagePlus Program[5] United Airlines Drops Excursionist Perk from MileagePlus Program: What It Means for Frequent Flyers[6] United Airlines Falls Short on Transparency, Frequent Flyers Unhappy with MileagePlus Program Changes
The upcoming changes to United Airlines' MileagePlus loyalty program in 2025 may have significant impacts on Indian travelers, given the elimination of the Excursionist Perk, a popular benefit that allowed for complimentary one-way flights or stopovers on multi-city award tickets. Moreover, the removal of instant upgrades for premium economy tickets and the shift to dynamic pricing for upgrade awards may add to the challenges for frequent flyers, potentially influencing the Indian economy's travel sector.
In the realm of finance, these changes could impact the way people save and spend their miles, possibly leading to shifts in investments and budgeting related to travel.
The removal of these perks could also affect the lifestyle of Indian travelers, particularly those who frequently book multi-city trips or high-priced tickets, as they may need to reconsider their travel plans and strategies.
India's business sector might also be influenced, as changes in travel policies could impact business trips and negotiations with international partners.
Lastly, these adjustments in the MileagePlus program might encourage a deeper integration of technology within the travel industry, as platforms and apps may need to be altered to accommodate the new pricing systems and requirements.
All in all, the updates in United Airlines' MileagePlus loyalty program could have far-reaching implications for various aspects of Indian society, from the economy and finance to business and lifestyle.
