How the United Miles Calculator Works
United Airlines' MileagePlus is one of the most popular frequent flyer programs, with partnerships across the Star Alliance network. Our calculator helps you estimate miles earned on paid flights, understand dynamic award pricing, track Premier status qualification, and value your MileagePlus balance. United transitioned to revenue-based earning in April 2026, where you earn miles based on dollars spent rather than distance flown.
How Many Miles Do You Earn Per Dollar?
Under the revenue-based system, general members with a United credit card earn 5 miles per dollar on United flights (3 miles without a card). Premier status members earn progressively more: Silver gets 7x, Gold 8x, Platinum 9x, and 1K members earn 11x per dollar. Basic Economy earns 0 miles unless you hold a United co-branded credit card, in which case you earn at the standard rate.
What Are MileagePlus Miles Worth?
Most valuations place MileagePlus miles at 1.2 to 1.5 cents each. However, savvy travelers can extract much higher value by targeting saver-level awards in Polaris business class, where valuations of 2-3+ cents per mile are achievable. The Excursionist Perk -- which adds a free one-way flight within a region on multi-city bookings -- further boosts the program's value.
Best Ways to Use United Miles
- Polaris business class -- United's own premium product on long-haul routes offers excellent value at saver pricing levels.
- Star Alliance partner awards -- Book ANA, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, or Turkish Airlines through United for competitive pricing.
- Excursionist Perk -- Add a free intra-region flight on multi-city bookings, effectively getting a bonus flight at no extra cost.
- Domestic saver awards -- Short-haul flights starting at 7,500 miles one-way can offer strong value.
Understanding Premier Status
United Premier status is earned through Premier Qualifying Points (PQP), with an alternative path combining PQP and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF). You earn 1 PQP per dollar spent on United flights. The four tiers -- Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K -- offer progressively better benefits including Economy Plus access, complimentary upgrades, PlusPoints for confirmed upgrades, and at the 1K level, Global Premier Upgrades on international routes.
Last updated: February 2026