Why it matters
Affects United Airlines loyalty members and route planners.
What happened
United Airlines is implementing significant changes to its MileagePlus program effective April 2, 2026, designed to incentivize holding co-branded credit cards. **Earning Rate Changes:** Miles will now be awarded based on ticket cost with a new structure that differentiates between primary card members and non-cardholders. Primary card members will earn more miles on standard United tickets. Additionally, paying with an eligible United credit card provides incremental bonus miles (e.g., a Premier 1K member earns 17x miles per dollar with the United Club Card vs. 12x with another card). Historically, earning was based primarily on elite status regardless of card ownership. **Basic Economy Restrictions:** United is greatly restricting mileage earning on basic economy flights under the new system. Non-elite MileagePlus members will face reduced or eliminated earning on these fares, further pushing value toward cardholders and elites. **Strategic Context:** These changes align with United's strategy to increase credit card revenue by making the loyalty program more rewarding for those who hold their co-branded cards, effectively penalizing those without
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