Imagine saving up your travel miles for years, only to find out they’ve expired before you could use them. For seniors planning family visits, dream vacations, or bucket-list adventures, that worry used to be very real. But here’s the good news: United Airlines miles no longer expire.
This guide explains what that means, why the change matters, and how seniors can make the most of their MileagePlus miles. If you’d like to check your balance or get help redeeming, you can call 877-297-0699 for direct assistance from United.
No. Since August 2019, United MileagePlus miles do not expire—no matter how long they sit in your account.
This means:
You can take your time planning a trip.
You won’t lose miles if you only travel occasionally.
Seniors who travel less frequently can rest easy knowing their miles are safe.
💡 Think of it like a savings account—you keep the value until you decide to spend it.
Industry shift: Major airlines have been moving toward more flexible, customer-friendly loyalty programs.
Convenience: United wanted to simplify its program and reduce stress for travelers.
Senior advantage: Many older adults fly less often, so removing expiration ensures their rewards don’t go to waste.
✈️ According to loyalty program experts, this policy has encouraged more travelers to stay engaged with United, even if they only fly once every few years.
Even though your miles don’t expire, it’s smart to stay active so you’re ready when you want to travel. Here’s how seniors can do that:
Fly United or Star Alliance partners to earn miles.
Use a United credit card (like the Explorer Card) to earn miles on groceries, gas, or dining.
Redeem miles for flights, upgrades, hotels, or even gift cards.
Shop or dine through United’s partners to build your balance between trips.
👵 Senior tip: Redeeming miles every few years for small things, like magazines or gift cards, keeps your account simple and familiar.
A retiree in Arizona hadn’t flown in nearly five years but still had 40,000 miles waiting for her when she was ready to book a family reunion trip.
A grandfather in Illinois used his long-accumulated miles to book flights for his grandchildren to visit him during the holidays.
Another senior said, “It feels like having a travel savings account—my miles are there when I need them.”
Perfect for visiting family or short domestic trips.
Use miles for Economy Plus or Business upgrades—more comfort, less stress.
Bundle flights and hotels to save on vacation planning.
Book award tickets for loved ones—a meaningful way to share your rewards.
Can I lose my miles if I close my United credit card?
No. Your miles are tied to your MileagePlus account, not your card.
Can family members combine miles?
No pooling, but you can book tickets for others with your miles.
Do I have to pay fees when using miles?
Sometimes small taxes or booking fees apply, but it’s usually minimal.
Seniors no longer need to worry about losing their miles—United Airlines’ MileagePlus rewards never expire. That means you can take your time planning the perfect trip, whether it’s visiting family, celebrating a milestone, or exploring the world.
To check your balance or redeem miles, call 877-297-0699 and let United’s team walk you through your options. Your miles are ready whenever you are.