If you’ve been collecting American Express Membership Rewards points, you may wonder: Can I use them for United Airlines flights? For seniors who want to visit family, take bucket-list trips, or simply stretch their travel budget, this is a smart question.
Here’s the quick answer: You cannot transfer Amex points directly to United MileagePlus. But don’t worry—there are easy workarounds that still let you use your Amex points for United flights. In this guide, we’ll explain how. And if you’d like help with booking or finding the best option, you can always call 877-297-0699.
❌ Direct transfers: Not possible. United is not an American Express Membership Rewards partner.
✅ Workarounds: You can transfer Amex points to United’s partner airlines (many in the Star Alliance), then book a United-operated flight through those partners.
💡 Think of it like a bridge: Amex → Partner Airline → United Flight.
United belongs to the Star Alliance, which includes over 25 international airlines. Many of these are Amex partners, including:
Air Canada (Aeroplan)
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Here’s how it works:
Transfer your Amex points to, say, Air Canada Aeroplan.
Log in to Aeroplan and search for United-operated flights.
Redeem Aeroplan points for those United flights.
👵 Example: A grandmother in Florida transferred Amex points to Aeroplan and booked a United flight to Chicago to visit her grandchildren.
Another option is booking directly through the Amex Travel portal:
Search for flights within the portal.
Sometimes United flights appear as cash fares.
You can pay with points instead of dollars.
This method is straightforward, but the value per point may be lower than transferring to partners. Still, it’s a simple choice for seniors who prefer fewer steps.
You can also save your Amex points for hotels, cars, or other travel expenses while using MileagePlus miles for your United flights. This balance helps seniors maximize both programs without stress.
Transfers are final: Once you move Amex points to a partner, you can’t move them back.
Award availability varies: Some flights book quickly, especially during holidays.
Value differs: Transferring to partners often gives more value per point than using the Amex portal.
Senior tip: If this feels overwhelming, call 877-297-0699 and have a United agent walk you through your options.
If United is your go-to airline, it might be simpler to get a United credit card instead of relying on Amex points. Options include:
United Explorer Card: Free checked bags and 2x miles on United, dining, and hotels.
United Club Infinite Card: Lounge access and premium perks.
United Gateway Card: No annual fee.
👴 Real-world note: Many retirees find that United cards simplify travel planning—miles go straight into MileagePlus without extra steps.
So, can you transfer Amex points to United? Not directly. But by transferring to Star Alliance partners like Air Canada or Singapore Airlines—or by booking through the Amex Travel portal—you can use those points to fly on United.
For seniors, the best choice depends on whether you value simplicity (Amex Travel portal) or maximum savings (partner transfers). Either way, your Amex points are far from useless.
To find the option that fits your travel plans, call 877-297-0699 today and let United’s team help guide you.