January 31, 2007

Bye-bye, United Miles

If you have been hoarding and not using your United Airlines miles for 18 months, we’d advice you to plan a vacation quickly! Citing a conservative effort towards “opening more award seats for loyal customers,” the airline is cutting the expiration time on accrued miles for inactive members from 36 months, down to just 18. “Mileage Plus” Chase cardholders and United loyalty club members who have not gained or spent any miles since July 1, 2006 stand to lose the miles on December 31, 2007.

The move ought to boost United flights, as frequent fliers scramble to redeem their miles or spend money earning more, but hurt those cardholders who may have been sitting on a cache of inactive miles in anticipation of a rainy day or the opportune moment for a getaway.  United offers mile redemption on 28 airline partners, as well as alternate rewards on merchandise, hotel stays, and dining.

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