Frequent Buyer vs. Frequent Flyer

[Philip Argy]

Finally, a program that is honest about what it is trying to do: United's Mileage Plus Program has just issued the following announcement:

We're changing the way you earn award miles, and giving you more ways to use them.


Because you're a valued MileagePlus member, we want you to be one of the first to know about our upcoming program changes. Starting March 1, 2015, you'll earn award miles based on your ticket price, instead of the distance you travel – so members will be rewarded for their travel spending with United.

Plus, we'll be adding new ways to use your miles for more choices and more value, to make the frequent flyer program with the best award availability* even better.

What's new: How you earn award miles
The award miles you earn on most United and United Express® tickets will be based on your ticket price (that is, base fare plus carrier-imposed surcharges). And when you have MileagePlus Premier® status, you'll earn even more miles.

For example, a $500 ticket will earn a standard member 2,500 award miles and a Premier member 3,500 miles.