Airlines Affiliated With United Airlines: Explore MileagePlus Partners And Earning Miles [Updated On 2025]

United Airlines works with several airlines to improve travel choices. Important partners include Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, and Air New Zealand. As a member of the Star Alliance, United provides valuable benefits like travel rewards. Customers can earn MileagePlus miles when flying with these affiliated airlines.

Additionally, United Airlines has partnerships with various regional airlines and codeshare arrangements, enhancing connectivity and travel options. These collaborations provide members with seamless travel experiences and greater flexibility in itinerary planning.

By leveraging these partnerships, MileagePlus members can also redeem miles for flights around the world. This feature maximizes the value of their travel rewards while allowing for diverse options across different airlines.

Understanding the extensive network of airlines affiliated with United Airlines allows members to strategize their earning and redeeming of miles effectively. In the next section, we will delve deeper into tips for maximizing miles through these partnerships, ensuring members get the most out of their travel experiences.

Table of Contents

What Are Airlines Affiliated with United Airlines?

United Airlines has several affiliated airlines that work within its MileagePlus program, allowing members to earn and redeem miles across various carriers.

Star Alliance Members:
– Lufthansa
– Air Canada
– Singapore Airlines
– All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Non-Star Alliance Partners:
– Emirates
– Virgin Atlantic
– Hawaiian Airlines
– Aer Lingus
Other Notable Affiliations:
– Copa Airlines
– Thai Airways
– Swiss International Air Lines
– Asiana Airlines

United Airlines engages with both Star Alliance and non-Star Alliance members to provide extensive travel options. This creates opportunities for travelers to receive benefits across multiple airlines.

Star Alliance Members:
Star Alliance members form a global network that connects over 1,300 destinations in more than 190 countries. As a key member of this alliance, United Airlines collaborates with carriers such as Lufthansa and Air Canada, enabling passengers to earn and redeem MileagePlus miles while enjoying streamlined travel experiences. In 2022, United Airlines and Air Canada reported a joint achievement of launching new international routes, enhancing travel options for their customers.
Non-Star Alliance Partners:
United Airlines also partners with several non-Star Alliance airlines, broadening its reach. For example, Emirates offers luxurious long-haul flights, and customers can earn miles while flying with them. Virgin Atlantic’s partnership includes unique opportunities like shared lounge access and bonus miles promotions. According to a report by OAG in 2023, non-Star Alliance partnerships account for a significant share of added routes for United, enhancing its competitive edge in the market.
Other Notable Affiliations:
Additional airlines affiliated with United, such as Copa and Thai Airways, contribute to the MileagePlus program’s flexibility. These partnerships allow MileagePlus members to access flights to Central America and Asia, enriching the travel experience for frequent flyers. United Airlines’ collaboration with Asiana Airlines exemplifies a focus on providing Asian travelers with seamless travel options between the U.S. and Asia. Furthermore, according to global travel data from IATA, affiliation with varied airlines enhances customer satisfaction, offering more choices for business and leisure travelers.

How Does the MileagePlus Program Work and What Are Its Key Benefits?

The MileagePlus Program works as a loyalty program offered by United Airlines. Members earn miles by flying with United Airlines and its partner airlines. They also earn miles through hotel stays, car rentals, and purchases from retail partners. Members can then redeem these miles for flights, upgrades, and other rewards.

Key benefits of the MileagePlus Program include accumulating miles that do not expire as long as there is qualifying activity within 18 months. Members enjoy elite status, which provides additional perks like priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, and access to airport lounges. Members can also earn miles faster through partnerships with credit cards and loyalty programs. Additionally, the program offers bonus miles for various booking methods and promotions. Overall, the MileagePlus Program rewards frequent travelers with valuable benefits and flexibility.

Which Airlines Are Part of the MileagePlus Partner Network?

The airlines that are part of the MileagePlus partner network include various domestic and international carriers.

Star Alliance member airlines
Non-Star Alliance partner airlines
Specialty airlines (e.g., Regional carriers)

These partnerships provide MileagePlus members with a range of options for earning and redeeming miles across different airlines.

Star Alliance member airlines: The MileagePlus program includes airlines that are members of Star Alliance, which is one of the largest airline alliances in the world. Airlines such as Lufthansa, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines belong to this group. These partnerships allow members to earn and redeem miles on flights across all Star Alliance carriers. According to the Star Alliance website, there are about 26 member airlines, covering more than 1,300 airports in 195 countries.
Non-Star Alliance partner airlines: In addition to Star Alliance members, MileagePlus features non-allied airlines as partners. Airlines like Aer Lingus, Turkish Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines fall into this category. These partnerships extend earning opportunities beyond the Star Alliance network, allowing members more flexibility when booking flights.
Specialty airlines (e.g., Regional carriers): MileagePlus also partners with regional carriers, which can include local airlines that serve specific areas. These airlines often provide connections to major hubs, helping travelers maximize their miles for short-haul flights. Examples include Republic Airways and Silver Airways, which facilitate regional connectivity while allowing MileagePlus members to earn miles for their travel.

Understanding the diverse options within the MileagePlus partner network allows travelers to effectively utilize their miles and enhance their flying experience.

What Are the Major International Airlines Affiliated with United Airlines?

United Airlines has several major international airlines affiliated through its MileagePlus loyalty program and various codeshare agreements.

Air Canada
Lufthansa
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
British Airways
Singapore Airlines

The airline partnerships extend beyond just codeshare agreements and can significantly enhance travel options for frequent flyers. Understanding these partnerships is essential for maximizing travel benefits and rewards.

Air Canada:
Air Canada, a member of the Star Alliance, provides a wide range of international destinations. Customers can earn and redeem MileagePlus miles on flights. This partnership allows seamless travel across North America and beyond. According to Air Canada’s 2019 annual report, the airline operated over 1,500 flights daily across more than 220 destinations worldwide.
Lufthansa:
Lufthansa, the German flagship carrier, is an integral part of the Star Alliance. United flyers benefit by earning miles on Lufthansa flights and enjoying similar services and conveniences. In 2018, Lufthansa reported that it served over 142 million passengers. The collaboration facilitates efficient transatlantic travel.
All Nippon Airways (ANA):
All Nippon Airways (ANA) offers extensive connections between North America and Asia. This partnership allows MileagePlus members to access many destinations in Japan and other Asian countries. According to a study by the Japan National Tourism Organization in 2019, ANA was recognized for superior service quality, which enhances the travel experience across its networks.
British Airways:
British Airways, a prominent airline in Europe, enables travelers to earn and redeem miles while enjoying extensive flight options to and from the UK. This airline is known for its premium services. A report from the International Airline Group (IAG) indicated that British Airways had transported 42 million passengers in 2019, emphasizing its scale and influence within the Europe-North America market.
Singapore Airlines:
Singapore Airlines is famed for its service quality and offers connections to Southeast Asia and beyond. United Airlines customers benefit from a partnership that allows for earning and using miles on Singapore Airlines flights. According to a Skytrax report in 2020, Singapore Airlines ranked as the world’s best airline, showcasing its commitment to providing exceptional traveling experiences.

These partnerships enhance United Airlines’ offerings and create valuable options for travelers seeking diverse flight choices.

What Are the Notable Domestic Airlines Affiliated with United Airlines?

Notable domestic airlines affiliated with United Airlines include:

Airline	Affiliation Type	Notes
United Express	Regional Partner	Operated by various regional carriers
SkyWest Airlines	Regional Partner	Operates flights for United Express
CommutAir	Regional Partner	Operates flights for United Express
Mesa Airlines	Regional Partner	Operates flights for United Express
Republic Airways	Regional Partner	Operates flights for United Express

How Can Travelers Earn Miles through United Airlines’ Affiliate Partners?

Travelers can earn miles through United Airlines’ affiliate partners by utilizing various services including hotels, car rentals, and dining options. This process enhances travelers’ ability to accumulate MileagePlus miles even when they are not flying.

Hotels: United Airlines partners with numerous hotel chains. Travelers earn miles by booking stays at these affiliated hotels. Each hotel may offer a different mile-earning rate, typically ranging from 1 to 3 miles per dollar spent.
Car Rentals: Rental car companies, such as Hertz and Avis, are also United’s partners. Customers can earn extra miles when they reserve vehicles through these agencies. The earning rate varies but one can expect to gain around 100 miles per rental.
Dining Programs: United Airlines has a dining rewards program where travelers earn miles by dining at participating restaurants. Enrollment in the program allows users to accumulate miles equal to a percentage of their bill—generally around 3 to 5 miles per dollar spent.
Retail Partners: United collaborates with several online shopping retailers. When travelers make purchases through the United shopping portal, they can earn additional miles based on their spending. The earning rates can vary significantly from one retailer to another.
Credit Card Spending: United Airlines offers co-branded credit cards through financial institutions. Cardholders can earn miles for every purchase they make, often with accelerated earning rates on travel-related expenses. Research from the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (2021) indicates that rewards credit cards lead to higher consumer spending.

By taking advantage of these affiliate partnerships, travelers can significantly boost their MileagePlus miles, making their travel rewards more attainable.

What Unique Benefits Do United Airlines’ MileagePlus Partners Offer?

United Airlines’ MileagePlus partners offer unique benefits such as earning and using miles on various services, added travel options, and enhanced promotions.

Airline Partners: Earn and redeem miles on flights with partner airlines.
Hotel Partners: Accumulate miles for hotel stays and upgrades.
Car Rental Partners: Gain miles through vehicle rentals.
Shopping Partners: Earn miles on purchases from retail partners.
Service Providers: Utilize miles for services such as cruises or vacations.
Special Promotions: Access exclusive offers and bonuses for MileagePlus members.

These benefits showcase the versatility and opportunities available for MileagePlus members.

Airline Partners: United Airlines’ MileagePlus program collaborates with several global airline partners, including All Nippon Airways, Lufthansa, and Air Canada. Members can earn and redeem miles when flying with these airlines. For instance, a traveler flying from New York to Tokyo on All Nippon Airways could earn miles credited to their MileagePlus account, enhancing their ability to reach elite status or redeem for future travel.
Hotel Partners: United Airlines partners with various hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton. By staying at these hotels, MileagePlus members can earn miles. According to United Airlines, members can earn up to 3 miles per dollar spent on eligible hotel bookings. This means that a member who spends $1,000 on hotel accommodations could earn approximately 3,000 miles, allowing for future travel rewards.
Car Rental Partners: Members can earn MileagePlus miles when renting vehicles from companies like Hertz or Enterprise. United Airlines typically provides a mileage bonus for rentals booked through their platform. For example, renting a car for a week and spending $300 could yield around 600 miles based on typical earning rates.
Shopping Partners: United’s shopping portal allows members to earn miles for online purchases at various retailers. Members can earn up to 10 miles per dollar depending on the retailer. This incentivizes members to shop through the MileagePlus portal to accumulate additional miles for their travel plans.
Service Providers: The MileagePlus program includes various service providers such as travel agencies and vacation packages. Members can redeem miles for unique experiences, including cruises or all-inclusive resorts. This adds value to the MileagePlus program, as members can utilize miles beyond just airfare.
Special Promotions: United Airlines frequently runs promotions aimed at MileagePlus members. These offers can include bonus miles for specific flights or shopping promotions that increase earning potential. For example, a member may receive a promotional offer to earn double miles on select flights during a specific time period, enhancing the value of their travel experience.

Overall, these diverse benefits provided by MileagePlus partners expand earning and redeeming possibilities for members, making travel more rewarding.

How Do Alliances Enhance Travel Options for Passengers of United Airlines?

Alliances enhance travel options for passengers of United Airlines by providing a broader network of destinations, improved connectivity, and opportunities for earning and redeeming miles.

A comprehensive look at these benefits reveals several key aspects:

Broader Network of Destinations: United Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, which includes 26 other airlines. This network allows passengers to access over 1,300 destinations in more than 190 countries. This expansive reach ensures travelers can find routes and flights that suit their schedules and preferences.
Improved Connectivity: Alliances facilitate smoother travel experiences. Passengers can book connecting flights on partner airlines with a single ticket. This means coordinated scheduling, simplified baggage transfer, and more efficient handling of delays. For instance, a study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2020 highlighted that interconnected airline systems improved layover times by 15% for alliance partners compared to non-alliances.
Earning and Redeeming Miles: United Airlines’ MileagePlus program allows passengers to earn miles when flying with United and its partners in the Star Alliance. According to data from United Airlines in 2022, passengers can earn miles on flights operated by partner airlines, amplifying their earning potential. Members can also redeem miles on these partners, enhancing flexibility for travelers who may want to use their earned miles for various routes.
Access to Airport Lounges: Being a part of an alliance grants United Airlines passengers entry to airport lounges operated by partner airlines worldwide. This access provides a comfortable space before boarding, including amenities such as Wi-Fi, food, and beverages, enhancing the travel experience.
Coordinated Customer Service: Alliances often mean seamless customer service across different airlines. Passengers receive consistent support during disruptions or delays, making the travel journey less stressful. United Airlines and its partners typically work together to manage irregular operations collaboratively.

These benefits of alliances significantly enhance the travel options, convenience, and overall experience for United Airlines passengers, ultimately making air travel more accessible and enjoyable.

What Strategies Can Help Travelers Maximize Their MileagePlus Bonuses with Partner Airlines?

Travelers can maximize their MileagePlus bonuses with partner airlines by using various strategic approaches.

Book flights through partner airlines
Utilize co-branded credit cards
Take advantage of promotions and bonuses
Earn bonus miles with hotel and car rental partners
Optimize mileage accrual through exclusive offers

These strategies offer different ways to increase miles effectively. However, opinions may vary on their practicality depending on travel habits and financial considerations. Some may find credit cards burdensome, while others view them as beneficial.

Book Flights through Partner Airlines: Booking flights directly with MileagePlus partner airlines allows travelers to earn miles on both United and the partner airline. For example, flying with Lufthansa or Air Canada enables passengers to accrue miles for their MileagePlus accounts, enhancing their earning potential.
Utilize Co-branded Credit Cards: Using United co-branded credit cards, such as the United Explorer Card, provides travelers with opportunities to earn bonus miles for purchases. Cardholders can receive extra miles for airline-related spending, offering substantial mileage accumulation over time. According to United’s website, cardholders can also earn welcome bonuses, further incentivizing usage.
Take Advantage of Promotions and Bonuses: United frequently runs promotions that offer extra miles for flights booked within specific periods. Enrolling in MileagePlus promotional emails ensures travelers stay informed about current offers, maximizing their earning potential. For instance, a recent promotion from 2022 offered double miles on select international flights, greatly benefiting frequent travelers.
Earn Bonus Miles with Hotel and Car Rental Partners: Engaging in stays at hotels affiliated with MileagePlus can result in additional bonuses. For example, staying at Marriott hotels often yields extra mileage rewards. Car rentals through companies like Hertz also provide MileagePlus bonus miles. Using these services strategically helps accumulate additional miles.
Optimize Mileage Accrual Through Exclusive Offers: United provides various exclusive offers through their partners. These may include discounts or extra miles for specific purchases or activities. For example, certain dining establishments may provide bonus miles for patrons who link their MileagePlus accounts. Keeping an eye on these offers can lead to unexpected mileage gains.

By following these strategies, travelers can effectively enhance their MileagePlus bonuses with partner airlines, leading to more rewards and travel opportunities.

How Can Vacationers Redeem Miles Earned with United Airlines Partners?

Vacationers can redeem miles earned with United Airlines partners by following a straightforward process involving their MileagePlus account and selecting from various partner options. Here are the steps to effectively redeem those miles:

Log into MileagePlus Account: Vacationers must start by logging into their United Airlines MileagePlus account online.
Access Partner Redemption Options: After logging in, travelers should navigate to the “Rewards” or “Use Miles” section. This area lists the various redemption options available, including flights, hotel stays, and car rentals.
Select Travel Partner: Vacationers can select from numerous partners, such as hotel chains, car rental companies, or other airlines that are part of the MileagePlus program.
– For example, vacationers can redeem miles with partner airlines like Air Canada and Lufthansa. They can book flights directly through United’s website or via the airline partner’s site.
Search and Book: Travelers should use the search tool to find flights or services offered by the selected partner. They must select the desired travel dates, destination, and any specific preferences.
Complete Reservation: Once the options appear, vacationers can proceed to redeem miles for their chosen service. The system will display the number of miles required. Reservations can often be completed online or may need to be finalized by contacting customer service.
Understand Mileage Requirements: It is important for users to be aware of the mileage requirements, as they differ by partner. For instance, a flight to Europe may require more miles than a domestic flight.
Check for Promotions: Frequently, United and its partners may offer promotions that allow travelers to redeem fewer miles for specific routes or services. Checking for such deals can provide better redemption value.

By following these steps, vacationers can seamlessly redeem their earned miles from United Airlines and enjoy their travel experiences.

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