United Airlines is leaning in to its cobranded credit card holders, while making it tougher for flyers without a United card or status to earn miles.
United on Thursday revealed it’s slashing mileage earning rates across the board for members without status or a United credit (or debit) card in their wallet, while planning to award more miles to customers who do.
The carrier also plans to offer its credit card holders discounts of at least 10% on every award flight, with price cuts of 15% or more for flyers with Premier status.
These changes apply to tickets purchased on or after April 2.
Altogether, it’s one of the most aggressive moves we’ve seen by a U.S. airline to give prime treatment to customers who carry a card or earn status rather than those who don’t.
Here's what you need to know.
More miles and deals for United cardholders, fewer for other flyers
If you carry one of United’s cobranded credit (or debit) cards, Thursday’s shake-up should mean more miles and better redemption rates. Ditto for United loyalists with status.
With the upcoming changes, United cardholders could earn up to twice as many miles per dollar spent as non-United cardholders. This is in addition to the miles you'll earn from your specific United card.
So, if you don't have a United card or status with the airline, you’ll see fewer miles hit your account going forward.
Here's a chart breaking down what to expect after April 2 on eligible United flights:
