A heartbreaking day for MileagePlus members as United devalues Europe saver awards by 33%
It's a solemn day for MileagePlus members.
United Airlines just implemented one of the most heartbreaking devaluations in the history of the MileagePlus program by increasing Europe saver award rates by 33% without notice, as One Mile at a Time first reported.
For years, United offered saver award rates from the continental U.S. to Europe for 30,000 and 60,000 miles in economy and business class, respectively. Partner business-class awards used to cost 70,000 miles one-way. During the early days of the pandemic, United increased its partner award rates by 10% and added mileage charges for close-in bookings.
But Wednesday's devaluation is worse than anything I've seen in nearly a decade as a United Premier 1K member.
Europe awards on United metal
Until Tuesday, you could book saver economy and business fares to Europe on United-operated flights for 30,000 and 60,000 miles. Occasionally, United released economy-class saver awards for less than 30,000 miles.
United has increased award rates in both cabins to 40,000 and 80,000 miles on most award flights. For now, Premium Plus awards remain unchanged at 45,000 miles one-way — that's just 5,000 miles more than economy-class awards.
You might still find some economy-class award rates for less than 30,000 miles.
Related: The best ways to travel to Europe using points and miles
Europe partner awards
Thought the worst was over? Not yet.
The most disturbing devaluation is on partner tickets. You'll now find some saver business-class award rates of more than 100,000 miles.
For reference, Avianca LifeMiles and Air Canada Aeroplan charge just 63,000 and 70,000 miles, respectively, for this same partner business-class award. In other words, you'll need 62% more miles to book this flight through MileagePlus than LifeMiles.
Related: The best websites to search for Star Alliance award availability
Book Asia awards now
For now, you'll likely use more United miles to book a flight to Europe than Asia. We don't expect that to last. After all, flight times from the East Coast to Asia are nearly double flight times from the East Coast to Western Europe.
At the time of writing, United-operated Asia saver awards still cost 35,000 and 70,000 miles in economy and business class.
We recommend booking these awards now. Remember, if you need to change your plans later, United no longer charges mileage redeposit fees.
Related: Why I consider my United miles to be worth 5 cents apiece
Bottom line
United has increased saver award rates to Europe, which means you'll get less from your hard-earned miles on these routes.
Now is the time to start redeeming MileagePlus miles on routes that haven't yet been affected by inflated pricing, like Asia saver awards and Premium Plus awards for 45,000 miles to Europe.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app