United Airlines loyalty revamp values cardholders most

Those that use a United MileagePlus credit or debit card can earn up to twice as many miles as non-cardholder loyalty members.

They also get at least 10% off United award tickets and access to special inventory of its lowest-priced award seats.

It begins for tickets purchased on April 2.

For example, MileagePlus 1K members will earn 17 total miles per dollar when purchasing with their United Club card.

United is also giving MileagePlus members who have a United credit or debit card access to Saver Award inventory in United Polaris Business Class that was previously only available to Platinum and 1K members.

“The most rewarding way to fly United is as a MileagePlus member, and the best way to get the most value from the MileagePlus program is to have one of our credit or debit cards,” said Andrew Nocella, United’s Chief Commercial Officer.

“MileagePlus members can now earn more miles faster with a United card – and every one of those miles will go further.”

The focus on cardholders will see general members without a cobranded card get reduced miles accrual.

A MileagePlus member without status or a cobranded card, is set to earn two MileagePlus points less than currently per dollar spent.