United Airlines Mileage Plus Overview
United (along with American) has long attracted business travelers drawn to their extensive Asia network and 3-class domestic service (only American and United offer 3-class service within the US). Despite their well publicized financial difficulties over the past few years, they have created a comfortable product for business travelers. Specifically, their trans-continental P.S. service offers 3-classes of service and a (relatively) spacious Economy Plus product in the back that gives 3-4 more inches of legroom than you would get on the same route flown by Continental. In addition, they give all travelers the opportunity to buy up to Economy Plus on flights where the seats are available. Even better, those upgrades can be had for less than $20 on short-haul routes and are reasonably priced even on long flights. Those extra inches of legroom make all the difference when you’re flying to Tokyo.
On the other hand, until recently business travelers bemoaned the addition of United’s TED service to their lineup. The stripped down version of United offered no-frills leisure service in the US and Mexico. To the delight of many, United discontinued that service and is once again offering at least 2 classes of service on all mainline flights in the US.
While United’s frequent flyer program doesn’t particularly stand out, it offers enough redemption options through Star Alliance and enough access to premium seats in the US to make it a solid choice for business travelers.
United Airlines Secret: United offers a secret program called Global Services to its top tier customers each year. If you fly most of your flights in discounted coach, you’re out of luck – the service is doled out based on revenue, not miles flown. Even so, if you fly about 50,000 miles in full-fare coach or business/first, you’ll likely qualify. What do you get? The biggest perk is that you’ll virtually always be upgraded. You will also be the first to be re-booked should there be a cancellation, and special lounges are available in a handful of airports. You also have access to showers in some international terminals, even if you’re not flying in business or first. If you have a lot of full-fare coach or business class travel (I’m talking to you, consultants), United may be a great option just for the Global Services perk).
Learn More About United Airlines Mileage Plus
United Airlines Mileage Plus Overview
United Airlines Hubs and Routes
United Airlines Earning and Using Miles
United Airlines MileagePlus Elite Status
United Airlines Mileage Plus Elite Status Matching