United Airlines’ MileagePlus Program Introduces Frequent Flyer Mile Pooling

United Airlines has introduced a new feature for its MileagePlus loyalty program, allowing members to pool their frequent flyer miles. This move aims to enhance customer engagement and provide greater flexibility in redeeming rewards.

MileagePlus members can now form a joint account with up to five participants, termed as a “pool.” The pool leader, who must be at least 18 years old, can invite up to four family members or friends to join. Interestingly, there’s no age restriction for pool members, enabling families to utilize even their children’s miles toward flight bookings.

Participants in the pool retain their individual MileagePlus accounts and have the autonomy to decide how many miles they want to contribute. Once contributed, these miles remain within the pool and can be redeemed for flights and other products available on United’s website or app.

“The strategy for mileage pooling is to appeal to less-frequent to moderately frequent travelers and get them and their family members engaged in the program. By allowing members of a family to pool their award points together, it increases brand preference across the family … just like with toothpaste.”

Henry Harteveldt, a travel analyst and founder of the consulting firm Atmosphere Research Group, via CNBC

This initiative mirrors similar programs by other airlines like JetBlue Airways and Frontier Airlines, which allow customers to pool their miles with family and friends. JetBlue permits up to seven customers to pool miles, while Frontier extends this to up to eight individuals.

The introduction of mileage pooling is strategic, aiming to attract less-frequent and moderately frequent travelers and foster greater involvement in the loyalty program. By enabling families to consolidate their award points, airlines like United aim to enhance brand loyalty across generations, akin to the dynamics seen with consumer products like toothpaste.

United’s MileagePlus program continues to evolve, catering to its customers’ needs and preferences. With the introduction of frequent flyer miles pooling, travelers now have an additional avenue to maximize the benefits of their loyalty memberships.