United reshapes MileagePlus to reward cardholders and elites while cutting non-card miles

TL;DR
United Airlines is overhauling its MileagePlus program to heavily favor cobranded cardholders and elite status. Earning rates will be reduced for non-cardholders and for basic-economy bookings, while cardholders (and those with status) will earn more miles per dollar and receive discounts on award flights (at least 10%, rising to 15%+ for Premier status). The changes, effective for tickets purchased on or after April 2, mark a significant shift toward rewarding loyalty members over casual fliers.
- United shakes up MileagePlus, tightens basic economy policy The Points Guy
- United Airlines is paring back rewards for travelers who don't have its credit card in MileagePlus overhaul CNBC
- United Airlines just made big changes to its reward programs for travelers who don’t use its credit card San Francisco Chronicle
- United Airlines Overhauls Loyalty Program to Reward Cardholders Bloomberg.com
- United Airlines slashing miles rewards for travelers who don’t own its credit card New York Post
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