MileagePlus
MileagePlus is United Airlines' loyalty program and a member of Star Alliance, the world's largest airline alliance. A big draw is that miles don't expire as long as there's account activity — and United is a shareholder and partner of Azul in Brazil.
How to accumulate, transfer and redeem well on MileagePlus — step by step, tiers, partners and FAQ.
How it works
As a Star Alliance member, MileagePlus gives access to over 30 airlines. In Brazil, Livelo is the banking partner for transferring points (at its own ratio), and you can also credit Azul flights to your United account. Miles don't expire while the account has activity.
How to accumulate
- Flying United and Star Alliance partners — and crediting Azul flights in Brazil.
- Transferring Livelo points (MileagePlus's banking partner in Brazil).
- At the MileagePlus Shopping portal and the dining program (MileagePlus Dining).
- Buying miles — United often runs aggressive purchase promotions.
How to redeem
- Flights on United and Star Alliance partners (Lufthansa, Swiss, TAP, Air Canada, Turkish, Avianca, Copa, Singapore, ANA and others).
- International routes with good availability across Star Alliance's global network.
- Cabin upgrades.
- Mileage cost is dynamic on United flights — always compare before booking.
Partner airlines
Partnerships vary between earning and redeeming and change often. These are the main ones confirmed in current sources — see the full list and conditions on the program's official site.
Transfers from
Tiers
Promotions for this program
Frequently asked questions
Which alliance is MileagePlus part of?
Star Alliance, the world's largest, with over 30 airlines such as Lufthansa, Swiss, TAP, Air Canada, Turkish, Avianca and Copa.
Do United miles expire?
They don't expire as long as there's account activity — one of the program's big advantages over competitors.
How do I earn MileagePlus in Brazil?
Livelo is the banking partner for transfers. You can also credit Azul flights (a United partner) and buy miles on promotion.
Does United partner with Azul?
Yes. United is a shareholder and partner of Azul; you can credit Azul flights to MileagePlus and use both accounts strategically for international redemptions.
Information gathered from official and public sources in 2026-07. Rules change often — always confirm on the program's official site.