United Airlines Angers Tens of Millions of Flyers by Ending Free Mileage Accrual for Basic Economy Passengers Across the United States

Tens of millions of United Airlines flyers are in for a shock.

Starting April 2, passengers on the airline’s free MileagePlus program will no longer earn air miles on standard Basic Economy fares—unless they sign up for one of United’s co-branded credit cards.

The move has left frequent travelers frustrated, with critics calling it another way for airlines to push customers toward pricey credit products.

What’s Changing in the MileagePlus Program

Currently, any MileagePlus member can earn five award miles for every US dollar spent on the base fare and certain carrier surcharges.

Taxes are excluded.

After April, that benefit disappears for general members booking Basic Economy tickets.

Only elite members or those with a United credit or debit card will continue to collect miles.

United offers six co-branded cards in partnership with Chase, including personal and business options.

Annual fees vary widely—from no fee on the United Gateway Card to $695 for the United Club Card, which comes with perks like airport lounge access, free checked bags, and other travel benefits.

However, these cards are mainly limited to U.S. residents with strong credit, leaving many travelers out of reach.

Following an Industry Trend

United is not alone in this approach. Delta Airlines ended mileage accrual on Basic Economy fares last December, and American Airlines implemented the change in early 2022.

The trend reflects a broader airline strategy to nudge passengers toward higher-cost fare classes and premium credit products.

For cardholders, the rewards have become significantly more lucrative.

United says MileagePlus members using a co-branded card will earn up to double the miles per dollar spent, with elite flyers potentially earning as much as 17 miles per dollar on eligible flights with a United Club Card.

Additionally, cardholders enjoy discounts on award tickets—10 percent off standard awards and at least 15 percent for MileagePlus Premier members.

United’s Official Take

Andrew Nocella, United’s Chief Commercial Officer, framed the changes as a way to reward the airline’s most loyal customers.

“MileagePlus is designed to reward loyalty to United, and our best customers deserve the best benefits in the industry,” he said.

“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.”

Elite status remains a path for free MileagePlus members to earn miles, but it’s a high bar.

To reach Premier Silver, a passenger needs 15 flights and over $5,000 in spending.

Premier 1K status requires 60 flights and spending above $22,000.

This threshold puts free mileage out of reach for the majority of casual flyers.

The Bigger Picture in Air Travel

United carried roughly 181 million passengers in 2025, making this a change that affects a massive audience worldwide.

The airline’s move comes amid an industry-wide push toward higher-paying passengers and premium destinations.

Many carriers are dropping low-profit domestic routes while expanding high-end international travel options.

Luxury travelers are fueling record profits, particularly in first-class and premium cabins.

Meanwhile, lower-income flyers have cut back, prompting carriers to reduce cheaper flights.

United plans to trim 4 percent of domestic flights, Delta is making selective cuts this summer, and JetBlue is scaling back as well.

Budget airlines have been hit hardest—Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy for the second time in a year, and Avelo Airlines pulled flights from its largest markets amid financial stress.

What’s Next?

Passengers have a few options moving forward: sign up for a United credit card to keep earning miles, aim for elite status through frequent travel and spending, or explore other carriers whose loyalty programs still reward all travelers.

The changes are already stirring debate about fairness and the widening gap between premium and economy passengers.

Travelers may also see further shifts in routes, pricing, and loyalty perks as airlines continue focusing on profitability and high-end clientele.

Summary

United Airlines is ending free mileage accrual for Basic Economy passengers in a major shake-up of its MileagePlus program.

Only elite flyers or co-branded cardholders will continue to earn miles.

The move aligns with industry trends prioritizing premium travelers and pushing more customers toward credit products.

While the rewards for cardholders are now more generous than ever, millions of regular passengers face higher costs and fewer benefits.

The airline industry as a whole is adjusting to these dynamics, reducing low-profit flights while catering to wealthier travelers.