In what appears to be a change to longstanding policy, United Airlines is no longer making all of its “saver level” award space available to members of partner frequent flyer programs. If this is indeed a new trend, it will certainly impact the usefulness of partner programs like Air Canada Aeroplan or Avianca LifeMiles for many US-based travelers.
Is United Airlines Restricting Some Award Space To Partners?
First, a point of clarity. United offers award space on virtually every one of its flights to MileagePlus members. Since United eliminated its award charts, prices vary and are often loosely tied to revenue prices.
When you search for award space on united.com or on the United mobile app, you will see a little code after the flight:
- Business Class
- JN: “Everyday” award for all members (dynamic pricing)
- IN: Saver award for Premier Platinum and 1K members
- I: Saver award for all other customers and partner redemptions (at least until now)
- Economy…