NWAOldtimer

It's been more than a decade since I was elite on UA/CO.
Still have some miles left which I preserve by an occasional transaction, eg MP dining. Finally saw an opportunity to use them for DTW-ORD-DTW on 1/18-1/19
Only 20,000 miles needed but fees were $80!
Tried one-way for 10,000 miles but then $77.50!

Really? Is this because I am not elite, or is it too close to departure, or is this UA standard?

If standard, are there other ways to dispose of these miles?Convert them to Starwood points or Marriott points? Any way to trade them for another airline's miles? I realize the latter would be somewhat complicated, involving buying a tkt for someone else in return for his buying one for me


Moderator: Please remove. I tried 3 weeks in advance and found fee was only $5. So now I know.

Help appreciated

channa

Inside 21 days is what's doing it to you. Looks like you're a few days too late.

Outside 21 days there are no fees (just taxes -- which in your case would be $2.50 each way).