Originally Posted by
cwyn
I have a huge number of miles that I can never use because I don't want to use them to book work flights which are paid through work anyway, and our flights with the kids are always over the holidays and therefore on blackout dates.
MileagePlus awards do not have blackout dates, and as a Silver Elite you should have expanded access to Saver Awards — not likely to help during the holidays — and last-seat availability for Everyday Awards, which could.
If you’re willing to pay the Everyday rate, you should be able to book any UA (or United Express) flight in the system with your award miles.