This may be old news but I just heard
that United may be increasing the mileage awards needed by approx. 30% for domestic and international travel. I really don't want the value of my miles diluted so what is the best course of action?

Buy an award ticket for travel next year now?(ie. on a long haul US - Asia) or is it possible to transfer the points out of Mileage Plus into partner/other program (ie hotel or credit card) and then transfer them back when really needed at some point in the future.