Apr 10, 2026, 7:07 am
"United flight mile calculator" now up on website
Feb 19, 2026 | 9:29 am
#1
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"United flight mile calculator" now up on website
The calculator provided in the UA's news release doesn't show a 75k ceiling. I guess it remains to be seen if this was an oversight or if the cap is gone. I see nothing in the announcement about an earnings cap, which I would expect if there was.
Feb 19, 2026 | 9:39 am
#2
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However, I've talked myself into the idea that it's possible. I said earlier that nothing had changed to make raising the cap necessary, but I realized I was making the unwarranted assumption that UA's primary business is to be a transportation company.
Upon further reflection, UA's clearly positioning itself as Chase's marketing arm. And that means there is a reason to remove the cap -- if you have a 1K who spends an average of $8500 per ticket, there's little incentive for them to get a United card. Removing the cap makes this lucrative customer available to Chase.
Feb 19, 2026 | 9:46 am
#3
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Feb 19, 2026 | 10:17 am
#4
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That was quick. The e-mail I got from UA about the changes mentioned the 75k cap. And they've added it to the UA page. The calculator hasn't been fixed to reflect the cap..
Feb 19, 2026 | 10:48 am
#5
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Feb 19, 2026 | 12:11 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2008
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For those discussing the 75K cap and the online calculator, keep in mind the CC miles are awarded separately from the flight itself.
That said, I do expect we're going to see a lot more complaints hittng the 75K limit as more Platinum and Gold MP members hit it (that one extra mile makes a difference when you're buying International J).
I have to ponder whether it's a better deal to keep using my AmEx Platinum for ticket purchases, or switch back to my United Club card. Both now offer a "5x" multiplier. I await a points site posting a good side-side.
That said, I do expect we're going to see a lot more complaints hittng the 75K limit as more Platinum and Gold MP members hit it (that one extra mile makes a difference when you're buying International J).
I have to ponder whether it's a better deal to keep using my AmEx Platinum for ticket purchases, or switch back to my United Club card. Both now offer a "5x" multiplier. I await a points site posting a good side-side.
Feb 19, 2026 | 1:22 pm
#8
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Feb 19, 2026 | 1:24 pm
#9
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We emailed the UA media team this morning asking about a cap removal based on the calculator and lack of 75K cap language, and they responded oopsies within 10 minutes. 
Really a shame though, as a 1K cardholder will now earn the same number of miles whether spending $6,250 or $20,000.
Really a shame though, as a 1K cardholder will now earn the same number of miles whether spending $6,250 or $20,000.
Feb 19, 2026 | 1:46 pm
#10
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Feb 19, 2026 | 1:55 pm
#11
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Feb 19, 2026 | 3:16 pm
#12
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Feb 21, 2026 | 7:27 am
#13
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We emailed the UA media team this morning asking about a cap removal based on the calculator and lack of 75K cap language, and they responded oopsies within 10 minutes.
Really a shame though, as a 1K cardholder will now earn the same number of miles whether spending $6,250 or $20,000.
Really a shame though, as a 1K cardholder will now earn the same number of miles whether spending $6,250 or $20,000.
As a 1K who flies expensive tickets, gaining the extra mile is truncated by the ludicrous cap, and adding an additional mile only makes that cap more restrictive on earnings from spend.
If my wife, who holds a UA card, made a redemption using miles for both of us, would she get the card's milage discount for both tickets, or only hers?
Feb 23, 2026 | 10:14 pm
#14
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my SO is aware of the cap and books aa/ba flights when the ua flight will hit the cap. Ua is literally selecting for cheaper fares and the more expensive ones go to competitors. I guess they think its a good idea but when applied to her its a big loser, to the tune of probably $50k in tickets a year.
