Orphan Miles
 

Hi all,

I'm a small-time miles player, and to be honest I don't fly United all that often (nothing against it, just how things have worked for me). But I have about 6K miles in my MileagePlus account -- is there any way to make something of those, or get to the level of even a single one-way ticket (not including opening up a credit card)? I'm imagining the answer is no, but I'd hate to let them just gather dust, so I'm hoping the wisdom of this forum might help...grateful for any suggestions!!

Are you US-based? If so there are some shopping earning or hotel/car redemption options that might help out.

Cheapest one-way redemption is 10K for UA operated flight, and 8K for *A metal.

Note also expiration date of your redeemable miles.

Hi sbm12 -- yes, I'm US-based. I know those options aren't the best bangs for your buck but if there are good ones out there I'm certainly open to them...

Thanks -- I didn't know they had them that cheap. I think I've got some time before expiration, since I've used some over the years for magazines (bad, I know...). Is there any way to search for these cheapest redemptions rather than hoping they show up in regular search?

Note they apply saver rates only.

10K applies to UA/UX flights 700 miles or less

8K applies to *A flights 800 miles or less.

If you have flexibility, use the 30-day awards calendar so you can cast a wide net. Bookable as long as there is availability.

You might also consider donating those miles to a charity of your choice: https://secure.unitedmileageplus.com...tyMilesSSO.jsp

I wish!