Unused gift cards collecting dust in your wallet could unlock your next vacation. With United Airlines’ MileagePlus Gift Card Exchange Program, travelers can exchange gift cards for miles and turn them into real travel opportunities. It’s a practical way to use gift cards from retailers you may not frequent by converting them into United Miles.
How to Exchange Gift Cards for United Miles
The process is simple and seamless. Through United Airlines’ rewards program, MileagePlus members can convert gift cards to United Miles electronically—no mailing required. For every $25 on a gift card, United offers 670 miles.
A $50 card earns 1,330 miles, and a $100 card provides 2,660 miles. To get started, log into the “MileagePlus Gift Card Exchange” section on United’s website, select your retailer, and enter the card’s balance. The system instantly calculates the number of miles you’ll receive.
Related: How to Calculate Credit Card Points and Miles Value: A Comprehensive Guide
Participating Retailers and Options
United’s program accepts gift cards from various popular retailers, making it easier to trade gift cards for travel miles. Participating brands include Target, Walmart, Starbucks, Pottery Barn, and Best Buy. You can even use gift cards from competing airlines like American Airlines or Southwest to earn United Miles. With no cap on the number of cards you can convert, the program ensures plenty of flexibility for MileagePlus members.
From Gift Cards to Airline Miles: Real Value
For perspective, a one-way flight from Newark (EWR) to Orlando (MCO) might cost as few as 9,100 miles. Exchanging $350 worth of gift cards could cover the trip, turning forgotten credit into travel possibilities. Most miles are deposited instantly, though some transactions may take up to five business days.
But why stop there? Turning gift cards into miles is just one piece of the puzzle when planning affordable travel. If you want to stretch every dollar, OneAir is your go-to platform for finding cheap flights and hotels.
Our platform lets you compare prices across countless options, making it easy to plan your perfect trip without breaking the bank. Sign up for OneAir to start your journey today, and let those unused gift cards take you even further.
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