United Launches Discount Scheme for Young MileagePlus Members

United Airlines is offering a promotional sale for young adults who are planning to travel, allowing eligible travelers to avail of a discount of 5 percent on their flights, provided that they book between now and September 30.

To be eligible for this promotion, passengers must be MileagePlus members and be between 18 and 23 years old at the time of booking. The discount applies to both United Economy and Basic Economy fares.

Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines

Travelers interested in this offer who are not MileagePlus members can sign up for the loyalty program for free on the United mobile app. They can then search for discounted fares by going to the ‘Book Flight’ section and selecting the young traveler discount, where eligible flights will automatically have the discount applied.

The discount is being offered on both United Airlines and United Express flights within the U.S., as well as on international flights to select destinations. It also applies to flights with a ‘UA’ flight number, which may be operated by some of its partner airlines, including Air Canada, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, and SWISS.

“Whether young travelers are booking festival flights, solidifying summer plans, or reuniting with their college crew, we’re excited to help them see the world with an exclusive discount on United Economy and Basic Economy seats for MileagePlus members aged 18-23,” a spokesperson for United Airlines said.

MileagePlus members with Premier status, as well as United Chase cardholders, will still get their relevant benefits when booking the discounted Economy or Basic Economy flights. For example, Premier members will still get priority boarding, free checked baggage, and a full-sized cabin bag, while travelers who use a United Chase credit card to book their discounted flight for themselves will still get all the associated benefits.

United Airlines App / Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines

The young adult discount is being applied to all eligible bookings made up until September 30, 2024, including for flights that depart after this date. However, the discount can’t be applied to any flights previously booked, is only eligible for individual tickets, and can only be used on bookings made on the United app.

The discount also doesn’t apply to any extra fees or taxes, such as bag check fees, passenger facility charges, international departure tax, immigration fees, or airport security charges.

United is the only major carrier in the U.S. that offers flight discounts exclusively for young passengers. However, its partner airlines, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines, both offer discount schemes for students. Other student discounts available on major airlines include Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Air France, with varying terms and conditions.