Maintaining your frequent flyer accounts is crucial for maximizing travel rewards. If you fly with United Airlines, adding your MileagePlus number to your reservations is a fundamental step. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of how to add your MileagePlus number across various booking channels, ensuring you earn valuable miles every time you fly.
Understanding the Importance of Your MileagePlus Number
Your MileagePlus number is your key to unlocking a world of benefits when flying with United and its partner airlines. Each flight earns you miles, which can be redeemed for future flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and more. Consistent use of your MileagePlus number ensures that you are properly credited for your travel and can progress through elite status tiers, unlocking even greater perks. Failing to add your number means missing out on these opportunities.
The Benefits of MileagePlus Membership
Being a MileagePlus member grants you access to several advantages. These include earning miles on flights and partner activities, potential for upgrades, priority boarding (depending on status), baggage fee waivers (again, depending on status), and access to United Club lounges. The higher your status, the more valuable these benefits become, making the effort of adding your MileagePlus number a worthwhile investment in your travel experience.
Adding Your MileagePlus Number When Booking Online
Most travelers book their flights online, so understanding how to add your MileagePlus number during the online booking process is essential. The United Airlines website makes this process straightforward, but it’s helpful to know exactly where to look.
During the Initial Booking Process
When searching for flights on United.com, you will eventually arrive at a passenger details page. This page is where you will enter your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and, most importantly, your MileagePlus number. There will be a clearly labeled field asking for your frequent flyer number. Simply enter your MileagePlus number in this field. Make sure you double-check the number for accuracy to avoid any issues with mileage credit.
Adding Your MileagePlus Number to an Existing Reservation Online
If you’ve already booked your flight but forgot to add your MileagePlus number, don’t worry. You can easily add it to your existing reservation through the United website.
- Go to the United Airlines website (www.united.com).
- Click on “My Trips” or “Manage Trips.”
- Enter your confirmation number and last name to retrieve your reservation.
- Once your reservation appears, look for an “Edit Passenger Details” or similar option.
- Click on this option, and you should be able to add or update your MileagePlus number in the designated field.
- Save your changes. Check that the MileagePlus number appears correctly on your boarding pass or in your online reservation details.
Adding Your MileagePlus Number When Booking Through the United App
The United Airlines mobile app provides a convenient way to manage your travel on the go. Adding your MileagePlus number within the app is just as crucial as adding it online.
Adding During the Booking Process via the App
Similar to the website, the app will prompt you for passenger details during the booking process. Look for the field labeled “MileagePlus number” and enter your number. Ensure the accuracy of your number before proceeding.
Adding to Existing Reservations via the App
The process of adding your MileagePlus number to an existing reservation through the app mirrors the online process:
- Open the United Airlines app on your mobile device.
- Navigate to “My Trips.”
- Locate your reservation using your confirmation number and last name.
- Select “Edit Passenger Details.”
- Enter or update your MileagePlus number in the designated field.
- Save the changes. Confirm that your number is now associated with your reservation.
Adding Your MileagePlus Number When Booking Through a Travel Agent
While online and app bookings are popular, some travelers still prefer to book through travel agents. In this case, it’s important to communicate your MileagePlus number clearly to the agent.
Informing the Travel Agent
When booking through a travel agent, explicitly provide your MileagePlus number to the agent during the booking process. Confirm that the agent has entered the number correctly into the reservation system. Always ask the agent to verify that the number appears on your itinerary or booking confirmation.
Verifying the Addition After Booking
Even if you provide your MileagePlus number to the travel agent, it’s a good practice to double-check that it was added correctly. You can do this by retrieving your reservation on the United website or app using your confirmation number and last name, as described above. If the number is missing, contact the travel agent immediately to have it added.
Adding Your MileagePlus Number at the Airport
While adding your MileagePlus number before arriving at the airport is ideal, there are situations where you might need to add it on the spot.
At the Check-In Kiosk
United check-in kiosks usually provide an option to add or update your MileagePlus number. Follow the on-screen prompts to access your reservation and look for the “Add Frequent Flyer Number” option. Be prepared to enter your number manually.
At the Check-In Counter
If you’re checking in at the counter, simply provide your MileagePlus number to the agent. They can add it to your reservation and ensure that it’s associated with your boarding pass. Always double-check that the number is correctly entered.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your MileagePlus number might not be correctly added or recognized. Here are some common issues and how to address them.
Incorrect Number Entry
The most common issue is simply entering the MileagePlus number incorrectly. Double-check every digit and character. Even a small error can prevent you from receiving mileage credit.
Name Mismatch
The name on your MileagePlus account must exactly match the name on your airline ticket. If there’s a discrepancy, such as a middle name missing or a nickname used, it can cause issues. Contact United Airlines or MileagePlus customer service to correct any name mismatches.
Technical Glitches
Occasionally, technical glitches in the airline’s system can prevent your MileagePlus number from being properly associated with your reservation. In these cases, contact United Airlines customer service for assistance. Be prepared to provide your flight details and MileagePlus number.
Retroactive Credit
If you flew without your MileagePlus number attached to your reservation, you can usually request retroactive credit. This typically needs to be done within a specific timeframe (often within a year of the flight). You can request retroactive credit through the United Airlines website or by contacting customer service. You will need to provide your ticket information and MileagePlus number.
Managing Your MileagePlus Account
Beyond just adding your number to reservations, actively managing your MileagePlus account is crucial for maximizing your rewards.
Keeping Your Contact Information Up-to-Date
Ensure that your contact information, including your email address and phone number, is current in your MileagePlus profile. This allows United to send you important updates about your account, mileage balances, and special offers.
Reviewing Your Mileage Statements Regularly
Regularly review your mileage statements to ensure that all your flights and eligible activities are being properly credited. If you notice any discrepancies, contact United Airlines customer service promptly.
Understanding Mileage Expiration Policies
Be aware of United’s mileage expiration policies. Miles can expire if there is no activity in your account for a certain period. To prevent expiration, make sure to earn or redeem miles regularly. Earning even a small number of miles through a partner activity, such as dining or shopping, can reset the expiration clock.
Adding your United MileagePlus number to your reservations is a straightforward process that yields significant benefits. By understanding the various methods for adding your number and actively managing your account, you can maximize your mileage earnings and enjoy a more rewarding travel experience with United Airlines. Remember to always double-check your information and address any issues promptly to ensure you receive the credit you deserve.
What is the benefit of adding my MileagePlus number to my reservations?
Adding your MileagePlus number to your reservations ensures you receive credit for the miles you fly, which contributes to your MileagePlus balance and your Premier status qualification. These miles can be redeemed for award flights, upgrades, and other benefits, while Premier status unlocks perks like priority boarding, free checked baggage, and enhanced upgrade opportunities.
Furthermore, having your MileagePlus number associated with your booking allows United to track your travel patterns and preferences, potentially leading to more personalized offers and services. It also simplifies the process of managing your itinerary online or through the United app, as your details are pre-populated, and you can easily access information about your upcoming flights and past travel history.
Where can I add my MileagePlus number when booking a flight?
The most straightforward place to add your MileagePlus number is during the online booking process on United.com. After selecting your flights and proceeding to the passenger details section, you’ll find a field labeled “MileagePlus Number” or “Frequent Flyer Number.” Enter your nine-digit MileagePlus number accurately in this field.
Alternatively, you can add your MileagePlus number when booking through the United app. The process is similar to booking online – after selecting your flights, you’ll be prompted to enter passenger details, including your MileagePlus number. Be sure to double-check the number for accuracy before finalizing your booking.
How do I add my MileagePlus number after I have already booked a flight?
If you’ve already booked your flight and forgot to include your MileagePlus number, you can add it through the “Manage Trip” section on United.com. Locate your reservation using your confirmation number, last name, and then click on “Edit Traveler Information.” You should then be able to add or update your MileagePlus number.
You can also add it through the United app. Similar to the website, find your existing reservation through “My Trips” and then select “Edit Passenger Information.” Here you can input your MileagePlus number. In some cases, you might need to contact United customer service by phone or through their online chat feature to add your MileagePlus number after booking, but usually the online method is preferred.
Can I add my MileagePlus number at the airport check-in?
Yes, you can certainly add your MileagePlus number at the airport check-in. You can provide your number to the United Airlines agent at the check-in counter, and they will be able to add it to your reservation. Just be sure to have your MileagePlus number readily available.
Alternatively, you can often add your MileagePlus number at the check-in kiosk located at the airport. The kiosk will prompt you to enter your confirmation number or scan your passport, and after verifying your identity, you will be able to edit your passenger information, including your MileagePlus number, before printing your boarding pass.
What if my MileagePlus number is not recognized?
If your MileagePlus number is not recognized, the first step is to double-check that you have entered it correctly. Ensure you are using the nine-digit number associated with your MileagePlus account and that there are no typos or extra spaces. It’s also a good idea to confirm that the name on your reservation matches the name on your MileagePlus account.
If you are certain the number is correct and the name matches, contact United Airlines customer service for assistance. There might be an issue with your account, such as a temporary suspension or a mismatch in their system. A customer service representative can help you resolve the problem and ensure your miles are properly credited.
Can I add someone else’s MileagePlus number to my reservation?
Generally, you should not add someone else’s MileagePlus number to your reservation. The MileagePlus number should only be associated with the individual who is actually flying. Attempting to add someone else’s number could violate the terms and conditions of the MileagePlus program.
Instead, each passenger should have their own MileagePlus account and ensure their own number is associated with their respective reservation. If you are booking for multiple people, make sure each person’s correct MileagePlus number is entered for their individual ticket. This ensures that everyone receives the miles and Premier qualifying points they are entitled to.
What happens if I forget to add my MileagePlus number before my flight?
Even if you forget to add your MileagePlus number before your flight, you can still claim your miles retroactively. You can request mileage credit on the United website or through the United app, typically within 12 months of the flight date. You’ll need your ticket number and other relevant information to verify your flight.
The process usually involves logging into your MileagePlus account and navigating to a section labeled “Request Mileage Credit” or similar. Fill out the required information, including your flight details, and submit the request. United will then review your request and, if approved, credit the miles to your account. Be sure to keep your boarding pass and any other relevant documentation until the miles are credited.