One of the best ways to maximize the value of frequent-flyer miles is to take advantage of periodic award discounts, which make those hard-earned miles go further.
This new award sale from United is an example, and an opportunity for MileagePlus members to fly more for less.
members can save up to 25 percent on coach-class saver award flights between the U.S. or Canada and Europe:
Redeem 25 percent fewer miles for Monday-through-Thursday roundtrips
Redeem 15 percent fewer miles for Friday-through-Sunday roundtrips
So, with the 25 percent discount, the normal price of 60,000 miles for a roundtrip award would fall to 45,000 miles; and the 15 percent discount would lower the price to 51,000 miles.
Travel at the discounted rates must be completed between January 11 and March 10, 2016. There are no published blackout dates.
Deal or No Deal
The sale amounts to a welcome boost in the value of MileagePlus miles, albeit a temporary one. The discounts are significant. Europe awards are desirable. And the travel period, while limited to the off-season to be sure, is a full two months.
The biggest negative of this promotion is the very narrow booking window. Snoozers will be losers.
If you have United miles, and Europe is on your wish list, act quickly to get there for less.
