Book Discounted United Award Travel by April 12

For the ninth time in just the past year, United is offering award tickets for fewer Mileage Plus miles.

Offer Details

Through April 12, Mileage Plus members can book Saver coach award flights within the continental U.S., and between the U.S. and Canada, for 10 percent fewer miles.

So, with the discount, the price of a round-trip award ticket would be 22,500 instead of the 25,000 miles normally required; and a one-way would be reduced from 12,500 to 11,250 miles.

Travel at the discounted rates must be booked on united.com, and travel must be completed by May 26.

Deal or No Deal

United’s last domestic award discount, in October 2009, was a hefty 20 percent. So this is a bit of a letdown percentage-wise.

And as I’ve complained in reviews of past United award discounts, giving program members just a few days to commit to an award trip at the reduced rate detracts from the offer’s usability and undermines the discount’s goodwill effect.

Still, any discount beats paying the full price for award tickets. And making these discounts a regular feature of Mileage Plus, as United has done, unquestionably adds value to the program.

Reader Reality Check

Have any Mileage Plus members taken advantage of these discounts? If so, please share any comments on seat availability at the reduced rates.

And looking specifically at this offer, is a 10 percent discount a difference-maker for you?