United Airlines has introduced a new feature that allows passengers to pool and share their frequent-flyer points with family and friends. This feature, currently offered by smaller carriers, allows a “pool leader” to select up to four other individuals to set up a joint account in United’s MileagePlus program. While the group leader must be over 18, there is no minimum age requirement for other participants, thus allowing parents to enroll their children. Each member of the pool must have their own United frequent-flyer account in order to participate.
Other airlines such as JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines already offer similar pooling options, although the rules may vary slightly among carriers. Despite complaints that the value of miles and points declines over time as airlines raise the requirements for redeeming them for flights or other items, frequent-flyer programs remain popular among travelers. These programs help increase customer loyalty and provide consumers with an incentive to obtain airline-branded credit cards. In the case of United Airlines, their credit cards are issued by Chase.
United Airlines’ frequent-flyer points fall in the middle of the pack for value when compared to other US and international airlines, according to an analysis conducted by the consumer site NerdWallet. This suggests that United’s program may offer competitive rewards for travelers looking to accumulate and redeem points for flights. By introducing pooling and sharing options for frequent-flyer points, United is providing passengers with a new way to combine their points with family and friends to reach redemption goals more efficiently.
Pooling of frequent-flyer points can be a valuable tool for travelers seeking to maximize the benefits of their loyalty programs. By allowing passengers to combine points with others, United Airlines is creating an opportunity for families and friends to reach their redemption goals faster and more effectively. This feature enhances the overall value of the airline’s MileagePlus program and provides passengers with additional flexibility in managing and using their accumulated points.
In conclusion, United Airlines’ decision to introduce a pooling feature for frequent-flyer points reflects the continued popularity and importance of loyalty programs within the travel industry. By allowing passengers to share and combine their points with family and friends, United is creating a more inclusive and flexible program that caters to the needs of a wide range of travelers. As airlines continue to adjust their frequent-flyer programs, these initiatives demonstrate a commitment to providing passengers with valuable rewards and benefits that enhance the overall travel experience. With the introduction of pooling options, United Airlines is likely to attract a broader audience of passengers looking to make the most of their accumulated points and miles.
