United announced today that it will amend its mileage policies for its frequent flyer program. Miles that are in accounts that are inactive for eighteen months will expire. United does this in the hope that their “most loyal customers will compete with fewer people for award seats, making it easier for them to redeem.”
However, you don’t have to fly to ensure activity. There are always credit cards, various travel and retail partners, mileage use or transfer…or even donating them to charity.
Meanwhile, United has also reduced its online mile incentive bonus, going from 1000 miles for booking online to 500 miles for a roundtrip. This brings it in line with its competitors, who have long since reduced their numbers.