By Dean Seal

Earning miles without a United Airlines credit or debit card is set to become a slower grind.

Starting April 2, United Airlines cardholders will be able to earn up to twice as many miles per dollar spent on flights compared with non-cardholders. They will also get at least a 10% discount on flights booked with miles.

Non-cardholders will no longer be able to earn miles when they book basic economy, United said Thursday.

The policy change is part of an industrywide push to boost customer loyalty and get more passengers to buy flights with airlines' co-branded cards, which have become major profit drivers in a business known for thin margins.

"MileagePlus is designed to reward loyalty to United, and our best customers deserve the best benefits in the industry," said Andrew Nocella, United's chief commercial officer.

United is also giving cardholders access to "Saver Award" seats, its lowest-priced award tickets, in its Polaris business class cabin. Those seats were previously restricted to the loyalty program's higher-tiered members.

United shares dropped 4% Thursday morning.

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February 19, 2026 10:14 ET (15:14 GMT)

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