United Airlines

United Airlines has the much debated, much cheapened Mileage Plus program frequent flyer program. While the airline consistently devalues its miles, some of you still carry a balance. United has cut corners all around with the program, but they still do offer frequent promotions and deals. If you are concerned about your miles expiring, you can make a quick purchase online or go out to dinner to keep your points active, without setting foot in an airport.

>> Earn more miles toward a free flight with the United Mileage Plus Visa Signature Card and the United Mileage Plus Visa Select Card

Airline Partners

As a member of the Star Alliance, you have loads of partner airlines to work with. Unfortunately there isn’t another strong U.S. based carrier in the group.

Star Alliance Partners: ADRIA Airways, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana, Austrian Airlines Group, Blue1, bmi, Croatia Airlines, Lot Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS, Shanghai Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, Swiss International Air Lines, TAP Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines and US Airways

Other Airline Partners: Air One, Island Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways, TACA Airlines and TAM

Car Rental Partners

Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, Sixt and Thrifty

Hotel Partners

United has a nice list of hotel parters with whom you can earn varying numbers of miles.

Carlson Hotels Worldwide, Choice Hotels, Fairmont Hotel Group, Delta, Swissotel, Raffles Resorts, The Hilton Family, Hyatt, InterContinental Hotels Group, Langham Hotels, Marriott, New Otani Hotels, Omni Hotels, Preferred Hotel Group, Shangri-La Hotels, Sarwood, WORLDHOTELS and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.

Other Ways to Earn

You can earn even more with the United credit card, dining for miles program, United Vacations, Mileage Plus wireless plans, TMobile Wi-Fi service, shopping, financial planning or even by subscribing to a newspaper.