Key Takeaways:
- United PlusPoints are the upgrade currency for MileagePlus elites, mainly Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members.
- The value depends on how you use them , long-haul upgrades to Polaris business class are worth far more than cash conversions.
- Expect an average value of $30–$60 per PlusPoint when used for upgrades, and only $2–$5 per Point when exchanged for TravelBank credit or miles.
- 2025 brings new redemption options, but they generally reduce the return per Point.
- Strategic use on high-value routes offers the best experience and value.
United PlusPoints can turn a regular seat into a world-class travel experience , but their value isn’t fixed. Whether you’re flying to London, Tokyo, or Delhi, how you redeem these Points determines whether you’re getting elite-tier value or wasting potential.
This guide breaks down what PlusPoints are, how they work, how much they’re really worth in 2025, and how to use them strategically to maximize upgrades.
Not sure how your fare class affects upgrades? Join the Talk Travel United Airlines Forums to see how other MileagePlus members are using PlusPoints and sharing real upgrade results.
What Are United PlusPoints?
PlusPoints replaced United’s old Regional and Global Premier Upgrades, introducing flexibility for elite members. They’re earned through status rather than spending.
- Premier Platinum members receive 40 PlusPoints.
- Premier 1K members receive 280 more (total = 320).
- Every 3,000 PQPs beyond 15,000 earns another 20 Points.
These Points can be used for upgrades on paid tickets, or starting in 2025, converted into cash or miles , though the latter comes with a big drop in value.
You can check your current balance in your MileagePlus account on United.com.
How PlusPoints Work
Upgrade Tiers and Pricing
United publishes a clear chart outlining how many PlusPoints are required for each type of upgrade:
- Economy → Premium Plus on long haul: 20 Points
- Premium Plus → Polaris Business: 30 Points
- Economy → Polaris Business: 40 Points
- Discounted Economy → Polaris Business: 80 Points
- Domestic or short-haul Economy → First Class: 20 Points
If your journey includes a short-haul and long-haul segment, United charges only the higher value upgrade , not both. Basic Economy fares, however, cannot be upgraded with PlusPoints.
For a deeper look at upgrade eligibility and fare restrictions, see the United Upgrade Rules Guide.
2025 Updates: Expanded Redemption Options
Beginning in 2025, United added several new ways to redeem PlusPoints beyond upgrades. These are helpful if your Points are expiring soon, but they generally deliver much lower returns.
- 10 PlusPoints = $20 TravelBank credit
- 10 PlusPoints = 1,500 MileagePlus miles
- 20 PlusPoints = 100 PQPs (status credit)
According to United Airlines’ official PlusPoints policy, these conversions are optional for members who can’t use upgrades before expiration. But most experts agree they’re worth far less than cabin upgrades.
If you’re unsure how others are redeeming Points under the 2025 system, check the Talk Travel United Airlines Forums , travelers post real conversion and upgrade outcomes there every week.
How Much Is a PlusPoint Worth?
The value of PlusPoints varies depending on what you get in return. Unlike miles, there’s no public exchange rate, but frequent flyer data and route analysis can offer a reliable range.
Long-Haul Economy → Polaris Business
A typical economy fare from the U.S. to Europe or Asia runs around $1,200, while a Polaris business ticket often costs $5,000. Using 40 PlusPoints to upgrade saves roughly $3,800, translating to $95 per PlusPoint in raw value.
In practice, most flyers realize $40–$70 per PlusPoint on international upgrades, depending on the route, fare class, and seat availability.
Short-Haul Economy → First
On domestic flights, upgrading from a $250 ticket to a $600 first-class seat using 20 PlusPoints saves $350 , or about $17 per PlusPoint.
Converting to Cash or Miles
Conversions earn roughly $2 per PlusPoint. Ten Points = $20 TravelBank credit, or 1,500 miles (worth ~$19). For context, this is 10–20× lower than upgrade value.
Comparison Table
| Use Case | Points Required | Typical Value | Approx. $/Point |
| Economy → Polaris Business (long haul) | 40 | $1,500–$3,000 saved | $40–$75 |
| Premium Plus → Polaris Business | 30 | $800–$1,500 saved | $25–$50 |
| Domestic Economy → First Class | 20 | $250–$400 saved | $12–$20 |
| TravelBank Credit | 10 | $20 | $2 |
| Convert to Miles | 10 | 1,500 miles (~$19) | ~$1.9 |
For more data-driven comparisons, check Talk Travel’s United Polaris Upgrade Guide.
Maximizing PlusPoints Value
- Target long-haul upgrades. Polaris business class on routes like San Francisco–London or Newark–Tokyo offers the biggest return.
- Avoid discounted fares (L, T, K, G classes). They require 80 Points for a Polaris upgrade, doubling your cost.
- Book early. Use United’s Expert Mode or third-party tools to find “PZ” upgrade space before booking.
- Use Points for others. PlusPoints can be applied to friends or family when you book through your MileagePlus account.
- Don’t let them expire. Most PlusPoints remain valid through the end of the next program year (January 31, 2027 for 2025 Points).
For practical tips on upgrade timing, see the United Polaris Business Class Review.
When Conversions Make Sense
While upgrades provide superior value, sometimes converting Points is practical , for example, if you:
- Won’t fly before Points expire.
- Travel mostly short-haul, where upgrades are rarely available.
- Want to gift status or miles to someone else.
Even in these cases, expect lower returns. Ten PlusPoints for $20 TravelBank credit equals $2 per Point. Compare that with $50–$70 for premium upgrades and it’s clear why conversions should be a last resort.
According to analysis from Frequent Miler and The Points Guy, the “break-even” value on conversions is below 10% of upgrade potential, confirming that upgrades are almost always better.
Example: Newark to Tokyo Upgrade
A Newark–Tokyo round-trip economy fare may cost $1,200, while Polaris Business is $5,500. Using 40 PlusPoints each way (80 total) provides an effective saving of $8,600.
That’s $107 per PlusPoint at the high end.
Even if upgrade clearance happens last-minute, the comfort of Polaris , lie-flat seat, Saks bedding, and premium dining , makes it a high-impact use of your Points.
To compare upgrade clearance data from real travelers, browse the active route threads on the Talk Travel United Airlines Forums.
Conclusion
So, how much are United PlusPoints worth?
Realistically, between $2 and $100 per Point, depending on how you use them. For most flyers, the average sits around $40–$60 each when used for long-haul business upgrades.
Upgrades remain the smartest play, especially on high-value routes where Polaris cabins aren’t oversold. Use PlusPoints strategically, monitor upgrade space, and plan around expiration windows, because when used right, PlusPoints can unlock experiences worth thousands.
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