We may earn a commission for purchases through links on our site, Learn more.
- United Airlines does not sell traditional gift cards directly.
- Gift certificates can be purchased through Giftly, United Vacations, or MileagePlus.
- Giftly allows sending United Airlines gift certificates online in any amount up to $1,000.
- United Vacations gift certificates can only be used for vacation packages, not flights.
- MileagePlus miles can be redeemed for gift certificates via MileagePlus X.
- MileagePlus eGift cards can be purchased from retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Lowe’s.
- MileagePlus members can exchange unwanted gift cards for United Airlines miles.
- United Airlines gift cards can be used at participating service stations for fuel or car care.
Does United Airlines Have Gift Cards?
When it comes to travel, many people enjoy the flexibility and convenience of gift cards. Whether for personal use or as a gift for someone else, gift cards offer a great way to manage expenses or give the gift of travel. If you’re wondering, “Does United Airlines have gift cards?” the answer is somewhat nuanced.
While United Airlines does not directly sell traditional gift cards, there are several other ways to purchase a United Airlines gift certificate or gift card through different platforms and programs. This guide will explore all of the options available to help you give the gift of United Airlines travel.
United Airlines Gift Certificates
United Airlines does offer gift certificates, but these are not the same as the traditional gift cards you might find at a retail store. Gift certificates can be used to purchase tickets or services, but there are specific limitations to how and where they can be redeemed.
United Airlines gift certificates can be purchased in any amount up to $1,000 through Giftly, United Vacations, and the MileagePlus program. Let’s break down these options and explain how they work.
Giftly – The Digital Option
Giftly is an online platform that allows you to send digital gift certificates, including for United Airlines. You can choose any amount for the gift certificate, up to $1,000. This is a great option if you want to give a gift that the recipient can use toward their next trip with United Airlines.
Giftly’s flexibility makes it easy for the recipient to use the gift certificate for airline tickets or travel-related expenses. Whether they are booking a flight, upgrading to a premium seat, or adding extra services to their reservation, a United Airlines gift certificate from Giftly can be used toward any of these options.
United Vacations – A Special Focus on Vacation Packages
United Vacations is another option for purchasing a gift certificate, but it comes with some restrictions. These certificates are only valid for vacation packages, not for individual flights. This means that if you’re looking to give the gift of air travel, this may not be the right choice. However, if you know someone who is planning a vacation and would appreciate a gift certificate for accommodations, car rentals, or vacation packages, United Vacations could be a good fit.
It’s important to note that these certificates cannot be used for airfare purchased through United Airlines. They are strictly for vacation packages. So, if you want to give a flexible gift that covers a full travel experience, United Vacations is worth considering.
MileagePlus – Redeem Miles for Gift Certificates
For frequent flyers or those who are members of the United Airlines MileagePlus program, there is another way to give the gift of United Airlines travel. MileagePlus miles can be used to purchase gift certificates through MileagePlus X.
MileagePlus X is an app that allows members to convert their miles into various gift cards, including ones for United Airlines. The beauty of this option is that you can redeem miles for gift certificates, which then can be used for flight tickets, seat upgrades, and other services offered by United Airlines.
It’s important to keep in mind that you must have a significant number of miles to purchase the gift certificates, so this option is better suited for those who have been accumulating miles over time. If you’re a MileagePlus member with a balance of miles, you may want to check out this option to redeem them for a gift certificate.
MileagePlus eGift Cards
Another option for purchasing gift cards for United Airlines is through MileagePlus eGift cards. These are electronic gift cards that can be used for travel-related expenses. MileagePlus eGift cards can be purchased from retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, Lowe’s, Sephora, and others.
These eGift cards offer flexibility, as they can be used for more than just flights. Whether you need to book hotels, rent cars, or buy other travel-related services, a MileagePlus eGift card could serve as a practical option for the recipient.
Additionally, you can buy eGift cards in varying denominations, making it easy to choose the right amount for the recipient. This is an excellent option for those who prefer digital gift cards over traditional plastic ones.
Where Can MileagePlus eGift Cards Be Used?
MileagePlus eGift cards are accepted at a variety of retailers, making them incredibly versatile. However, the important distinction is that they are mainly intended for use in the travel sector, so they may not be ideal for everyday purchases unless they are specifically for travel or related products.
As with most gift cards, it’s important to read the fine print to ensure you are clear on where they can and cannot be used. The best part is that these eGift cards can be easily sent to the recipient’s email, providing an instant and convenient gift.
MileagePlus Gift Card Exchange – Turning Unwanted Gift Cards into Miles
For those who may have unused gift cards lying around, the MileagePlus Gift Card Exchange is a great option. This program allows MileagePlus members to exchange unwanted gift cards from a variety of retailers for United Airlines miles. The miles can then be used for flights, upgrades, or other services related to United Airlines.
This exchange program is an excellent way to make use of gift cards that might otherwise go unused. If you have gift cards from places like Amazon, Target, or other retailers, you can trade them in for miles that can be used toward your next United Airlines flight. This program allows you to maximize the value of your gift cards by converting them into miles, which can be a highly valuable currency for frequent travelers.
It’s important to note that the value you get for your gift cards may vary based on the retailer and the terms of the exchange. But overall, this is a creative way to make use of unused gift cards and turn them into something useful for your next trip with United Airlines.
United Airlines Gift Cards for Car Care
Did you know that you can also use United Airlines gift cards for car care? United Airlines has partnered with participating service stations, allowing customers to use their gift cards to pay for fuel or car care products. This is a lesser-known benefit of United Airlines gift cards, but it’s an added bonus if you’re someone who needs to fuel up or take care of your car while traveling.
Whether you’re filling up your rental car or taking care of vehicle maintenance, using your United Airlines gift card at participating service stations makes your travel experience even more convenient. So, while these gift cards are primarily associated with travel, they also offer a unique way to pay for certain services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the related questions people also ask:
Does United Airlines offer gift cards for flights?
No, United Airlines does not sell traditional gift cards for flights directly, but you can purchase gift certificates through Giftly, United Vacations, or use MileagePlus miles for gift cards.
Can I buy a United Airlines gift certificate online?
Yes, you can buy a United Airlines gift certificate through platforms like Giftly, where you can choose any amount up to $1,000.
Can United Vacations gift certificates be used for flights?
No, United Vacations gift certificates can only be used for vacation packages, not for purchasing flights through United Airlines.
How can I use my MileagePlus miles for gift cards?
You can use your MileagePlus miles to purchase gift cards through MileagePlus X, an app that allows you to redeem miles for gift certificates.
Can I use MileagePlus miles to buy United Airlines gift cards?
Yes, you can redeem MileagePlus miles for gift cards through MileagePlus X or other approved platforms.
Where can I use MileagePlus eGift cards?
MileagePlus eGift cards can be used at various retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Lowe’s, and also for travel-related expenses with United Airlines.
What is the MileagePlus Gift Card Exchange?
The MileagePlus Gift Card Exchange allows MileagePlus members to exchange unwanted gift cards from various retailers for United Airlines miles.
Can I use United Airlines gift cards for car care services?
Yes, United Airlines gift cards can be used at participating service stations for fuel or car care products.
How do I send a United Airlines gift certificate as a gift?
You can send a United Airlines gift certificate digitally via Giftly, where you can customize the amount and send it to the recipient’s email.
The Bottom Line
To answer the question directly: No, United Airlines does not sell traditional gift cards. However, there are still plenty of ways to give the gift of United Airlines travel through Giftly, United Vacations, and the MileagePlus program. These options include purchasing gift certificates, using MileagePlus miles to buy gift cards, or even exchanging unwanted gift cards for miles.
United Airlines provides flexibility when it comes to gifting travel, whether you’re interested in a vacation package, eGift cards, or even using miles to redeem for travel services. Whether you’re gifting someone special or planning to use the miles yourself, the options available make it easier to enjoy travel with United Airlines.
So while you can’t buy a traditional gift card directly from United Airlines, you have several alternatives to explore, making it possible to give a thoughtful and valuable travel-related gift. Whether you choose a gift certificate through Giftly or redeem MileagePlus miles, giving the gift of United Airlines is now easier than ever.