Get Inspired: 9 Destinations for 55,000 United Miles or Fewer

United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, offering routes across 6 of the 7 continents.

By using United MileagePlus, the airline’s loyalty program, to earn United miles, you can take your pick from hundreds of destinations—whether you’re looking to relax on a beach or take in some big city culture.

In this article, we’ll share some great ideas for where you can fly with United miles to get you inspired for your next adventure or two.

Where Does United Airlines Fly?

United Airlines offers routes to hundreds of destinations within the US and abroad, as well as hundreds more thanks to its partnerships with Star Alliance and other non-alliance airlines.

You can redeem your United Miles with many top airlines like Air Canada, Avianca, Lufthansa, ANA, and more, giving you access to just about anywhere you want to go around the world.

Earning United Miles

Now, to book these award flights, you’ll of course need some United miles.

While not the easiest rewards currency to accumulate in Canada, United miles can be earned a few different ways, such as by flying with United and their partners, spending on a co-branded credit card, or transferring points from Marriott Bonvoy.

Now let’s see where your United miles can take you!

Fun Redemption Ideas with United Miles

San Francisco, USA

United Airlines has over 200 destinations in the US alone, including 7 hub airports (one of which is San Francisco International Airport).

With your stash of miles, you could head to the west coast and explore the Bay Area with a one-way economy flight on United Airlines from Montreal (YUL) to San Francisco (SFO) for 15,000 United miles plus $88.07 in taxes and fees.

You could also enjoy 6 hours in business class on the same flight for 80,000 United miles and $88.07 in taxes and fees.

Whether you’re making San Francisco part of a bigger West Coast tour or taking some time to explore the city’s famous neighourhoods, hills, bridges, food, and more, saving on your flight is sure to make the trip more enjoyable.

New York City, USA

Another of United’s hub airports is Newark Liberty International Airport, a common gateway to New York City, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US.

While in the city, take in a Broadway show, bike along the waterfront, walk the High Line, explore the neighbourhoods, and enjoy the shopping, the nightlife, and the city energy.

With United MileagePlus, you can a jaunt down to the Big Apple with a one-way economy flight from Montreal (YUL) to New York/New Jersey (EWR) on United Express for 14,500 United miles plus $88.07 in taxes and fees.

Alternatively, you could level up to business class on the same flight for 30,400 United miles and $88.07. However, business class on this flight will be closer to premium economy than to a true premium experience, so you may be better off saving your miles for another redemption.

Cape Town, South Africa

If you’re looking to stretch your wings further, you can use your United miles for a one-way economy flight from Toronto (YYZ) to Cape Town (CPT), with a brief stop in Addis Ababa, flying on Ethiopian Airlines, for only 49,5000 miles and $83.32 in taxes and fees.

While in Cape Town, we recommend checking out Table Mountain, touring Robben Island, visiting the nearby penguins, and heading to see where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Agulhas or Cape of Good Hope.

You can also take this as an opportunity to head inland to explore the Karoo region, visit the wineries down the coast, or even head further north to take in a safari at Kruger National Park.

Paris, France

For travellers looking to head to Europe, you can grab a one-way economy flight from Montreal (YUL) to Paris (CDG) with a stop in Frankfurt, flying Lufthansa, for 44,000 United miles, plus $143.11 in taxes and fees.

Known for museums like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, stunning architecture, incredible history, and spectacularly food, Paris remains a bucket-list destinations for many.

Check out our tips for travelling to Europe on a budget to learn even more ways to save.

Tokyo, Japan

Craving some ramen? Satisfy your desires with a one-way economy flight on United Airlines from Toronto (YYZ) to Tokyo (HND) with a stop in Chicago (ORD) for only 48,700 United miles + $112.52 in taxes and fees.

For under 50,000 miles, you can explore the captivating city of Tokyo and enjoy the incredible food, culture, history, and more.

Tokyo is also a major travel hub, making it easy to connect onwards to Southeast Asia or add on some time in nearby South Korea.

Sydney, Australia 

Another great redemption with United MileagePlus is for a flight from Vancouver (YVR) to Sydney (SYD) with a brief layover in San Francisco (SFO) for 55,000 United miles plus $136.07 in taxes and fees.

Take the opportunity to head down-under for the famous beaches and surfing, to visit the metropolitan cities, check out the indigenous wildlife, and to explore the expansive and sparsely populated outback.

Fiji

Now if you’d prefer to enjoy a relaxing visit to tropical Fiji and its 300+ islands, you can actually get there for less than the flight Sydney!

For only 49,500 United miles plus $99.97, you can get a one-way economy flight from Vancouver (YVR) to Fiji (NAN) via 2 stops (one in San Francisco and one in Sydney, Australia).

This epic journey is oddly cheaper than just going to Australia even though you have to stop there anyways, but why complain about a good thing, right? — It’s just one of the many nuances of air travel pricing.

San José del Cabo, Mexico

If you’d prefer a beach vacation that’s closer to home, consider our next destination of San José del Cabo, a popular airport for travellers visiting Baja California destinations like Cabo san Lucas, Todos Santos, and La Paz.

While there, you can enjoy the warm, turquiose water of the Sea of Cortez, the fantastic seafood, the local Pueblos Mágicos, and so much more.

For travellers coming from central Canada, you can grab a ride from Calgary (YYC) to San José del Cabo (SJD) via Denver (DEN) for 20,600 United miles and $187.92 in taxes and fees

Lima, Peru

Our final destination suggestion is Lima, Peru, a fantastic city in its own right and also an excellent jumping off point for exploring the Andes or heading up to Machu Picchu.

With United MileagePlus, heading to this stunning South American locale is fairly easy since you can get a one-way economy fare with Avianca from Toronto (YYZ) to Lima (LIM) with a stop in Bogotá (BOG) for just 33,000 United miles and $100.32 in taxes and fees.

Bottom Line

For 55,000 United miles or fewer, you can get from Canadian airports to destinations across the globe.

Regardless of whether you end up flying with United Airlines or with a partner airline, this is a great way to schedule your next adventure abroad while keeping your travel budget in check.

Additionally, if you fly with United Airlines often, you may be able to access United Premier elite status, giving you perks and benefits like seat upgrades, priority boarding, and free airport lounge access. Take a look at our guides to learn more:

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