How to Get Cheap Flights on United Airlines – Best Money Saving Tips

Traveling can be expensive, but with the right planning and strategy, you can save a significant amount when booking flights with United Airlines. Whether you’re traveling for business, family vacation, or international holidays, there are smart tricks and hidden features that help you get the lowest airfare.

 

 

This guide shares practical, real-world methods used by frequent travelers and travel booking experts to secure cheap United Airlines tickets, including:

• The best time to book flights

• Tools and hacks for finding lowest fares

• How to save using points and membership benefits

• Travel flexibility tips to reduce costs

• Discount opportunities most travelers don’t know

Let’s get started! ✈️

 

Understanding How Airline Pricing Works

Before looking for deals, you should understand why flight prices change.

Airfare is based on:

• Seat availability

• Season and holiday demand

• Time before departure

• Fuel cost and route distance

• Day of the week & time of day

• Past user search behavior

This means your search habits also affect airfare — so we will use tricks to avoid price increase caused by tracking.

 

Best Time to Book Cheap Flights on United Airlines

Timing is one of the biggest factors in getting low prices.

Avoid booking last-minute unless it’s unavoidable — those are the most expensive tickets.

 

Use United Airlines “Flexible Dates” / Low Fare Calendar

United provides a Low Fare Calendar feature that allows you to view prices across 30 days.

How to use it:

1. Visit United.com

2. Enter airports (From / To)

3. Select Flexible Dates

4. Compare prices across dates

This alone can save 30% to 60% on many routes.

Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates and Airports

Small adjustments = big savings.

Example:

Flying:

• 1 day earlier might drop airfare by $50–$200

• Choosing a different airport in the same region can reduce fare

Even nearby airports can reduce overall pricing.

 

Join MileagePlus Rewards Program (Free)

MileagePlus lets you earn miles and use them to:

• Buy flight tickets

• Upgrade seats

• Waive baggage fees

• Get airport lounge access (depending on status)

You earn rewards not just by flying, but also by:

• Hotel booking partners

• Car rental partners

• Online shopping through MileagePlus Shopping

Never fly without earning miles — it's free money.

 

Look for Promo Codes and Flash Sales

United Airlines often runs:

• Weekend flash sales

• Holiday sales (New Year, Black Friday, Summer)

• Email-only promo codes

Tip:

Subscribe to the United Deals Newsletter so you’re first to know when prices drop.

 

Consider Basic Economy (Cheapest Fare Class)

If your goal is lowest ticket price, choose Basic Economy.

However:

Choose this only when budget is priority.

 

Use Incognito Mode When Searching Flights

Websites track your browsing and increase prices based on demand.

Solution:

• Use Incognito Mode / Private Browser

• Clear cookies before searching

This prevents artificial price increase.

 

Travel Light to Avoid Extra Charges

Checked baggage can cost $30–$160 depending on route.

Save money by:

• Traveling with only a personal bag + carry-on.

• Joining MileagePlus to reduce baggage cost.

 

Use the United Airlines Mobile App to Get Deals

The United App sometimes shows exclusive discounts not available on the website.

It also allows:

• Price drop alerts

• Mobile check-in

• Digital boarding passes

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the cheapest month to fly United Airlines?
January, February, and September usually have the lowest fares.

Q2. Is it cheaper to book United flights online or at the airport?
Online booking is usually cheaper and provides access to promotions.

Q3. Does United Airlines offer student discounts?
Yes, on select flights through partner student travel programs.

Q4. Can I combine miles and cash?
Yes — United allows Miles + Cash payment to reduce fare.

 

Conclusion

Getting cheap flights on United Airlines is absolutely possible if you plan smartly.
Remember:

• Book early

• Fly on cheaper travel days

• Use Low Fare Calendar

• Earn & redeem MileagePlus miles

• Stay flexible with airports & timing

The more often you use these strategies, the more you’ll save every time you fly.