United has launched MileagePlus miles pooling, a new way for MileagePlus members to contribute and combine their miles into a joint account, becoming the first United States-based carrier to do so.

Available on United’s website, groups of up to five members can now share and redeem miles in one linked account.

United allows any MileagePlus member – whether relatives or close friends – to be in a pool with other members.

“We’re always looking for new ways to provide the most value to all of our loyalty members and are proud to be the first major U.S. airline to allow our members to pool their miles with their loved ones and friends,” said MileagePlus Chief Operating Officer, Luc Bondar.

“MileagePlus miles pooling further reinforces United’s position as the leader in family and group travel and gives our members more flexibility to use their miles while making it easier to connect to the destinations and moments that matter most, with the people that matter most.”

Bondar said as 81% of parents report intent to travel with their children in the next year and nearly 60% report concern about travel affordability, according to a 2023 U.S. Family Travel Survey conducted by the Family Travel Association, the introduction of MileagePlus miles pooling aims to make travel even easier for families or groups looking to get away; even the youngest family members can contribute as there’s no minimum age to become a MileagePlus member.