United Airlines slashing miles rewards for travelers who don't own its credit card

Group 1 - United Airlines is revamping its frequent-flyer loyalty program to reward travelers who use a United co-branded credit or debit card, while reducing mileage earning for non-cardholders [1][5] - The changes aim to increase the adoption and usage of United's card products [5] - MileagePlus cardholders will earn up to twice as many miles per dollar spent on United flights compared to non-cardholders, effective for tickets purchased on or after April 2 [3][4] Group 2 - The overhaul includes stricter rules for non-cardholders, who will earn fewer miles on flights, and general members will not earn miles on basic economy tickets unless they hold a co-branded card [4] - Loyalty programs in the airline industry have become significant profit engines, generating billions of dollars annually through the sale of frequent-flyer miles to banking partners [2]