There are few things worse in this world than miles expiring, especially if they are United Mileage Plus Miles. You don’t have to just accept that your miles are gone and you won’t get them back – there are some things you can do, even things at the last minute, that will help you to keep your miles active.

Buy Miles

At the very last minute, one of the quickest and easiest things you can do to keep your United Mileage Plus Miles from expiring is to simply buy more miles. This is one of the easiest ways to end your stress because by buying miles, you are getting more and saving up for a future trip.

E-Miles

E-miles is a program that allows you to complete surveys and get miles in return. You get 400 miles deposited into your account if you complete 5 of more offers. Once those miles go into your account, you will have a later expiration date.

Use Your Credit Card

Many airlines have a credit card company that they partner with, which not only makes this a great way to keep your miles active, it is an easy way to keep a steady stream of miles going into your account.

Anytime you charge a purchase, you will get miles and reset the expiration date of your account.

Donate

If you have a bunch of miles that are about to expire, you may want to do some good. You can donate your miles, in increments of 500 or more miles, and that will automatically reset your expiration date. Of course, you will be paying 500 miles to do it, but you can choose what charity to donate your miles to, which means will you be able to feel fulfilled as well.

Go Out to Eat

Most people eat out at restaurants fairly regularly. Why not put it to work for you? Sign up for United’s MileagePlus dining program and when you do go out to eat (at participating restaurants), you will earn miles and reset your clock.

Use Miles

Your best bet is to just use your miles regularly – that will keep them active and ensure that they will never go to waste.

No matter what you do, allowing your miles to expire is a bad idea. With so many other options out there, it just seems like throwing money away.