United PlusPoints cannot be used directly to book flights on Turkish Airlines, as they operate separate loyalty programs despite both being Star Alliance members.
Understanding United PlusPoints and Turkish Airlines
United PlusPoints are a unique benefit offered exclusively to United MileagePlus Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members. These points function as an upgrade currency rather than a traditional award currency, allowing elite members to request complimentary upgrades on United-operated flights. Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines runs its own frequent flyer program called Miles&Smiles, which uses miles for award bookings and upgrades.
Both airlines belong to the Star Alliance network, one of the largest global airline alliances. This affiliation allows passengers to earn and redeem miles across partner airlines in many cases. However, the way loyalty currencies operate varies widely between carriers. While you can often redeem miles from one Star Alliance partner on another’s flights, upgrade currencies like United’s PlusPoints have stricter usage rules.
What Exactly Are United PlusPoints?
PlusPoints are not typical miles; they are upgrade instruments earned through elite status qualification or by purchasing specific fare classes. They provide a flexible way to upgrade from economy to premium cabins on United flights without paying cash or using standard award miles. You can apply them for:
- Upgrades from Economy to Premium Economy or Business Class on United-operated flights
- Upgrades on select partner-operated flights marketed by United but operated by other carriers (mostly limited)
- Confirmed upgrades prior to departure or waitlisted upgrades at check-in
However, these points are tightly controlled and cannot be transferred or redeemed like regular MileagePlus miles.
Why Can’t You Use PlusPoints on Turkish Airlines?
Turkish Airlines operates its own loyalty program and does not recognize United’s PlusPoints as valid for upgrades or awards. Despite their Star Alliance connection, each airline maintains control over its loyalty currencies. Here’s why:
- Loyalty Program Separation: PlusPoints are linked specifically to United’s elite status and fare rules.
- Upgrade Policies Differ: Turkish Airlines has its own upgrade system based on Miles&Smiles miles rather than a separate point currency.
- No Cross-Program Upgrade Currency Transfer: Unlike award miles that may be redeemed across partners, upgrade points are non-transferable.
So even though you can book Turkish Airlines flights with MileagePlus miles in some cases, PlusPoints remain exclusive to United-operated routes.
How Can You Use United Miles On Turkish Airlines?
While you can’t use PlusPoints on Turkish Airlines, you can use your regular MileagePlus miles for award bookings on Turkish-operated flights. This is because MileagePlus allows redemption across the entire Star Alliance network.
Booking a Turkish Airlines flight with MileagePlus miles offers great value for long-haul routes connecting Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Here’s how it works:
- Award Booking Availability: Search for saver-level awards on united.com that include Turkish Airlines segments.
- Mileage Cost: Mileage required depends on route distance and cabin class.
- No PlusPoints Needed: These bookings use regular MileagePlus miles, not PlusPoints.
This means your best bet if you want to fly Turkish Airlines using your United loyalty benefits is through standard MileagePlus mile redemptions—not via PlusPoints.
MileagePlus vs. PlusPoints: Key Differences
| Loyalty Currency | Main Usage | Applicable Flights |
|---|---|---|
| MileagePlus Miles | Award ticket redemptions for any Star Alliance partner | United + all Star Alliance partners including Turkish Airlines |
| United PlusPoints | Complimentary upgrades on eligible United flights | Only United-operated flights (very limited partner use) |
| Miles&Smiles Miles (Turkish) | Award tickets & upgrades within Turkish’s program | Turkish Airlines & select partners within Star Alliance |
The Reality of Upgrading Flights Across Star Alliance Partners
Star Alliance is designed primarily for mileage earning and redemption flexibility across member airlines. But when it comes to upgrades — especially those involving special currencies like PlusPoints — things get tricky.
Each airline controls its own upgrade policies tightly because:
- Cabin Availability Varies: Upgrade space depends heavily on each carrier’s inventory controls.
- Loyalty Program Rules Differ: Some programs allow mileage upgrades; others rely solely on elite status benefits or cash payments.
- Status Recognition vs Upgrade Currency: While elite status tiers may grant reciprocal priority benefits across partners, upgrade currencies usually do not transfer.
For example, a Premier Platinum member of United enjoys reciprocal lounge access and priority boarding when flying Turkish Airlines but cannot apply their PlusPoints for an upgrade on those flights.
The Role of Elite Status in Cross-Alliance Upgrades
If you hold elite status with United MileagePlus at Premier Platinum level or above, you’re entitled to certain perks when flying any Star Alliance carrier like:
- Lounge access (business/first class lounges)
- Priority check-in and boarding lanes
- Baggage allowance enhancements
However, these perks don’t extend to upgrading cabins using your upgrade points outside of United flights.
This distinction matters because while status recognition improves your overall experience across partners, it doesn’t grant you direct control over their seat inventory or upgrade policies.
The Best Ways To Maximize Your Points When Flying Turkish Airlines With United Miles
Since using PlusPoints isn’t an option for upgrading Turkish Airlines flights, here are some strategic tips for leveraging your MileagePlus miles effectively:
1. Book Award Seats Early For Best Availability
Turkish Airlines releases saver award seats months in advance but they tend to disappear fast due to high demand. Planning ahead boosts your chances of snagging business or first-class seats with MileagePlus miles.
2. Combine Award Tickets With Cash Upgrades If Available
Some routes allow paid upgrades after booking an award ticket; check if this applies before finalizing reservations.
3. Monitor Partner Award Space Frequently
Award availability fluctuates often—keep an eye out via united.com or third-party tools designed for star alliance award searches.
4. Consider Mixed Cabin Itineraries For Better Value
Sometimes booking economy outbound and business inbound—or vice versa—can stretch your mileage budget while still offering comfort where it counts most.
The Process To Book A Turkish Airlines Flight Using MileagePlus Miles
Booking a flight operated by Turkish Airlines with your United MileagePlus miles involves these steps:
- Create/Login To Your MileagePlus Account: Access united.com with your credentials.
- Select “Book with Miles” Option: Ensure this box is checked during flight search.
- Search For Your Desired Route: Enter origin/destination and travel dates.
- Select Flights Marked As “Saver Award” Or “Partner Award” Flights: These indicate availability using partner mileage redemptions.
- Add Passenger Details And Confirm Booking:
- If Needed, Contact Customer Service For Complex Itineraries Or Special Requests:
- You will receive confirmation showing the flight is operated by Turkish Airlines but paid with MileagePlus miles.
This seamless integration highlights the strength of alliance partnerships while still respecting individual program boundaries like those seen with PlusPoints.
Key Takeaways: Can I Use United PlusPoints On Turkish Airlines?
➤ PlusPoints are for United flights only.
➤ Turkish Airlines requires Miles, not PlusPoints.
➤ You cannot redeem PlusPoints on partner airlines.
➤ Use PlusPoints to upgrade United-operated flights.
➤ Check award availability directly with Turkish Airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use United PlusPoints On Turkish Airlines Flights?
No, United PlusPoints cannot be used directly to book or upgrade flights on Turkish Airlines. Although both airlines are part of the Star Alliance, PlusPoints are exclusive to United flights and cannot be redeemed on Turkish Airlines.
Why Are United PlusPoints Not Valid On Turkish Airlines?
United PlusPoints are tied specifically to United’s loyalty program and upgrade policies. Turkish Airlines operates its own Miles&Smiles program, which does not recognize or accept United’s PlusPoints for upgrades or awards.
Is There Any Way To Transfer United PlusPoints To Turkish Airlines?
No transfer option exists for United PlusPoints to Turkish Airlines. Upgrade points like PlusPoints are non-transferable between different airline loyalty programs, even within the Star Alliance network.
Can I Use Miles From United MileagePlus On Turkish Airlines?
While United PlusPoints cannot be used, MileagePlus award miles can sometimes be redeemed for flights operated by Turkish Airlines since both are Star Alliance members. However, this applies only to miles, not upgrade points.
Are There Any Upgrade Benefits On Turkish Airlines Similar To United PlusPoints?
Yes, Turkish Airlines uses its own upgrade currency called Miles&Smiles miles. These miles can be used for award bookings and upgrades within their program, but they function differently from United’s PlusPoints system.