United MileagePlus for Germans: LH Awards via UR Transfer (2026)
United MileagePlus via Chase UR (1:1) is a solid Star Alliance path to Lufthansa awards in 2026. Saver award chart, Excursionist Perk sweet spot, booking tips and comparison with Aeroplan/Avianca. All values verified May 2026.
Quick answer: United MileagePlus is accessible via Chase UR 1:1 transfer and offers Saver awards for Lufthansa flights in 2026: Frankfurt → JFK Business one-way 70,000 United miles + ~$220 taxes (as of May 2026), Frankfurt → Tokyo Business 88,000 + ~$300, LH First Class FRA-LAX 110,000 + ~$300. The famous Excursionist Perk lets you add 1 extra domestic award flight within your trip for free — e.g. a round-trip Europe-USA with a free US domestic flight. United allows online booking and is the fastest option for Star Alliance premium within the Chase UR universe. Compared to Aeroplan: similar points pricing, less stopover flexibility. Compared to Avianca: higher points (110k First vs 87k), but better booking.
United MileagePlus is, alongside Aeroplan and Avianca, the third major Star Alliance program for Lufthansa awards. The advantage: it’s the main destination for Chase UR transfers — if you already have Sapphire cards, you’re right at home here.
Disclaimer: As of May 2026, source: united.com/…/awards. United uses dynamic pricing for standard awards, but Saver awards stay fixed (with minor adjustments).
United Saver Award Chart 2026
| Route | Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe → North America (Saver) | 33,000 | 70,000 | 110,000 |
| Europe → Asia | 40,000 | 88,000 | 110,000 |
| North America → Asia | 35,000 | 75,000 | 90,000 |
| Within USA (Saver) | 12,500 | 25,000 | n/a |
→ Sweet spot: Frankfurt → JFK Business 70k Saver one-way.
The Excursionist Perk — the hidden bonus
United allows 1 free round-trip award domestic flight within a multi-city booking, if:
- The domestic flight is not in the traveler’s home country
- The domestic flight sits between 2 round-trip legs
Example:
- Leg 1: Frankfurt → New York (70k Business)
- Leg 2 (Excursionist): New York → Los Angeles (free!)
- Leg 3: Los Angeles → Frankfurt (70k Business)
- Total: 140k United miles for a round-trip Europe-USA + domestic hop
Aeroplan stopover comparison: 5,000 points for 1 stopover. United Excursionist: 0 points for a similar benefit.
How to get United points
Path: Chase UR → United (1:1)
- Chase Sapphire Preferred welcome 60-80k UR = 60-80k United
- Chase Sapphire Reserve welcome 150k UR (LTO since 30 April 2026) = 150k United (enough for LH First Class one-way + 40k left over)
- Ink Business Preferred 90k UR = 90k United
Path: Capital One Venture (1:1)
CapOne Venture also transfers 1:1 to United (as of May 2026).
Not possible: AMEX MR
AMEX MR US does not transfer to United (not a US partner). If you want to do United awards, you need Chase or CapOne.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are United Saver awards guaranteed to be available?
No. United Saver inventory is heavily limited on LH premium cabins. 6-12 months of lead time recommended.
Can I book online?
Yes — united.com/awards. The best online award search in Star Alliance.
What’s the difference between Saver and Standard?
Saver = low fixed points. Standard = dynamic, often 2-3× more expensive. For premium cabins, only book Saver.
Does the Excursionist Perk also work with LH flights?
Excursionist applies only to United-operated or Star Alliance domestic flights in the middle section. For a Europe-USA RT with a US domestic flight, it combines perfectly.
Who has 5/24 problems with United-related cards?
Every new Chase card (Sapphire, Ink) counts toward 5/24. United co-brands (Chase United Explorer, Chase United Quest) are also Chase cards = they count too.
Bottom line: Solid backup for Chase UR collectors
United MileagePlus isn’t the sweet spot like Avianca (for First Class) or Aeroplan (for stopovers). But: if you collect Chase UR and want to book LH Business, United gets you there reliably + online.
Recommendation: Avianca for LH First (87k), Aeroplan for stopover trips, United for standard booking with online flexibility.
Further reading:
How to collect Chase UR as a German — see the MEILENKÖNIG US Cards Handbooks.
Your path to US credit cards — step by step
Welcome bonuses up to 175,000 MR, 1:1 transfer ratios, Chase & Capital One: the US handbooks show you the complete roadmap — from the US address to your first card. Without US residency, as a German.
To the US card handbooks
MEILENKÖNIG
Expert for miles, points, and credit card strategies. Helps travelers fly business & first class for a fraction of the price.