United Airlines Teases Changes to Loyalty Program

Image: United Airlines airplane in flight. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/hectorchristiaen)
Image: United Airlines airplane in flight. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/hectorchristiaen)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 10:15 AM ET, Fri January 23, 2026

United Airlines recently hinted at changes coming to its MileagePlus loyalty program.

During an earnings call this week, United's chief commercial officer, Andrew Nocella, said the carrier will seek to reward loyalty rather than focusing on attracting new members.

Travelers will have to wait to learn about specific details, however. Nocella said those can be expected in the next 10 weeks to three months.

News of the MileagePlus overhaul comes after United announced the departure of program president Luc Bondar, effective February 2.

Jarad Fisher, who has previously been director of the Delta SkyMiles program as well as the product lead for Apple Card, will take over as MileagePlus President with a "focus on maximizing customer loyalty and our credit card portfolio," according to Nocella.

"We don't need to do extraordinary things to attract people to United. We've already done it with a great product, a great network and rewards that they really want, which is travel," Nocella said. "People really want a first-class seat or a Polaris seat to Tahiti as a reward."


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 3Monday, November 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Watch Now!
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 2: 2026Tuesday, October 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Watch Now!
River Cruises PlusMonday, October 26, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, TravelPulse and leaders from top river cruise companies to get the...
Watch Now!
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 3Monday, November 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Watch Now!
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 2: 2026Tuesday, October 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Watch Now!
River Cruises PlusMonday, October 26, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, TravelPulse and leaders from top river cruise companies to get the...