United makes it easier to use frequent flyer miles

United 's Mileage Plus frequent flyer members may now take the easy way out of town and enjoy a last-minute trip to New York , Paris or Shanghai without paying the standard last-minute booking fee.

Effective July 30, 2009, the fee to book a frequent flyer award ticket within 21 days of departure will be eliminated - and United is the first airline to make this change for its members.

"Our members have told us that they want ease, flexibility and availability when using their miles, and we are listening," said Robert Sahadevan, vice president - Mileage Plus. "Being the first airline to eliminate the last-minute booking fee will make it easier for our members to use their miles, and it is one of the many steps we are taking to make Mileage Plus the most rewarding loyalty program for them."

Prior to this change, the fee to book an award ticket for travel within six days was $100 and for travel within seven to 20 days was $75.

In this difficult economy, using miles for a flight means more money for Mileage Plus members to spend on dining, entertainment and other activities, and the following destinations have inventory that is available for award bookings:

* Chicago - New York LaGuardia
* Denver - Las Vegas
* San Francisco - Las Vegas
* Washington-Dulles - Tampa