United Airlines erases frequent fliers miles - 64,772 worth

Q Dennis, I would like your help recovering some airline reward miles.

Last summer, I found out that my 64,772 United Mileage Plus miles were about to expire.

Since I didn't have a flight coming up, I made a purchase at Office Depot through Mileage Plus Shopping to keep the miles in effect.

A few weeks ago, when I was merging my United and Continental accounts, I discovered that all of my United miles had disappeared.

Apparently, they never recorded my Office Depot purchase.

I have tried calling their toll-free numbers and emailing customer service (two different email addresses), but none of the agents are willing or able to help me.

I think the big problem is that the terms of their shopping program have changed.

But I am also stymied because I made eight purchases at Office Depot between the date I received the letter that my miles were to expire and the date they did expire, and I am not sure which purchase was made through the program.

I run a small business and buy a lot of items at Office Depot, but I typically buy through a different airline's rewards program because it has more favorable terms.

I have the dates of purchase and the order numbers, so I'm sure they can be checked, but so far nobody has been willing to collect my information and look into it.

Two weeks ago, I was directed to a new toll-free number.

The voice mail says it's Mileage Plus Shopping, but they do not answer during East Coast business hours and do not call me back (I've called twice over the past two weeks).

For the record, I've called four different toll-free numbers for United.

On the last one, all I got was a recording.

Can you help?

Carol Zolla

Los Gatos

A Sure, Carol. I sent your complaint to United.

Your report back: "I just heard from them today.

"I'm not sure how they got my home number, but apparently they called me through different channels.

"It looks like they're going to take care of it.

"Thanks for your help!"

You're welcome, Carol.

P.S. I gave them your number.

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