2012 MileagePlus Program Update

Recently United announced the 2012 MileagePlus program details. Existing United MileagePlus and Continental OnePass members will continue to enjoy the benefits of their respective programs until the 2012 program takes effect late in the first quarter of 2012.

MileagePlus is building a new technology system that will support the expanded membership base and broader portfolio of features. When converted to this single technology platform, MileagePlus account numbers will become an eight-character alphanumeric sequence. The following will become the account number assignment for existing members:

· If a member currently has only a OnePass number, this will become the permanent MileagePlus account number after the system conversion. No action is necessary, and there is no need to open a MileagePlus account.

· If a member currently has only a Mileage Plus number, he or she will automatically receive a new eight-character alphanumeric account number late in the first quarter of 2012. No action is necessary.

· If a member currently has an account in both programs, he or she should link the accounts (if not yet done so) at www.united.com/linkmyaccounts. The current OnePass number already has eight characters and will become the MileagePlus number at the time of system conversion. Linking accounts also enables a member to immediately transfer miles between OnePass and MileagePlus. In addition, the highest elite status in either program will match into the other program, and the elite qualifying activity will be combined for both programs. If the combined total places the member at a higher elite level, MileagePlus will upgrade the member’s status in both programs.

In the interim, members can manage their accounts like before: log-in to united.com or continental.com, use miles, transfer miles, update profiles, request upgrades and add an account number when booking flights. Nothing changes until the system conversion late in the first quarter of 2012.

In January, MileagePlus will provide more details about this change and how it will affect accounts. Full 2012 MileagePlus program details can be found at www.mileageplusmergerupdates.com.

Becoming United

United and Continental continue to integrate products and procedures to deliver a more consistent travel experience for customers. During this transition time, both companies also are listening to customer and employee feedback on changes as they are implemented.

 

Last month, adjustments were made to the boarding process across both carriers. In recent weeks, customer and employee feedback advised that these adjustments were not working as well as envisioned.

 

Therefore, to best serve customers, beginning June 8 the companies will implement the following changes:

 

• United will return to boarding aircraft by zones.
• Continental will continue to board aircraft rear-to-front until technology can be implemented to allow Continental also to board by zones.
• Premier customers will continue to use the premium lane, and the priority for this lane will be better managed through new, simplified boarding announcements.

We appreciate all the feedback received and thank you for the opportunity to continue to make changes to smooth the boarding process.