United Airlines, Employees and Customers Donate More Than $850,000 to Relief Efforts in the Philippines

Customers can still receive MileagePlus bonus miles for donations

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Nov 14, 2013, 10:16 ET

CHICAGO, Nov. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Donations from United Airlines, employees and customers have topped more than $850,000 for AmeriCares, American Red Cross and Operation USA to aid in the organizations' relief efforts in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan. On Monday, the company announced a donation match through the United Airlines Foundation and a mileage bonus offer for MileagePlus members.

After an overwhelming response from generous donors, United raised its donation match to a total of $100,000 from the initial $50,000 total match offered.

"We thank all of the United employees and customers who have once again shown their kindness and compassion with this outpouring of support for the recovery efforts in the Philippines," said Mark Anderson, United's senior vice president of corporate and government affairs. "These organizations are doing such important work, and we will continue to help raise funds for their efforts."

The company will continue to offer bonus miles to MileagePlus members who donate. Customers who give between $50-99 will receive 250 bonus miles, those who contribute $100-249 will receive 500 bonus miles, and members who donate more than $250 will receive 1,000 miles. United will contribute up to 5 million miles for this initiative.

For more information and to make a donation, customers and employees may visit the company's fundraising page at www.crowdrise.com/unitedrelief.

About United
United Airlines and United Express operate an average of more than 5,300 flights a day to more than 360 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom, economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on more than 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United continues to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company will have launched 14 new international and 19 new domestic routes, including the addition of seven new cities to its network, by the end of 2013. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. According to the 4^th annual Switchfly Reward Seat Availability Survey published by IdeaWorksCompany in May 2013, United has the most saver-style award-seat availability among the largest U.S. global airlines. Air Transport World named United as the Eco-Aviation Airline of the Year Gold Winner in 2013. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 195 countries via 28 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

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SOURCE United Airlines