United Airlines Supports Humanitarian Relief Efforts in Nepal

United customers can contribute money and miles to support the airline's disaster relief partners

News provided by

Apr 27, 2015, 05:44 ET

CHICAGO, April 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today announced that it will work with its disaster relief partners the American Red Cross, Americares, Airlink and Operation USA to provide aid to those affected by the earthquake in Nepal. Beginning today, United will provide up to a total of $50,000 to match donations to these partner organizations from United customers and employees. The airline will also provide a one-time mileage bonus to MileagePlus members who donate. United will contribute up to 5 million miles for this initiative.

MileagePlus members 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 bonus miles. Up to 5 million bonus miles will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis based on contributions made through the airline's fundraising page through 11:59 PM CDT on May 15, 2015.

For more information and to make a donation, customers and employees may visit United's fundraising page at https://www.crowdrise.com/unitednepalrelief.

"Our hearts are with those living and working in Nepal as they recover from this devastating event," said United's Senior Vice President of Corporate and Government Affairs Mark Anderson. "Our employees and customers always want to help in times like these, and we want to recognize their generosity by offering a mileage bonus incentive to our MileagePlus members who are supporting this critical humanitarian relief effort."

Customers May Also Donate Miles

MileagePlus members with accrued miles can donate their miles to a charity through United's Charity Miles program. Many international relief organizations send personnel and volunteers to assist in the affected region, and the donation of miles will help defray their expenses. Through these programs, MileagePlus members can donate a minimum of 500 miles to any of the designated groups involved in the relief effort.

To donate miles online, MileagePlus members can visit united.com. Customers may also donate miles by calling MileagePlus Customer Service at 1-800-421-4655.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of nearly 5,000 flights a day to 373 airports across six continents. In 2014, United and United Express operated nearly two million flights carrying 138 million customers. United is proud to have the world's most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft, and this year, the airline anticipates taking delivery of 34 new Boeing aircraft, including the 787-9 and the 737-900ER. United is also welcoming 49 new Embraer E175 aircraft to United Express. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 193 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 84,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130404/MM89155LOGO

SOURCE United Airlines