United Airlines Expands MileagePlus Travel Awards with New Cruise-Redemption Program

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Feb 26, 2015, 11:58 ET

CHICAGO, Feb. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today unveiled new cruise-travel benefits for members of the carrier's MileagePlus loyalty program, enabling members who live in the 50 United States to set sail using miles or a combination of miles and money.

With MileagePlus Cruise Awards, more than two dozen cruise lines are available for mileage redemption for exciting journeys to destinations around the world, including the Caribbean, South America, Europe, Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii.

Customers may research trips and make reservations at cruises.mileageplus.com or by contacting cruise consultants at 1-800-474-2052.

"Our cruise-travel redemption program provides MileagePlus members a unique new way to use their miles for exceptional travel experiences," said Praveen Sharma, United's vice president of loyalty. "The program is an excellent addition to the other diverse options we offer to redeem miles, including hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise and auctions for once-in-a-lifetime adventures."

MileagePlus members also may earn miles for cruise travel by booking through United Cruises, which launched in 2011.

United offers its MileagePlus cruise-travel programs through a partnership with World Travel Holdings, the world's largest cruise agency.

About MileagePlus

MileagePlus is United's industry-leading loyalty program. Members earn award miles by flying United, United Express, Star Alliance airlines or other airline partners, and by purchasing products or services from partners around the globe. United also offers members a host of options to redeem their miles.

According to the fifth annual Switchfly Reward Seat Availability Survey, published by IdeaWorksCompany in May 2014, MileagePlus offers the most "Saver" award-seat availability among the largest U.S. global airlines. Additionally, Global Traveler magazine has named MileagePlus the "Best Frequent-Flyer Program" for 11 consecutive years.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,055 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.

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SOURCE United Airlines