Consumers learned a few months ago that Continental Airlines and United Airlines planned to merge, but it wouldn’t be official until the government and plenty of legal teams approved it. On October 1, 2010, the airlines announced that the merger had legally closed and become official.
I was especially interested in this merger because I have primarily flown with Continental my whole life, and I have a Continental business credit card for my freelance work. In the last few years, I have amassed nearly 100,000 OnePass miles, which is enough to do some major free traveling (I just haven’t decided where/when to use it yet). These miles never expire, but I was very worried that the merger would potentially wipe these out or change them.
I received an email the other day from Continental, and it says that for now, the airlines and their frequent flyer programs will continue to operate separately, and that the merger won’t affect your elite status or OnePass miles. Phew.
The email makes sure to mention how much work goes into integrating two airlines, and says that it will take 12-18 months to fully integrate. While the name Continental will stay around for a while, the whole bundle will eventually only be called United. The new logo will have United’s name and the globe that has been in Continental’s logo since 1991.
Here are some other details from the email about what is and isn’t changing :
- Both United® Mileage Plus® and Continental OnePass® miles and programs remain unchanged. You will continue to receive all current benefits, and you will earn miles, points and segments as usual. You will also continue to be able to earn and use miles on 28 Star Alliance™ airline partners.
- When flying Continental, you should continue to use continental.com or contact a Continental customer service representative for any assistance you might need. For flight check-in use continental.com, Continental kiosks or Continental ticket counters at the airport.
- When flying United, you should continue to use united.com or contact a United customer service representative for any assistance you might need. For flight check-in use united.com, United kiosks or United ticket counters at the airport.
- Red Carpet Club® and Presidents Club® members will continue to enjoy access to each other’s lounge network, as well as to Star Alliance network and affiliated lounges around the world. Also, beginning today, Red Carpet Clubs offer free wireless Internet access and a selection of complimentary alcoholic beverages.
- Coming later this month, elite members will enjoy reciprocal access to complimentary elite upgrades and preferred economy seating on United and Continental flights. United elite members will have access to Continental’s preferred seating, and Continental elite members will have access to United’s Economy Plus® seating.
If you want to learn more about the upcoming changes, Continental has a very thorough FAQ page on their website.
What do you think about the merger? Exciting or bad news?
