Is Continental Airlines becoming United Airlines?
Continental and United are combining to form a new airline which will be called
United Airlines and will use the Continental logo and colors as its marketing brand.
No changes will be made until the merger closes, which is expected near the end
of 2010.
Will the combined airline continue to fly to my city?
Yes. The new United Airlines will continue to maintain service at all communities
currently served by either airline, including more than 140 small metropolitan areas
and communities.
How will international operations be affected by the merger?
The merger will create the world’s most comprehensive global route network, offering
exceptional international gateways to Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the
Middle East from anywhere in the United States.
Will ticket prices increase because of the merger?
Airlines are under strong competitive pressure to keep fares low and we expect that
pressure to continue. Eighty percent of all domestic markets and 76 percent of all
United and Continental domestic markets have access to travel on low cost carriers,
which today have a presence in 92 percent of the joint airlines’ top 50 city-to-city
routes. Moreover, in their merger plans, the new United expects to achieve
revenue synergies without any increase in fares
When will I see any changes related to the merger?
Business as usual is exprected from both airlines until the merger closes, which
is expected to happen near the end of 2010.
Can I use my United ticket on Continental or vice versa?
Not yet. The merger agreement announced today between United and Continental is
expected to close near the end of 2010. Both airlines will operate independently
until then. Travelers should continue to make reservations just as they have in
the past.
Will my future travel reservations be affected?
No. Until the merger closes United and Continental remain separate companies and
will operate independently. Customers will not see any changes, but will be able
to continue to travel on both airlines pursuant to their codeshare agreement.
What changes can customers expect to see immediately?
Customers will not see any changes immediately, but will be able to continue to
travel on both airlines pursuant to our codeshare agreement. Travelers should make
reservations just as they have in the past.
What steps are being taken to improve customer travel at the new company?
After the merger closes the customer travel experience will be enhanced by a combination
of the best products and services each carrier has to offer. The new United Airlines
will remain focused on providing clean, safe and reliable air transportation. The
merger will create the industry’s leading frequent flyer program, offering vast
opportunities for customers to earn and redeem miles, including on Star Alliance
partners.
How will the transaction affect my Mileage Plus or OnePass miles? Do I have to use
all of my miles before the merger is completed or risk losing them? Can I combine
them now?
Our OnePass and Mileage Plus programs will continue to operate independently until
the merger closes. Miles in both programs continue to be valid and are able to be
used according to existing program rules. The new frequent flyer program will blend
valuable features of OnePass and Mileage Plus from United and Continental.
Will I still receive mileage credit for credit and debit card charges?
Yes. You will continue to receive mileage credit when using your Mileage Plus Chase
Visa credit card or Continental Airlines credit or debit cards.
Will I still be able to use my membership at the Red Carpet Club or Presidents Club?
Yes. Red Carpet Club and Presidents Club members already have access to both airlines’
clubs. This won’t change.