United Continental introduces 2012 MileagePlus loyalty program

CHICAGO-United Continental Holdings recently announced the details of its MileagePlus loyalty program for 2012, including new benefits and services for United’s and Continental’s most-frequent flyers, more options for members to redeem their miles and additional recognition for customers who purchase tickets in premium cabins or at premium economy fare classes.

“With MileagePlus, we are building the world’s most-rewarding loyalty program and reaching another important milestone in the merger of United and Continental,” said Jeff Foland, United executive vice president and president of Mileage Plus Holdings, LLC. “We will provide a wide range of benefits to our most-loyal and most-valuable members, while offering new redemption opportunities for all of our members.”

MileagePlus Premier Levels and Benefits

In 2012, MileagePlus will offer four levels of Premier member status:

-Premier Silver: 25,000 Premier qualifying miles (PQM) or 30 Premier qualifying segments (PQS)

-Premier Gold: 50,000 PQM or 60 PQS

-Premier Platinum: 75,000 PQM or 90 PQS

-Premier 1K: 100,000 PQM or 120 PQS

United will continue to offer Global Services recognition to select members by invitation.

Premier benefits include:

– Upgrades: United will offer an expansive suite of upgrade products, including Global Premier Upgrades, Regional Premier Upgrades and Complimentary Premier Upgrades. United is expanding Complimentary Premier Upgrades to include eligible intra-Asia flights in addition to most flights within North America. Premier members traveling on certain full-fare economy-class tickets will also be eligible for an instant upgrade when available at the time of ticketing.

– Premier Access, checked-baggage allowance and Economy Plus® seating:Premier members will have access to Premier Access airport services, a complimentary standard checked-baggage allowance and extra-legroom Economy Plus seating, among other benefits. Premier Silver members and Star Alliance Silver members will be able to check one bag weighing up to 50 pounds with no fee, and Premier Silver customers will be able to confirm Economy Plus seating at time of check-in. Premier members at all other status levels will be able to check three bags weighing up to 70 pounds with no fee, and will be able to confirm Economy Plus seating, when available, at the time of ticketing.

– Premier bonus award miles: United will offer Premier members bonus miles of up to 100 percent on paid tickets.

– Flexible award redemption: Premier-level frequent flyers may continue to book United Standard Awards, even when redeeming miles for the last available seat on the flight, a benefit United is reserving for Premiers and customers who have the United MileagePlus Explorer Card or an eligible Chase-issued OnePass credit card.

– Additional credit card benefits: Beginning in 2012, Premier members who have the United MileagePlus Explorer Card or an eligible Chase-issued OnePass credit card will also qualify for Complimentary Premier Upgrades on eligible economy-class reward tickets. (United Continental)