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United Awards Free Flights for a Year to Winners of “Your Shot to Fly” Sweepstakes

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CHICAGO, July 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — United Airlines today announced the five lucky grand prize winners of its “Your Shot to Fly” sweepstakes, who will each get to fly anywhere in the world United flies with a companion over the course of the next year. The winners of the “Your Shot to Fly” sweepstakes are:

  • Ashley Cronkhite from Bradenton, FL
  • Robert Simicak from Cleveland, OH
  • Sean Husmoe from Goodyear, AZ
  • Lauren Aldredge from Oakland CA
  • Lauren M. from San Francisco, CA

The sweepstakes was in support of the Biden administration’s ongoing national effort to encourage more people to get their COVID-19 vaccination and encouraged United’s MileagePlus® loyalty members to upload their vaccine records to United. In less than a month, more than one million MileagePlus members uploaded their vaccine cards to the United app and website for a shot to win one of the grand prizes. In June the airline awarded 30 first prize winners with a pair of roundtrip tickets anywhere United flies.

“We were proud to do our part to encourage more Americans to get their shot and were thrilled by the overwhelming response we received. This prize clearly struck an emotional chord with our customers, as the opportunity to travel and connect with people and places that matter most is something that clearly has been missed during the pandemic,” said United’s CEO, Scott Kirby. “I’d like to extend my personal gratitude to everyone who entered the sweepstakes and more importantly, made the decision to get vaccinated.”

United is the only U.S. airline to offer its own one-stop-shop where customers can conveniently get “travel-ready” by uploading and storing their COVID-19 test results and vaccination records directly through the airline’s website and award-winning mobile app with the Travel-Ready Center. The airline’s easy-to-use travel tool enables customers to reduce stress and save valuable time at the airport right from the palm of their hand.

All of the grand prize winners are already starting to plan out the adventures they and their families will have in the upcoming year thanks to United. Ashley Cronkhite is an advertising professional who began working at a grocery store during the pandemic. She plans to travel to European destinations including Ireland and Italy with her best friend – her mom. Robert Simicak plans to travel to national parks around the U.S. with his wife, who is a frontline healthcare worker in Cleveland. Lauren Aldredge will experience her first time flying in a premium cabin and will be traveling to celebrate her 30th birthday with her partner. Sean Husmoe plans to travel with his wife and daughters to check off the final two continents that they have not yet visited, including South America and Antarctica. Lauren M. plans to travel with her family, including a trip to Tahiti with her husband.

The rest of United’s customers will have no shortage of opportunities to plan long-awaited getaways of their own, as the airline has continued to grow its schedule in response to increased travel demand. Since May, the airline has launched new flights to Greece, Iceland, South Africa, Ghana and Croatia, and has resumed service as countries like Italy, Portugal, Spain and France re-opened to vaccinated travelers or travelers with a negative COVID test. For those planning to stay closer to home, United is adding nearly 150 flights to warm-weather destinations across the U.S, just in time for the winter holiday season.

Travel-Ready Center

Since its launch, United customers have been able to easily access testing or vaccine requirements needed for travel destinations, upload country specific required forms, completed testing results and vaccination records as well as have them verified, all within United’s award-winning mobile app and website with the Travel-Ready Center. The Travel-Ready Center is an industry-leading digital platform that offers customers the ability to choose from thousands of COVID-19 testing providers across the country, book appointments and receive confirmation whether their test results meet their destination’s requirements. Once requirements are validated, customers will see a status indicator informing them that they are “travel-ready” and receive their mobile boarding pass. United is the only airline that offers its customers these services as part of an integrated experience within its own app and website. The airline was also the first to set up an easy way for international travelers to bring a CDC-approved test with them, self-administer while abroad, and return home through an innovative collaboration with Abbott.

Mileage Plus: A 40-Year Legacy

United introduced its MileagePlus loyalty program in 1981 and over the past four decades, it has continued to be a leading airline loyalty program, with a number of industry-first innovations designed to enhance the travel experience for members. United added its Premier® program in 1983 and then its first loyalty credit card in 1987. More recently, in 2019, United announced that MileagePlus award miles never expire, and introduced PlusPoints for MileagePlus Premier members, giving customers more flexibility in how they choose to fly. United has also proudly worked together with MileagePlus members to contribute to the communities it serves, most notably donating 3.4 billion miles to charity organizations since 2003.

MileagePlus was named the 2020 Best Frequent Flyer Program by Global Traveler for the 17th consecutive year and was recently recognized as the Best Overall Frequent Flyer program by WalletHub.

About United

United’s shared purpose is “Connecting People. Uniting the World.” For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “UAL”.

SOURCE United Airlines

For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com

Flying with Pride: United, Chase and Visa Join Forces in Support of LGBTQ+ Equality

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Flying with Pride: United, Chase and Visa Join Forces in Support of LGBTQ+ Equality – United Hub

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Eligible United MileagePlus Visa Cardmembers earn five total miles for every dollar donated to charities supporting the LGBTQ+ community – up to $1,000 per eligible card

June 01, 2021

CHICAGO, June 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration and support of Pride Month, United Airlines, Chase and Visa are collaborating to reward United Visa Cardmembers who donate to non-profit LGBTQ+ organizations. Between June 1 and June 30, 2021, eligible United MileagePlus Visa Cardmembers will receive five total miles for every dollar up to $1,000 in donations per eligible card made to the following organizations:

  • The Trevor Project: The world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people.
  • The Human Rights Campaign: An organization that works to create a world where LGBTQ+ people are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
  • StartOut: A non-profit with a mission to increase the number, diversity and impact of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and amplify their stories to drive the economic empowerment of the community.

“This Pride Month, United is celebrating our year-round mission of advocating and supporting our LGBTQ+ employees and customers by spotlighting organizations that share our commitment for uplifting the LGBTQ+ community,” said Suzi Cabo, United’s managing director, global community engagement.  “We’re proud to partner with Chase and Visa to offer our valued United Visa Cardmembers a special opportunity to give back and earn rewards from us for their contributions.”

Customers will receive five total miles per dollar donated from the following cards: United GatewaySM Visa Card, UnitedSM Explorer Visa Card, United QuestSM Visa Card, United ClubSM Infinite Visa Card, United ClubSM Visa Card, UnitedSM Business Visa Card and United ClubSM Business Visa.

United has an ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ equality which includes a proud history of firsts.  United was the first U.S. airline to fully recognize domestic partnerships in 1999 and the first U.S. airline to offer non-binary gender options throughout all its booking channels. United also was the first public company to be inducted into Pride Live’s Stonewall Ambassador program in recognition of the airline’s commitment to LGBTQ+ equality in 2019. Through EQUAL, the airline’s LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group, more than 2,600 members work together to advocate on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, working with members and leaders companywide to develop ways to deliver resources, education and advocacy.

This year, EQUAL designed United branded Pride merchandise including a special edition enamel pin. Proceeds from sales of the pin will be donated to Togetheride, the virtual AIDS/LifeCycle event supporting San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. The pin and other Pride items are available in the United Shop.

“To celebrate Pride Month, we wanted to reward cardmembers who donate to organizations that serve and advocate for our LBGT+ employees, cardmembers and their families: The Trevor Project, The Human Rights Campaign, and StartOut,” said Brad Baumoel, global head of LGBT+ Affairs for JPMorgan Chase. “We are thrilled to join Visa and United to offer miles for donations that support the LBGT+ community.”

“Visa believes economies that include everyone, everywhere uplift everyone, everywhere,” said Kirk Stuart, senior vice president and head of North America merchant sales and acquiring at Visa. “We are committed to using the power of our network to support the LGBTQ+ community and other diverse populations in their recovery from the global pandemic and beyond. Driving engagement through strategic partnerships is an important part of our strategy to help local communities recover and thrive.”

To learn more or to donate to these organizations, customers can visit united.com/pride2021, About Visa, visa.com/blog and @VisaNews.

About United

United’s shared purpose is “Connecting People. Uniting the World.” For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of UAL is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “UAL”.

About Visa

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is the world’s leader in digital payments. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable and secure payment network – enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. Our advanced global processing network, VisaNet, provides secure and reliable payments around the world, and is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second. The company’s relentless focus on innovation is a catalyst for the rapid growth of digital commerce on any device for everyone, everywhere. As the world moves from analog to digital, Visa is applying our brand, products, people, network and scale to reshape the future of commerce.

About Chase

Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading global financial services firm with assets of $3.7 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves more than 60 million American households with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: More than 4,700 branches in 38 states and the District of Columbia, 16,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information, go to chase.com.

SOURCE United Airlines

For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com


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United Sweepstakes Gives Vaccinated Customers a Shot to Win Free Flights, a Year of Travel

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United remains the only U.S. airline that gives customers the ability to upload COVID-19 testing and vaccination records directly to the airline’s digital platforms including its award-winning mobile app though the airline’s Travel-Ready Center. By uploading your vaccine record with United, customers will save time at the airport and be confident they are ready to fly to destinations where showing proof of vaccination is required.

“We’re proud to do our part to incentivize people to get their shot,” said United CEO Scott Kirby. “Thanks to the vaccine, more and more destinations are opening up for travel – and we know our customers are eager to fly. We’re excited to give people one more reason to get vaccinated so they can reunite with friends and family or take that long-awaited vacation which all could be just one shot away.”

United is giving sweepstakes winners – and all customers – more options to visit dream destinations, as the airline is launching brand-new routes to Croatia, Greece and Iceland, and resuming flights to Italy, Portugal, Spain and France this summer. The airline is also growing its presence in Africa, with new nonstop flights from New York/Newark to Johannesburg, South Africa starting June 3* (*subject to government approval), complementing recently launched service from Washington, D.C. to Accra, Ghana and seasonal nonstop flights from New York/Newark to Cape Town, South Africa. United will also resume service between San Francisco and Tahiti in June.

The sweepstakes is open to any resident of the United States who is at least 18 years old and a MileagePlus member. For more information and to enter, visit United.com/YourShotToFly.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Sweepstakes runs from 12:00:01 am ET on 5/24/21 to 11:59:59 pm ET on 6/22/21. Sweepstakes open to legal residents of 50 US, DC, PR, USVI & Guam who are 18+ or age of majority, whichever older, at entry. To enter online, visit united.com & complete entry form with valid COVID-19 vax card. For mail entry (if you are vaccinated and concerned about privacy or aren’t vaccinated due to health or religious reasons), send your email address, name, full address, phone number & MileagePlus number to MileagePlus Vax Sweepstakes, PO Box 158, Freeburg, IL 62243-0158. Your info must match MileagePlus account info. Limit 1 entry per person & per MileagePlus member. 30 1st prize drawings. Odds depend on # of elig. entries received for each drawing. 5 Grand Prizes: 1-year free flights for 2 (traveling together and limited to 26 roundtrip flights) & $275,000. ARV: $784,600 each. 30 1st Prizes: roundtrip flight for 2 worldwide & $7,700. ARV: $27,300 each. Total ARV of all prizes: $4,742,000. For prize drawing deadlines & full rules, visit United.com/yourshottofly. Sponsor: United Airlines, Inc., 233 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Travel-Ready Center

As customers plan travel, United’s Travel-Ready Center provides a comprehensive list of entry requirements for destinations around the world and United remains the only U.S. carrier that makes it easy for customers to search, book and upload COVID-19 tests and vaccination records through its own digital platforms. The airline also was the first to set up an easy way for international travelers to bring a CDC-approved test with them, self-administer while abroad, and return home through an innovative collaboration with Abbott.

Committed to Ensuring a Safe Journey

United is committed to putting health and safety at the forefront of every customer’s journey, with the goal of delivering an industry-leading standard of cleanliness through its United CleanPlusSM program. The airline has teamed up with Clorox and Cleveland Clinic to redefine cleaning and health safety procedures from check-in to landing and has implemented more than a dozen new policies, protocols and innovations designed with the safety of customers and employees in mind.

Mileage Plus: A 40-Year Legacy

Over the past four decades, MileagePlus has continued to be a leading airline loyalty program, with a number of industry-first innovations designed to enhance the travel experience for members. United first introduced its airline Premier® program in 1983 and then its first loyalty credit card in 1987. More recently, in 2019, United announced that MileagePlus award miles never expire, and introduced PlusPoints for MileagePlus Premier members, giving customers more flexibility in how they choose to fly. United has also proudly worked together with MileagePlus members to contribute to the communities it serves, most notably donating 3.4 billion miles to charity organizations since 2003.

MileagePlus was named the 2020 Best Frequent Flyer Program by Global Traveler for the 17th consecutive year and was recently recognized as the Best Overall Frequent Flyer program by WalletHub.

About United

United’s shared purpose is “Connecting People. Uniting the World.” For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “UAL”.

SOURCE United Airlines

For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com

United Celebrates 40 Years of MileagePlus by Awarding Millions of Miles to Healthcare Workers

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CHICAGO, May 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — United Airlines is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the MileagePlus® program this month, and to recognize this milestone the airline is giving away four million miles to essential healthcare workers. The contest will recognize four deserving healthcare workers with one million miles each. In addition, United is showing its appreciation to MileagePlus members around the world with domestic and international fare sales, surprise customer giveaways and 10 exclusive promotions with MileagePlus partners.

“Throughout the past forty years, MileagePlus has evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of our members as well as reward their loyalty,” said Luc Bondar, vice president of marketing & loyalty and president of MileagePlus at United. “That’s why we celebrate this major milestone by offering our members generous promotions throughout May. We’re also taking this occasion to launch the contest to show appreciation for the healthcare workers who stepped up to protect our communities during the pandemic.”

Essential Healthcare Worker Contest

From now until May 17, 2021, customers are invited to nominate any frontline healthcare worker in the U.S. that goes above and beyond to make a difference for their community and embody some of United’s core values including:

  • Safe: They make the world a safer place for everyone around them.
  • Caring: They show appreciation for all members of their community by being welcoming, kind and compassionate.
  • Dependable: They’re the person you can rely on for anything, big or small.
  • Determined (Efficient): They keep things going even when the going gets tough.

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of expert judges comprised of Dr. Pat Baylis, corporate medical director at United, Luc Bondar, and Dr. Jim Merlino, chief clinical transformation officer at Cleveland Clinic. Four winners will be announced in June and each will receive 1 million MileagePlus miles, which never expire like all MileagePlus miles, allowing these heroes to book award flights to more than 1,000 destinations when they are ready to travel. The contest is just the latest way the airline is showing support for healthcare workers during the pandemic; in 2020, United flew more than 3,000 healthcare workers to hotspots around the U.S. and Guam to be on the frontlines of battling COVID-19.

To nominate an essential healthcare worker and for the full contest terms, customers can visit united.com/essentialthanks and write a short explanation of why this person, or themself, deserves recognition. No purchase necessary.

Member Promotions

To recognize all MileagePlus members for their loyalty, United is launching a variety of promotions throughout May. Leading up to and on the MileagePlus anniversary, United will have discounted glasses of Moët champagne available at United Clubs across the country. Full details on the upcoming award sale will be announced later this week. The airline also worked closely with its MileagePlus partners on 10 anniversary offers for members to earn more miles and celebrate with exclusive deals including giveaway opportunities and the chance to win bonus miles. Highlights include:

  • MileagePlus X eGift Cards: Earn up to 2x miles on eGift cards from 40 select brands using the United MileagePlusX(SM) app, now through May 31.
  • United Cruises: Earn up to 7 miles per $1 spent, plus up to 40,000 bonus miles on select cruise lines when you book a cruise through 2023. Book now through May 31.
  • Buy Miles: Starting May 5, boost your balance with 40% off when you buy miles through May 10.
  • MP Dining: Starting May 10, dine out and enter for a chance to win bonus miles in our 1,000,000 Mile Sweepstakes. Valid through June 10.
  • And more offers to launch throughout the month of May.

To take advantage of the anniversary offers, customers must be a MileagePlus member. For the full list of 40th anniversary promotions visit united.com/mp40.

A 40-Year Legacy

Over the past four decades, MileagePlus has continued to be a leading airline loyalty program, with a number of industry-first innovations designed to enhance the travel experience for members. United first introduced its airline Premier program in 1983 and then its first loyalty credit card in 1987. More recently, in 2019, United announced that MileagePlus award miles never expire, and introduced PlusPoints for MileagePlus Premier members, giving customers more flexibility in how they choose to fly. United has also proudly worked together with MileagePlus members to contribute to the communities it serves, most notably donating 3.4 billion miles to charity organizations since 2003.

MileagePlus was named the 2020 Best Frequent Flyer Program by Global Traveler for the 17th consecutive year and was recently recognized as the Best Overall Frequent Flyer program by WalletHub. For more milestones in MileagePlus’s history throughout the past 40 years visit united.com/mp40.

About United

United’s shared purpose is “Connecting People. Uniting the World.” For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of UAL is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “UAL”.

SOURCE United Airlines

For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com

United Offers MileagePlus Premier Members Bonus Miles and New (Faster) Ways to Earn Premier Status

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CHICAGO, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — United Airlines today introduced three new promotions that let eligible MileagePlus Premier members “Pick Your Path” depending on their upcoming travel plans. The new promotions give members the chance to fast track their Premier status or earn bonus miles and will run from April 29 to July 27, 2021. Offers include:

  • A ‘Welcome-back Bonus’ promotion that gives members deposits of bonus Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) for their first three trips.
  • An ‘Easy PQP’ offer which provides member with a PQP deposit without needing to travel.
  • And an offer which allows members to earn double miles through the MileagePlus X app.

“While demand for travel is steadily increasing, we recognize that different customers are beginning to return to travel at different times,” said Luc Bondar United’s vice president of marketing and loyalty and President of MileagePlus. “Offering three separate promotions allows us to meet our Premier members where they are and gives our members the opportunity to select an offer that is meaningful to them whether they’re ready to travel now or if they’d rather receive miles to save for a trip later on.”

Welcome-back Bonus PQP

United is offering an option for eligible Premier members to earn up to 25% of the outright PQPs required for their current status level with the Welcome-back Bonus PQP offer. Combined with the 25% PQP deposit that United gave members at the start of this year, members who choose this option will have the opportunity to earn half of the PQP-only requirement to requalify for their status level.

Easy PQP

Premier members who aren’t planning any travel before July 27, 2021 can choose to receive a 10% deposit of the outright PQP requirement for their current status level with the Easy PQP option. Members will automatically receive between 350 and 1,500 PQPs depending on their status level.

Bonus Miles Through MileagePlus X

Eligible U.S.-based Premier members who prefer to save up for their next trip can choose to earn double miles (up to 10,000 bonus miles total) on all transactions made with MileagePlus X. With the MileagePlus X app, members can buy eGift cards from hundreds of merchants, dine at participating restaurants, or shop online and earn miles for each purchase.

Members have until May 13, 2021 to choose their promotion option or they will be automatically enrolled in the Welcome-back Bonus PQP offer. To be eligible, members must have held Premier status on April 19, 2021. Eligible Premier members can visit united.com/pickyourpath or sign into the MileagePlus X app to make their selection.

These new offerings build on announcements United introduced last year including reducing Premier qualifying thresholds, automatically giving members 25% of the PQP requirements for their status level and offering additional promotions for travel earlier this year. To learn about all of the changes United made to its Premier program in the last year visit https://mileageplusupdates.com/.

About United

United’s shared purpose is “Connecting People. Uniting the World.” For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “UAL”.

 

SOURCE United Airlines

For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com

United Airlines Makes it Easier to Earn MileagePlus Premier Status for 2022

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CHICAGO, Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — United Airlines today announced changes to its MileagePlus® Premier® program that will make it easier to earn status in 2021 for the 2022 program year. United is reducing Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF) thresholds next year and introducing first-of-its-kind promotions that help members earn status more quickly. Early next year, United will deposit 25% of the PQP-only requirements in Premier members’ accounts based on their 2021 Premier status level. United will also give members bonus PQP for their first three trips flown in 2021 through Mar. 31, helping their flights go further toward reaching status.

“Throughout this year, United has taken a leadership approach in enacting customer-friendly changes, and today’s announcement of making it easier to qualify for status is just another step we are taking to make United a better airline for our customers,” said Luc Bondar, vice president of loyalty and marketing and President of MileagePlus at United. “From announcing state-of-the-art cleaning and safety policies, to debuting innovative new technologies and now adjusting our loyalty program to reflect this new environment, United customers can feel confident that we are making progressive changes that reflect their needs both next year and, in the years to come.”

Reducing Thresholds

To make earning status easier, United is reducing PQP and PQF requirements at each Premier level. New requirements in 2021 will be:

Level

Standard Requirements

Requirements Adjusted for 2021

Premier Silver

4,000 PQP + 12 PQF or 5,000 PQP

3,000 PQP + 8 PQF or 3,500 PQP

Premier Gold

8,000 PQP + 24 PQF or 10,000 PQP

6,000 PQP + 16 PQF or 7,000 PQP

Premier Platinum

12,000 PQP + 36 PQF or 15,000 PQP

9,000 PQP + 24 PQF or 10,000 PQP

Premier 1K

18,000 PQP + 54 PQF or 24,000 PQP

13,500 PQP + 36 PQF or 15,000 PQP

Automatically Depositing PQP

To make maintaining status even easier for Premier members, United will automatically deposit PQP into their accounts by Feb. 1, 2021. Members will receive 25% of the PQP-only requirement for 2021 based on their Premier status for 2021. Each level will earn the following PQP deposits to help get them on track to re-qualify for status through 2022:

Status level for 2021

PQP deposit

Premier Silver

875

Premier Gold

1,750

Premier Platinum

2,500

Premier 1K

3,750

Bonus PQP

United is also offering its most rewarding Premier qualification bonus offer ever with the first ever bonus PQP promotion. On the first three PQP-earning trips next year taken between Jan. 1 through Mar. 31, members without Premier status will earn 50 percent bonus PQP and Premier members will earn 100 percent bonus PQP.

In addition to earning bonus PQP on flights, PQP earned from eligible MileagePlus credit cards – including the MileagePlus Explorer card – will now count toward Premier 1K® status if the PQF requirement is met. Previously, PQP earned from card spend were only eligible for up to Premier Platinum status. Eligible MileagePlus credits cards also continue to lead the market with one of the fastest ways toward earning Premier status credit, starting with spend at $12,000 each year.

More Opportunity for More Members

To give Premier members more flexibility to use their upgrades, United is extending all PlusPoints that are set to expire on or after Jan. 1, 2021 by an additional six months, which includes all PlusPoints earned from 2019 and 2020 activity. Additionally, as a promotion in 2021, United is giving Premier 1K members who meet the new requirements more opportunities to receive additional upgrades by reducing the milestone for earning extra PlusPoints. After earning Premier 1K status and 15,000 PQP, members will earn 20 PlusPoints for every additional 2,000 PQP in 2021 versus every 3,000 PQP in 2020 – United is the only global U.S. airline that allows members to earn unlimited upgrades after reaching its highest published status tier.

In 2021, all Premier members will also be able to confirm changes to their itineraries when making changes for travel on the same day when a new flight with the same fare class is open. United is the only U.S. airline to offer this benefit to all Premier members, in addition to allowing all customers to list for standby on a different flight to the same destination on the same day for free.

For more information on these changes, and to learn more about United’s MileagePlus program, visit https://mileageplusupdates.com/.

About United

United’s shared purpose is “Connecting People. Uniting the World.” For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United’s parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “UAL”.

SOURCE United Airlines

For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com

Amsterdam: Beyond Windmills and Wooden Shoes

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A few months back, I wrote about traveling to Ireland and how there was much more to it than an average traveler might think.  Amsterdam is very much the same, and while many experience this city as the beginning or ending point of a cruise, it is worth a visit on its own.  I think travelers should add this destination to their next European excursion – and here’s why:

Flowers

Although the crowds will be larger, the optimal time to visit Amsterdam is in the Spring/Summer, when its famous flowers will be in the height of bloom.  The days are longer, the temperatures milder and activities are plentiful.  March offers the opening of the Keukenhof Gardens; April is when the bulb fields are blooming (bike tours through the fields are a must); and the summer months offer many outdoor festivals that include alfresco dining, concerts, theatre and private garden open-houses.

Museums

Amsterdam is full of wonderful museums, but three top the list.  At the Rijksmuseum, visitors can see famous old-master paintings on display, including The Night Watch by Rembrandt.  This is the “must-see” museum of the city.  Another popular museum is the Van Gogh Museum, and is likely the most visited museum in Amsterdam.  Finally, no one should miss the Stedelijk Museum for modern masters such as Cezanne, Matisse, Rodan and Andy Warhol.

Canals

While the advent of the automobile caused Amsterdam to “fill in” many of their canals to accommodate the new transportation mode, there are still 165 canals to explore – more than any other Dutch city.  A canal tour is a great first impression excursion in Amsterdam and a way to see the city at its loveliest, via boats that loop around the historic city center.  Try the St. Nicholas Boat Club for an open-top tour or charter a private tour for something more intimate or catered with a meal.

Anne Frank House and WWII Experience

The Netherlands were very impacted by World War II, and memorials like the Dutch National Monument, the Homomonument and others commemorate the victims of this war.  The Anne Frank House is a highly visited museum, where visitors can explore the “secret annex” where Anne hid for years with her family and others as she composed her famous diary.   The Jewish Historical Museum, tells the story of how the Holocaust devastated Jewish communities in the Netherlands – and shows how these communities were rebuilt.

Cycling

For the active tourist, one of the best ways to get around Amsterdam is by bicycle.  Bicycles can be rented everywhere.  Cyclists can visit the many famous “squares” that make up the city, including Dam Square – often a first stop for tourists to take in monuments, souvenir shops and cafes.  As well, visit Museumplein, or Museum Square, named so because of the two major museums that line it…the  Van Gogh Museum and  Stedelijk.  And as mentioned earlier, bikes are a great way to take in the flowers – can you imagine riding through a blooming field of tulips on a bright, sunny day?!

Shopping and Dining

While often overshadowed by other European cities, Amsterdam has plenty of shopping delights for those who enjoy retail activities.  Fashion, home decor and especially culinary delicacies can be found in the many specialty stores and open-air markets.  Start by taking a stroll down Nieuwendijk and Haarlemmerstraat, both just minutes from Central Station.

In terms of dining, travelers can find just about any cuisine of the world in this fine city.  Try a paper cone of french fries (vlaamse frites) served with mayonnaise or peanut-butter sate sauce. Dutch specialties, such as smoked eel and raw or pickled herring, reflect the city’s close relationship with the sea.  Other favorites are erwtensoep (split pea soup) and stamppot boerenkool, mashed potatoes streaked with curly kale, eaten year in and year out. Pancakes are treated like pizza, loaded with extras like ham and bacon or fruit and sweets to create a dessert.

Where to Stay

If you’re traveling on a 5-star budget, then you’ll want to stay at the Andaz Amsterdam, Prinsengracht.  This Hyatt property is not large by American standards, but it is definitely luxurious.  One of its nice features is that it offers guest bicycles for touring around the city.  Other luxury options include the Banks Mansion and the Grand Hotel Amrath.  Travelers looking for a less expensive but quaint experience might try the Hotel de L’Europe, located right on the banks of the Amstel River.

 

 

Travel to Cuba: The Door is Now Open

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Although it is the biggest island in the Caribbean and only 90 miles from US territory, Cuba is a place many people only dream of visiting.  Because of an almost 50 year old embargo, it is illegal for ordinary Americans to just hop on a plane for a vacation in Cuba. Whether you keep up with current music or not, you may recall that earlier this year Beyoncé and Jay Z received criticism for traveling to Cuba for their anniversary.

What many people do not realize, however, is that within recent years, the United States government reinstated the “person-to-person” travel program, which allows travel to Cuba as an educational experience.  Guests spend full days visiting and interacting with Cuban people in various settings.  This is a great way  to experience the day-to-day lives of residents and to learn more about the cultural, musical and historical aspects of Cuba.

These person-to-person programs make it easier for Americans to travel to this once forbidden  country, as long as they go through a properly licensed operator.  These trips do have limited dates available.  Because these trips are so popular, some of the available dates for 2014 have already sold out!  Each trip is around eight days filled with “arts, education, entrepreneurism, agriculture and the spiritual side of Cuba.”  While each agency will have their own itinerary, below is a sample of what you might expect during your stay in this beautiful country.

History and Education

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn about Cuba’s history and culture from local experts with a tour through historic La Habana Vieja (Old Havana).   Talk with locals about the city’s restoration and preservation efforts and view the restoration and architectural design firsthand.  Examine Cuban religion with locals who practice Santería, which is a fusion of West African, Caribbean and Roman Catholic beliefs.

Agriculture &  Ecology

Visit a sustainable community, where you’ll hear an in-depth presentation on the community’s history and reforestation project.  Learn about managing Cuba’s land, water and other natural resources more effectively through agrarian reform and conservation.  Talk to independent farmers about their crops.  Travel to rural areas for a demonstration of and discussion about producing Cuba’s most famous product, Cuban cigars.

Arts

Participate in a cultural exchange session with members of a community art project.  Learn about the role of the arts in the community, as well as the influences of  Cuban art and dance. Take dance lessons from dancers who explain the significance of one of Cuba’s most important musical styles.   Visit with community groups and other local organizations that are working to enhance the role of music and the arts in rural areas.  Ernest Hemingway loved Cuba – explore his strong connections to Cuba and participate in a discussion about his life and work there.

I feel that one of the most interesting aspects of travel to Cuba is getting a local perspective on the country’s tumultuous history, as well as the  relations between its government and that of the United States. Reading up on these topics beforehand will only enhance your travel experience.

Keep in mind that this is not your typical vacation.  With the U.S. government regulations, itineraries may vary, but the travel schedule is designed to help facilitate  interaction with locals and to gain an understanding of Cuba’s culture. Organized activities are intended for the whole group (which can vary in size from 10-30) and  include many activities such as visits to local medical facilities, orphanages, recording studios, tobacco farms, and community arts projects. While free time is somewhat limited, travelers tend to love the experience.  As one traveler put it “Everything was fantastic in Cuba. It was certainly one of the best trips I have ever taken and I’ve traveled almost everywhere around the world.”

If Cuba is a travel destination that has been on your bucket list, I would love to help you achieve this goal! Please contact me for more information on this wonderful experience and to learn the 2014 travel dates currently available.

 

Best Cruise Sale of the Year

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It’s that time of year again….and no, I’m not talking about the leaves changing (although that is awesome too)!

I’m talking about the time of year when the cruise lines offer GREAT sales, and my clients book their trips for the following year!  National Cruise Vacation Week is October 20-27.  This is one of the best times to book a cruise and save money.  I’ve written about cruises many times – so if you’d like to read more about why cruising is a great vacation, check out some of my past blogs here.

Pretty much all of the cruise lines will have special offers this month.  Here is an example of what you can expect:

  • Discounted cruise fares
  • Onboard credits per stateroom
  • Reduced deposits for booking

To take advantage of the deals, you’ll need to book a cruise through a Cruise Lines International Association agent – of which I am one.  I’ve booked so many cruises in my years as a travel agent that I can help you identify what aspects of the vacation are important to you and which cruise lines will meet your needs.  Doing this is one of the best parts of my job – I just love it!

Here’s a quick overview of some cruise lines I really like:

Oceania

The elegant, Oceania Regatta cruise ship

Formed in 2002 by two luxury cruise industry experts, Oceania is one of the few cruise lines that caters to adults-only.    Their luxury, mid-size ships are sailing the world to more than 330 ports in the mediterranean, Alaska, South Pacific and so much more.  This is a great option for travelers who want to cruise in style and comfort and are interested in not only the larger ports but the “boutique”, off-the-beaten-path ports that can make a vacation really memorable.  I recommend this line for my sophisticated travelers that have cruised before and are looking for world-class cuisine, outstanding service and, of course, the unique port experience.

Cruise line in a word (or two):  Casually elegant

Holland America

Holland America cruise, sailing to Alaska

If experience is what you’re looking for, look no further than Holland America.  This cruise line has been around for 140 years (seriously!), currently taking travelers to all seven continents through over 500 sailings a year.  Holland America is known for its spacious and comfortable ships with award-winning service and extensive activities.  It’s definitely the combination of service, amenities, activities and destinations that makes Holland America able to deliver the “entire package” of luxury cruising.  This is one of my favorite cruise lines for sailing to Alaska, which many of you know is I place close to my heart, as I have a sister who lives there.

Cruise line in a word (or two): Complete package

Seaborn

A Seabourn cruise through London

So if the larger ships are daunting and not up your alley, a Seabourn cruise may fit the bill.  The smaller ships allow this cruise line to go to destinations the larger ships cannot.  The company is all about creating an intimate, customized experience for its travelers.  Its fleet of six ships is staffed by a hand-picked crew that almost numbers the travelers.  The company’s website states:

Our ships attract interesting people, who seek to share experiences beyond the expected in places beyond the ordinary. Our acclaimed staff offers a unique style of heartfelt hospitality that is sincere, thoughtful and personal.

Cruise line in a word (or two):  Intimate adventure

Royal Caribbean

And finally, I couldn’t wrap up this article without mentioning one of the most popular cruise lines for the masses – Royal Caribbean.  Hands-down, Royal Caribbean is one of the best values for the price.  I have a lot of clients from various places in life who choose this cruise line again and again.  If you want lots of destination options – from 3-nights in the Caribbean to 14 in the Mediterranean – Royal Caribbean has many options on twenty-two different ships.  There is never a shortage of things to do on a Royal Caribbean ship, making it a great choice for families or family reunion-type trips.

Cruise line in a word (or three):  Something for everyone

So if a cruise has been on your list of possible vacations for 2014, take advantage of the deals by booking during the sale week!  The sale is not until the end of the month, but we can start evaluating options NOW to find the best cruise vacation for you.  Ya’ll know where to find me!