United Airlines | News, deals and offers from United Airlines

For the fourth consecutive year, frequent travellers polled by Business Traveller China voted United Airlines the ‘Best American Airline Serving China’ in Business Traveller China’s 2008 annual travel awards.

United Airlines is working with one of the major travel distribution companies to make it even more convenient for customers to purchase an upgrade to its popular Economy Plus seats that provide more room to work or rest on a flight. United's Economy Plus seats have up to five more inches of legroom and are located at the front of the economy cabin.

United Airlines announced that as of October 16, 322 employees represented by the International Association of Machinists (IAM) have taken advantage of the Early Out and Voluntary Furlough programs agreed to by the company and the union.

UAL Corporation, the holding company whose primary subsidiary is United Airlines, today announced financing transactions that will add approximately $275 million of cash prior to year end. The company has completed a $125 million aircraft financing agreement, receiving approximately $60 million yesterday, and will receive the remaining approximately $65 million by mid October.

In a challenging economic environment where fuel prices continue to be volatile and are more than 50 percent higher than last year, United is increasing the service fee to check a second bag on a domestic flight from $25 to $50 one way. These changes apply to customers who purchase a ticket on or after September 16, 2008, for travel within the U.S. and to/from Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on or after November 10, 2008.

United Airlines this week said reports that the company filed for bankruptcy are completely untrue and were caused by the irresponsible posting of a 6-year-old Chicago Tribune article by the Florida Sun Sentinel newspaper website with the date changed. The story was related to United’s 2002 bankruptcy filing, and United has demanded a retraction from the Sun Sentinel and is launching an investigation. United exited bankruptcy in February 2006.

United Airlines has released a documentary on the making of its “Heart” television commercial, giving customers a behind-the-scenes look at the studio recording of the ad's musical score by Grammy award-winning American jazz legend, Herbie Hancock, and world-renowned Chinese classical pianist, Lang Lang. The two performed George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue together at the Grammy Awards earlier this year.

United Airlines has announced a new United Express service between Portland and both Klamath Falls, Oregon and North Bend, Oregon, beginning October 12. The service is now open for sale.

United Airlines today announced its intention to renew its sponsorship agreement with the U.S. Olympic Committee through 2012, extending its 30-year partnership. As a result of this renewal, United will remain the official airline sponsor of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, flying the athletes to Vancouver in 2010 and London in 2012.

United is launching a trial during the fourth quarter of food options for both business and economy class. As part of the trial, on domestic flights with three cabins of service, United will be offering United Business customers complimentary fresh sandwiches, salads, breakfast, snack boxes or snacks, depending on the length of flight and time of departure.

United Airlines’ fares are falling this autumn for travel to many favourite destinations across the globe. These special fares are available for purchase for select U.S. and international destinations, and customers can book their travel at united.com.

Travel to Asia is getting more enjoyable and relaxing with United’s international, lie-flat first and business class seats, taking off to the region with a newly configured Boeing 747. The aircraft will also feature iPod connectivity, enabling customers in the front cabins to enjoy their own videos on a 15.4-inch personal television screen.

United Airlines has announced policy changes to improve travel for active duty military personnel, including complimentary, space available access to United’s spacious Economy Plus seating area and the ability to check up to three bags free of charge.

“Sit back, relax and enjoy your flight” never sounded so good. Starting this month, all first and business class customers who fly United’s p.s. service will experience a new level of comfort with the Westin Heavenly Bed products and signature amenities. The partnership between Westin Hotels & Resorts and United Airlines marks the first time that hotel-branded bedding and amenities have taken to the sky on a U.S. airline.

United customers travelling through Chicago O’Hare may receive red carpet treatment this summer with United’s first new Red Carpet Club to open since 2000. The enhanced club that has more than doubled in size and has new furniture and a modern design now offers travellers a more pleasant environment to work or relax.

UAL Corporation, the holding company whose primary subsidiary is United Airlines, today announced that it reached an agreement in principle with its Mileage Plus co-branded bank card partner, Chase Bank U.S.A., and Paymentech, one of its credit card processors, to extend the term of their respective agreements.

Continental Airlines, United Airlines and eight other Star Alliance member airlines have this month filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for Continental to join the group of nine carriers that already hold antitrust immunity. Approval by the DOT would enable Continental, United and the other immunized Star Alliance carriers to work closely together to deliver highly competitive flight schedules, fares and service.

United Airlines customers may bid farewell to Yankee Stadium at baseball’s all star game if they are a lucky winner of a new Mileage Plus Auction. The one-time auction includes two tickets to nearly everything that the all-star weekend has to offer, including game tickets, first class travel on United and hotel accommodations for three nights in Manhattan.

As part of the company’s ongoing efforts to conserve fuel and improve environmental performance, United Airlines has announced that it has signed a multi-year agreement with Pratt & Whitney for their patented environmentally friendly EcoPower engine wash system offered by Global Service Partners, a unit of Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Corp company.

United Airlines has announced two changes to its domestic checked bag policy. The service fee to check one bag for domestic travel will be $15 each way and the fee to check three or more bags, overweight bags or items that require special handling will increase from $100 to $125 or from $200 to $250, depending on the item.

United guests may now reach cruising altitude with a new, personalized in-flight entertainment system. United is the first U.S. carrier to offer iPod and iPhone connectivity to its in-flight entertainment system, enabling customers to enjoy their individual content on a 15.4-inch personal television, all while the iPod or iPhone charges.

Lufthansa and United Airlines today announced they have combined their individual corporate incentive programs to create a single joint program under United’s PerksPlus brand. Lufthansa’s previous “Corporate Mileage Plan” members and United’s PerksPlus participants will now have access to more benefits across a wider, global network.

United Airlines today announced significant fleet, capacity and personnel changes, enabling the company to build a stronger, more competitive business better able to withstand record oil prices and a softening economy.

United Airlines customers may visit the Hawaiian Islands more easily this summer through a new codeshare agreement with Hawaiian Airlines, complementing United’s 18 flights daily between Hawaii and the mainland - more than any other carrier. Through the codeshare service on Hawaiian Airlines’ inter-island Hawaii flights, United's Mileage Plus members will also have the opportunity to accrue and redeem frequent flyer miles on the flights.

East meets West - and customers from United Airlines and Jet Airways will benefit - through an agreement signed by both carriers. The companies plan to offer codeshare service, significantly expanding the number of flights available to customers of both carriers to travel between the U.S. and India. United's Mileage Plus and Jet Airways' JetPrivilege members would also have the opportunity to accrue and redeem frequent flyer miles on most flights.