By Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY
Continental’s OnePass frequent-flier program will officially disappear Dec. 31, United announced this morning. Starting in 2012, United says its Mileage Plus frequent-flier program will become the all-encompassing frequent-flier program for both it and merger partner Continental.
“Moving to a single loyalty program is a significant milestone in the integration of the two airlines and will provide a more consistent travel experience for customers,” United says in a release announcing the move.
United promised more specifics — “including elite levels, qualifications and benefits, lifetime benefits, and other program developments” — later this summer.
Continental’s OnePass members need not fear losing their miles, however.
As expected, United says it “will automatically enroll OnePass members in Mileage Plus and deposit into Mileage Plus award miles equal to their OnePass award miles balance. OnePass members’ 2011 OnePass elite qualifying activity will be recognized fully in their 2012 Mileage Plus elite status. Chase OnePass credit cards, including OnePass Plus and Presidential Plus, will continue to earn miles and benefits in the Mileage Plus program.”
Already, United and Continental are letting customers link their OnePass and Mileage Plus accounts, something that includes the options to combine miles.
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