- October 2009
- Current Events
- Travel Tips
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- International
- Government/Legislation
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Supplier News
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Continental joins Star Alliance this month
Continental announced it will join the Star Alliance airline network at the end of October. Additionally, it will be cooperating with United Airlines by “linking our networks and services to deliver new benefits to our customers.” The transition is scheduled to take place on the following dates:
- October 24—Continental ends its participation in SkyTeam after the last scheduled flight of the day
- October 27—Continental begins participating in Star Alliance
Continental's OnePass members will not need to make changes to their current OnePass accounts and can utilize their mileage as normal. Mileage balances will not be affected during this change. When the switch to Star Alliance transpires at the end of the month, OnePass members will start to earn base miles as well as Elite Qualification Miles and points and will also be able to redeem miles on Star Alliance airlines. Additional information is available on the Continental website.
Sources: msnbc.msn.com, continental.com
United to offer baggage ‘subscription’
United Airlines recently offered travelers the option to purchase an annual baggage subscription rather than paying the individual fees per first and second checked bag on applicable flights. Current fees are USD $20 for the first checked bag and USD $30 for the second checked bag when fees are paid at the airport (with discounts for fees paid online).
For an introductory rate of USD $249 per year, “Premier Baggage” members (and up to eight travel companions on the same confirmation number) can check up to two standard bags without paying the per-bag fee on flights within the United States or internationally. The Premier Baggage membership would be associated with the traveler’s Mileage Plus account, and membership benefits would be automatically included in reservations containing the frequent-flier number.
Travelers should keep in mind that frequent fliers with elite status may already be exempt from certain baggage fees. Additionally, the Premier Baggage subscription does not apply to oversize or overweight bag fees, or additional baggage beyond the first two standard bags.
Sources: travelweekly.com, united.com
