United Airlines has welcomed fellow US carrier Continental Airlines to the Star Alliance, marking a significant step in the carriers’ plans to link their networks and services and offer new, unparalleled convenience to the benefit of the traveling public.

United has welcomed Continental to Star Alliance.
Pictured: United’s International Business Class

With Continental’s membership in the Star Alliance, United customers are eligible to earn and redeem Mileage Plus miles throughout Continental’s network, which includes more than 60 cities not currently served by United or another Star Alliance member.

The two airlines – like all members of the Star Alliance – recognize elite-level frequent flier benefits reciprocally and provide access to the worldwide network of lounges operated by the Star Alliance airlines.

“Today is a great day for United, for Continental, for the Star Alliance and for the traveling public,” said United Airlines chairman and CEO, Glenn Tilton.

“The partnership between United and Continental – the result of extensive work over the past year – will enable the two carriers to offer our customers the best global network, more choice and more value.

“I applaud the leadership of Larry Kellner and the dedication of his team and our team at United for their extensive work in making this unique partnership a reality,” he said.

United and Continental customers are now able to purchase flights operated under the carriers’ codesharing agreement. Some 400 Continental flights, principally in trans-Atlantic markets and many domestic U.S. markets, are being marketed as United flights, with some 400 United flights being sold with a Continental flight number.

The two carriers also have joined with Air Canada and Lufthansa in an expanded trans-Atlantic joint venture, through which the carriers will offer customers – particularly corporate customers – service to more destinations, access to a larger inventory of seats in all booking classes, and a greater selection of routings.