United Airlines Launches 10-Million-Mile Giveaway

CHICAGO, Dec. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today launched the airline's third-annual 10-million-mile giveaway, benefiting nearly three dozen nonprofits that provide services to people and communities in the United States and around the world. Individuals can vote online for their favorite of 35 organizations and, by doing so, determine how many MileagePlus award miles each nonprofit will receive.

United will give each of the organizations, which include the American Red Cross, Feeding America, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Operation USA and Ride 2 Recovery, a minimum of 25,000 miles. The airline will award the remainder of the 10 million miles based on the percentage of the total vote count each nonprofit receives.

"The MileagePlus 10-Million-Mile Giveaway is a great way for members and non-members alike to make a difference this holiday season for organizations that themselves make a difference for millions of people," said Praveen Sharma, United's vice president of loyalty.

Individuals may vote once daily at www.10millioncharitymiles.com through Dec. 31, 2013. United invites voters to spread the word, particularly on Facebook and Twitter. The airline will distribute the award miles by Jan. 31, 2014.  

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of more than 5,300 flights a day to more than 360 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom, economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on more than 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United continues to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company will have launched 14 new international and 19 new domestic routes, including the addition of seven new cities to its network, by the end of 2013. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. According to the 4^th annual Switchfly Reward Seat Availability Survey published by IdeaWorksCompany in May 2013, United has the most saver-style award-seat availability among the largest U.S. global airlines. Air Transport World named United as the Eco-Aviation Airline of the Year Gold Winner in 2013. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 195 countries via 28 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

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SOURCE United Airlines