United Airlines to transition to cash-free cabin on United-operated flights in North America

CHICAGO – United Airlines, which began worldwide credit-card and debit-card acceptance for in-flight purchases in March, will become fully cash-free on flights within North America – with the exception of United Express flights – on April 20.

With EasyPurchase, customers may use major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club, and debit cards bearing the Visa or MasterCard logos for all onboard purchases.

On United Express flights, cash will continue to be the accepted form of payment.

“In the two weeks since we began accepting credit and debit cards for onboard purchases, flight attendant and customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Alexandria Marren, United’s senior vice president of onboard service. “Customers enjoy the convenience of paying with plastic and, by eliminating cash on our United-operated flights in North America, we are able to simplify procedures for our flight attendants as well.”

Users of United Mileage Plus Visa cards from Chase earn 10 miles for every dollar spent on in-flight purchases. Travelers who apply using an onboard application and are approved for a Chase Mileage Plus Visa card will earn 30,000 Mileage Plus bonus miles* and receive $25 off their next United Airlines ticket, after their first purchase.

*Taxes and fees related to award travel are the responsibility of the passenger.

About United

United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAUA) operates more than 3,000* flights a day on United and United Express to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 912 destinations in 159 countries worldwide. United’s 49,500 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company’s Web site at united.com.

*Based on United’s flight schedule between Jan. 1, 2009, and Jan. 1, 2010.