United Airlines Launches Program Allowing Customers to Share Travel Miles with Others

United Airlines recently announced a new program that allows customers to share their travel miles with up to four other passengers, a move aimed at providing more flexibility and convenience for its MileagePlus members. As per the announcement made on Thursday, individuals who are 18 years or older and have a MileagePlus membership can link their online accounts and combine their miles with those accumulated by family or friends from previous flights.

Benefits of the Program

With this new program, United Airlines passengers have the opportunity to use the miles they've gathered to help pay for future travel. What sets this program apart is the absence of a limit on the number of miles a group can pool together, offering a significant advantage for families and friends planning to travel together in the upcoming summer season. This initiative reflects United's commitment to providing its members with more flexibility and easier access to the destinations that matter most to them.

Increased Baggage Fees and Soaring Flight Prices

Amidst the soaring flight prices following the pandemic, most major airlines, including United, have raised their baggage fees. United, in particular, announced a $5 increase in its baggage fees last month. The Airline Reporting Corporation reported a 6% increase in the prices of air tickets sold in February. This surge in prices is attributed to higher fuel costs and production delays at airplane manufacturer Boeing. Despite this, the airlines anticipate high demand for travel in the coming months.

United's Safety Record and Reassurances

These developments come at a time when United Airlines is addressing concerns about its safety record due to recent incidents. Despite these incidents, United Airlines' CEO, Scott Kirby, moved to reassure passengers of the airline's safety. He emphasized that while the recent incidents were unrelated, the airline is fully focused on addressing them and ensuring the safety of its passengers. Additionally, aviation experts have reiterated that air travel remains one of the safest forms of public transportation.

Comparison with Other Airlines

While United Airlines is pioneering this new program, it's worth noting that it is not the first airline to allow passengers to pool miles. In 2018, New York-based JetBlue expanded its points-pooling program to include friends and extended family. This move by United aligns with the industry trend of offering more flexible and customer-friendly services, catering to the evolving needs of travelers.