United's New Devices to Help Reduce Airport Lines

In an effort to make airport transactions run more smoothly and efficiently, United Airlines will begin testing devices that are meant to help passengers get information faster and cut down on lines. Deemed “LineBusters” the tools are mostly geared toward relaying information about automatic booking.

How it works: If you are already passed the security area, and you learn that your flight has been canceled or delayed, your first response would be to approach the customer service desk. In this case, United’s agents, equipped with the new LineBusters, can assess your situation via the hand-held touch-screen apparatus.

Ends Tonight: United’s Thanksgiving Sale

Thanksgiving fares just won’t quit, and United is part of the pack. If you still haven’t told your family to save a place for you at the table, then take advantage of this sale, and spend the holiday wherever you need to. Travel is valid from now until Dec. 2, and taxes and fees are not included. Check out the details on inbound and outbound travel to make sure you’re getting the right rates.

Sample fares are each-way based on a round-trip purchase.
Chicago flights to Knoxville, $155
Denver flights to Little Rock, $229
Los Angeles flights to Monterey, $137
Washington D.C. flights to Buffalo, $199

United Partners with Energy Plus to Go Green and Save Miles

This year the airline industry has capitalized on a few trends – cutting fares, hiking fees, and going green. We’ve seen the first two quite a bit since the holidays have come upon us, but United is bringing back the green with its new incentive plan for gaining mileage.

We told you about smart ways to add, save, and redeem your reward miles, and now United is making it automatic. The airline has teamed up with Energy Plus – an energy company that services Connecticut, New York, and Texas (with more destinations in 2010) and made is possible to earn United Mileage Plus points when you become an Energy Plus customer.

United Choosing Between Boeing and Airbus for Largest Purchase in a Decade

For the first time in almost a decade, United Airlines is making a large purchase that will hugely impact either Chicago-based Boeing, or France-based Airbus.

Right now, the country’s third largest airline is in limbo between ordering Boeing’s much anticipated 787 Dreamliner, or Airbus’ A350 XWB. Both models are innovative wide-bodied jets, and neither are flying commercially yet.

If the purchase goes to Boeing, it will give the plane maker a serious boost, since this year, cancellations outnumbered purchases by 70. All its delays for the Dreamliner have caused distress for some expecting airlines, but after a milestone in fixing wing damages, the future aircraft is close to back on target.

4 Airlines Extend, Raise Surcharges for Peak Travel Times

At first it was just an extra $10 or $20 added to your Thanksgiving flight, but the airlines have raked in so much additional revenue from the surcharges they're extending -- and increasing -- the surcharges through peak travel times in 2010.

United, Delta, and Northwest are increasing their peak travel time flights by $50 in some cases through Memorial Day 2010. US Airways took another approach and is adding a surcharge equal to 5% of the fare price on all domestic flights starting May 8.

The $50 surcharge applies to flights on Feb. 8, the day after the Super Bowl. The other surcharges range between $10 and $30 and coincide with peak travel times in the Spring, which will affect Spring Break travelers.

United, Continental Partner on Upgrades

Good news frequent fliers: If you’re a United Airlines elite-level traveler, you’ll be entitled to unlimited complimentary domestic upgrades on Continental Airlines flights, beginning in mid-2010.

The new benefits, which are also available for Continental frequent fliers traveling on United flights, are thanks to the global partnership the two airlines created 2008. Additional benefits currently include the option for travelers on either airline to accrue and redeem miles on the other airline when traveling.

Starting in 2010, United elite-level customers will get access to Continental’s Premium Seating area for upcoming flights, and vice-versa for Continental customers.

© Cheapflights Ltd Melanie Nayer

United Airlines Economy Plus Holiday Deals: Upgrades from $5/flight

There are holiday sales with cheap flights and there are holiday sales with cheap upgrades. And, who doesn’t want to stretch their legs a little more, especially during the busy holiday season?

United Airlines has reduced their rates on Economy Plus upgrades for domestic and international flights, so travelers get five extra inches of legroom for $5 per flight and up.

We didn’t see any restrictions on travel dates or routes, however, to get this Economy Plus discount, you must book by Nov. 13.

United’s Holiday Fare Sale

If holiday travel stressing you out, relax. United’s Holiday Fare Sale is offering cheap flights all over the United States and Canada.

Book through united.com by Nov. 12, and travel between Nov. 19 and Jan. 4. Taxes and fees are excluded, and may vary based on travel dates. A 14-day purchase is required, and you must book at least a three-night stay, including either a Friday or a Saturday.

Blackout dates do apply, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.

United Airlines Retires its Last 737

The first carrier to make the Boeing 737, United Airlines retired its last of these planes. Pilots, flight attendants, and other aviation buffs were sad to see it go, in the wave of what has been the removal of 94 Boeing 737s since September 2008.

A staple 41 years ago when United Airlines first brought them into service, 737s are said to have revolutionized air travel because it was relatively lightweight, could seat 120 passengers, and required only two pilots to fly it, rather than the standard three at the time.

United's Hawaiian Mele Sale

We don’t know why anyone would want to leave Hawaii, but sometimes it has to be done. If you need to travel off the islands this winter, make sure to check out United’s Hawaiian Mele Sale.

The sale includes flights to select cities in the continental U.S., including Chicago and Los Angeles, and departures from several Hawaiian locations. To take advantage of the fares starting from $269, you must book a flight by Nov. 15.

Pay attention to travel restrictions with this sale. Eastbound travel is permitted between Dec. 7 and Dec. 26, while westbound travel is valid between Dec. 28 and Jan. 14. These fares are also only good Monday through Thursday.