United Airlines has launched a new programme called Corporate Preferred, which is designed to offer benefits for loyal business customers.
Making the announcement at the GBTA Convention in San Diego, the airline said the programme features three membership levels – Corporate Preferred, Corporate Preferred Plus and Corporate Preferred Elite. Eligibility is determine by a company’s contract status, revenue contribution and loyalty with United, as well as those with corporate share agreements, United Passplus and United Meetings.
Benefits include tie-breaker preferences for upgrades, prioritisation when travelling on standby for a different flight and when waitlisted for a seat in a different cabin or booking class, protection during travel interruptions, seat protection to retain the same or similar seat in the event of an aircraft swap, and eligibility to receive exclusive offers and discounts promoted by both United and its partners.
Those with Elite status will have the added benefit of additional travel waiver flexibility to adjust travel beyond restrictions in place on standard waivers. Later this year, they will also have access to priority boarding in group two and the ability to select standard economy seats closer to the front of the aircraft.
To receive benefits, tickets must be flown on United or United Express flights and reservations must include the customer’s corporate account number at the time of booking.
Jake Cefolia, senior vice president of worldwide sales at United, said: “Every day thousands of road warriors are jetting off on United to work events and business meetings all over the world. We designed our United Corporate Preferred programme with the customer’s entire travel experience in mind, from booking to landing, to identify opportunities to show our appreciation to our loyal business customers with a programme that offers extra perks and travel benefits.”
united.com