Continental and United to combine their flight reward program

Continental and United Airlines are planning to combine their frequent flier program to offer added benefits to frequent flyers. By the look of it, the new frequent flyer program would pick from where Southwest left early January. Under the combined flight reward system, the airlines would look to reward travelers commuting long as well as in higher classes. The focus would be to reward higher classes more, while not ignoring the economy passengers, one area that Southwest earned much flak for.

What it means for travelers booking their flight tickets on Continental and United planes is simple. They would get mile for the distance traveled as they were availing earlier. To get more miles for the same distance, they would have to travel in either business class or First class. The combined flight reward system would also have an expiration date, something new for the Continental customers. Passengers flying first class would get as many as two and a half times the miles flown.

Rewards would range from free trips to upgrades, better seats and free luggage.