United Airlines and Continental Airlines to migrate to a single reservation system in Q1 2012

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (UAL), which jointly operates United Airlines and Continental Airlines, has said that it continues to make a significant progress toward operating as a single carrier. The UAL has revealed that it is on track to achieve its target of acquiring a single operating certificate for combined operations from the Federal Aviation Administration in Q4 2011 and will be migrating to a single reservation system in Q1 2012.

Jeff Smisek, United's president and chief executive officer, said, “The alignment of airport procedures, particularly for our most loyal customers, and the rebranding of our operations at our hometown airport are the newest visible signs of the successful integration of United and Continental. We are making significant progress as we create the world’s leading airline, and our customers are experiencing more of these benefits as they travel.” The UAL recently introduced a series of changes to provide a more consistent travel experience for customers on United Airlines and Continental Airlines, thus marking another milestone in the integration of the two carriers. Many of the changes have been introduced first at United Airline’s hub at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, while the changes will continue to roll out at other airports across the airlines’ global network over the next several months. The changes among others include more seamless self-service capabilities; “Premier Access” airport services, which is a new package of priority airport services; new Mileage Plus and OnePass features and benefits; new "Choice Menu" inflight meal and snack service; and many others.