Continental to Join Star Alliance
On Thursday, June 19, Continental announced plans to cooperate with United Airlines, linking our networks and services worldwide to deliver new benefits to our customers. In addition, Continental intends to transition into the Star Alliance from the SkyTeam Alliance as a result of a review that was conducted following the Delta-Northwest merger announcement. We expect the transition period to last at least a year, and many regulatory and other approvals are required before we can implement our plans.
Once implemented, our partnership with United will result in expanded domestic and international travel options for OnePass members and together, we will provide you with a seamless process for reservations, check-in, flight connections and baggage transfer.
OnePass members will benefit from new frequent flier reciprocity that will allow you to earn miles when flying on either airline and redeem awards on both carriers. Travel on either carrier will count toward earning Elite status. Presidents Club members will have access to both Continental's Presidents Club and United's Red Carpet Club® lounges.
For the time being, there are no changes being made to Continental's participation in the SkyTeam Alliance. Continental is committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for our customers. OnePass members can continue to earn and redeem miles on SkyTeam airlines and SkyTeam lounge reciprocity continues as usual for SkyTeam Elite Plus members traveling on international SkyTeam itineraries.
In the future, our participation in the Star Alliance will allow Continental's customers to benefit from Star's larger travel network, which has global coverage including 20 airlines. Continental's customers can continue with all of their travel plans as they exist today. In the future, OnePass members will start to receive reciprocal membership on other Star Alliance airlines and the SkyTeam reciprocity will end. In addition, Continental's Platinum Elite members traveling on international Star Alliance itineraries will have access to Star Alliance lounges at a future, yet-to-be-determined date.
We will update you as we continue to develop our planned partnership with United and participation in the Star Alliance. We will also be sending updates regarding the planned phase out of the Delta-Northwest codeshare.
We appreciate you and your business, and we look forward to seeing you on your next flight.
Sincerely,
Mark Bergsrud
Senior Vice President, Marketing Programs and Distribution