United/Continental Merger Closed!

[JB2K]

The marriage of United and Continental Airlines (to form the "new" United) closed, this morning.

Frequent travelers can expect planes painted in the Continental livery, but named "United".

Over time, you can also expect ticket counters at both your home airport as well as MCO to consolidate/rebrand to the new United.

Here are some highlights from this morning's e-mail to customers:

• Both United® Mileage Plus® and Continental OnePass® miles and programs remain unchanged. You will continue to receive all current benefits, and you will earn miles, points and segments as usual. You will also continue to be able to earn and use miles on 28 Star Alliance™ airline partners.
  
• When flying Continental, you should continue to use continental.com or contact a Continental customer service representative for any assistance you might need. For flight check-in use continental.com, Continental kiosks or Continental ticket counters at the airport.
  
• When flying United, you should continue to use united.com or contact a United customer service representative for any assistance you might need. For flight check-in use united.com, United kiosks or United ticket counters at the airport.
  
• Red Carpet Club® and Presidents Club® members will continue to enjoy access to each other's lounge network, as well as to Star Alliance network and affiliated lounges around the world. Also, beginning today, Red Carpet Clubs offer free wireless Internet access and a selection of complimentary alcoholic beverages.
  
• Coming later this month, elite members will enjoy reciprocal access to complimentary elite upgrades and preferred economy seating on United and Continental flights. United elite members will have access to Continental's preferred seating, and Continental elite members will have access to United's Economy Plus® seating.
  
• The full integration of United and Continental is expected to take between 12 and 18 months.