Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Mar Vista Grande and North Beach Plantation Earn Four Diamond Resort Rating From AAA

Mar Vista Grande and North Beach Plantation, two prominent North Myrtle Beach resort properties in the Brittain Resort Management portfolio, have again earned a Four Diamond ranking from the Automobile Association of America (AAA) in its report recently released for 2012.

Mar Vista, which offers three- and four-bedroom condominium units overlooking one of the widest stretches of beachfront along South Carolina's Grand Strand, earned the Four Diamond award for the third consecutive year.

North Beach Plantation, which earned the award for the second year in a row, features a 7 1/2-acre "island" between the Atlantic Ocean and White Point Swash. It offers an unrivaled assortment of North Myrtle Beach accommodations, a 2 1/2-acre water park and the luxurious Cinzia spa.

Jet Aviation Acquires Enterprise Jet Center FBO at Houston Hobby Airport

Jet Aviation has acquired the Enterprise Jet Center FBO at Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas, adding the 14th FBO to its global network of premium aircraft service and support facilities. 
 
Enterprise Jet Center is one of the largest and most modern FBOs, or "fixed-base operators," at Houston Hobby Airport, providing fuel, catering, aircraft cleaning and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to private aircraft. The facility becomes the sixth Jet Aviation FBO in the U.S., including Boston/Bedford, Mass.; Dallas, Texas; Palm Beach, Fla.; St. Louis, Mo.; and Teterboro, N.J.
 
Enterprise Jet Center opened its facility in 2006. Facility highlights include a 10,000-square foot drive-through canopy for aircraft, an 85,000-square foot clear-span hangar, a 30,000-square foot maintenance-only facility that is open 24 hours per day, and a 28,500-square foot terminal/office building.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Boeing Receives Official Certificates for 787 World Records

Jonathan Gaffney, president and CEO of the National Aeronautic Association, presented Boeing (NYSE: BA) with two certificates confirming the official status of the two world records earned by the 787 Dreamliner in late 2011.
The airplane earned records for completing the longest flight for an airplane in its weight class (440,924 to 551,155 lbs.) with a 10,336 nmi (19,142 km) flight to Dhaka, Bangladesh. This record had previously been held by the Airbus A330 with a 9,126 nmi (16,901 km) flight in 2002.

Following refueling in Dhaka, the crew continued eastbound and returned to Seattle 42 hours and 26 minutes after their initial departure, completing the fastest around-the-world trip for the same weight class at 470 knots (871 km/h). There was no previous around-the-world speed record for this weight class.
 
Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, welcomed Gaffney to an informal ceremony in Everett attended by more than 2,000 employees.

"These world records demonstrate what we have been saying about the 787 all along – it is a world-class product. The airlines told us they wanted an airplane that was fuel-efficient, durable and capable," said Albaugh. "That's what we are delivering with the Dreamliner."

Gaffney told employees, "Around-the-world records are extremely challenging, and Boeing should be very proud of the successful world and national records they achieved with these flights.  We were proud to have had the opportunity to record and certify them."

He presented the certificates to two of the six pilots who flew the record-setting missions. Capt. Rod Skaar led the crew, which included former 787 chief pilot Capt. Mike Carriker.

"It's an honor to receive these certificates on behalf of all of the men and women of The Boeing Company," said Skaar. "It takes an amazing amount of talent and perseverance to create an all-new airplane. A lucky few of us get to fly the airplane. We are always well aware that we are carrying the pride of the entire company as we go."
 
Boeing 787 Dreamliner The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is the first airplane to provide both long distance capabilities with mid-size capacity (210-250 passengers in a three-class seating), allowing airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the traveling public. The airplane is 20 percent more fuel efficient than similarly sized airplanes. Fifty-nine customers have 865 Dreamliners on order. The first five 787s have been delivered to ANA (All Nippon Airways) and are performing well in services.
 
National Aeronautic Association
The National Aeronautic Association is the oldest national aviation organization in the United States. A non-profit association, NAA is "dedicated to the advancement of the art, sport and science of aviation in the United States," according to its Mission Statement. The core of the organization is its members; thousands of individuals, organizations, and corporations representing all segments of American aviation. NAA encompasses all areas of flight from skydiving and models to commercial airlines, military aircraft, and spaceflight.
NAA is the official record-keeper for United States aviation. The organization provides observers for many record attempts and compiles the data necessary to certify aviation and spaceflight records of all kinds.

Monday, February 27, 2012

JW Marriot Los Angeles L.A. Live Hotel Played Host to Chinese VP

Hotel at L.A. LIVE Near Los Angeles Convention Center Is Site of Economic Trade Forum With China’s Ministry of Commerce

The Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, joined United States Vice President, Joe Biden at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE for the final stop of his U.S. tour. The hotel near the Los Angeles Convention Center was host to the U.S.-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum with 1,100 delegates from both countries to discuss trade relations. During the forum, DreamWorks Animation signed a $330 million joint venture with Chinese partners to form Oriental DreamWorks.

Seven Mile Beach at Grand Cayman Named Best Beach in Caribbean

Plan a Cayman Vacation at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort and discover why U.S. News and Wold Report named Seven Mile Beach the Best Caribbean Beach of 2012.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – U.S. News and World Report named Seven Mile Beach the best beach in the Caribbean for 2012, and a stroll down this sunny, sandy paradise will quickly reveal why. Whether looking for a place to sunbathe or a spot to enjoy a Grand Cayman diving excursion, the Seven Mile Beach is the place to be. Of course, as beautiful and picturesque as Seven Mile Beach is, it is not a great place to stay—travelers will need to find accommodations on their Grand Cayman vacation.
The Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort is just the place. This Seven Mile Beach Resort features a number of exciting amenities to turn any Grand Cayman vacation into an unforgettable experience.
The Seven Mile Beach at Grand Cayman offers powdery sand and 80 degree water nearly year round. Rated #4 on Tripadvisor for family vacations and #5 best beach in Caribbean, Seven Mile Beach is one of the best places to relax in all of the Caribbean. Those who wish to truly experience this legendary beach can take advantage of special perks at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. The Seven Mile Beach Resort lets guests go beyond the normal beach experience and create adventures that will be remembered for years to come.
The Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort features:
  • Snorkeling—guests can enjoy ReefBall just steps away from the resort’s sandy beaches
  • Outdoor Pool— guests can choose to relax by the freshwater pool or on the beach
  • Kids Club—adults can spend time together while the resort watches after the kids with beach activities
  • Floating Oases—specially designed watercraft that seat four, for relaxation on the crystal blue waters of Seven Mile Beach
  • Open Air Dining-enjoy fresh flavors and perfectly balanced meals surrounded by the comforts of the Caribbean
  • Watersports and Gear Rental—half the excitement of Seven Mile Beach at Grand Cayman can be found under the waves, so don’t miss out and take advantage of rentals
The beach is waiting. All travelers have to do is book their stay at one of the best Seven Mile Beach resorts around—the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. With comfortable rooms, great hotel deals and convenient location just steps away from Seven Mile Beach, this Marriott resort is the perfect destination to enjoy a Grand Cayman vacation.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Akron-Canton Airport Celebrates 10th Consecutive Record Passenger Month

 Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) is on a roll! Our record-setting pace continues in 2012. Fueled by an 18 percent surge in passenger traffic aboard AirTran Airways (a subsidiary of Southwest Airlines), and strong growth aboard Frontier Airlines, Delta Air Lines and US Airways, CAK is kicking off the year with more Customers in January than ever before. Nearly 126,000 passengers traveled to and from the airport during the month, an increase of 12.6 percent compared to January 2011. It also marks the 10th record-breaking month in a row for CAK.

Passenger traffic was up on nearly all airlines that offer flights at the airport. AirTran Airways, offering nonstop service to Orlando, Tampa, Ft. Myers, Atlanta, New York, Boston and Milwaukee (new service to Denver commences June 2, 2012 and Chicago Midway starts August 12, 2012), increased 18 percent compared to January 2011 carrying 63,000 total passengers.  Frontier Airlines with nonstop flights to Denver was up a whopping 40 percent compared to last year. Delta, flying to Atlanta and Detroit, was up 21 percent.  US Airways, with flights to Charlotte, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. (Reagan), increased by 9 percent.

Monday, February 13, 2012

ClubCorp and Le Cirque Team to Present An Evening with Le Cirque

ClubCorp, The World Leader in Private Clubs, and legendary Manhattan restaurant Le Cirque announced a program to create a traveling dinner series, "An Evening with Le Cirque," which will bring to life the Le Cirque experience in 10 of ClubCorp's family of private clubs around the nation. The dinners, being held March 9 through June 1, 2012, will allow members and the public alike to meet Le Cirque's new chef, Olivier Reginensi, and dine and visit with members of the Maccioni family, which opened the original Le Cirque in New York and now owns nine restaurants throughout the world, and enjoy Le Cirque's authentic and timeless French cuisine in markets including: Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Palm Springs, Orlando, Houston, San Diego, Orange County, Atlanta and San Jose. 


Le Cirque, ranked among the best restaurants in the world and a favorite gathering place of celebrities, political figures, and high society for more than 35 years, will be showcased in the dining rooms of 10 private clubs in the ClubCorp family for one night only. "An Evening with Le Cirque" will feature a three-course menu with classic Le Cirque dishes and new items created by Chef Olivier.

Diners in each city will have the chance to experience the iconic wines of several benchmark producers from around the world.  Marchesi Antinori, which has been making wine in Italy for 26 generations, will offer its Antica Napa Valley Chardonnay from the Antinori family estate on Atlas Peak.  Two additional Antinori wine projects, crafted in partnership with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, will be poured:  Col Solare (a Cabernet-based blend from Washington's Columbia Valley) and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars ARTEMIS (Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon). Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rose from France will round out the wine selections.

To further enhance the Le Cirque experience, design elements will feature Le Cirque's whimsical china, donned with their iconic monkey motif, flown in from New York, logoed menus and even the Le Cirque sugar sachets. As part of the club's transformation, photos of Le Cirque's founder, Siro Maccioni, with celebrities will be enlarged and displayed throughout the dining room's main entrance. In addition, diners will receive a copy of Mr. Maccioni's biography, Sirio: The Story of My Life and Le Cirque, which chronicles the life of the charismatic restaurateur who opened one of the most famed restaurants in New York.

Clubs scheduled to hold "An Evening with Le Cirque" events include:

Mission Hills Country Club (Rancho Mirage, California)                     
March 9
Citrus Club (Orlando, Florida) 
March 16
The Mid-America Club (Chicago)                                                       
March 23
Center Club (Costa Mesa, California)                                                   
April 6
The Downtown Club (Houston)                                                              
April 13
Tower Club (Dallas)                                                                               
April 20
The University Club Atop Symphony Towers (San Diego)                       
May 11
City Club on Bunker Hill (Los Angeles)                                                  
May 18
Buckhead Club (Atlanta)                                                                        
May 25
Silicon Valley Capital Club (San Jose, California)                                  
June 1

St. Pete Beach's Alden Suites Undergoes Renovation

St. Pete Beach Resort, Alden Suites, has undergone a $400,000 renovation of its Gulf Front Suites, formerly known as the Lanai Suites.  The renovation is part of the resort's ongoing commitment to allocating $400,000-$500,000 for capital improvements each year.



Alden Suites officials say the goal of these planned renovations is to improve the resort experience for visitors.


The recent renovation of the Gulf Front Suites, which involved adding new furniture, solid wood cabinets, beds, flat screen televisions, carpets, window treatments, and coverlets, will enhance Alden Suites' AAA Three Diamond Rating.


To be approved for this seal of quality, properties must first meet 27 essential requirements based on member expectations of cleanliness, comfort, security and safety. Three Diamond Ratings are reserved for properties that are multifaceted with a distinguished style, including marked upgrades in the quality of physical attributes, amenities and level of comfort.


The resort will invest an additional $300,000 in upgrades this year with the addition of flat screen televisions and new sofas to their 45 Poolside 1-Bedroom Suites (formerly known as the Nassau Suites), and new wood cabinets in 42 of the Gulf Front suites.  Exterior upgrades will include a new 12-person, state of the art hot tub which will be three times larger than the existing one, newly resurfaced/renovated tennis courts, and parking lot improvements.

Renovations follow a resort-wide rebranding effort, which was introduced to the public in January 2012—complete with new name, logo, messaging and corporate identity packaging. While numerous upgrades will be taking place, the resort will not be closed at any time, and will accommodate over 100,000 visitors this year.


For more information, call 800-237-2530.

Spend the Weekend with the Timberwolves and Stay at Minneapolis Marriott City Center

Catch a Minnesota Timberwolves game and stay in the heart of Minneapolis at Minneapolis Marriott City Center. The hotel in Minneapolis has teamed up with the Minnesota Timberwolves to provide you with the ultimate weekend getaway package.


This package starts from just $189 and includes:
  • Deluxe Minneapolis hotel room at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center hotel
  • A $20 gift card to Northern Shores Grille or the hotel bar
  • Two lower-level tickets to a Timberwolves home game!
To take advantage of this great Minneapolis hotel package, select the weekend getaway package through Ticketmaster

First you'll be prompted to secure your game day tickets.  Once you pick out your seats, Ticketmaster will provide you instructions on how to redeem the guest room portion of your stay at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center!

Two steps?  Too easy! 

Come see the Minnesota Timberwolves play and take advantage of all Minneapolis has to offer. From incredible nightlife and restaurants, Minnesota Zoo and Mall of America close by, there's something fun for everyone. Plus, with Minneapolis Marriott City Center's location downtown, you'll be in the heart of it all. Book your fun-filled weekend today and stay at a hotel ranked in the top 25 U.S. hotels in 2010 by Trip Advisor.

JW Marriott Austin Signs First Contract

White Lodging is pleased to announce the beginning of a new era of conventions coming to the City of Austin, with the first convention booked at the city's new JW Marriott Austin.

The first contract for the JW Marriott Austin, scheduled to begin construction June 1, was recently signed for the annual meeting of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Nov. 6-12, 2015. The booking of more than 2,500 rooms signals the beginning of a new level for conventions in Austin.

The hotel is already attracting top talent to ensure its success.

With more than 24 years of hospitality experience, Jay Spurr will lead the hotel's sales and marketing team as the Director of Sales and Marketing for the JW Marriott Austin. Spurr left his position as the Director of Sales and Marketing of the Chicago Marriott Magnificent Mile to join the hotel's team.

Grab a JetBlue "Go Pack" and Jet Between L.A./Long Beach and San Francisco, Oakland or Sacramento

For frequent California intra-staters, JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) today introduces the Go Pack: packages of 10, 20 or 30 one-way trips between Long Beach Airport (LGB) and San Francisco (SFO), Oakland (OAK) or Sacramento (SMF) International Airports.  Customers can pre-purchase the package that best suits their travel needs today through February 22 at www.jetblue.com/gopack for travel between March 1 and May 23, 2012 (a), while supplies last.  

Go Pack flights will be available for booking starting Tuesday, Feb. 28 through May 23, 2012, and all reservations must be made online by visiting www.jetblue.com/gopack. Each Go Pack purchased is also eligible for TrueBlue points from the airline's customer loyalty program.  For more information about TrueBlue, or to register to become a member, visit www.jetblue.com/trueblue.  Go Pack options include:
  • 10 pack ($899 + $7 government taxes/fees per flight) and 5,400 TrueBlue points for purchasing members
  • 20 pack ($1599 + $7 government taxes/fees per flight) and 9,600 TrueBlue points for purchasing members
  • 30 pack ($2099 + $7 government taxes/fees per flight) and 12,600 TrueBlue points for purchasing members
Go Pack holders will have access to every available seat on every flight with no blackout dates, and can book travel up to 90 minutes prior to departure.  All travel bookings must be made online by visiting www.jetblue.com/gopack

From Long Beach Airport, JetBlue offers 32 daily flights to Anchorage, Alaska; Austin, Texas; Boston; Chicago (O'Hare); Las Vegas; New York (JFK); Portland, Ore.; Salt Lake City; Seattle; and Washington (Dulles), as well as frequent intra-California service to Oakland, Sacramento and San Francisco.

For an additional charge, customers traveling on a Go Pack trip can also select Even More Space for each segment booked, including early boarding and early access to overhead bin space as well as a spacious seat with extra legroom in rows 1 - 5 plus emergency exit rows 10 and 11 on the A320, and in row 1 and the emergency exit row 12 of the E190. In select JetBlue markets, the purchase of Even More Space is also coupled with Even More Speed, giving customers access to expedited security in 15 select JetBlue airports. The price of Even More Space varies and starts as low as $10 for short-haul flights. 

JetBlue's Dailies to Double from New York LaGuardia and Ronald Reagan Washington National

JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ: JBLU) today revealed plans to nearly double its popular service from New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), increasing flights at both convenient airports by eight roundtrips daily to at least 16 roundtrips by this summer. The growth is made possible by the airline's recent acquisition of slots through an FAA auction.

At LaGuardia, JetBlue will add daily sun-bound service to three new Florida destinations including Fort Myers (RSW), Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ) and Tampa (TPA) beginning on June 11, 2012.  Tampa will be served twice-daily while Fort Myers and Sarasota/Bradenton will each be served with one daily flight.
In addition, JetBlue will boost service to its existing LaGuardia destinations by adding two more daily flights to Orlando, and one additional flight each to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and West Palm Beach.
Key summer schedule highlights, effective June 11, 2012, for LaGuardia:
  • One additional daily flight to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood (for a total of six)
  • One new daily flight to Fort Myers
  • Two additional daily flights to Orlando (for a total of four)
  • One new daily flight to Sarasota/Bradenton
  • Two new daily flights to Tampa
  • One additional daily flight to West Palm Beach (for a total of two
At Washington's close-in Ronald Reagan National Airport, JetBlue will boost its high-frequency service to Boston, adding three more daily roundtrips for a total of ten per day, beginning June 11, 2012. Combined with its service between Boston and both Baltimore Washington and Washington Dulles International Airports, JetBlue continues to offer a market-leading schedule and the most flights between Boston and the National Capital Region.


Also in June, JetBlue will add new service from Reagan National to Tampa and boost its existing service to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. Tampa will be served once daily and two additional flights will be added to both Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

Key summer schedule highlights, effective June 11, 2012, for Reagan National:
  • Three additional daily flights to Boston (for a total of ten)
  • Two additional daily flights to Fort Lauderdale (for a total of three)
  • Two additional daily flights to Orlando (for a total of three)
  • One new daily flight to Tampa 

JetBlue Airways Seasonal Jet Service From Boston to Nantucket

JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) is making peak season travel to Massachusetts' beloved summer island escape even easier with the launch of a convenient daily full-size jet service from Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS) to Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) beginning May 17, 2012 through September 4.   The island will be the carrier's 45th destination served nonstop from Logan. JetBlue will begin service to its 44th destination, Dallas/Ft. Worth, on May 1, 2012.

 To celebrate the new service, flights are on sale today through March 12 at www.jetblue.com/new for an all-in fare of $49 one-way for travel between May 17 and June 13, 2012 (blackout dates May 24 through May 29) (a).  Easy connections via Boston to Nantucket can also be made from other cities including Buffalo, Fort Lauderdale New York's JFK, Orlando, Raleigh/Durham, San Francisco, San Juan, Tampa, Washington, D.C. (DCA) and West Palm Beach. JetBlue also serves the island nonstop seasonally from New York's JFK with two daily flights.

Since launching service in Boston in 2004, JetBlue has added an average of five new destinations per year, and now offers service to the most cities in Logan's entire history as an airport. The airline celebrated a milestone with 100 daily flights in 2011. In addition to this new seasonal nonstop service on JetBlue to Nantucket from Boston, JetBlue customers will continue to have year-round access to Nantucket and other Cape and Islands destinations through its partnership with Massachusetts-based airline Cape Air.

JetBlue's flights from Boston to Nantucket will be operated with its 100-seat Embraer E190 fleet, complete with award-winning service; convenient, assigned, comfy leather seating (with no middle seat); a first-checked bag free (b); complimentary and unlimited name brand snacks and drinks; first-run movies; and more legroom than any other carrier in coach (c).

Southwest Airlines Launches Service from Georgia

The People of Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) has delivered an early Valentine's gift to travelers who have long-awaited the Atlanta arrival of the carrier's legendary low fares and positively outrageous Customer Service.  Continuing the 40-year mission to serve in its communities, Southwest also announced the launch of LUV Grants for Good, making available $150,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations from across the State of Georgia.


Employees of Southwest Airlines celebrated the milestone in a LUV-themed ceremony featuring congratulations from Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Aviation General Manager Louis Miller, and a cadre of excited Southwest Customers and airport employees.

Following on months of community service performed around Greater Atlanta even prior to the August 2011 announcement of Southwest service, Kelly also announced the launch of an online essay and video contest to award $150,000 in LUV Grants for Good across the State.  The contest is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits which meet guidelines and rules, available at southwest.com/luvgrants .  

The public will have an opportunity to vote and select the winning six organizations from a pool of finalists that produce videos on how they would use money to show love to the communities they serve.  Those finalists will have been selected from essays submitted online and judged by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits and Southwest Airlines.

In accepting the gift on behalf of all Georgians, Governor Deal said, "Southwest Airlines has established itself as a first-rate corporate citizen in our State by creating LUV Grants for Good to celebrate their arrival in our community. This program will benefit the people of Georgia, who welcome Southwest, their good works, and the wonderful opportunities they bring to our great State."

Today's initial schedule of 15 flights to five nonstop destinations, with additional same-plane and connecting service to 48 destinations across the country, is just the beginning of a beautiful partnership between the world's busiest airport and the largest airline in the nation, as measured by the U.S. Department of Transportation in terms of originating passengers boarded.  Daily nonstop service between Atlanta and Austin, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago Midway, Denver, and Houston (Hobby), will grow next month with the addition of nonstop service to and from both Las Vegas and Phoenix starting March 10.  Southwest also will add nonstop service beginning June 10 between Atlanta and Los Angeles and will offer additional nonstop service connecting Atlanta to Louisville, Norfolk/Virginia Beach, and Seattle starting August 12.  All flights are available for sale now at southwest.com .

Southwest's arrival also brings Cargo Customers expedited air cargo service between Atlanta and more than 90 destinations across the map. From a brand new facility constructed at the Atlanta airport, Southwest Employees now offer award-winning Customer Service with complimentary Road Feeder Service and interline destinations.

With the addition of Atlanta, Southwest Airlines adds Georgia, as its 38th State, to a route map of service now totaling 73 U.S. airports.  As of today, AirTran serves 52 cities nonstop from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, including near-international routes to Mexico and the Caribbean.

United MileagePlus Introduces Gift Card Exchange Program

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL), has launched the MileagePlus Gift Card Exchange, a first-of-its-kind program that enables MileagePlus members to convert the remaining value of unused or partially used retail gift cards into award miles.


MileagePlus members also may now use gift cards from more than 60 major retailers to purchase award miles electronically online.

After logging into their MileagePlus accounts, customers select the retailer and enter their gift card information. Once MileagePlus verifies the transaction, United converts the balance on the gift card to award miles and deposits the miles into the members' accounts.

"The MileagePlus Gift Card Exchange program offers members another convenient way to earn award miles," said Jeff Foland, president of Mileage Plus Holdings, LLC. "We are pleased to offer customers new and innovative ways to engage with the world's leading loyalty program."

In January, United launched MileagePlus Headliners, an auction program that enables members to use their miles to bid for a host of experiences, including once-in-a-lifetime trips, airline adventures and tickets for theater and sporting events. MileagePlus members may also use Facebook and Foursquare to receive special offers from restaurants and merchants.