United Airlines’ MileagePlus program is adding cruises

United Airlines MileagePlus members can now redeem miles for cruises.

Lewis Lazare
Reporter- Chicago Business Journal

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United Airlines said today it is expanding its MileagePlus frequent traveler loyalty program to include new cruise travel redemption options.

MileagePlus members residing in the 50 United States will now be able to book cruises using miles or a combination of miles and money.

More than 20 different cruise lines are partnering with United Airlines and its MileagePlus program. The cruises are to destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, South America, Europe, Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii.

Praveen Sharma, United’s vice president loyalty, said of the new cruise redemption option: “The program is an excellent addition to the other diverse options we offer to redeem miles, including hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise and auctions for once-in-a-lifetime adventures.”

United also said MileagePlus member may earn miles for cruise travel booked through United Cruises, a unit of the airline that launched in 2011.

For its cruise-travel programs, United and its MileagePlus unit are partnering with World Travel Holdings, the world’s largest cruise agency.

Airlines, including United, have become an important cog in the growing cruise line industry as they fly tens of thousands of ship passengers every week to and from destinations to take cruises of varying duration.