CHICAGO, Aug. 27 United Airlines today announced that effective Sept. 2, the airline will accept only credit and debit cards for most onboard purchases on trans-Atlantic flights and on flights to and from Brazil and Argentina. To speed cabin service, provide receipts and increase efficiency, cash will no longer be accepted onboard these flights, except for duty-free purchases.
United introduced the popular EasyPurchase initiative worldwide in March, and ceased accepting cash in April on flights within the United States (including Hawaii) and on flights to and from Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Feedback provided by thousands of customers in online surveys demonstrated wide acceptance for a cash-free environment. "Customers appreciate the simplicity and the speed with which cashless transactions can be done onboard," said Lynda Coffman, managing director-Onboard Design and Strategy.
Customers on all United flights can use major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club, and debit cards bearing the Visa or MasterCard logos.
United will continue to accept cash in addition to credit and debit cards on flights to and from Asia. Also, cash will continue to be the accepted form of payment on United Express flights.
Users of United Mileage Plus Visa cards from Chase will earn 10 miles for every dollar spent on in-flight purchases. Travelers who apply and are approved for a Chase Mileage Plus Visa card using the exclusive onboard application will earn 30,000 Mileage Plus bonus miles and receive a $100 United discount travel certificate after their first purchase.
About United
United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA) operates approximately 3,300* flights a day on United and United Express to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 916 destinations in 160 countries worldwide. United's 48,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at united.com or follow United on Twitter @UnitedAirlines.
