United Airlines assists Tsunami Relief Effort

United Airlines today is assisting with the tsunami relief effort in Asia, through the donation of available cargo space to ship relief supplies to southern Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and other coastal areas in the Indian Ocean.

Starting this week, cargo shipments of relief supplies will depart the U.S. on United for Bangkok, beginning with the first shipments from the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. In addition, United will help relief organizations transport doctors and other health care workers to the region.

United is working with several major international agencies in the relief effort to help fulfill supply and shipping needs as determined in the region by these agencies and the affected governments. Specific partners include Airline Ambassadors International, the American Red Cross, AmeriCares, Operation USA, Save the Children and arvodaya USA.

In a separate initiative, United customers and employees may earn United Mileage Plus® redeemable bonus miles by contributing to the relief effort. United will reward those who contribute $50 USD or more directly to any of United's non-profit tsunami relief partners, with a one-time 500 mile bonus. United will also contribute up to 5 million miles to support this bonus mile offer. To receive this mileage award, participating customers should fax a copy of their donation receipt and Mileage Plus® number to United toll-free at 866-219-7239, or from outside the U.S. at 212-884-0614.

In addition, Chase will provide up to a total of five million miles to Mileage Plus members making a donation on their Mileage Plus Visa card. Customers will receive double miles for their qualifying charitable contribution.

United is also encouraging Mileage Plus® members to donate miles to Airline Ambassadors, the American Red Cross, AmeriCares, Operation USA and Sarvodaya USA as part of its Charity Miles program. Many international relief organizations send personnel and volunteers to assist in the affected region, and the donation of miles will help defray their expenses. Through the Charity Miles program, Mileage Plus® members can donate a minimum of 1,000 miles to any of these groups involved in the relief effort, or others listed on united.com. United is taking the first step in this endeavor by donating 2 million miles to be divided equally among the relief partners listed. To donate miles, members should call Mileage Plus Customer Service at 1-800-421-4655.

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