Are Continental And United The Same Airline?

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Have you ever wondered if Continental and United are the same airline? With similar logos and branding, it’s easy to assume they are one and the same. However, the answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no.

Continental and United were separate airlines at one point, but they merged in 2010. While they now operate under the United Airlines brand, there are still some differences between the two airlines that passengers should be aware of. So, let’s take a closer look at the history and current state of these two airlines to clear up any confusion.

Are Continental and United the Same Airline?

Are Continental and United the Same Airline?

Continental Airlines and United Airlines are two of the biggest names in the aviation industry. Both airlines have a long history of serving millions of passengers across the globe. However, there is often a confusion among travelers regarding whether Continental and United Airlines are the same airline or not. In this article, we will explore the relationship between Continental and United Airlines, and answer the question: Are Continental and United the Same Airline?

History of Continental and United Airlines

Continental Airlines was founded in 1934 as Varney Speed Lines and was later renamed as Continental Airlines in 1937. It was one of the major airlines in the United States and had its headquarters in Houston, Texas. On the other hand, United Airlines was founded in 1926 as Varney Air Lines and was later renamed as United Airlines in 1933. It was also one of the major airlines in the United States and had its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

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Both Continental and United Airlines had their own fleet of airplanes, routes, and loyal customer base. However, in 2010, United Airlines and Continental Airlines announced their merger, which would create the world’s largest airline. The merger was completed in 2012, and the two airlines started operating as a single entity.

Merger of Continental and United Airlines

The merger of Continental and United Airlines was a historic event in the aviation industry. The merger brought together two of the biggest airlines in the United States and created a single entity that could compete with other major airlines in the world. The merger also allowed the airlines to combine their resources, such as their fleet of airplanes, routes, and customer base, to provide better services to their passengers.

After the merger, the new airline retained the name United Airlines and had its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. The airline was also part of the Star Alliance, which is the world’s largest airline alliance, consisting of 26 airlines that operate in more than 193 countries.

Benefits of the Merger

The merger of Continental and United Airlines brought many benefits to passengers. The merger allowed the airlines to combine their resources, which resulted in a larger fleet of airplanes, more routes, and more frequent flights. This meant that passengers had more options to choose from when it came to flights, schedules, and destinations.

The merger also allowed the airlines to provide better services to their passengers. The airlines were able to streamline their operations, which resulted in improved efficiency and cost savings. This allowed the airlines to offer better fares and more amenities to their passengers, such as upgraded seats, in-flight entertainment, and more.

Continental and United Airlines Today

Today, Continental Airlines and United Airlines are no longer separate entities. The two airlines have merged to form a single entity, which is known as United Airlines. The airline operates a fleet of more than 800 airplanes and serves more than 300 destinations across the globe.

United Airlines is also committed to providing its passengers with the best possible flying experience. The airline offers a range of amenities, such as in-flight entertainment, upgraded seats, and Wi-Fi on select flights. The airline also has a loyalty program, known as MileagePlus, which allows passengers to earn and redeem miles for flights, hotels, and car rentals.

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United Airlines vs Continental Airlines

While Continental Airlines and United Airlines are now the same airline, there are some differences between the two. Before the merger, Continental Airlines was known for its customer service and had won several awards for its service. United Airlines, on the other hand, was known for its size and network of routes.

Today, United Airlines is committed to providing the best possible service to its passengers. The airline has invested heavily in upgrading its fleet of airplanes, improving its customer service, and offering more amenities to its passengers. The airline has also won several awards for its service, such as the Best Airline Rewards Program in the Americas, as well as the Best Business Class Lounge in the United States.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Continental Airlines and United Airlines were two of the biggest names in the aviation industry before their merger in 2012. While the two airlines had their own fleet of airplanes, routes, and loyal customer base, the merger allowed the airlines to combine their resources and provide better services to their passengers. Today, Continental Airlines and United Airlines are no longer separate entities, and the two airlines operate as a single entity, known as United Airlines. The airline is committed to providing the best possible flying experience to its passengers, and has won several awards for its service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history behind Continental and United Airlines?

Continental Airlines was a major American airline that was founded in 1934. United Airlines was also founded in 1934 and is one of the largest airlines in the world. The two airlines merged in 2010 to form United Continental Holdings.

Although the two airlines operate under the United brand, they still maintain some separate operations and policies. However, they are officially considered the same airline.

Are the routes and destinations of Continental and United Airlines the same?

Since the merger, the routes and destinations of Continental and United Airlines have been integrated. Passengers can now book flights to all destinations served by United Airlines through the United website, mobile app, or reservation hotline.

However, some routes may have different schedules or aircraft types, so it’s important to check the flight details before booking.

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Do Continental and United Airlines have the same frequent flyer program?

After the merger, Continental’s frequent flyer program, OnePass, was merged with United’s MileagePlus program. Customers can earn and redeem miles on flights operated by either airline, and elite status is recognized across both airlines.

In addition, MileagePlus members can earn and redeem miles on flights operated by United’s Star Alliance partners, which includes over 25 airlines.

Are the policies and procedures of Continental and United Airlines the same?

Since the merger, United has worked to streamline policies and procedures across the airline. However, there may still be some differences in areas such as baggage allowance, boarding procedures, and inflight services.

It’s important to check the specific policies and procedures for your flight before departure.

Can passengers use the same check-in and boarding services for Continental and United Airlines?

Passengers can use the same check-in and boarding services for Continental and United Airlines. This includes online check-in, mobile check-in, and airport kiosks.

In addition, passengers can use the United mobile app to check in, receive boarding passes, and track their flight status for all United and United Express flights.

United, Continental to Merge, Forming Biggest Airline: Video


In conclusion, while Continental and United Airlines have merged, they are technically still separate entities. However, they operate under the same parent company, United Continental Holdings, which gives them access to shared resources and a larger network of flights.

If you’re a frequent flyer with either airline, you can still enjoy many of the same benefits and perks, such as earning and redeeming miles through the MileagePlus program. Additionally, both airlines have similar policies and procedures, so the overall experience for passengers is quite similar.

Overall, while Continental and United may not be the exact same airline, they are closely intertwined and offer many of the same services and amenities. So, whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, you can rest assured that you’ll have a comfortable and convenient travel experience with either airline.

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