United Airlines and Continental Airlines announced today that they're merging to create the world's biggest airline. The deal must win antitrust approval before it can be finalized, but here's what travelers likely can expect:
Fares likely will rise in the short term -- especially on the 13 routes flown between the two airlines' hubs (such as Newark to Los Angeles), says Airfarewatchdog.com president George Hobica. Other airlines likely will follow with rate hikes of their own.
Booking travel on United and Continental today or in the near future will not be affected, according to United. You can continue to make reservations with either United or Continental.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
You can continue to use frequent-flyer miles from both of the airlines' programs, according to United. Once the merger is complete, your miles will be combined into one account if you have them from both programs.
If the merger is approved, United's higher fees likely will be adopted on routes flown by Continental, says Hobica. See SmartTravel.com's Airline Fees: The Ultimate Guide to compare the two airlines' fees.
United's Economy Plus seating, which provides extra leg room for additional fees, likely will be extended to Continental flights, Hobica says.
-
What Not to Do When Planning Your RetirementCommitting any of these four common mistakes can set you back in your golden years. Here's how to increase your chances of a successful retirement.
-
2024 Thanksgiving Meal Cost: Grocery Taxes and Your Food BudgetFood Prices Some families are navigating high food prices influencing what’s on the table this Thanksgiving.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
Best Places to Visit Where the Dollar Is StrongFrom the Americas and Europe to Africa and Asia, we list the 10 best places to travel to where the U.S. dollar is the strongest.
-
24 Best Travel Websites and Apps to Find Deals and Save You MoneyTravel Use Kiplinger's guide to the best travel websites and find discounts and deals so you can vacation without breaking the bank.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
Frequent Flyer Tax Could Raise Billions for ClimateCould taxing frequent flyers help combat global pollution? Some climate scientists say yes.
-
How to Make The Most of a Travel Insurance ClaimMore travelers are buying insurance. If your trip is canceled, take these steps to increase your chances of recovery.
-
Despite Cancelled Flights and Short-Staffed Hotels, Americans Are (Sort of) Traveling AgainBusiness Travel Thanks to high gas prices, cancelled flights and labor shortages across the sector, the post-COVID travel recovery looks uneven.
