United Airlines will work with its disaster relief partners the American Red Cross, Americares, Airlink and Operation USA to provide aid to those affected by the earthquake in Nepal. Beginning today, United will provide up to a total of US$50,000 to match donations to these partner organisations from United customers and employees. The airline will also provide a one-time mileage bonus to MileagePlus members who donate. United will contribute up to 5 million miles for this initiative.
MileagePlus members who give between US$50-99 will receive 250 bonus miles, those who contribute US$100-249 will receive 500 bonus miles, and members who donate more than US$250 will receive 1,000 bonus miles. Up to 5 million bonus miles will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis based on contributions made through the airline’s fundraising page through 11:59 PM CDT on May 15, 2015.
“Our hearts are with those living and working in Nepal as they recover from this devastating event,” said United’s senior vice president of Corporate and Government Affairs Mark Anderson. “Our employees and customers always want to help in times like these, and we want to recognise their generosity by offering a mileage bonus incentive to our MileagePlus members who are supporting this critical humanitarian relief effort.”
MileagePlus members with accrued miles can donate their miles to a charity through United’s Charity Miles programme. Many international relief organisations send personnel and volunteers to assist in the affected region, and the donation of miles will help defray their expenses. Through these programmes, MileagePlus members can donate a minimum of 500 miles to any of the designated groups involved in the relief effort.