star

United Airlines is adjusting its loyalty program to boost the chances for its most elite frequent flyers to obtain upgrades on flights. The carrier is converting the current regional and global rewards system in its MileagePlus program to a bank of points, dubbed PlusPoints, that can be used to apply for upgrades, the airline said Tuesday. Travellers who reach United’s top platinum and 1K elite levels attain the perks. The program changes take effect Dec 4. United said frequent travellers will be able use the points to join upgrade lists on multiple trips. The points won’t be deducted from the account until the upgrade clears. The changes are expected to alleviate “pain points” United frequent flyers had expressed with the program, Luc Bondar, the carrier’s VP of loyalty, said. <br/>

Adria Airways is suspending operations, having become the latest major carrier to run into financial problems. Adria Airways is halting all flights September 24-25, claiming that the measure is “temporary”. All services from Ljubljana, Pristina and Tirana will be halted. The carrier states that it is trying to secure fresh capital to continue flight operations. Adria says that it is “intensively searching” for a financial solution with potential – but unidentified – investors. “The aim of everyone involved is to make Adria Airways fly again,” it says. Adria was acquired by the German fund 4K Invest in 2016 but underwent a change of majority shareholder earlier this year. Adria has a mixed fleet primarily comprising Airbus A319s and Bombardier CRJs, as well as a batch of leased Saab 2000s. <br/>