United's Monthly Online Ticket Sales Hit Record $30 Million.

April figures reflect boom in do-it-yourself bookings

CHICAGO, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- United Connection(R) soared in April with a record-breaking $30 million in online travel sales. The figures continued a strong performance streak that saw United Airlines' online travel planning product log an industry-leading $200 million in sales in 1998, including flights with United as well as over 500 other carriers.

The increase reflects rising awareness of the United Connection service, which is accessed through United's Web site (www.ual.com ), as well as the growing response of air travelers to the convenience of do-it-yourself online booking.

"The Internet has opened up a whole new era of choice and convenience for air travelers, and the dynamic growth in our online bookings shows that consumers welcome the do-it-yourself approach to buying air travel," said Mark Koehler, Director of Electronic Distribution for United Airlines. "We believe this segment of the business will become an increasingly important factor as consumers become more comfortable with electronic commerce and more aware of the Internet booking and buying option."

Introduced in 1995, the United Connection service enables travelers to use the Internet to book travel with over 500 airlines, 45 car rental companies and 30,000 hotels around the world. The program can be used to check airline schedules, shop for the lowest fares, purchase tickets, select seats, and research and reserve hotel rooms and rental cars directly from the user's desktop.

Discounted "E-Fares" for last-minute weekend travel to selected domestic and international destinations are available exclusively through the United Connection service, as are seasonal specials such as Valentine's Day and Cherry Blossom fares.

The airline also offers up to 1,000 bonus miles per round trip to Mileage Plus(R) members who purchase travel through United Connection. United's frequent flyers also have the ability to track their account activity and request flight upgrades at the United Web site.

For more information, visit United Connection on the Web at www.ual.com.