United Airlines and Azul Brazilian Airlines have brokered a codeshare agreement. This means easier trips between the U.S. and Brazil because passengers can now book travel on both airlines using one itinerary. But you might be wondering: What about frequent flyer miles?
Nothing much has changed for United MileagePlus members, since they’ve been able to earn and redeem miles with Azul for a few years. On the other hand, the deal has sweetened the pot for members of TudoAzul, Azul Brazilian Airlines frequent flyer program. They can now earn and redeem miles with United, though award flights must be booked through Azule.
The Codeshare and the Cities
This deal was announced earlier in the summer, which also included United buying 5 percent of the Brazilian carrier for $100 million. For United, this partnership means that it can market flights to six cities in Brazil.
The new destinations include the ever popular Rio de Janeiro, known for its beaches, party atmosphere and, of course, Carnival, complete with sambas, elaborate costumes, flamboyant floats and endless parties. United’s passengers will also be able to make connections to Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Goiânia, Belo Horizonte and Brasília.
While United has many codesharing agreements, this is the first international deal for Azul. Founded by David Neeleman, who also started JetBlue, Azul is known for its low-cost fares to destinations within Brazil. This deal gives Azul access to eight U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Washington, Las Vegas and Houston.
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The inking of this deal came on the heels of United moving its p.s., or premium service, from JFK to Newark Airport. With this move, all flights from Newark to Los Angeles or San Francisco will include p.s extras, such as flat-bed seats in first class and extra leg room in economy plus seats.
Aircraft interiors on these flight all have a modern feel, and include in-flight WiFi, seat-back monitors so you can take advantage of on-demand entertainment options and power ports in all the rows so you can power up your gear.