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Introducing
MileagePlus Headliners
Members can bidmiles on once-in-a-lifetime experiences
ASKTHEPILOT
With Captain Mike Bowers
Q: Are larger aircraft
less susceptible to
turbulence compared
with smaller jets?
A:
There are several
factors that affect how
an aircraft reacts to
turbulence. The stiffness
of the wing structure, for
example, has an effect
on how the turbulence
is felt. A stiff wing
transmits more move-
ment directly to the
cabin than does a wing
with more flexibility.
Generally speaking,
larger aircraft have
larger wingspans and
therefore more flexible
wings. In addition, our
B777 aircraft, and to
a greater extent our
newest B787 aircraft,
have a sophisticated
computerized system
that automatically sends
electronic signals to the
flight controls to counter
the effects of turbulence
felt in the cabin. On top
of all that, as pilots we
are trained to find the
altitudes with the least
turbulence because we
know our passengers
prefer a smoother flight.
Do you have a question
for Captain Bowers? Write
to him at askthepilot@
united.com.
IN JANUARY,
we debuted Mi leagePlus
Headliners, an all-new auction program that
lets MileagePlus members use their miles to
bid on a host of experiences, including theater
and sporting events, once-in-a-lifetime trips
and airline adventures that money can’t buy.
Each month, MileagePlus Headliners will
offer at least one unique bidding opportunity
that inc ludes VIP
access. In January, for
instance, it opened
bidding on the chance
to attend the “Team
USA Experience” at the London 2012 Olympic
Games, alongwith the opportunity to train like
a pilot in United’s flight simulator in Denver.
Later this year, it will offer the chance to fly on
aUnitedBoeing 787Dreamliner deliveryflight.
Several new auction items are available
in February, including a six-day/five-night
JacksonHolewinter ski travel package; tickets
to a performance by the Boston Symphony
Orchestra atNewYork’sCarnegieHall; andpre-
mium seating at professional sporting events
in Houston, Chicago, Cleveland and Miami.
In building the world’s leading airline,
United is committed to offering customers
the world’s leading loyalty program. This
year we do so with
new opportunities for
program members to
earn and redeemmiles
and to engagewith our
program in more ways than ever before.
MileagePlus Headliners will continue
addingmore choices of cultural and entertain-
ment experiences. A complete list of auctions
is available online atmileageplusawards.com/
auctions, and check in periodically for new
and exciting experiences.
VIP VIEW
Among recent prizes up
for bid in the MileagePlus
Headliners program: a spin in
United’s flight simulator
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