Flying United With Paperless Tickets
January 8, 1999 2:04 AM EST


Business Week, January 11, 1999

Summary of key facts:

United Airlines and American Airlines will make their electronic airline tickets interchangeable so that customers can easily switch to a different airline without having to first switch their electronic ticket to paper. Currently, airline computers can't recognize each other's electronic tickets, making it a hassle for customers to switch their tickets. Starting in the first half of 1999, customers will be able to change electronic tickets from American Airlines and United Airlines with a few keystrokes. The airlines have enough volume at O'Hare airport in Chicago to make the agreement worthwhile. United Airlines will extend the agreement to its overseas partners toward the end of 1999.