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You may soon get a Jaguar transfer to your next United flight

Oct. 26, 2022
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2 min read
United-JaguarAnnouncement_Oct2022
You may soon get a Jaguar transfer to your next United flight
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United Airlines may be best known for flying Airbus and Boeing planes, but it now has a new provider for tarmac transportation: Jaguar.

The Chicago-based carrier on Wednesday unveiled a deepened partnership with the British carmaker that includes a fleet of 2023 Jaguar I-PACE electric SUVs for tarmac transfers.

The Jaguar transfers will start rolling out this month at the airline's hub at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and will expand to other hub airports in Denver, Houston, Newark, Washington Dulles, San Francisco and Los Angeles by the end of the year.

COURTESY UNITED

United expects these SUVs to make an estimated 60 trips per day and transfer more than 1,000 United customers daily.

Now, you're probably wondering how you can score this stylish tarmac transfer. Unfortunately, however, United doesn't publish what it takes to get one of these swanky rides.

This is a "surprise benefit," the airline says, that is offered to select Premier members with tight connections. The only way you'll know about the transfer is when you see your name on a placard in the jetbridge during deplaning.

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In the past, this benefit has been primarily limited to invite-only Global Services members and other high-value flyers who are at risk of missing an important connection.

For United, this new tie-up is being marketed as the "first gate-to-gate airport transfer service powered by an all-electric fleet in the U.S."

While it's true that the airline is using Jaguar's all-electric fleet to criss-cross the airport taxiways, all three of the major U.S. airlines have historically offered this benefit on a surprise-and-delight basis using gas-powered vehicles.

United previously partnered with Mercedes-Benz for tarmac transfers, while Delta Air Lines continues to offer Porsche rides to select top-tier Medallions during tight connections.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

American Airlines used to partner with Cadillac, but it now has a tie-up with Avis to provide SUV tarmac transfers.

In addition to tarmac transfers, United recently unveiled a MileagePlus tie-up with Jaguar. As part of the pact, flyers can earn up to 50,000 bonus miles when purchasing or leasing a new Jaguar vehicle.

Featured image by UNITED
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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