CHICAGO, April 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today announced that in just one day, customers and employees have generously donated more than $1 million to the airline's disaster relief partners the American Red Cross, AmeriCares, Airlink and Operation USA to aid those affected by the earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25.

"This immediate outpouring of support is remarkable and shows a great deal of compassion from our customers and employees," said Mark Anderson, senior vice president of corporate and government affairs at United. "These generous donations will go a long way in helping those impacted by the devastating earthquake in Nepal."

Since Monday, more than 7,800 United customers and employees have made contributions to relief efforts in Nepal through the company's fundraising site, and United has provided a $50,000 match donation to these partner organizations. The airline is also providing a one-time mileage bonus to MileagePlus members who donate. United is contributing up to 5 million miles for this initiative. MileagePlus members who give between $50-99 will receive 250 bonus miles, those who contribute $100-249 will receive 500 bonus miles, and members who donate more than $250 will receive 1,000 bonus miles.

For more information and to make a donation, customers and employees may visit United's fundraising page at https://www.crowdrise.com/unitednepalrelief. The 5 million bonus miles will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis based on contributions made through 11:59 PM CDT on May 15, 2015.

Customers May Also Donate Miles

MileagePlus members with accrued miles can donate their miles to a charity through United's Charity Miles program. Many international relief organizations send personnel and volunteers to assist in the affected region, and the donation of miles will help defray their expenses. Through these programs, MileagePlus members can donate a minimum of 500 miles to any of the designated groups involved in the relief effort. Customers may also donate miles by calling MileagePlus Customer Service at 1-800-421-4655.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of nearly 5,000 flights a day to 373 airports across six continents. In 2014, United and United Express operated nearly two million flights carrying 138 million customers. United is proud to have the world's most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft, and this year, the airline anticipates taking delivery of 34 new Boeing aircraft, including the 787-9 and the 737-900ER. United is also welcoming 49 new Embraer E175 aircraft to United Express. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 193 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 84,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

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SOURCE United Airlines