United Airlines MileagePlus Premier members won't have to run from gate to gate at some of the busiest airports in the U.S. for much longer. A new partnership between the airline and Jaguar North America launches today, offering electric vehicle transfer service for travelers.
The service is a previously unannounced benefit for select MileagePlus Premier members.
United will utilize Jaguar's I-Pace electric crossover for the transfers. The I-Pace sets five and has an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated all-electric range of 246 miles.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport, a United hub, will be the first in the country to roll out the program. Vehicles will go into service at Denver, Houston, Newark/New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco and Los Angeles airports by the end of the year.
United estimates the I-Pace models will make an estimated 60 trips per day each, carrying more than 1,000 customers.
"The new United-Jaguar ground transfer program offers travelers a moment of luxury and ease, while also raising sustainability standards for the airline industry," said Marketing and Loyalty Vice President and MileagePlus President Luc Bondar in a press release.
"United is working to lead with innovation and purpose that motivates the industry to do better for our customers and communities. Partnering with Jaguar to deploy an all-electric fleet is not only a smart business move, as we know customers consider sustainability when booking travel, it is the right thing to do."
Porsche has a similar program with Delta Airlines. That model offers select Delta 360 program members gate-to-gate transfers in Porsche vehicles at the company's hubs throughout the U.S. when they have a tight layover.
"Jaguar's partnership with United raises brand awareness by getting potential customers inside the I-Pace with a premium chauffeured service and also effectively highlights the brand is already actively selling an electric vehicle," Paul Waatti, manager of industry analysis at AutoPacific told Newsweek.
Financial terms of the deal were not announced. The 2023 Jaguar I-Pace is on sale now in the U.S., priced from $71,300.
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In addition to the new service, the United-Jaguar partnership is offering 50,000 miles to United MileagePlus members who purchase or lease a new Jaguar vehicle through December 31, 2022
How United's Jaguar Transfer Program Works
MileagePlus Premier members with tight connections at select airports will learn of their ability to utilize the service as a surprise upon landing at the airport. There, they will be greeted by a Premier Service agent who directs the customer to the waiting I-Pace on the tarmac and accompanies them to their connecting flight.
There is no charge for the service and it cannot be reserved ahead of time.
Flyers can bring their hand luggage/carry-ons with them in the I-Pace.
