United NetWorks, a division of UAL Corp., has announced the introduction of booking and ticketing through any wireless enabled personal digital assistant (PDA). The company said it is the first airline to offer this service globally. 

United NetWorks is the UAL division responsible for the company`s Internet and wireless initiatives

The new PDA access is part of United EasyAccess, a suite of applications and services designed to keep travelers informed through wireless devices.  Travelers can book flight tickets and view travel itineraries can access this free wireless application by downloading the Web Clipping Application (WCA) from united.com. This software download is compatible with PalmTM VII handhelds, Palm handhelds equipped with the Mobile Internet Kit (MIK) as well as other OmniSky enabled PDAs.

“We recognize the tremendous penetration of PDAs amongst our business and leisure travelers who depend on easy interface and convenience of wireless devices for both business and personal transactions,” said Steve Orr, wireless product manager for United NetWorks. “As the first domestic airline to offer WAP booking back in November 2000, and again being the first to offer PDA booking, United continues its commitment in providing its customers the ability to complete their travel booking experience anytime, anywhere.”

The wireless booking tool enables travelers who are registered at united.com to purchase an e-ticket for any United Airlines, United Shuttle or United Express flight for travel originating in the U.S. Additionally, travelers will be able to view their itineraries, enabling them to check their departure time and seat assignment. Preferred seating, meal and wheelchair requirements are also available through this wireless feature. United plans to expand its wireless capabilities to allow customers to make changes to those flights previously booked. 

Customers with a wireless enabled PDA can easily United`s mobile site by downloading the WCA from united.com under the Wireless/Paging link on the homepage. Once the WCA has been downloaded to the PDA, the application allows travelers to book flights, check flight status, flight availability and their Mileage Plus account summary. Additionally, customers can register for flight paging, locate an airport code, and find telephone numbers to contact United. Customers can also download United?fs electronic timetable to their wireless PDA or a PDA without a wireless modem.

United EasyAccess?fs most popular existing feature is its Proactive Paging Service. This service has recently been enhanced by allowing the customer to register once for all future flights, enabling customers to have messages sent to any e-mail addressable device including their wireless PDA.

www.ual.com

——-