United Airlines Named a Top Company for LGBT Equality

United Airlines Named a Top Company for LGBT Equality

United Airlines was named one of the "Top Companies for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Equality" for 2013 by Work Life Matters magazine at an awards gala in New York City on Thursday evening. The annual award is presented to U.S. companies that lead their industries in developing programs and policies that support LGBT employees and promote workplace equality.

"At United, we are committed to supporting the rich diversity of ideas and experiences that reflect all of our customers and co-workers, and we are proud to receive this great recognition," said Mike Bonds, the airline's executive vice president for human resources and labor relations. "The unique backgrounds, lifestyles and perspectives of our diverse workforce help us improve the experience for our customers and create innovative solutions to our global business needs."

United has long supported programs that promote LGBT awareness and inclusion. Earlier this year, the company received the Business Leadership Award from Equality Illinois, the state's oldest and largest LGBT advocacy group. United has also been named a "Best Place to Work" by the Human Rights Campaign five years in a row, and scored a 100 percent rating on the organization's Corporate Equality Index.

While several companies were recognized by Work Life Matters for their LGBT-friendly policies and initiatives, United received the magazine's top honor for the travel category. "We are pleased to honor each of these leading firms for serving as corporate pioneers by supporting the advancement of LGBT equality within their own organizations, as well as to the community-at-large," said Lori Sokol, Ph.D., founder and publisher of Work Life Matters.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of more than 5,300 flights a day to more than 360 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on more than 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United continues to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company will have launched 14 new international and 19 new domestic routes, including the addition of seven new cities to its network, by the end of 2013.  Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. According to the 4^th annual Switchfly Reward Seat Availability Survey published by IdeaWorksCompany in May 2013, United has the most saver-style award-seat availability among the largest U.S. global airlines. Air Transport World named United as the Eco-Aviation Airline of the Year Gold Winner in 2013. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 195 countries via 28 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world.