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Mercedes Pick-Up: United Rewards Top Customers

DENVER (CBS4) - Just when you thought the days of being rewarded while flying at 32,000 feet were over, think again.

Some airlines are offering secret special perks aimed at their most loyal frequent flyers.

Starting Tuesday at DIA, United Airlines began ferrying elite passengers from the jet way  in a private Mercedes Benz to their connecting flight.

"We take them off the jet way and bring them into a private Mercedes Benz vehicle and quickly whisk them off to their connecting flight," said Alexander Dorow, the senior manager of global services for United Airlines.

Jack Vaugh was one of those passengers on Tuesday. He said he was a little afraid and embarrassed when he deplaned and saw his name on an iPad.

"I thought it must be a mistake," he said. "You had me confused with someone else."

Passengers do not pay extra for this perk. But to be considered for an invitation into the elite frequent flyer club, most airlines require flyers to earn more than 100,000 miles a year. But there are other required criteria on which United keeps a tight lid.

The vehicles United uses are fueled on the airfield, so it doesn't have to take them off the tarmac.

For those who fly coach, it is not impossible they'll be selected for a tarmac transport if upgraded. But it is unlikely.

 

 

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