CorpComms Magazine

Chicago-based United Airlines has launched a collection of pre-flight games in which passengers can win instant upgrades, air miles and discounts on flights.

Rewards include instant access to and annual membership of the airline's Red Carpet Club, Premier Line and Economy Plus programmes, e-certificates offering ten per cent discounts on flights and even the chance for members of United Airlines Mileage Plus of landing an extra million miles credited to your account.

Usually a place of boredom and unrest, the United Optathlon transforms the airport departure lounge into an Olympus, where passengers can earn such accolades as Legroom Legend and Line Jump Hero. 

In the game Legroom Legend, you are on a United Airlines flight and have the misfortune to be seated directly behind a red-headed child who insists on throwing a seeming inexhaustible stream of items at you, including an American football, an inflatable travel pillow and a pretzel. The game entails kicking as many of the objects as you can onto your tray table. 

Line Jump Hero requires the passenger to ride their suitcase at breakneck speed, collecting points as they go, towards a ramp overleaping the airport queues. Your goal is then to stay in the air aboard your suitcase as long as possible as you gain wings and finally jet propulsion.

After each game you can submit your score and see whether you have won an in-flight reward. The United Optathlon serves to highlight the company's extensive upgrade programme.

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