IMPORTANT: Are you considering the Continental Airlines credit card? Then make sure you read this review! Because the OnePass Plus MasterCard has been discontinued, so you can no longer apply for it. Here is what you need to know about its replacement...

Due to the merger of United and Continental Airlines, Chase has now transitioned the 2 credit cards from each respective airline into 1 card. So if you are looking for Continental OnePass Plus application, it's no longer available as of today, Feb 28th, 2012.

The all-new United Mileage Plus Explorer
United Continental card
This is the new card post-merger. To coincide with its launch Chase is running a special promotion for it:
If you're going to apply now is the time to do it, because normally you only get 25k miles (this current deal is more than enough for a free flight).

The old Continental credit card offer was probably the most popular in the airline category for quite some time. Why? Because it had benefits that you couldn't find elsewhere. So the bar was set high for its replacement. The good news is that the United MileagePlus Explorer incorporates many of the features which were found on the Continental OnePass Plus, but it's even better because you get even more benefits.

This new card vs. the other airlines? Compare these 5 perks for yourself...
1. Priority boarding
Now you get to enjoy priority boarding – Skip waiting in line and get on your flight ahead of general boarding. This helps you secure the overhead bin spaces before they fill-up.

2. AmEx cards will no longer work
United and Continental Airlines didn't renew their partnership with AmEx’s Membership Rewards Points program – so as of Sept 2011 – it was no longer possible to convert AmEx Membership Rewards to United MileagePlus or Continental OnePass frequent flyer miles.

That means now only a Chase credit card can earn you United miles. So stay away from other card issuers because they can no longer participate in the MileagePlus program.

3. It's now the world's largest airline
The Continental/United merger has created the world's largest carrier. That means you will have the best selection of flights and destinations for both earning and spending miles.

4. Get your first checked bag for free
Save up to $100 every roundtrip flight. The old Continental Airlines credit card gave the first checked bag for free… for yourself plus a companion. The new United MileagePlus Explorer does the same!

Even if you only fly a couple times per year, this benefit is extremely valuable because it’s essentially saving you $50 on every roundtrip flight with checked bags ($100 savings if someone is traveling with you).

5. Get free United Club day passes 2x per year
You know how miserable it is to be stuck at an airport waiting for your flight! First-class passengers can kick back in the United Club (formerly called Presidents Club) with plush seating, free drinks/snacks, private restrooms, internet, TV and more. But with this card, you don’t have to fly first class to enjoy this benefit – you get two free day passes to use every year!
How do the rewards work?
It's actually almost the same as the Continental Airlines OnePass Plus. Here’s how the miles are earned on the new card:
  • 1 mile for every dollar spent
  • 2 miles per dollar on airfare purchases from United (and Continental, until they're phased out)
  • 10,000 bonus miles every year you spend at least $25k on the card
  • Special promotional bonus miles with signup (details below)
A new (and unheard of) benefit that started in 2012 is that now there are no blackout dates or seat restrictions. If you see an open seat for sale, you can get it at the Standard Award level using your miles.

Cardholder benefits?
This new card is a Visa Signature (not a MasterCard like the old version) and comes with the following...

For travel:
  • Car rental collision damage waiver – One of the best Continental credit card benefits was that it gave you primary coverage (not secondary) on most rental vehicles. Up to 15 days domestically and 31 days outside the country. Guess what? The new MileagePlus Explorer gives you the same!
  • Trip cancellation coverage – Reimbursement of up to $2,000 for travel reservations that are canceled/interrupted due to covered events.
  • Coverage for lost luggage – Up to $3,000 per trip for your carry-ons and checked baggage
For shopping:
  • Price protection – You bought a new sweater or TV only to find it advertised on sale a week later. With this benefit, you can be reimbursed for the difference – up to $250 per item, $1,000 annually – on eligible purchases made with the card.
  • Extended warranty coverage – Ever buy a new computer only to have it break down on you as soon as the warranty is up? If the manufacturer’s warranty on an eligible purchase is 3 years or less, this benefit will double the warranty’s length by adding up to one full additional year for free.
  • Purchase protection – For 90 days from date of eligible purchase, enjoy protection in the event of theft and some types of damage. Up to $500 per occurrence, with a max of $50,000 annually.
Get the best promotion, hands-down
The Chase Continental Airlines credit card offer was pretty enticing, but this new promotion to celebrate the launch of United MileagePlus is really in a whole other league. As a sponsored partner, CreditCardForum is proud to extend this you while it's available:
  • 25,000 bonus miles – that's enough for a round trip ticket!
  • 5,000 additional bonus miles simply for adding an authorized user to your account
  • 10,000 bonus miles every year you spend at least $25k on your account
  • No annual fee for the first year – a savings of $95