"One of the key benefits of our merger is the ability to create a network that gives our customers more flight options," said Greg Hart, United's senior vice president network. "Numerous communities will gain service as we begin to capitalize on the opportunity to use our combined fleet more efficiently."

Continental will add new flights between Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport and Bakersfield and Palm Springs, Calif.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Grand Junction, Colo.; Hobbs, N.M.; Montreal; and Reno, Nev. From Cleveland Hopkins International, Continental will begin flights to Cincinnati, Ohio, and from New York/Newark Liberty, the carrier will begin service to Des Moines, Iowa.

United plans new service from Washington Dulles International Airport to Louisville, Ky.; Minneapolis/St. Paul; Salt Lake City; Tulsa, Okla. and Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands, subject to government approval. United will also start new service from Denver International Airport to Amarillo, Dallas Love Field and Lubbock, Texas; from Los Angeles to Austin, Texas and from San Francisco International Airport to New Orleans.