Figuratively and literally, United Airlines creates connections. Whether the company is transporting people through the skies or celebrating filmmaking as a sponsor of the Sundance Film Festival, United continues to deepen connections with their customers, including the creative community.
As part of their ongoing commitment to supporting the entertainment industry, United has spent years helping filmmakers at every stage of production through the United for Business entertainment program, which helps talent, film crews and executives manage travel logistics and get them exactly where they need to go. “United has built strong relationships with the filmmaking community, and that can be attributed to our team and the premium customer experience we provide,” says Andrea Robertson, managing director of United for Business Sales. “From 24/7 entertainment support to day-of travel benefits, customers trust that our team will make the travel journey as smooth as possible.”
No better example of United’s trusted support of filmmakers and creative forces is their continued partnership and presence at Sundance. “Our mission is connecting people and uniting the world. Sundance provides a space for storytellers to do just that,” Robertson shares.
To celebrate the indie fest’s final edition in Park City this year, the company set up the United Airlines Lodge, a cozy escape on Main Street with an inviting lounge where visitors relaxed and recharged with fellow festivalgoers. From Jan. 23-26, the hub was one of the hottest experiences, with guests lining up the block each day to attend. It wasn’t just the complimentary refreshments and speedy Wi-Fi that drew visitors in; the slate of exclusive panels featuring industry leaders, creatives and some of the festival’s celebrated filmmakers also brought crowds. For emerging and aspiring filmmakers alike, United’s festival programming fostered in-depth conversations to help guide the next generation of storytellers.
Panels featured conversations about different facets of the industry, highlighting unique perspectives and sharing insights on topics such as the journey from script to the screen and some of the most pressing challenges filmmakers face today. A fascinating discussion highlighted how United’s fleet of more than 1,000 aircraft makes them one of the largest theaters in the sky, providing a critical place for filmmakers to reach viewers from all over the world. “We have a huge audience that’s incredibly engaged. To give you a sense of our scale: Last year, we flew 181 million people to over 370 destinations across the globe,” said Nisha Thakkar, senior manager of United In-Flight Entertainment. “For us, having great variety that’s going to hit every passenger’s needs is important, we want everyone to find something to watch on board, and we want to curate it in a way that promotes discoverability.”
From entertainment in the sky to entertainment travel expertise on the ground, United helps creative visions take flight. “United is the airline best suited to serve the entertainment industry,” says Robertson. Catering to the specific needs of artists and their teams, United for Business’ entertainment production agreements give customers immediate access to several benefits, including flat fees on checked bags and equipment, VIP airport services, pricing that rewards loyalty and long term partnership and a 24/7 support desk which offers hands-on, personalized assistance from entertainment travel experts. New United mobile app enhancements, like the Virtual Gate feature, also allow users to streamline and maximize their travel experience with real-time boarding trackers as well as United Club location recommendations based on proximity and capacity of the club.
As Sundance bids farewell to Park City and moves to Boulder, Colorado, United stands ready to welcome filmmakers and festivalgoers to one of their fastest-growing hubs in nearby Denver. “We are excited to be a part of the evolution and growth of the Sundance Film Festival,” says Robertson. “The move to Boulder is especially exciting because United has made significant investments at Denver International including the expansion and re-design of every United Club SM. Our Sundance activation in Boulder will reflect our commitment to the Mile High City.”
Along with Denver, United has continued to invest in major entertainment hubs like New York and Los Angeles, where they provide a meet and assist program — a high-touch service that aims to provide travelers with a seamless journey from curbside to cabin that includes discreet, personalized guidance through the airport by a United Premium Services representative, Global Reception® check-in, United Club access and on-demand boarding.
As United celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, the services and programs expand and improve but the mission remains the same: be in the business of connecting people, including global storytellers. “The United for Business entertainment program allows customers to unlock value and balance competitive pricing, network strength and premium experience. Whether you’re looking for support with travel or your broader business goals, the program is accessible to anyone in the industry,” Robertson says.
Learn more about United for Business and United’s entertainment offerings at united.business/entertainment
