What Happened to Continental Airlines?
Continental Airlines is no longer a separate airline — it merged into United. Here’s what happened and how to find flights on its former routes.
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or request an offerAbout Continental Airlines
Continental Airlines was a major US carrier tracing its roots to 1934, known for a strong reputation and an extensive network from its Houston and Newark hubs. It merged with United Airlines in a 2010 deal, and after a multi-year integration process, the Continental brand was fully retired on March 3, 2012, when the combined carrier completed its transition to operate as a single unified United Airlines.
Continental Airlines Route Network
Continental Airlines no longer operates. Its former hubs and routes — including Houston, Newark, and Cleveland — are now part of United Airlines’ network.
Primary Hub
George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston (IAH) — historical
Continental’s historical hubs included George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), both of which remain major United Airlines hubs today.
Alliance & Partner Airlines
As a merged-away airline, Continental has no current alliance ties — its Star Alliance membership transferred to the combined United Airlines when the merger completed. Travelers should search under United Airlines for its former routes.
Baggage, Seating & Onboard Amenities
A quick reference before you pack — always confirm exact allowances on your fare rules at booking, since they vary by route and cabin.
Carry-On & Personal Item
Not applicable — Continental Airlines does not currently sell tickets or operate flights; its operations are now part of United Airlines.
Checked Baggage
Not applicable — Continental Airlines does not currently sell tickets or operate flights; its operations are now part of United Airlines.
Excess Baggage Fees
Overweight, oversized, or extra bags typically incur a per-bag fee charged at check-in or online in advance — pre-paying online is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
Seat Selection & Cabin Classes
Not applicable — Continental Airlines does not currently sell tickets or operate flights; its operations are now part of United Airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Continental Airlines merged with United Airlines in a 2010 deal, and after a multi-year integration, the Continental brand was fully retired on March 3, 2012, when operations combined under the single United Airlines name.
Continental's IATA code was CO, with ICAO code COA, used until the merger with United was completed.
Effectively yes — the 2010 merger combined the two companies, and by 2012 all Continental operations, branding, and systems had been fully integrated into what is today United Airlines.
Continental's OnePass frequent flyer program was merged into United's MileagePlus program as part of the integration, with account balances and status carried over for members.
United Airlines inherited Continental's major hubs, including Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR), and Cleveland (which United later de-hubbed in 2014), continuing to operate them as part of its combined network.
No. Since Continental Airlines does not operate flights, you can't book tickets directly with it. Search for your route under United Airlines instead.
Yes, and that membership carried over to the combined United Airlines when the merger completed, since United was also a Star Alliance member.
The 2010 merger was driven by industry consolidation trends following the 2008 financial crisis and rising fuel costs, aiming to create a larger, more competitive combined network — a pattern followed by several other major US airline mergers around the same period.
Search for your origin and destination under United Airlines, which now operates virtually all of Continental's former route network.
There's no indication of this — the 2012 brand retirement was a deliberate, permanent step in completing the merger integration, not a temporary rebrand.
Domestic Flight Cities
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Looking for Continental Airlines’ Former Routes?
Continental Airlines merged into United Airlines, with the brand fully retired in March 2012. Search United Airlines for its former Houston, Newark, and Cleveland routes.