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Advanced Purchase of Miles
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Advanced Purchase of Miles

NOTE 12 - ADVANCED PURCHASE OF MILES

United previously sold MileagePlus miles to Chase which United recorded as Advanced Purchase of Miles. United has the right, but is not required, to repurchase the pre-purchased miles from Chase during the term of the agreement. The balance of pre-purchased miles is eligible to be allocated by Chase to MileagePlus members’ accounts by a maximum of $224 million in 2015, $249 million in 2016 and the remainder in 2017. The Co-Brand Agreement contains termination penalties that may require United to make certain payments and repurchase outstanding pre-purchased miles in cases such as United’s insolvency, bankruptcy or other material breaches. The Company has recorded these amounts as advanced purchase of miles in the liabilities section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

The obligations of UAL, United and Mileage Plus Holdings, LLC to Chase under the Co-Brand Agreement are joint and several. Certain of United’s obligations under the Co-Brand Agreement are secured by a junior lien in all collateral pledged by United under the Credit Agreement. United also provides a first priority lien to Chase on its MileagePlus assets to secure certain of its obligations under the Co-Brand Agreement and its obligations under the new combined credit card processing agreement among United, Paymentech, LLC and JPMorgan Chase.