OREANDA-NEWS. United Airlines today expanded its Mercedes-Benz tarmac transportation service to Los Angeles International Airport, offering the airline's top frequent flyers increased comfort and a new way to save time when connecting through the airline's hub.

United will chauffeur selected Global Services members and United Global First customers to their connections in Los Angeles using its fleet of Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC SUVs, powered by environmentally friendly, clean diesel technology. United representatives will meet customers at the aircraft, escort them to the waiting Mercedes-Benz vehicle and drive them across the tarmac to their connecting flight. The expediting service gives priority to customers with close connections.

United also offers the transfer service at its hubs in Chicago, Houston, Newark and San Francisco, and the airline plans to further expand it this year.

"We recognize that many of our customers value time above all else when traveling, and our tarmac transportation service demonstrates one of the thoughtful ways we can provide greater efficiency throughout their travels," said Jimmy Samartzis, United's vice president of customer experience. "With the expansion of the tarmac transfer service to Los Angeles, we continue to anticipate the needs of our most valuable customers when traveling through our hubs."

Along with tarmac transportation, the airline and Mercedes-Benz USA partner to provide attractive promotional packages and bonus miles to United's MileagePlus Premier members, which include Global Services members, who purchase or lease certain new Mercedes vehicles.

Earlier this year, United opened a new Global Services reception lobby for its top frequent flyers at the airline's New York hub at Newark Liberty International airport. Later this year, United plans to open a Global Services reception lobby at San Francisco International Airport. In June, the airline will unveil an all-new United Club airport lounge and United Global First Lounge at London Heathrow International Airport's new Terminal 2, The Queen's Terminal.