AC

Frequent fliers on United and Continental will get extra miles for buying more-expensive seats starting next year. That's the main change announced Wednesday in how the newly merged airline's combined 85 million frequent fliers will earn miles when reservation systems are merged in 2012. Among changes: •Fliers who buy first-class seats can accrue up to 2.5 reward miles for every mile they fly in the program, which will keep the MileagePlus name. Extra miles also will be awarded for buying tickets in business class or paying full fare for a spot in coach. •Continental OnePass members for the first time will see their miles expire after 18 months of inactivity like United members have experienced. But the new clock won't start ticking until next year. •There will be four levels of premier status for members. Previously each airline offered only three. The increased rewards are a bid for the highly coveted business traveler, who is more likely to book a trip at the last minute and...