United sells tickets for four reward miles

CHICAGO, July 20 (UPI) -- A programming error in the United Airlines online ticket sales system allowed customers to purchase flights to Hong Kong for four reward miles.

Patrons of United Airlines who purchased tickets to, from, or through Hong Kong were charged four reward miles plus taxes and fees, totaling about $35, because of programming error in the airlines' online system, the Chicago Tribune reported. A round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Hong Kong usually costs about $1,800 or 60,000 reward miles.

United released a statement saying it has fixed the program and canceled the unused tickets purchased for four reward miles. United did not report how many tickets were purchased.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced it is investigating whether United violated a federal rule stating airlines cannot increase the price of tickets after they have been booked. United officials believe the airline has not violated the rule because it did not advertise the sale of tickets for four reward miles.