United Airlines

As a leading global airline headquartered in Chicago, United Airlines is dedicated to being the world’s best airline, connecting people to the moments that matter most. With an expansive global network, a modern fleet, and a commitment to innovation and customer service, United is a significant player in linking the Americas with destinations across every continent except Antarctica.

Our Story: A Rich Tapestry of Aviation History

United Airlines boasts a deep and complex history, tracing its origins back to Varney Air Lines, founded on April 6, 1926, in Boise, Idaho. Varney was one of the first airmail carriers in the United States. In 1927, it was acquired by aircraft manufacturer Boeing and renamed Boeing Air Transport.

The modern United Airlines began to take shape in 1931 when Boeing, along with its subsidiaries, including Boeing Air Transport, Pacific Air Transport, National Air Transport, and Varney Air Lines, merged with Pratt & Whitney to form the United Aircraft and Transport Corporation (UATC). This conglomerate created “United Air Lines” to manage all its airline branches.

In 1934, due to new anti-monopoly legislation, UATC was broken up, and United Air Lines became an independent company. Over the decades, United grew significantly, notably merging with Capital Airlines in 1961, solidifying its position as a major domestic carrier. The airline continued to expand internationally, becoming a major transatlantic and transpacific carrier.

A defining moment in recent history was the merger with Continental Airlines in 2010, which created one of the world’s largest airlines. The combined entity adopted Continental’s globe logo and aircraft livery, while retaining the United name, signifying a new era of global connectivity and service. United has continuously adapted to industry changes, always striving to be a leader in technology and customer experience.

Leadership and Ownership

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) is a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange (NASDAQ: UAL). Its ownership structure is primarily held by institutional investors, with a smaller percentage owned by public companies, individual investors, and insiders. This wide distribution of ownership makes United Airlines a significant entity in the global financial markets.

Mr. Scott Kirby serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of United Airlines, leading the company’s strategic vision for growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction. The management team is focused on delivering a premier travel experience, expanding the airline’s global reach, and continuing its commitment to innovation.

Our Fleet: Modern, Fuel-Efficient, and Designed for Comfort

United Airlines operates one of the world’s largest and most modern fleets, constantly investing in new aircraft to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve the passenger experience. The fleet includes a comprehensive mix of aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus:

  • Wide-body Aircraft (Long-haul and International):
    • Boeing 787 Dreamliner (787-8, 787-9, and 787-10): These advanced, fuel-efficient aircraft are a cornerstone of United’s international network, offering superior comfort with larger windows, better cabin humidity, and reduced noise levels.
    • Boeing 777 (777-200 and 777-300ER): These long-range workhorses are vital for United’s global network, offering significant capacity and range.
    • Boeing 767 (767-300ER and 767-400ER): Utilized for various international routes, these aircraft continue to provide reliable service.
  • Narrow-body Aircraft (Domestic and Short-to-Medium International):
    • Boeing 737 (737-700, 737-800, 737-900ER, 737 MAX 8, 737 MAX 9, 737 MAX 10): The Boeing 737 family forms the backbone of United’s extensive domestic network, with the MAX variants offering improved fuel efficiency and a modern cabin.
    • Airbus A319, A320, A321neo: These efficient Airbus aircraft also play a key role in connecting cities across the U.S. and to nearby international destinations, with the A321neo representing a significant addition to the fleet with enhanced performance.
  • Regional Jets: United Express, operated by various regional airline partners, utilizes smaller jets like the Embraer E-Jets and Bombardier CRJ series to feed traffic into United’s hubs and serve smaller markets.

United has significant outstanding orders for new aircraft, particularly for the latest generations of Boeing 737 MAX, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and Airbus A321neo, reflecting its aggressive strategy for fleet modernization and network expansion.

Connecting the Globe: Our Strategic Hub Network

United Airlines operates a comprehensive multi-hub strategy, leveraging its strategically located U.S. hubs to connect travelers to virtually every corner of the world. These major hubs include:

  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): A central hub offering extensive domestic and international connections.
  • Denver International Airport (DEN): A rapidly growing hub providing excellent connectivity to the Mountain West and beyond.
  • Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): A key gateway to Latin America and a major hub for connections across the southern U.S.
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): A crucial hub for transpacific flights and connections across the Western U.S.
  • New York/Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): United’s primary East Coast international gateway, offering extensive transatlantic services.
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO): A vital hub for transpacific routes and connections along the West Coast.
  • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): A major hub for transatlantic and international connections in the Mid-Atlantic region.
  • Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM): A unique hub for connecting islands across the Pacific.

From these hubs, United offers an unparalleled network, including:

  • Vast Domestic Coverage: Flights to hundreds of cities across all 50 U.S. states.
  • Extensive International Reach: Leading connectivity to destinations across Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

Your Journey, Your Rewards: MileagePlus Program

MileagePlus is United Airlines’ award-winning frequent flyer program, designed to reward loyal customers and enhance every step of their travel journey. As a MileagePlus member, you can:

  • Earn Miles: Accrue valuable award miles on all eligible United Airlines flights, flights operated by its regional partners (United Express), and through a vast global network of financial (e.g., co-branded credit cards), hotel, car rental, and retail partners.
  • Earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) and Premier Qualifying Flights (PQF): These metrics are used to qualify for elite status, recognizing your loyalty based on spending and flights.
  • Redeem Miles: Utilize your accumulated miles flexibly for United Airlines flight awards (including “Saver” and “Everyday” awards), cabin upgrades, and a diverse array of non-flight rewards, such as hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise, and experiences.
  • Achieve Premier Status: Progress through our prestigious Premier tiers – Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K® – to unlock a suite of exclusive privileges designed to make your airport and in-flight experience more comfortable and rewarding:
    • Premier Access: Enjoy priority airport services including dedicated check-in, priority security lines, priority boarding, and expedited baggage handling.
    • United Club Access: Relax in United Club lounges (for Gold and higher status members) and partner lounges worldwide.
    • Extra Baggage Allowance: Receive increased checked baggage allowances.
    • Complimentary Upgrades: Enjoy complimentary upgrades on eligible flights within North America and to select international destinations (subject to availability).
    • PlusPoints: Platinum and 1K members earn PlusPoints, which can be used for confirmed upgrades on long-haul international and domestic flights.
    • Preferential Seating: Access to preferred seating, including Economy Plus seating, at no additional charge.
    • Dedicated Service: Access to exclusive phone lines and personalized customer service.