United Airlines, Inc. is a major airline in the United States headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It operates an extensive domestic and international route network across the United States and to destinations on six continents. Regional service is provided by independent carriers operating under the United Express brand, and the Star Alliance, of which United was one of the five founding airlines, extends its network throughout the world.[10]
United traces its origins to the late 1920s through the merger of several early airlines, the oldest of which was Varney Air Lines, founded in 1926 by Walter Varney.[1] Because Varney was incorporated into the company, United often cites 1926 as its founding year. United has remained one of the largest airlines in the world for much of its history, including through successive mergers and acquisitions.
As an independent company, United Air Lines expanded rapidly. In 1933, it introduced the Boeing 247, the first modern airliner, enabling non-stop transcontinental travel. During World War II, United modified the aircraft for military use and transporting supplies. After the war, United capitalized on the aviation boom, and in 1961 merged with Capital Airlines, briefly becoming the world’s second-largest airline. United was a major proponent of airline deregulation in the 1970s and would ultimately benefit from the post-deregulation decline of Pan American World Airways acquiring Pan Am’s Pacific route authority in 1985, its London Heathrow operation in 1991, and its Latin America and Caribbean network out of Miami in 1992. In 1997, United was one of the five airlines to launch Star Alliance, the first global airline alliance.
The airline suffered tragic losses in the September 11 attacks, when two of its aircraft (a Boeing 757 and a Boeing 767) were hijacked and deliberately crashed. Like other major U.S. carriers, United was already facing financial struggles, which were worsened by the economic downturn following the attacks. It filed for bankruptcy in 2002, emerging in 2006 after restructuring, and in 2010, United merged with Continental Airlines, forming one of the world’s largest carriers.[14][15]
Network
Destinations
As of 2025, United Airlines flies (or has flown) to the following destinations. This table does not include destinations served by United's regional subsidiary, United Express.
Embraer 175 operated by Republic AirwaysUnited Express is a regional airline network that supports United Airlines operations, primarily by serving smaller cities and connecting traffic to United's main hubs. Representing six percent of United's total capacity for 2024, United Express operates through partnerships with regional carriers, including CommuteAir, GoJet, Mesa Airlines, Republic Airways, and SkyWest. These carriers operate under capacity purchase agreements, where United contracts for flight services, pays fixed and performance-based fees, and covers additional costs like fuel and landing fees. The regional carriers operate United-branded flights following schedules set by the airline, while United manages pricing, revenue, and loyalty programs for passengers.[99]
Alliance and codeshare agreements
United Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance that has 25 member airlines that operate a combined fleet of over 5,000 aircraft, with more than 19,000 flights, serving more than 1,300 airports with access to over 1,000 lounges in 195 countries.[100][101]
The "United Next" strategy introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic is United Airlines' plan to modernize and expand its fleet while enhancing operational efficiency and the passenger experience. Unlike other major U.S. airlines, United retained its wide-body aircraft during the pandemic, allowing the airline to meet the surge in travel demand, especially internationally as recovery progressed.[107]
Since 2021, United has placed orders for over 500 various narrow-body jets and 150 wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets as part of its strategy, which also includes retiring older mainline aircraft and at least 200 single-class regional jets.[108][109][110]
The strategy emphasizes improving the passenger experience. United's "Signature Interior" concept features seatback entertainment systems with Bluetooth connectivity, power outlets at every seat, and larger overhead bins designed to accommodate a roller bag for each passenger. All new aircraft will include the updated interior, with retrofitting of existing mainline aircraft expected to be completed by 2025.[111] United has also selected SpaceX's Starlink as its in-flight internet connectivity provider for mainline and two-class regional aircraft. This high-speed, low-latency satellite internet service will enable live streaming, cloud-based work applications, and gaming with complimentary access provided to all passengers.[112]
Cabins
United Polaris
United Polaris business class on a Boeing 777
United Polaris is the airline's international business class product. The seats convert into a 6-foot-6-inch (1.98m) flatbed and include personal storage areas, power outlets and upgraded dining and amenity offerings.[113]
Polaris seats are available on all Boeing 767s and 787s and on internationally configured 757s and 777s. Narrowbody 757 aircraft use a 2–2 layout without direct aisle access from each seat, while widebody aircraft provide aisle access for all passengers.[114]
United has introduced an updated Polaris suite for Boeing 787-9 aircraft, planned to enter service after 2026. The new suites will include sliding doors and larger 4K screens, with the first row featuring "Polaris Studio" seats with additional space and features.[115]
Polaris passengers receive priority check-in and boarding along with access to United Polaris lounges or partner lounges.[116]
United First and United Business
United First on an Airbus A321neo
United First is the highest cabin offered on domestically configured aircraft. When these aircraft operate internationally, the cabin is marketed as United Business. Seats on narrowbody aircraft have a 38-inch (970mm)seat pitch, while domestically configured Boeing 777-200ERs feature fully flat seats in a staggered layout. Amenities include priority services, complimentary alcoholic beverages and meals on longer flights, and dedicated check-in areas.[117]
United introduced a redesigned domestic first-class seat in 2015, initially on Airbus A320 family aircraft, subsequently rolling it out across the mainline fleet.[118]
In 2019, United announced a fleet-wide increase in first and business class seating, including the introduction of the premium-configured Bombardier CRJ550.[119]
United's newest narrowbody interiors debuted on the Airbus A321neo in 2023.[120]
United Premium Plus
United Premium Plus on a Boeing 787
United Premium Plus is the airline's international premium economy class cabin. It is available on all internationally configured widebody aircraft, featuring recliner seats with increased width, legroom and footrests. Typical layouts are 2–2–2 on Boeing 767s, 2–3–2 on 787s and 2–4–2 on 777s.[121]
United has introduced an revised Premium Plus seat for Boeing 787-9 aircraft, planned to enter service after 2026 that will have privacy dividers and upgraded lighting.[115]
Premium Plus includes enhanced dining, complimentary alcoholic beverages and upgraded bedding and amenities. The product entered service in 2019 after initially being sold as extended-legroom seating during the rollout period.[122]
Economy Plus
Economy Plus on a 737 MAX
Economy Plus seats are located in the forward section of the economy cabin and in exit rows. They offer 5 to 6 inches (130 to 150mm) of additional pitch and extra recline compared to standard economy seats. All other in-flight amenities are the same as United Economy.
Economy Plus is complimentary for MileagePlus Premier members, with eligibility depending on status tier.[123]
United Economy
United Economy on a Boeing 737 MAX
United Economy is offered on all aircraft, with a typical 31-inch (790mm) seat pitch and 2 to 5 inches (51 to 127mm) of recline. Many aircraft include personal seat-back entertainment systems, while others offer streaming media through onboard Wi-Fi. Some Boeing 737 aircraft are also equipped with DirecTV.[124] Under the United NEXT initiative, all mainline aircraft are planned to have personal touchscreens by 2025.[125]
Food and beverage service varies by route. Domestic and short-haul international flights offer buy-on-board options, while long-haul international flights include complimentary meals. All flights offer free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, with complimentary beer and wine on long-haul international routes.[126][127]
Basic Economy
Basic Economy is United's lowest fare type. Passengers receive the same onboard service as standard economy but face restrictions including no advance seat assignment, limited carry-on allowances and reduced eligibility for MileagePlus and Premier benefits.[128][129]
Reward programs
Frequent flyer programs
MileagePlus is the frequent flyer program for United Airlines.[130] Published MileagePlus Premier tiers are Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K.[131] Unpublished tiers include United Global Services and Chairman's Circle.
As United is a Star Alliance member, customers reaching certain qualifications are entitled to certain benefits[broken anchor] which may be used across the entirety of the Star Alliance network. Premier Silver customers are given Star Alliance Silver status, while Premier Gold customers and higher are given Star Alliance Gold status.[132]
Airport lounges
United Club at Chicago–O'Hare
United Club is the airline lounge associated with United Airlines and United Express carriers. The United Club replaced the former United Red Carpet Club and Continental Airlines Presidents Club prior to United Airlines' merger with Continental.[133]
Polaris lounge at Washington–Dulles
Polaris lounges are lounges available exclusively to long-haul travelers in United's Polaris business class cabin, as well as passengers in first and business class on Star Alliance carriers. Amenities include à la carte dining, shower facilities, and sleeping pods.[134][135]
Corporate affairs
Ownership and structure
United Airlines, Inc. is a publicly traded company under its parent holding company, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol UAL.[136]As of January2025[update], it has a market capitalization exceeding $35 billion.[137] United's operating revenues and operating expenses account for nearly 100% of the holding company's revenues and operating expenses.[136] United's operating revenues and expenses account for nearly all of the holding company's financial activity.
Headquartered in the Willis Tower in Chicago,[138] United ranked No. 83 on the 2025 Fortune 500 list of the largest U.S. corporations by total revenue.[139] Through United Airlines Holdings, the company also holds a 9.9% stake in Mesa Airlines, a regional carrier operating under the United Express brand.
Business trends
The key trends for United Airlines are (as of the end of the calendar year):
In 2010, United accepted the City of Chicago's offer of US$35 million in incentives, including a US$10 million grant, for United to move its remaining 2,500 employees out of Elk Grove Township to the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) in the Chicago Loop.[155] On May 31, 2012, United opened its operations center, which occupied twelve floors there.[156] In 2019 United renewed its lease at Willis Tower, originally ending in 2028 and now set to expire in 2033, and plans to construct a roof deck and a 30,000sqft (2,800m2) dining hall on the fourth floor.[157]
The former headquarters campus at Elk Grove Township was gradually annexed into the Village of Mount Prospect,[158][159] and serves as an IT operations facility, with a new 172,000sqft (16,000m2) data center constructed in 2013.[160]
United maintains a large presence in downtown Houston, having leased 225,000sqft (20,900m2) of space (seven floors) for occupancy in 2017.[161]
United has training facilities for its flight crews in Denver and Houston, a major aircraft maintenance center in San Francisco, and call centers in Houston and Chicago.
United Aviate Academy is a flight training school owned and operated by United Airlines. Located at Phoenix Goodyear Airport in Goodyear, Arizona, it is the only flight school in the United States fully owned by a major commercial airline.[162] The academy, which opened in 2022, serves as the primary training facility for United Aviate, United's pilot career development program.[163] The academy was established to address the growing pilot shortage and to increase diversity within the aviation industry.[164][165] Students admitted to the program train under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 141 standards, progressing through private pilot, instrument, and commercial ratings. Graduates are eligible to transition into the broader Aviate program, eventually joining United as first officers with a goal to train 5,000 pilots by 2030, with a secondary goal to train more women and people of color.[166]
The pre-merger United logo, commonly nicknamed the "tulip", was developed in the early 1970s by the designer Saul Bass as part of a new brand image.[167] The logo represented the airline's monogram as well as a modernized version of the airline's shield logo[168] which had been adopted in the 1930s, but fell out of use by the late 1960s. The ribbon-like rendering has also been said to symbolize the motion of flight.[169] In 2010, United announced they would be merging with Continental Airlines and as a result, the combined airline would keep the United name but discontinue using the tulip logo and use the Continental Airlines "globe" identity and livery instead, designed in 1991 by the Lippincott company.[167]
United's earliest slogan, "The Main Line Airway", emphasized its signature New York-Chicago-San Francisco route, and was replaced in 1965 with "Fly the Friendly Skies", which was in use until 1996 in its first iteration.[170] The "It's time to fly" slogan was created in 2004. After the merger of United and Continental in October 2010, the slogan changed to "Let's fly together" until September 2013,[170] when United announced a return of the "Fly the Friendly Skies" slogan in an ad campaign to start the following day.[171] The resurrected slogan would be accompanied by the 1924 George Gershwin song "Rhapsody in Blue" as its theme song, and a voiceover provided by Matt Damon.[170]
United had licensed its theme song, "Rhapsody in Blue", from Gershwin's estate for US$500,000(equivalent to $2,762,865 in 2024) in 1976.[172] "Rhapsody" would have entered the public domain in 2000, but the Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998 extended its copyright another 20 years until January 1, 2020, when it officially entered on the Public Domain.[173][174] United announced that it would continue to use "Rhapsody in Blue" as its theme song following the merger with Continental.[175]
Environmental initiatives
Because over 98 percent of United's greenhouse gas emissions are from jet fuel, its environmental strategy has focused on operational fuel efficiency initiatives and investments in sustainably produced, low-carbon alternative fuels.[176]
On August 23, 2011, United announced a conversion to paperless flight decks with 11,000 iPads for its pilots. Each iPad, which weighs less than 1.5 pounds (0.68kg), will replace approximately 38 pounds (17kg) of paper operating manuals, navigation charts, reference handbooks, flight checklists, logbooks, and weather information. The green benefits include reductions in paper use, printing, and fuel consumption.[177] This shift not only streamlines the flight process but also significantly enhances operational efficiency and safety by ensuring pilots have the most up-to-date information readily available.
On November 7, 2011, United flew the world's first commercial aviation flight on a microbially-derived biofuel. The aircraft was fueled with 40 percent Solajet, which is Solazyme's algae-derived renewable jet fuel, and 60 percent petroleum-derived jet fuel. This flight was operated by the Eco-Skies Boeing 737-800 aircraft from IAH to ORD.[178]
On January 15, 2013, Aviation Partners Boeing (APB), a joint venture between Aviation Partners Inc. and Boeing, announced that United had agreed to replace the Blended Winglets on its Boeing 737NG aircraft with APB's Split Scimitar Winglet (SSW), significantly reducing drag. Once the SSWs are installed, it is estimated that APB's winglet technology will save United more than $250 million annually in fuel costs.[179]
On June 30, 2015, United invested US$30 million in Fulcrum BioEnergy, an alternative fuel company. Fulcrum's alternative fuel is produced through a clean and efficient thermochemical process and reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by more than 80 percent. As part of its investment, United will work with Fulcrum to develop up to five alternative fuel refineries near its U.S. hubs. These refineries will produce up to 180million U.S. gallons (680million liters) of sustainable aviation alternative fuel per year, and United will have the opportunity to purchase at least 90million U.S. gallons (340million liters) per year for a minimum of 10 years, making it the largest aviation alternative fuel commitment to date.[180]
On March 11, 2016, United became the first airline in the world to fly on commercial-scale quantities of such fuels on a continuous basis, which were procured from AltAir Fuels. This fuel was produced from sustainable feedstocks such as non-edible natural oils and agricultural wastes and is expected to provide a greater than 60 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions on a lifecycle basis when compared to traditional jet fuel. United has agreed to purchase up to 15million U.S. gallons (57million liters) of sustainable alternative fuel from AltAir Fuels for use in Los Angeles over a three-year period.[181]
In 2016, United began partnering with Clean the World to repurpose items from the airline's international premium class amenity kits and donate the hygiene products to those in critical need. Clean the World provides hygiene education and soap to promote handwashing, which helps prevent hygiene-related deaths. During the first year of this partnership, United expected to divert 60,000 pounds (27,200kg) of material that otherwise would have gone to landfills.[182]
In 2017 United started a partnership with Audubon International to protect raptors—including hawks, ospreys and owls—in and around New York-area airports and resettle the birds-of-prey at suitable golf course habitats where the species are more likely to thrive.[183]
United Airlines was the first airline to see a successful unionization of flight attendants when the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) was founded in 1945 by five United Airlines flight attendants.[187] The AFA has represented flight attendants from United Airlines since.[188] Their contract became amendable in August 2021 and 99.9% of the flight attendants who voted were in favor of authorizing a strike on August 28, 2024.[189][190]
United Airlines maintenance technicians are represented by the International International Brotherhood of Teamsters.[191] Their contract became amendable on December 5, 2024.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 141 represents approximately 34,000 Fleet Service, Passenger Service, Reservations, Stockroom, Central Load Planner, Maintenance Instructor, Fleet Technical Instructor, Emergency Procedures Instructor and Security Officer workers.[192] Their contract became amendable on May 1, 2025.[193]
With over 18,000 members, the United Airlines pilots are the largest pilot group in the world and represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).[194] ALPA was founded by United Air Lines Captain David L. Behncke and 23 other key figures in Chicago, Illinois, on July 27, 1931.[195] In the 1930s, flying was a perilous occupation; thus, from the time of its formation to today, one of ALPA's main goals has been to improve air safety.[196] The United pilots' current contract will become amendable on September 30, 2027.[197]
United Airlines Flight 976 was a regularly scheduled flight from Ministro Pistarini International Airport, Buenos Aires to John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City on October 19, 1995. Prior to takeoff, an investment banker became disruptive after consuming two glasses of champagne, began threatening crew members and attempted to pour his own drinks, against airline and federal regulations. After takeoff, the banker was served two more glasses of red wine, after which the crew refused to serve him more alcohol due to his apparent intoxication. When his requests for more alcohol were denied, he pushed over a female flight attendant, climbed onto a service trolley, took off his pants and defecated, used linen napkins as toilet paper, wiped his hands on various service counters and tracked feces throughout the aircraft,[236] after which he entered a lavatory and locked himself in.[237][238] A request to divert to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was denied due to the security risks created by the presence of the President of PortugalMário Soares, Argentinian foreign ministerGuido di Tella and their security details on the flight. The disruptive passenger was arrested by the FBI after landing in New York and charged with interfering with a flight crew and threatening a flight attendant. He later pleaded guilty to the latter charge and was fined $5,000 (having previously agreed to reimburse the airline for its cleanup costs and all the other passengers their airfare, which amounted to nearly $50,000) and given two years' probation.[239] The incident was later dubbed the worst ever case of air rage.[240][241]
Animal transport
In 2013, after pressure from PETA, United announced that it would no longer transport monkeys to laboratories. United was the last North American passenger airline to transport these animals to laboratories.[242][243] United flies more animals and has longer flight stage length than any other US airline, and accounted for one third of animal deaths of US airlines between 2012 and 2017.[244]
Effective March 20, 2018, the PetSafe program was suspended with no new reservations for cargo transport of pets accepted.[245] This came after United announced plans to mark pet carriers in the passenger cabin with bright tags[246] and legislation was introduced in the United States House of Representatives[247] and United States Senate banning the placement of pets in overhead compartments.[248] This was in response to a dog death after a passenger placed it in the overhead compartment following flight attendant instructions, but the flight attendant denied knowing that the luggage contained a dog.[249]
Cyber security issues
United awarded airline miles as "bug bounties" to hackers who could identify gaps in the carrier's web security. Two hackers have each been rewarded with 1 million miles of air travel as of July 15, 2015. This cybersecurity program was announced a few weeks after the company experienced two software glitches. The first incident delayed 150 United flights on June 2 due to a problem with its flight dispatching system. Six days later, United's reservation system delayed flights by not allowing passengers to check-in. In addition to the "bug bounty" program, United said it tests systems internally and engages cybersecurity firms.[250][251]
In July 2019, security researcher Sam Jadali exposed a catastrophic data leak known as DataSpii, involving clickstream data provider DDMR and marketing intelligence company Nacho Analytics (NA).[252] NA granted its members access to real-time data, including the ability to observe United Airlines passengers checking into their flights through the United website.[253] The Washington Post highlighted how DataSpii resulted in the dissemination United passenger information including last names and flight confirmation numbers.[254] The disseminated data also enabled the viewing of United customers' current geographic locations as they checked into their flights via the United website.[255] DataSpii harvested data from millions of Chrome and Firefox users through compromised browser extensions, exploiting United's method of embedding personally identifiable information (PII) directly within the URLs. Jadali's investigation revealed that DDMR facilitated rapid dissemination of this data to additional third parties, often within minutes of acquisition, endangering the privacy of the sensitive data collected.[256]
On the evening of April 9, 2017, a passenger was forcibly removed by law enforcement from United Airlines flight 3411 at Chicago-O'Hare, bound for Louisville.[257] United announced that it needed four seats for airline staff on the sold-out flight.[258] When no passengers volunteered after being offered vouchers worth $800, United staff selected four passengers to leave. Three of them did so, but the fourth, a doctor named David Dao, declined as he said that he had patients to treat the following morning. He was pulled from his seat by Chicago Department of Aviation security officers and dragged by his arms down the aisle. Dao sustained a concussion, broken teeth and a broken nose among other injuries.[259] The incident was captured on smartphone cameras and posted on social media, triggering angry public backlash. Afterwards, United's then-chief executive officer, Oscar Munoz, described Dao as "disruptive and belligerent", apologized for "re-accommodating" the paying customers, and defended and praised staff for "following established procedures". He was widely criticized as "tone-deaf".[260] Munoz later issued a second statement calling what happened a "truly horrific event" and accepting "full responsibility" for it.[261] After a lawsuit, Dao reached an undisclosed settlement with United and airport police. In the aftermath, United's board of directors decided that Munoz would not become its chairman and that executive compensation would be tied to customer satisfaction.[262] Following this incident, passenger complaints increased by 70 percent.[263]
Mail-scan fraud
In February 2021, United Airlines was fined $49 million by the United States Department of Justice on charges of fraud on postal service contracts for transportation of international mail. According to investigators, between 2012 and 2015 United submitted delivery scan data to make it appear that United and its partner airlines complied with International Commercial Air requirements with accurate delivery times when in fact they were automated delivery scans with aspirational delivery time. Some employees within United worked to hide this fact from the United States Postal Service.[264][265][266]
↑Eldred v. Ashcroft,01U.S.618, p. 67(Supreme CourtJanuary 15, 2003)("Even the $500,000 that United Airlines has had to pay for the right to play George Gershwin's 1924 classic Rhapsody in Blue represents a cost of doing business, potentially reflected in the ticket prices of those who fly."),archived from the original.
Davies, Ed (January–February 2007). "Boeing's Airline: The Life and Times of Boeing Air Transport: Part One". Air Enthusiast. No.127. pp.64–74. ISSN0143-5450.
Davies, Ed (March–April 2007). "Boeing's Airline: The Life and Times of Boeing Air Transport: Part Two". Air Enthusiast. No.128. pp.62–73. ISSN0143-5450.
Petzinger, Thomas Jr. (1995). Hard Landing. New York: Three River Press. ISBN978-0-8129-2835-8.
Taylor, H. A. "Tony" (April–July 1982). "Stratocruiser... Ending an Airline Era". Air Enthusiast. No.18. pp.37–53. ISSN0143-5450.
Carriers that operated for all/part of 1938–1978 when most were under close economic control of the CAB. Bold indicates survived into deregulated era (1979–today)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
US$57.1 billion (2024) [10] 
