United Airlines facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
United Airlines, Inc.

Founded	April 6, 1926; 99 years ago (1926-04-06) (as Varney Air Lines in Boise, Idaho)
Commenced operations	March 28, 1931; 94 years ago (1931-03-28)
AOC #	CALA014A
Hubs	Chicago–O'Hare Denver Guam Houston–Intercontinental Los Angeles Newark San Francisco Washington–Dulles
Frequent-flyer program	MileagePlus
Alliance	Star Alliance
Fleet size	953
Destinations	362
Parent company	United Airlines Holdings
Headquarters	Willis Tower, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Key people	Scott Kirby (CEO) Edward Philip (Chairman) Brett Hart (President)
Employees	103,300 (2023)

United Airlines, Inc. is a major American airline. Its main office is in the Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois. United flies to many places both inside the United States and around the world. It reaches all six inhabited continents.

The airline mostly operates from eight main airports called "hubs." Chicago–O'Hare has the most daily flights. Denver carried the most passengers in 2023. Smaller flights are run by other airlines under the name United Express.

United was created in the late 1920s by joining several airlines. The oldest of these was Varney Air Lines, started in 1926 by Walter Varney. In 1997, United helped start Star Alliance, a group of airlines that work together. United is still a member today. After joining with Continental Airlines in 2010, United became one of the world's biggest airlines. It currently serves the most destinations and is third in terms of money earned and number of planes.

A Look at United's History

United Airlines' 1997–2010 logo. The 'U' Tulip was its icon from 1973 to 2010.

United Airlines began with Varney Air Lines (VAL). Walter Varney started VAL in 1926 in Boise, Idaho. VAL made the first private air mail flight in the U.S. on April 6, 1926.

In 1927, William Boeing started Boeing Air Transport. This company flew air mail for the United States Post Office Department. In 1929, Boeing combined his company with Pratt & Whitney. They formed the United Aircraft and Transport Corporation (UATC). UATC then bought several other airlines, including VAL. On March 28, 1931, UATC officially created United Air Lines, Inc.

In 1973, United Airlines made history. It became the first airline to carry a sitting President of the United States on a regular flight. President Richard Nixon flew from Washington D.C to Los Angeles. The plane used was a McDonnell Douglas DC-10. It was given the special callsign "Executive One."

After the 9/11 attacks, fewer people flew. This, along with other problems, led United Airlines to file for bankruptcy in December 2002. This means they asked for legal protection to reorganize their business. They stayed under court protection for over three years. This allowed them to cut costs. In early 2006, they left bankruptcy and started flying normally again.

In 2006, Continental Airlines and United began talking about joining forces. They successfully merged in 2010. The combined airline started flying under one license from the Federal Aviation Administration on November 30, 2011. By March 3, 2012, United and Continental had combined their passenger services, frequent-flier programs, and websites. The Continental brand mostly disappeared, except for its logo. In 2019, the parent company's name changed to United Airlines Holdings.

In January 2021, United's CEO, Scott Kirby, thought about making employees get the COVID-19 vaccine. On August 6, United became the first major U.S. airline to announce a vaccine rule for all staff. By late September, over 97% of U.S.-based staff were vaccinated.

In early 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it would watch United Airlines more closely. This was because of several safety incidents. As a result, United had to delay new international flights to Faro, Portugal, and Cebu, Philippines.

Where United Flies: Destinations and Hubs

As of 2024, United flies to 238 places in the U.S. and 118 places in 48 other countries. These destinations are on all six inhabited continents.

United's Main Hub Airports

United uses a "hub-and-spoke" system. This means flights go from smaller airports (spokes) to larger main airports (hubs), and then to other destinations. United has eight main hubs:

• Chicago–O'Hare: This is United's biggest hub. It serves the Midwest and is United's largest hub overall. United handles 47% of all flights at O'Hare. United's main office is also in Chicago.
• Denver: This hub serves the Rocky Mountain region. United handles about 42% of flights in Denver. It became United's largest hub by number of flights in 2021.
• Guam: This hub is for flights in the Pacific region, including the "Island Hopper" route. United handles almost all flights (98.8%) at Guam International. Even though it's a hub, it doesn't have direct flights to other United hubs or the U.S. mainland. It used to be a Continental Airlines hub.
• Houston–Intercontinental: This hub is for the Southern U.S. It's also the main gateway to Latin America. United handles about 78% of flights at Houston. It used to be a Continental Airlines hub.
• Los Angeles: This is a major hub for the West Coast. It's also a gateway to Asia and Australia. United is the third-largest airline at LAX, handling 15% of flights.
• Newark: This is United's main hub for the East Coast. It's a gateway to Europe, and also has flights to Latin America, Africa, and Asia. United handles 68% of flights at Newark. It used to be a Continental Airlines hub.
• San Francisco: This is United's main hub for the West Coast. It's also a gateway to Asia and Australia. United handles about 46% of flights at SFO.
• Washington–Dulles: This is another hub for the East Coast. It's a gateway to Europe and Africa. United handles about 65% of flights at Washington Dulles.

Airline Partnerships

United Airlines is part of the Star Alliance. This is a group of airlines that work together. United also has agreements with other airlines to share flights. This means you can book a flight with United, but fly on a partner airline's plane.

Here are some of United's partner airlines:

United's Fleet

United Airlines has a large fleet of planes. You can find more details about the specific types of planes they use on the United Airlines fleet page.

Inside the Plane: Cabin Classes

United offers different ways to fly, each with its own features.

Polaris Business Class

A Polaris Business Class seat.

Polaris is United's special business class for international flights. The Polaris seat turns into a 6-foot, 6-inch flat bed. It has storage, charging ports, and better food.

You can find Polaris seats on many Boeing planes, like the 757-200s, 767s, 777-300ERs, and 787 Dreamliners. On most wide-body planes, every passenger has direct access to the aisle.

Polaris passengers get special check-in and faster security. On the plane, they get drinks before takeoff and multi-course meals. They also board first and get their bags faster. They can use special lounges at airports.

First Class

United First is for flights within the U.S. If these planes fly to places like Mexico or Central America, this cabin is called United Business. First Class seats have more legroom. Some larger planes even have flat-bed seats. Passengers get priority boarding, free meals, and separate check-in desks.

In 2015, United introduced new domestic first-class seats. These leather seats have comfy headrests and a place for your tablet. They are now on all domestic planes.

Premium Plus

A Premium Plus seat.

Premium Plus is United's international premium economy class. It offers more comfort than regular Economy. These seats are wider, have more legroom, and include leg rests and footrests.

Premium Plus seats are on all international wide-body planes.

Passengers get better dining served on real dishes, with free alcoholic drinks. They also get a blanket, pillow, and a small kit with travel items. This service fully started in 2019.

Economy Class

Economy seating on a Boeing 787.

Economy seating on an Airbus A320.

Economy Class is on all United planes. Seats usually have about 31 inches of space between them and can recline a few inches.

Many Boeing planes have a personal 7-inch touchscreen TV on the seat back. Other planes, like Airbus A319s and A320s, let you stream entertainment to your own device using the plane's WiFi. United plans to add personal TVs to all Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 planes by the end of 2025.

On flights within the U.S., the Caribbean, and some Latin American flights, you can buy snacks and meals. On all other international flights, meals are free. Drinks and small snacks are free on North American flights. Alcoholic drinks can be bought on North American flights but are free on long international flights.

Economy Plus

Economy Plus seats are available on all planes. These seats are usually in the front rows of the economy cabin and by emergency exits. They have more recline and extra legroom.

If you are a MileagePlus Premier member, Economy Plus is free. Higher-level members can pick an Economy Plus seat when they book. Other members can pick one at check-in.

Basic Economy

Basic Economy is United's lowest fare. It's available on certain routes. Basic Economy offers most of the same services as standard Economy. However, passengers cannot choose their seats and are often seated at the back of the plane. You can bring a small personal item that fits under the seat, but not a carry-on bag.

Passengers with Basic Economy tickets cannot use some MileagePlus benefits, like free upgrades.

Flying Perks: Reward Programs

Frequent Flyer Program

MileagePlus is United Airlines' program for frequent flyers. As you fly more, you can reach different levels like Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K. There are also special, unlisted levels.

Since United is part of Star Alliance, MileagePlus members can get benefits across all Star Alliance airlines. For example, Premier Silver members get Star Alliance Silver status. Premier Gold members and higher get Star Alliance Gold status.

Airport Lounges

United Club is the airport lounge for United Airlines and United Express. These lounges replaced the old United Red Carpet Club and Continental Airlines Presidents Club after the merger.

United Polaris lounges are special lounges. Only travelers flying long-haul Polaris business class can use them. Also, first and business class travelers on Star Alliance partner airlines can use them. These lounges offer dining, showers, and sleeping areas.

United's Business and Environment Efforts

Business Trends

Here are some key facts about United Airlines' business from 2015 to 2023:

United's Main Office

United Airlines Holdings World Headquarters, Willis Tower.

United Airlines' main office is in the Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois.

In 2007, United moved its headquarters from a suburb to downtown Chicago. Then, in 2010, they moved their remaining employees to the Willis Tower. This move helped them get financial help from the City of Chicago. In 2012, United opened its operations center there.

United renewed its lease at Willis Tower until 2033. They plan to add a roof deck and a large dining hall.

United also has other important places. They have training centers for pilots in Denver and Houston. There's a big plane maintenance center in San Francisco. They also have call centers in Houston and Chicago.

In September 2020, United Airlines started a new COVID-19 testing program for passengers. At first, this was only for people flying to Hawaii from San Francisco International Airport.

Brand and Marketing

United's Look and Feel

The old United logo, often called the "tulip," was created in the early 1970s by designer Saul Bass. It looked like the airline's letters and also a modern shield. It was also said to show the movement of flight. In 2010, when United merged with Continental Airlines, they decided to use the United name but keep Continental's "globe" logo. This globe logo was designed in 1991.

Slogans and Music

United's first slogan was "The Main Line Airway." This highlighted its main route from New York to Chicago to San Francisco. In 1965, this changed to "Fly the Friendly Skies," which was used for many years. In 2004, the slogan became "It's time to fly."

After the merger in 2010, the slogan changed to "Let's fly together." But in 2013, United brought back "Fly the Friendly Skies." This slogan came with the famous 1924 song "Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin as its theme song. Actor Matt Damon provided the voice for the ads.

United first got the right to use "Rhapsody in Blue" in 1976. Even after the merger with Continental, United decided to keep using "Rhapsody in Blue" as its theme song.

Caring for the Environment

United's main goal for the environment is to use less jet fuel. Jet fuel creates over 98% of their greenhouse gases. They also invest in low-carbon alternative fuels.

In 2011, United started using iPads instead of paper for pilots. Each iPad weighs less than 1.5 pounds. It replaced about 38 pounds of paper manuals and charts. This saves paper, printing, and even fuel. It also helps pilots get the latest information easily.

On November 7, 2011, United flew the world's first commercial flight using a special biofuel made from microbes. The plane used a mix of 40% biofuel and 60% regular jet fuel. This flight was from Houston to Chicago–O'Hare.

In 2013, United agreed to upgrade its Boeing 737 planes with new winglets. These are special parts on the wingtips that help planes fly more smoothly. This change is expected to save United over $250 million each year in fuel costs.

In 2015, United invested $30 million in Fulcrum BioEnergy, a company that makes alternative fuel. This fuel reduces carbon emissions by over 80%. United plans to work with Fulcrum to build up to five fuel refineries near its U.S. hubs. United will be able to buy a lot of this sustainable fuel for at least 10 years.

In 2016, United became the first airline to continuously fly using large amounts of sustainable fuel. This fuel is made from things like non-edible natural oils and farm waste. It is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 60% compared to regular jet fuel.

United also partners with Clean the World. They reuse items from the airline's international amenity kits. These hygiene products are then given to people in need. This helps prevent waste and promotes handwashing.

In 2017, United started working with Audubon International. They help protect birds of prey, like hawks and owls, near New York airports. They move these birds to golf course habitats where they can live better.

Working with Employees

All United Airlines pilots are part of the Air Line Pilots Association. In 2012, a new agreement was made.

In January 2021, United Airlines offered employees options for voluntary leave with pay or health benefits. This was part of a plan to lower costs.

In April 2021, United Airlines announced a goal. Within the next ten years, half of its new pilots from the United Aviate Academy would be women or people of color.

Accidents and Incidents

United Airlines, like any large airline, has had accidents and incidents over its long history. These events are carefully investigated to improve safety in air travel.

Source: United Airlines Accidents and Incidents History at Aviation Safety Network.

See Also

In Spanish: United Airlines para niños

• Hemispheres (United's in-flight magazine)
• Air transport in the United States
• Transportation in the United States