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United Airlines, Inc.
United Airlines Logo.svg
A United Airlines Boeing 787-10
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
Frequent-flyer program MileagePlus
Alliance Star Alliance
Subsidiaries
Fleet size 1,037
Destinations 383
Parent company United Airlines Holdings, Inc.
Headquarters Willis Tower, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Key people
Revenue Increase US$57.1 billion (2024)
Operating income Increase US$5.1 billion (2024)
Net income Increase US$2.6 billion (2024)
Total assets Increase US$74.1 billion (2024)
Total equity Increase US$12.7 billion (2024)
Employees Increase 107,300 (2024)

United Airlines, Inc. is a major airline in the United States. Its main office is in Chicago, Illinois. United flies to many places around the world. It has more destinations than any other airline. Smaller airlines, called United Express, help connect passengers to United's main airports. United is also a founding member of the Star Alliance, a group of airlines that work together.

United started in the late 1920s when several airlines joined together. The oldest part was Varney Air Lines, which began in 1926. This makes United the oldest commercial airline in the U.S. United has always been one of the biggest airlines. This is often because it has joined with or bought other airlines over the years.

A Look at United's History

United Airlines has a long and interesting history. It began as a mail delivery service in 1926. Over time, it grew by combining with other smaller airlines. This helped it become one of the largest airlines in the world. United has been a leader in many aviation firsts. It has also gone through big changes, like merging with Continental Airlines in 2010.

Where United Flies

Many Places to Explore

United Airlines flies to many different cities. As of 2025, it reaches 383 destinations. These include places across the United States and six continents. This means you can fly with United to many countries. Some flights are seasonal, meaning they only happen at certain times of the year. Other flights have ended, often because airports closed or routes changed.

United's Main Airports (Hubs)

United uses a "hub-and-spoke" system. This means flights go to a main airport (a hub) and then connect to smaller cities (spokes). United has eight main hubs:

  • Chicago–O'Hare: This is United's main hub for the middle of the U.S.
  • Denver: This is United's busiest hub for flights within the U.S.
  • Guam: This is United's smallest hub. It connects flights across the Pacific Ocean.
  • Houston–Intercontinental: This hub serves the southern U.S. and is a gateway to Latin America.
  • Los Angeles: This is a major hub for flights to the Pacific and Latin America.
  • Newark: This is United's main hub for the East Coast. It connects many flights across the Atlantic Ocean.
  • San Francisco: This is the main hub for the West Coast. It connects many flights across the Pacific Ocean.
  • Washington–Dulles: This is another important East Coast hub. It also connects many flights across the Atlantic Ocean.

United Express: Connecting Flights

United Express is a network of regional airlines. These airlines fly smaller planes. They help connect passengers from smaller cities to United's main hubs. This makes it easier for people to travel to more places.

Working with Other Airlines

United Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance. This is a large group of 25 airlines. Together, they offer over 19,000 flights daily. They serve more than 1,300 airports in 195 countries. This means you can often fly with United and connect to flights on other Star Alliance airlines.

United also has special agreements called "codeshare agreements" with many airlines. This means you can book a flight with United, but actually fly on a plane operated by one of their partners. Some of these partners include:

United's Airplanes

United Airlines has a large fleet of airplanes. They use different types of planes for different routes. Some planes are smaller for shorter flights. Others are large, wide-body jets for long international journeys. The airline is always working to update its fleet. This includes adding new, more fuel-efficient aircraft.

Different Ways to Fly: United's Cabins

United Airlines offers different seating options. These are called "cabins." Each cabin offers a different level of comfort and service.

United Polaris: International Business Class

United Polaris business cabin on a 777-300ER
United Polaris business on a Boeing 777-300ER

United Polaris is the airline's best service for international flights. The seats turn into a flat bed, which is about 6 feet 6 inches long. They have places to store things, charging ports, and better food.

Polaris seats are on many of United's larger planes. These include Boeing 757-200s, 767s, 777-300ERs, 787s, and some 777-200ERs. On most of these planes, every passenger has direct access to the aisle.

In May 2025, United announced new Polaris suites. These will be on some Boeing 787-9s starting in 2026. They will have sliding doors and bigger screens. Some special "Polaris Studio" suites will have even larger screens and an ottoman.

Polaris passengers get special check-in and security lines. They also get fancy meals on board. They can use special lounges at the airport, like the United Polaris Lounge.

United First and United Business

United A321neo First
United First seating on an A321neo

United First is the top service for flights within the U.S. When these planes fly internationally, it's called United Business. These seats are wider and have more legroom. On some larger planes, the seats can become flat beds.

Passengers get priority boarding and free drinks. They also get free meals on longer flights. United has been updating these seats with new designs. They are made of leather and have special features like tablet stands.

United Premium Plus

United Premium Plus seat on a 787
Premium Plus cabin on a 787

Premium Plus is a step up from regular economy. It's available on international flights and some longer domestic routes. These seats are wider and have more legroom. They also have leg rests and footrests.

Passengers get better food served on real dishes. They also get free alcoholic drinks. A nicer blanket, pillow, and a small kit with useful items are also provided. In May 2025, United announced new Premium Plus seats for some Boeing 787-9s. These will have privacy dividers.

United Economy

Economy Cabin on a 737 Max
Economy cabin on a 737 MAX

United Economy is the standard seating option. It's available on all United planes. Seats usually have about 31 inches of space between them. Many planes have personal touchscreens for movies and TV shows. On other planes, you can stream entertainment to your own device using the plane's WiFi. By the end of 2025, all main United planes will have personal touchscreens.

For food, shorter flights offer snacks and meals for purchase. Longer international flights include free meals. All flights offer free drinks and snacks.

Economy Plus

Economy Plus seat on a 737 Max
Economy Plus seating on a 737 MAX

Economy Plus seats are in the front rows of the economy cabin. They offer more legroom and a bit more recline than standard Economy seats. The services and amenities are the same as regular Economy.

If you are a frequent flyer with United (a MileagePlus Premier member), you might get these seats for free.

Basic Economy

Basic Economy is United's lowest fare. It offers most of the same services as standard Economy. However, with Basic Economy, you usually cannot choose your seat. You are often placed in the back of the plane. Also, you might not be allowed a carry-on bag, only a smaller personal item that fits under the seat. Some frequent flyer benefits, like free upgrades, are not available with Basic Economy tickets.

Earning Rewards: MileagePlus

Frequent Flyer Program

MileagePlus is United's program for frequent flyers. You earn miles when you fly, which you can use for future flights or upgrades. There are different levels of membership, like Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K. Higher levels offer more benefits.

Because United is part of the Star Alliance, your MileagePlus benefits can often be used on other Star Alliance airlines too.

Airport Lounges

United Club ORD
United Club at Chicago–O'Hare

United Clubs are special lounges at airports. They are for United Airlines and United Express passengers. These clubs offer a comfortable place to relax before your flight. They have free snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi.

Polairs Lounge IAD
Polaris lounge at Washington–Dulles

Polaris lounges are even more exclusive. They are only for passengers flying in United's Polaris business class on long international flights. These lounges offer fancy dining, showers, and quiet sleeping areas.

United's Business and Operations

How United is Owned and Organized

United Airlines, Inc. is part of a larger company called United Airlines Holdings, Inc.. This parent company is publicly traded, meaning its shares can be bought and sold on the stock market. Its main office is in the Willis Tower in Chicago.

United Airlines is a very large company. It was ranked No. 83 on the 2025 Fortune 500 list. This list shows the biggest companies in the U.S. by how much money they make.

Where United Works

Willis Tower
United Airlines Holdings World Headquarters, Willis Tower

United Airlines' main office is in the Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois. They moved there in 2012. This building is one of the tallest in the world. United has many employees working there.

United also has other important facilities:

  • Training centers for pilots and flight crews in Denver and Houston.
  • A large airplane maintenance center in San Francisco.
  • Call centers in Houston and Chicago.

United also owns a flight training school called United Aviate Academy. It opened in 2022 in Goodyear, Arizona. This school helps train new pilots for United Airlines. The goal is to train 5,000 pilots by 2030 and encourage more women and people of color to become pilots.

United's Brand and Slogans

United has used different logos and slogans over the years. The "tulip" logo was famous in the 1970s. After merging with Continental Airlines in 2010, United started using Continental's "globe" logo.

One of United's most famous slogans is "Fly the Friendly Skies." This slogan was first used in 1965. It returned in 2013, along with the song "Rhapsody in Blue" by George Gershwin as its theme music.

Protecting the Environment

United Airlines is working to be more environmentally friendly. Most of its emissions come from jet fuel. So, they focus on using fuel more efficiently and investing in cleaner fuels.

  • In 2011, United gave iPads to its pilots. This replaced heavy paper manuals, saving paper and fuel.
  • In 2011, United flew the first commercial flight using a special biofuel made from algae.
  • United has invested in companies that make sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This fuel is made from things like natural oils and agricultural waste. It helps reduce carbon emissions.
  • United was the first U.S. airline to use sustainable jet fuel overseas, starting at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in 2022. They also use it at airports in San Francisco, London, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
  • United partners with organizations to recycle items from amenity kits and protect birds of prey near airports.

Employee Relations

United Airlines has many employees who are part of unions.

  • Flight attendants are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA). This union was founded by United flight attendants in 1945.
  • Maintenance technicians are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
  • Other workers, like those in customer service and security, are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).
  • United's pilots are part of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). This union was founded in 1931 by a United Air Lines captain. ALPA works to improve air safety.

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See also

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