Travel news, reviews and intel for high-flyers

United Airlines

United Airlines is a major American carrier headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1926, it is one of the largest carriers globally, operating an extensive network of domestic and international flights. United offers a range of services, including various cabin classes, in-flight entertainment, and Wi-Fi. The airline is a founding member of the Star Alliance and its loyalty program, MileagePlus, provides rewards and benefits for frequent travelers. Known for its comprehensive route network, United serves numerous destinations across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and beyond.

by Business Traveler

October 01, 2022

The airline is expanding its presence at Washington Dulles with a new 435,000-sq-ft concourse and the largest United Club

By Enrique Perrella

December 6, 2024

Unbundled pricing strategies allow airlines to rake in billions in “junk fees” for seat assignments and baggage, a Senate report says

By Fergus Cole

December 2, 2024

The airline is launching new flights to destinations like Marrakesh and Cebu, while improving access to popular ski, beach, and European locations

By Enrique Perrella

October 25, 2024

Airlines are starting to announce their anticipated schedules for the coming year

By Celia Almeida

October 23, 2024

The deal opens the doors to some Maple Leaf Lounges in the U.S., Canada, and Europe

By Fergus Cole

October 11, 2024

The airline is launching unprecedented flights to Palermo, Bilbao, Ulaanbaatar, Kaohsiung, and Koror.

By Enrique Perrella

October 10, 2024

Travelers have taken to social media to complain of price hikes, but airlines deny the allegations

By Fergus Cole

October 9, 2024

Major U.S. airlines are allowing flights scheduled for the next few days to be rebooked at no extra cost

By Fergus Cole

October 8, 2024

Beyond their advertised premium tiers, airlines offer clandestine exclusive status to their most valued clients

By Michele Cameron

United expands its in-flight wine selection with premium rosé and bubbly in economy class and adds new non-stop flights to Dominica starting February

By Enrique Perrella

September 30, 2024

FAQ

What is United MileagePlus?

MileagePlus is the name of the frequent flyer programme for United Airlines and is free to join. Once you have signed up, you can earn points or miles by spending money with United Airlines or any of their partners. Purchasing flights is the primary way to do this – however, there are other ways, including booking hotels and restaurants and shopping with a United credit card. Points can then be spent on airfare, cabin upgrades or holiday experiences.

Regular flyers who build up enough points will start to move through the MileagePlus Levels. For example, the first level beyond basic membership is Premier Silver which gives eligible passengers complimentary checked-in cabin bags and priority boarding, among other perks. Unlike some frequent flyer plans, MileagePlus points never expire, offering flexibility about when you use them.

What are United Airlines' ticketing options?

When you fly with United, there are seven different types of tickets.

Basic Economy

 Seats allocated
 Checked in bags start at $35
 Carry on only allowed on transpacific and transatlantic flights
 No flight changes
 Last to board
 Standard economy seating

Economy

 Choose your own seats
 Checked in bags start at $35
 Complimentary carry on
 Flight changes allowed
 Standard main cabin seating

United Plus

 Choose your own seats
 Checked in bags start at $35
 Complimentary carry on
 Flight changes allowed
 Priority boarding
 Additional leg room

* On certain United flights upgrades to Premium Plus are available, which include premium seating and complimentary beverages and food.

United Business Class (transcontinental, Latin America and the Caribbean) / First Class (domestic flights)

 Choose your own seats
 Two checked in bags
 Complimentary carry-on
 Priority boarding
 Extra legroom in reclinable, leather seats
 Charging point
 Wide range of entertainment services
 Premium food and beverages

United Polaris

Polaris is United’s premium offering for long-haul journeys, which, although described as a business class proposition, is the highest level of service they have on offer.

 Choose your own seats
 Two checked-in bags
 Complimentary carry-on
 Lie flat seats
 Charging point
 Private entertainment screening and noise-reducing headphones
 Restaurant quality cuisine and beverages
 First people to board

What are United Airlines' baggage fees?

All United passengers can bring one personal item as standard, such as a rucksack.

Basic Economy

Basic economy passengers are only allowed to bring an additional carry-on bag if they are flying to South America, or on a Trans-Atlantic / Trans-Pacific flight. Any other passengers bringing a carry-on will need to pay the checked bag fee. If they need to pay at the gate, it costs an additional $25.

Economy and United Plus

Economy and United Plus passengers can check in up to two check in bags, standard fees apply.

First and Business Class / Polaris

First, business class and Polaris passengers can bring two complimentary checked-in bags

Standard Fees

 First bag - $35
 Second bag - $45
 Third bag - $150
 Fourth bag - $200

Overweight bags

 Bags above 23kg are chargeable as overweight
 Bags between 23kg and 32kg - up to $200 (Fees vary depending on destination)
 Bags between 32kg and 45kg - up to $400 (Fees vary depending on destination)
 Bags over 45kg will not be accepted

Oversized bags

 Bags between 63 and 115 linear inches - $200 - $400 (Fees vary depending on destination)
 Bags above 115 linear inches will not be accepted