United Airlines
United Airlines guide with airline codes, hubs, fleet, destinations, cabin classes, baggage, check-in, lounges, MileagePlus and passenger assistance.
- Aircraft
- 1112
- Destinations
- 405
- Hubs
- ORD · DEN · IAH · EWR · SFO · LAX · IAD
- Alliance
- Star Alliance
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About United Airlines
United Airlines is a major U.S. airline headquartered in Chicago and one of the largest carriers in the world by fleet size and passengers carried. Its history dates back to 1931, and today it operates an extensive domestic and international network across North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific.
United is a founding member of the Star Alliance, formed in 1997, allowing eligible passengers to connect with partner airlines and earn or redeem benefits across a wider network. Regional flights are operated under the United Express brand by partner carriers.
The airline’s operations are centered on eight hubs: Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Houston George Bush Intercontinental, Newark Liberty, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington Dulles and Guam. United carried approximately 181 million passengers in 2025 and operated a mainline fleet of more than 1,100 aircraft as of mid-2026.
Airline schedules, aircraft assignments, terminal information and passenger-service rules can change. Confirm operational details directly with United Airlines before travel.
Where United Airlines flies
United operates a broad network structured around its eight hubs.
Routes and frequencies vary by season, demand and operational requirements. Some itineraries carrying a UA flight number are operated by United Express or by a partner airline under a codeshare agreement. Check the “operated by” line when booking to identify the operating carrier and the rules that apply.
United States
An extensive domestic network linking the hubs with large and regional U.S. airports, including Hawaii and Alaska.
Canada
Major Canadian cities, largely in cooperation with Star Alliance partner Air Canada.
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean
Beach destinations such as Cancún, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Punta Cana, plus major business centers.
South America
Principal gateways including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Lima and Bogotá.
Europe
Major capitals, commercial centers and seasonal leisure destinations.
Africa and the Middle East
Selected gateways, served mainly from Newark and Washington Dulles.
Asia-Pacific
Japan, Korea, China, Southeast Asia, India, Australia, New Zealand and the Micronesia network via Guam.
United Airlines fleet
United’s mainline fleet totaled more than 1,100 aircraft as of June 2026, with narrow-body aircraft from Airbus and Boeing and an all-Boeing wide-body fleet. United Express partners operate additional regional jets.
Aircraft substitutions can occur for operational reasons. The aircraft displayed during booking is not guaranteed until departure.
Long-haul aircraft
The wide-body fleet includes Boeing 787 Dreamliner, 777 and 767 aircraft. Cabin products and seating layouts vary by aircraft and configuration.
Short- and medium-haul aircraft
United operates Boeing 737 family aircraft, including the 737 MAX, plus Airbus A319, A320 and A321neo aircraft, and Boeing 757s on selected routes.
Regional aircraft
United Express flights are operated by partner carriers such as SkyWest, Republic, Mesa, GoJet and CommuteAir, mainly with Embraer and Bombardier regional jets. A flight sold under a United flight number may therefore be operated by a United Express partner.
United Airlines cabin classes
Not every aircraft offers every cabin. Passengers should review the seat map, fare conditions and operating aircraft before purchasing upgrades or selecting seats.
United Polaris
United’s international business-class product on long-haul routes, with lie-flat seats and access to Polaris lounges where available.
United First and United Business
The premium cabin on domestic and short-haul international flights, and on selected premium transcontinental and Hawaii routes.
United Premium Plus
A premium-economy cabin offered on eligible long-haul aircraft.
Economy Plus
Economy seats with extra legroom, available for purchase or included with certain MileagePlus Premier levels.
United Economy
The airline’s standard cabin.
Basic Economy
The lowest fare, with restrictions on seat selection, changes and, on many routes, full-size carry-on bags.
Practical information
BaggageCabin bags, checked bags, missing luggage
United baggage allowances depend on the fare, cabin, route, MileagePlus or Star Alliance status, card benefits and operating carrier.
One carry-on bag up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 35 × 22 cm) plus one personal item up to 17 × 10 × 9 in (43 × 25 × 22 cm).
Generally limited to one personal item. Full-size carry-on bags are allowed on certain routes, including transatlantic, transpacific, Canada and South America.
Standard checked bags are limited to 62 linear inches (158 cm). The maximum weight is generally 50 lb (23 kg) in economy and 70 lb (32 kg) in premium cabins. Allowances and fees vary by route and fare and are shown during booking.
Special equipment, sports equipment, pets, oversized items and dangerous goods follow separate rules. Partner-operated flights may apply the operating airline’s policy. Check the personalized allowance and current restrictions on the official United baggage page.
Report missing or damaged checked baggage to the United baggage service office before leaving the airport whenever possible. Keep the baggage claim tag and file reference. Delayed bags can be tracked in the United app or on united.com.
Check-in and boardingSteps before departure
Passengers can normally check in through the United website or mobile app, generally starting 24 hours before departure. Airport kiosks and staffed counters are also available at most airports.
Check-in and baggage-drop deadlines vary. International departures generally require more time than domestic flights. Follow the deadline shown in the booking rather than relying on a universal arrival-time rule.
Confirm the operating airline, airport and terminal.
Review passport, visa, transit and health-document requirements.
Check in as soon as the service becomes available.
Download the boarding pass to the United app or print it where permitted.
Verify the baggage allowance shown in the booking.
Arrive early enough for baggage drop, security, border controls and the walk to the gate.
Lounges
United operates United Club lounges at its hubs and many other airports, and United Polaris lounges for eligible long-haul international business-class passengers at selected hubs. Eligible passengers can also use Star Alliance partner lounges worldwide.
Access may be available to:
- United Polaris passengers on eligible long-haul flights
- United Club members
- Eligible Star Alliance Gold members on international itineraries
- Holders of eligible United co-branded credit cards
- Passengers purchasing a one-time pass where offered
Access rules depend on the airport, flight, cabin, frequent-flyer status, capacity and same-day itinerary. Verify the lounge location, terminal, opening hours, guest policy and eligibility before arriving.
Loyalty program
MileagePlus is United’s loyalty program. Members can earn miles on eligible United and Star Alliance flights and through participating hotel, car-rental, financial and retail partners.
Miles may be redeemed for award tickets, upgrades and selected travel benefits, subject to availability and program rules. Premier status (Silver, Gold, Platinum and 1K) is earned through qualifying flights and spend. Benefits can include priority services, Economy Plus seating, additional baggage and upgrades, depending on membership level and itinerary.
Because earning rates, qualification rules and partner benefits change, members should consult their MileagePlus account for the conditions applicable to their trip.
Accessibility and special assistance
Passengers who require wheelchair assistance or other support should request it from United as early as possible, preferably during booking and at least 48 hours before departure when the service permits.
Assistance may include support for:
- Reduced mobility or wheelchair use
- Visual or hearing impairments
- Cognitive or developmental disabilities
- Medical equipment or mobility aids
- Service animals
- Passengers who need assistance navigating the airport
- Children travelling alone through the unaccompanied minor service
Medical clearance or supporting documents may be required in certain circumstances. Mobility-equipment specifications should be provided accurately, particularly for powered wheelchairs and batteries.
Review current options on united.com under accessibility and special assistance.
Flight status and customer serviceOfficial sources
For current operational information, use United’s official digital services:
United official website for booking, check-in, trip management and flight status
United mobile app, available for iOS and Android, for live notifications, bag tracking and trip management
United Airlines airports
Always confirm the operating airport shown on the ticket. “New York” can refer to Newark, JFK or LaGuardia, and “Washington” to Dulles or Reagan National; transferring between airports is a landside journey, not an airside connection.
United’s largest hub and headquarters base, with an extensive domestic network and long-haul services to Europe and Asia.
Book a transfer →Airport detailsA major connecting hub for the Mountain West, with dense domestic service and seasonal leisure routes.
Book a transfer →Airport detailsUnited’s principal gateway to Mexico, Central America and South America.
Book a transfer →Airport detailsUnited’s New York–area hub, serving transatlantic, Latin American and domestic routes. Most United flights use Terminal C.
Book a transfer →Airport detailsThe primary transpacific gateway, with services to Asia, Australia and the South Pacific.
Book a transfer →Airport detailsA West Coast hub with domestic, Hawaii, Latin American and selected long-haul services.
Book a transfer →Airport detailsThe capital-region hub, with transatlantic, African and Middle Eastern services alongside domestic connections.
Book a transfer →Airport detailsAirport transportation for United Airlines passengers
Public transport, authorized taxis, shared shuttles or a pre-booked private transfer. Arriving long-haul or with a lot of luggage is the case for booking ahead: fixed price, and a driver in arrivals with your name on a sign.
Airport Transportation is an independent platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by United Airlines.
United Airlines FAQs
What are United Airlines’ airline codes?
United Airlines’ IATA code is UA, its ICAO code is UAL, and its callsign is UNITED.
What is United Airlines’ main hub?
Chicago O’Hare is United’s largest hub. The airline also operates hubs at Denver, Houston Intercontinental, Newark, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington Dulles and Guam.
Is United Airlines part of Star Alliance?
Yes. United is a founding member of the Star Alliance.
What is United Airlines’ frequent-flyer program?
United’s loyalty program is MileagePlus.
Which terminal does United use?
The terminal depends on the airport, destination and operating flight. Check the boarding pass, United app or official airport information shortly before travel.
How early should I arrive for a United flight?
Arrival recommendations depend on the airport, route and whether baggage must be checked. Follow the time and check-in deadline shown by United and allow additional time for international border controls.
How can I check a United flight’s status?
Use the United website or mobile app and confirm airport and flight-number details. The app can provide operational notifications for eligible bookings.
How much baggage can I take on United?
The allowance depends on the fare, cabin, route, loyalty status and operating airline. Basic Economy fares are generally limited to a personal item on many routes. The personalized allowance shown in the booking is the applicable reference.
Does United have airport lounges?
Yes. United operates United Club and United Polaris lounges and provides eligible passengers with access to Star Alliance partner lounges. Access conditions vary.
How do I request special assistance?
Request assistance through United during booking or trip management as early as possible. Providing at least 48 hours’ notice is recommended when available.
Is Airport Transportation affiliated with United Airlines?
No. Airport Transportation is an independent transportation-booking platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by United Airlines.
Information reviewed in September 2026. Airline schedules, fleet figures, baggage rules, lounge access and passenger services are subject to change.