Here’s everything you need to know before planning your flight.
History of United Airlines
The history of United Airlines dates back nearly 100 years when Varney Air Lines, a precursor to United, launched its first flight in a Swallow airplane on April 6, 1926. This initial journey served as a mail run from Pasco, Washington, to Elko, Nevada, via Boise, Idaho.
Over the decades, the company has evolved into one of the largest airlines globally, boasting a fleet of over 1,300 planes (including both mainline and regional aircraft) operating more than 4,500 flights across five continents. The airline introduced its frequent-flier program in May 1981 and established the Star Alliance in 1997, becoming the first North American carrier to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2012 among other notable milestones.
With major hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., it is likely that United Airlines can take you to various destinations you wish to explore. Thus, it is essential to understand the flight experience with United Airlines before making your travel arrangements.
Fare Classes
United Airlines offers several fare classes, each with its specific restrictions and allowances. These fare classes are:
- Basic Economy
- Economy
- Economy Plus
- First Class (domestic and regional)
- Premium Plus
- Polaris Business Class
It is crucial to be aware of what you’re selecting before moving forward with your plans.
Basic Economy, while more affordable, has several restrictions. Seats are assigned automatically prior to boarding, and you cannot change your assignment unless you pay for a specific seat. Group seating is not available unless traveling with children 12 and under. On specific routes, a full-sized carry-on bag is not permitted, although personal items (such as under-the-seat bags) are allowed. Furthermore, passengers with Basic Economy tickets will typically board last, and these fares do not contribute to obtaining Premier elite status with the airline.
In a review, a traveler expressed, “I strongly advise people to avoid the basic economy tickets. Yes, I saved about $50, but there were many hassles.”
Regular economy passengers can enjoy limited advanced seating assignments unless they have elite status. With upgrades to Economy Plus or Premium Plus, additional options become available at the time of purchase and afterward.
Flight Change and Cancellation Policies
The policies for changes and cancellations on United Airlines depend significantly on the ticket type and your travel destinations.
- Economy
- Economy Plus
- First Class
- Premium Plus
- Polaris Business Class
And are traveling:
- Within the U.S. or to the U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico
- Between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean
- To international destinations from the U.S.
You will not incur a fee to alter your tickets. If the fare decreases, a future flight credit will be provided by the airline — though it is important to note that this credit will expire 12 months from your original ticket’s issue date. Conversely, if prices increase, you are responsible for paying the fare difference. One unfortunate traveler reported that after a flight cancellation, he was prompted to rebook and subsequently faced an additional charge of $1,200.
Basic Economy tickets purchased before April 30, 2021, can still be adjusted for free, while most issued on or after May 1, 2021, are non-changeable and non-refundable.
If you wish to standby for an alternate flight, there is a $75 standby fee unless you have Premier Gold elite status or higher.
Baggage Policies and Fees
Whether or not checked baggage is complimentary depends on the fare class purchased and if you possess Premier elite status or a United credit card. Fortunately, United Airlines has provided a useful tool to help calculate any potential fees based on your specific flights, service class, and elite status.
Basic Economy
Passengers with Basic Economy tickets can bring one small personal item on board that fits under the seat. They are allowed larger carry-ons on transatlantic and transpacific flights from the U.S. and those heading to South America. It is essential to avoid checking your carry-on at the gate to prevent incurring an additional $25 fee, in addition to standard bag fees.
If you have specific United credit cards or elite status in the MileagePlus program or are traveling with a Premier member, you may be allowed one free carry-on bag.
Basic Economy travelers must pay for checked bags, except for those on flights across the Pacific, which allows one free checked bag.
All Other Fare Classes
Economy fliers without elite status can prepay $30 (or $35 at check-in) for a checked bag, while some international itineraries allow for one free checked bag. Typically, carry-on bags are included in the Economy ticket price.
Passengers in Premium Plus receive two free checked bags weighing up to 50 pounds, while First and Business Class travelers can check two bags up to 70 pounds at no cost.
If unsure, it’s best to contact the airline to clarify baggage allowances based on your fare class and destination to avoid unexpected fees.
Boarding Order
Boarding occurs in the following order:
- Pre-boarding for unaccompanied minors, families with small children (ages two and under), active military members, any passengers needing extra time, United Premier 1K, and United Global Services members
- United Premier Platinum and United Premier Gold members, Star Alliance Gold members, and passengers in Polaris, First, and Business Class
- Premier Silver and Star Alliance Silver members, those with Premier Access or priority boarding privileges, and United credit cardholders
- Passengers seated in Economy Plus
- Economy passengers
- Those with Basic Economy tickets
While this seems orderly, experiences can vary. One reviewer noted significant confusion at the gate, where boarding was chaotic rather than in any particular order.
Seats and Legroom
United Airlines has expanded its seat configuration and cabin offerings in line with many other carriers. The availability of seat types will depend on your specific route and the aircraft being used.
Economy
Economy seats generally range from 16 to 18 inches in width, offering an average pitch of 30 to 31 inches, with an approximate recline of two to three inches. Seat layout can differ from 2×2 on regional planes to a 3×3 setup on mainline aircraft and 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 on larger jets, such as the Boeing 777.
One reviewer noted, “Seats are narrow, and there’s not much legroom.”
Economy Plus
In this fare class, you can expect a similar seating arrangement as Economy, but with an additional three to four inches of legroom. Travelers have remarked that the upgrade can be worthwhile for longer flights.
United First
The first-class product offered by United Airlines features wide recliner seats, typically arranged in a 2×2 pattern. These seats can range from 19 to 24 inches wide, with a pitch of 37 to 42 inches and recline up to six inches.
Premium Plus
On larger aircraft, Premium Plus offers a layout similar to domestic first class, with seating in a 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 configuration and seats measuring 18 to 19 inches wide, boasting a pitch of 38 inches and six inches of recline.
One traveler, after flying Premium Plus, noted, “The extra legroom, size of seat, and double armrest between seats made for a very comfortable trip.”
Polaris Business Class
United’s Polaris Business Class is the airline’s flagship international product, with a staggered 1-2-1 seating pattern, providing 20.5 to 22 inches of width and reclining into 78-inch lie-flat beds.
A reviewer praised Polaris Business Class, stating, “Cheap it isn’t, but if you have ample reward points and want to enhance your travel experience, nothing beats flying Polaris.”
Amenities
Based on your planned time on board, here are services you can anticipate.
In-flight Wi-Fi
United provides in-flight Wi-Fi for a fee across its mainline and two-cabin regional aircraft. However, coverage can vary as the airline partners with different providers, which could lead to inconsistencies. Generally, it costs $8 or 800 miles for MileagePlus members (and $10 for others) for domestic and short-haul international flights. Nonetheless, messaging services are complimentary for all passengers, including those using WhatsApp, iMessage, and the United app.
Power Outlets
The availability of power outlets also varies significantly based on the aircraft type. It is advisable to confirm whether these amenities are provided for your specific flights to avoid inconveniences.
In-flight Entertainment
Passengers can check seat-back screen availability and featured content on United’s reference page. Entertainment selections typically include hundreds of movies, TV shows, music, and games. Many travelers have commented on the quality of the entertainment options provided during flights.
Food and Beverage
According to United’s information, economy passengers flying longer distances may have access to snack boxes for purchase, while those on flights over 1,500 miles can select from the Bistro on Board menu. However, free snacks are not offered on flights shorter than 800 miles. In premium cabins, more substantial meals, including complimentary wine, beer, and spirits, are provided.
For international long-haul flights, expect full pre-packaged meals along with snacks mid-flight. Nevertheless, reviews suggest that food quality could be improved across fare classes, so consider bringing your own snacks.
United Airlines Credit Cards
Owning one of United’s co-branded credit cards can enhance your travel experience significantly, allowing you to earn award miles while enjoying added perks on travel days.
The United Quest Card features a welcome bonus of up to 80,000 miles and 500 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) after spending $4,000 in the first three months. This card offers benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, with an annual fee of $250.
For frequent fliers, the United Club Infinite Card, priced at $525 per year, includes United Club membership and a welcome bonus of 80,000 miles plus 1,000 PQPs after meeting the spending requirement. Additionally, cardholders receive two free checked bags and expedited services.
Another option is the United Explorer Card, offering 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months, with priority boarding and a waived annual fee for the first year.
The United Gateway Card offers a welcome bonus of 30,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first three months with no annual fee, allowing you to earn points along with various travel protections.
