United Airlines

7
Check-in
6
Boarding
8
Cabin ambiance
7
Cleanliness
8
Seat
6
Personal space
7
Inflight entertainment
5
Food
5
Drinks
5
Onboard service
6.4
Overall rating 1 reviewers rated

Airline info

  • Address: Willis Tower, 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago IL, USA
  • Contact number: 1-800-864 8331
  • Website: www.united.com
  • IATA code/ICAO code: UA / UAL

On-time performance and safety record

  • On time performance (2023): 76.9%
  • Average age of fleet (2024): 15.9 years
  • Major accidents in last 10 years: 0
  • Accidents with fatalities: 0
  • Airlineratings** safety rating: 7/7
  • Covid-19 safety*** rating: 7/7
** AIRLINERATINGS SAFETY RATING is based on a comprehensive analysis of crash and pilot related serious incident data combined with audits from the world’s aviation governing body ICAO and leading association, IATA, along with the latest COVID-19 compliance data. Each airline has the potential to earn a maximum of seven stars. See also www.airlineratings.com
*** COVID-19 SAFETY RATING takes into consideration seven factors for each airline: COVID-19 website information and instructions, social distancing on boarding, Flight Attendant personal protection equipment, face masks compulsory, meal service modified, passenger sanitizer kit, deep clean of aircraft. Each airline has the potential to earn a maximum of seven stars. See also www.airlineratings.com

With 162,442,000 passengers carried in 2019, United Airlines placed fourth in the US (and in the World) following American Airlines, Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines.  UA was third overall in point of fleet size as well.  It is also the only airline in the world to operate all three variants of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner: the -8, -9 and -10 series (Photo United)

  • Name: United Airlines
  • Date founded: March 28, 1931
  • IATA code/ICAO code: UA / UAL
  • CEO: Scott Kirby
  • Address: Willis Tower, 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago IL, USA
  • Contact number: 1-800-864 8331
  • Website: www.united.com
  • Hub: Chicago, Newark, Washington, Houston, Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Guam
  • Focus cities: None
  • Airline alliance: Star
  • Frequent flyer programme: MileagePlus
  • Fleet:

    809 aircraft

    22 Boeing 777-300ER / 350 seats (60 Polaris business, 24 Premium Plus, 62 Economy Plus, 204 Economy)

    • 74 Boeing 777-200 and -200ER / 267-269-276-334-364 seats (50 Polaris business, 72 Economy Plus, 145 Economy or 8 Polaris first, 40 Polaris business, 113 Economy Plus, 108 Economy or 50 Polaris business, 24 Premium Plus, 46 Economy Plus, 156 Economy or 28 Polaris business, 102 Economy Plus, 234 Economy or 28 Polaris business, 78 Economy Plus, 258 Economy)
    • 13 Boeing 787-10 / 317 seats (44 Polaris business, 21 Premium Plus, 54 Economy Plus, 199 Economy)
    • 30 Boeing 787-9 / 256-257 seats (48 Polaris business, 88 Economy Plus, 116 Economy or 48 Polaris business, 21 Premium Plus, 39 Economy Plus, 149 Economy)
    • 12 Boeing 787-8 / 219-243 seats (36 Polaris business, 70 Economy Plus, 113 Economy or 28 Polaris business, 21 Premium Plus, 36 Economy Plus, 158 Economy)
    • 16 Boeing 767-400ER / 242 seats (39 Polaris business, 70 Economy Plus, 113 Economy)
    • 38 Boeing 767-300ER / 167-214 seats (40 Polaris business, 22 Economy Plus, 99 Economy or 30 Polaris business, 46 Economy Plus, 138 Economy
    • 21 Boeing 757-300 / 232 seats (24 First, 50 Economy Plus, 158 Economy)
    • 51 Boeing 757-200 / 142-169-176 seats (28 business, 42 Economy Plus, 72 Economy or 16 Polaris business, 45 Economy Plus, 108 Economy or 16 Polaris business, 42 Economy Plus, 118 Economy)
    • 14 Boeing 737 MAX 9 / 179 seats (20 First, 42 Economy Plus, 117 Economy)
    • 136 Boeing 737-900ER / 167-179 seats (20 First, 51 Economy Plus, 96 Economy or 20 First, 39 Economy Plus, 120 Economy)
    • 12 Boeing 737-900 / 179 seats (20 First, 42 Economy Plus, 117 Economy)
    • 141 Boeing 737-800 / 154-166 seats (16 First, 48 Economy Plus, 90 Economy or 16 First, 48 Economy Plus, 102 Economy or 16 First, 54 Economy Plus, 96 Economy or 16 First, 42 Economy Plus, 108 Economy)
    • 46 Boeing 737-700 / 118-124-126 seats (12 First, 40 Economy Plus, 66 Economy or 12 First, 8 Economy Plus, 104 Economy or 12 First, 36 Economy Plus, 78 Economy)
    • 98 Airbus A320-200 / 150 seats (12 First, 42 Economy Plus, 96 Economy)
    • 85 Airbus A319-100 / 126-128 seats (12 First, 36 Economy Plus, 78 Economy or 8 First, 42 Economy Plus, 78 Economy
  • Type of carrier: Full Service
  • Skytrax* rating: 3-STAR
    • * SKYTRAX (www.skytraxratings.com) is the most prestigious independent rating agency in commercial aviation. Its five stars rating system regarding airline quality has become a status symbol for carriers around the world. Here is what the stars stand for:

    • - 5 STARS: Awarded to airlines achieving a very high, overall quality performance. It recognizes high standards of onboard product together with consistent and excellent standards of staff service across airport and cabin environments
    • - 4 STARS: Awarded to airlines that deliver a good overall quality performance and provide good product standards across different travel cabins
    • - 3 STARS: Awarded to airlines delivering a fair quality performance equating to the industry 'average' of acceptable product and service standards
    • - 2 STARS: Shows airlines delivering a lower total quality performance, in some instances below the industry average across many rating categories
    • - 1 STAR: Represents a poor quality of product delivered across the assessment sectors
  • Checked luggage:

    On long-haul flights 2 bags for a total weight of 64kg in Polaris or First, 2 bags for a total of 46kg in Premium Plus, 1 bag up to 23kg can be checked-in for free, except for the case of Economy Basic ticket holders who pay 70USD for the first checked bag. On domestic flights, rules are the same except for all Economy passengers, who pay 35USD for the first checked bag and 45USD for the second one. Economy Basic ticket holders are required to pay an additional 25USD handling charge

  • Pre-selection of seat:

    Available to all passengers except for Economy Basic ticket holders. Se airline’s website for conditions and fares

  • Priority check-in:

    Polaris, First and Premium Plus passengers, MileagePlus premier members

  • Fast track at security:

    Polaris, First and Premium Plus passengers, MileagePlus premier members

  • Access to lounge:

    Polaris and First passengers

  • Priority boarding:

    Polaris, First and Premium Plus passengers, MileagePlus premier members

  • Seat pitch:
    • 78 inches (198cm) in Polaris business, 38 inches (96cm) in Premium Plus, 34 inches (86cm) in Economy Plus, 31 inches (79cm) in Economy on the B777-300ER;
    • 78 inches (198cm) in Polaris first suites, 76 inches (193cm) in Polaris business, 34 inches (86cm) in Economy Plus, 31 inches (79cm) in Economy or 76-78 inches (193-198cm) in Polaris business, 35 inches (89cm) Economy Plus, 31 inches (79cm) in Economy or 78 inches (198cm) in Polaris business, 38 inches (96cm) in Premium Plus, 34 inches (86cm) in Economy Plus, 31 inches (79cm) in Economy on the B777-200 and -200ER;
    • 78 inches (198cm) in Polaris business open suites, 38 inches (96cm) in Premium Plus, 35 inches (89cm) in Economy Plus, 31 inches (79cm) in Economy on the B787-10;
    • 78 inches (198cm) in Polaris business, 35 inches (89cm) in Economy Plus, 32 inches (81cm) in Economy on selected B787-9 and selected B787-8;
    • 78 inches (198cm) in Polaris business open suite, 38 inches (96cm) in Premium Plus, 35 inches (89cm) in Economy Plus, 31 inches (79cm) in Economy on selected B787-9 and selected B787-8;
    • 75 inches (190cm) in Polaris business, 35 inches (89cm) in Economy Plus, 31 inches (79cm) in Economy on the B767-400ER;
    • 75 inches (190cm) in Polaris business, 35 inches (89cm) in Economy Plus, 31 inches (79cm) in Economy or 77 inches (195cm) in Polaris business open suites, 38 inches (96cm) in Premium Plus, 31 inches (79cm) in Economy on the B767-300ER;
    • 38 inches (96cm) in First, 34 inches (86cm) in Economy Plus, 31 inches (79cm) in Economy on the B757-300;
    • 75-76 inches (190-193cm) in Polaris business, 36-37 inches (91-94cm) in Economy Plus, 31 inches (79cm) in Economy on the B757-200;
    • 37-38 inches (93-96cm) in First, 34-35 inches (86-89cm) in Economy Plus, 31 inches (79cm) in Economy on theB737 MAX 9, B737-900 and B737-900ER;
    • 37-39 inches in First, 34-35 inches (86-89cm) in Economy Plus, 31 inches (79cm) in Economy on the A320-200 and A319-100
  • Seat width:
    • 22 inches Polaris business, 18.5 inches (47cm) in Premium Plus, 17 inches (43cm) in Economy Plus and Economy on the B777-300ER;
    • 22 inches (56cm) in Polaris first, 20 inches (51cm) Polaris business, 18 inches (46cm) in Economy Plus and Economy or 22 inches (56cm) in Polaris business, 17 inches (43cm) in Economy Plus and Economy or 19 inches (48cm) in Polaris business, 17 inches (43cm) in Economy Plus and Economy or 22 inches (56cm) in Polaris first, 18 inches (46cm) in Premium Plus, 17 inches (43cm) in Economy Plus and Economy on the B777-200 and -200ER;
    • 20.6 inches (52cm) in Polaris business, 19 inches (48cm) in Premium Plus, 17.5 inches (44.5cm) in Economy Plus and Economy on the B787-10;
    • 22 inches (56cm) in Polaris business, 17.5 inches (44.5cm) in Economy Plus and Economy on selected B787-9 and selected B787-8;
    • 20.5 inches (52cm) in Polaris Business, 19 inches (48cm) in Premium Plus, 17.5 inches (44.5cm) in Economy Plus and Economy on selected B7879-9 and selected B787-8;
    • 21 inches (53cm) in Polaris business, 17.5 inches (44.5cm) in Economy Plus and Economy on the B767-400ER;
    • 24 inches (61cm) in Polaris business, 18 inches (46cm) in Economy Plus and Economy or 20.6 inches (52cm) in Polaris business, 19 inches (48cm) in premium Plus, 18 inches (46cm) in Economy or 21 inches (53cm) in Polaris business, 17.5 inches (44.5cm) in Economy Plus and Economy on the B767-300ER;
    • 20.4 inches (52cm) in Polaris business, 17.5 inches (44.5cm) in Economy Plus and Economy on the B757-300;
    • 21 inches (53cm) in First, 17.5 inches (44.5cm) in Economy Plus and Economy on the B757-200;
    • 20.5 inches (52cm) in First, 18 inches (46cm) in Economy Plus and Economy on the B737 MAX 9;
    • 21 inches (53cm) in First, 17.5 inches (44.5cm) in Economy Plus and Economy on the B737-900 and -900ER, B737-800 and B737-700;
    • 20.5 inches 852cm) in First, 18 inches (46cm) in Economy Plus and Economy on the A320-200 and selected A319-100;
    • 19 inches (48cm) in First, 18 inches (46cm) in Economy Plus and Economy on selected A 319-100
  • USB port and power socket:

    Power sockets available at each seat in all classes on the B777-300ER and B777-200 and -200ER; USB ports and power sockets available at each seat on the B787 fleet, B767-400ER, B767-300ER, B757-200; power sockets are available from exit row forward on the B737 fleet, B737 MAX and A320-A319 fleets

  • Lie-flat seat:

    In Polaris First and Polaris Business

  • Vanity kit:

    In Polaris first and Business and Premium Plus

  • IFE screen width:

    Individual screens at each seat and Audio and Video On Demand (AVOD) available in all classes on the B777-300ER, B777-2000 and -200ER, B787-10, B787-9, B787-8, B767-400 ER, B767-300ER, B757-200 and B737-900 and -900ER

  • Wi-fi:

    Available in all classes on all airplanes of the flee

  • Inflight magazine:

    Hemispheres

  • Onboard kit for kids:

    No

  • Food and beverages:

    Complimentary, including beer and house wins in Economy, on long-haul flights in all classes. On domestic US flights, food and drinks including alcoholics are complimentary in First, while United Choice Menu Bistro on Board plus Snack Shop selections may be purchased in Economy and Economy Plus depending on time of day and length of trip

  • Upgraded meals in Premium Economy: Yes
  • Dine on demand in Business Class: No
  • Pets:

    Cats and dogs must be older than 16 weeks and their bag must fit the space under the seat in front: Pets are not allowed in the passenger cabin on flights to/from or through Hawaii and to selected destinations. Pet fare is 125USD one-way

Gallery

A Boeing 737-900ER A Boeing 777-300ER A long-haul Business Class meal main course Domestic Business Class with lie-flat seats Domestic Business Class cabin First and Economy cabins on the B737 MAX 9 Polaris Business Class lie-flat seat Polaris Business Class cabin Polaris Business Class dining service Polaris lounge entrance Polaris lounge sitting area and bar Long-haul Premium Plus cabin
A Boeing 737-900ER
A Boeing 777-300ER
A long-haul Business Class meal main course
Domestic Business Class with lie-flat seats
Domestic Business Class cabin
First and Economy cabins on the B737 MAX 9
Polaris Business Class lie-flat seat
Polaris Business Class cabin
Polaris Business Class dining service
Polaris lounge entrance
Polaris lounge sitting area and bar
Long-haul Premium Plus cabin
6.4 out of 10.0
Check-in 7
Boarding 6
Cabin ambiance 8
Cleanliness 7
Seat 8
Personal space 6
Inflight entertainment 7
Food 5
Drinks 5
Onboard service 5

Airline Reviews (1)

pilarew 15 Apr 2021

7
Route: FRA-SFO
Flight number: 59
Date of Flight: 2020-12-15
Class of travel: Business

Sooo….flying on United long-haul is always a kind of “meh” experience. It’s OK, nothing really wrong with it, but it just does not sparkle or impress. I took this flight because I had to get back to the US from Germany on a certain day, and pandemic-driven schedules did not give me the option to fly LH or LX. Food is blah, service is sort of “whatever” and while the Dreamliner is a lovely aircraft, I really wish it would be in more caring hands.

I know we’ve all had a really rough year, and are looking to a better 2021. Wishing United would take the opportunity to up its game a bit compared to some of the European premier carriers.

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