Flying with United Airlines: Complete FAQ & Travel Guide

Here is United Airlines' punctuality data from the last 7 days of operations to help you set realistic expectations:

• On-time performance: 19.55%. This means 24891 of the 127314 total flights operated arrived within 15 minutes of their scheduled gate time.

• Canceled flights: 87009 flights. Of these cancellations, 81862 were on domestic routes and 5147 were on international routes.

• Major delays: 937 flights These flights experienced significant delays, arriving more than 3 hours after their scheduled time.

Flight numbers shown are estimates, based on internal databases and third parties.

Over the last week, United Airlines’ international flights had:

• a cancellation rate of 46.02%, and

• a severe delay rate (>180 minutes) of 0.62%.

The airline operated 11185 international flights during this period.

Reliability often depends on the specific route, airport, and external factors like weather or air traffic control issues.

United Airlines’ performance can vary, but AirHelp’s data offers an objective snapshot. United Airlines has an AirHelp Score of 7.54 out of 10, which evaluates airlines based on on-time performance, claim processing, and customer service.

Like all major carriers, the airline has experienced incidents in its history, but it continuously invests in pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and safety protocols. Modern aviation is statistically one of the safest modes of transportation, and United Airlines adheres to strict international safety regulations.

United Airlines operates an extensive domestic and international network, flying to hundreds of destinations across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the South Pacific.

Primary hubs are Chicago–O'Hare (ORD), Denver (DEN), Houston–Intercontinental (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO), and Washington–Dulles (IAD).

United Airlines is a founding member of the Star Alliance, the world's largest airline alliance. Key partners include Lufthansa, Air Canada, ANA, Swiss, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and over two dozen other member carriers, plus additional non-alliance partners.

If you’re flying on a codeshare operated by another airline, your passenger rights usually depend on the operating carrier (the airline that actually flies the plane). However, if that airline is EU-based or your flight departs from the EU/UK, you may be entitled to compensation under EC 261 (or UK 261) for eligible delays or cancellations. Let AirHelp check your eligibility and file the claim.

United Airlines permits one carry-on bag and one personal item for most fares. Carry-on size limits and liquid restrictions follow TSA regulations.

Checked bag allowances depend on your route and ticket type. Weight and size limits apply, and fees may be charged for additional or overweight bags.

You should report it immediately to the Baggage Service Office (or at the United Airlines service desk, if available) and get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) as proof. On international flights, your baggage rights are protected by the Montreal Convention: if you are an AirHelp+ member, you can let AirHelp handle your claim to obtain the reimbursement and compensation you are due (up to approximately $1,950).

You can check in online on the United Airlines website or mobile app starting 24 hours before departure. You can also check in at a kiosk or the ticket counter at the airport.

For domestic flights, arriving at least 2 hours before departure is recommended. For international flights, plan for at least 3 hours.

Consider adding an extra 30-60 minutes during peak travel seasons (holidays, summer) or if you're traveling from a major hub. Passengers with TSA PreCheck® or flying in First/Business Class (with dedicated check-in lanes) may often arrive closer to the minimum recommendation.

Prohibited items include explosives, flammable liquids, and many sharp objects. Common items like certain lighters and gel-type sports equipment are also not allowed. Check the TSA website and United Airlines' list for full details.

You can track your flight on the United Airlines app or website, or use the flight tracker built into the AirHelp app.

US law does not provide compensation in case of delay. However, if your flight departs from Europe or the United Kingdom, you may be entitled to compensation of up to $650 if the airline is responsible for the delay. With our compensation checker, you can check for free whether you are entitled to compensation.

It depends on numerous circumstances, such as the law governing that specific flight, the notice period with which the airline communicates the cancellation, and the delay of the replacement flight. Under EC 261 and UK 261 laws, you may be entitled to assistance at the airport and compensation of up to $650.

Airlines first ask for volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for compensation. If not enough volunteers are found and you are involuntarily denied boarding, you are entitled to compensation under EC 261/UK 261 and under DOT rules.

You can file your claim directly on the airline's website. For flight compensation under EU law, submit it through AirHelp: we’ve won compensation for 3 million passengers worldwide. AirHelp operates on a no-win, no-fee basis so you don’t pay us anything up front.

United Airlines provides services for passengers with mobility, hearing, and vision disabilities. Common services include wheelchair assistance and pre-boarding.

You can request these accommodations during booking, via the airline's website or mobile app, or by contacting their customer service in advance. Learn more about rights for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility here.

United Airlines provides family boarding, child seat guidelines, and infant travel options depending on age and route.

Pets may travel in the cabin or as checked cargo, depending on size, breed, and route. Health documents and pet fees may apply.

Wi-Fi is available on most mainline aircraft. On domestic and short-haul international flights, it is a paid service (with options like a 1-hour pass, flight pass, or subscription). On select long-haul international flights, messaging may be free, with paid plans for full internet access.

Most United Airlines wide-body aircraft (like Boeing 787s and 777s) and select narrow-body aircraft (like the Airbus A319 and newer Boeing 737 MAX) feature seatback screens with free entertainment. On other aircraft, passengers can stream a wide selection of free movies and TV shows to their personal devices via the United Airlines app.

Complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are provided on all services. Hot meals are included on long-haul routes and in premium cabins; shorter domestic routes in economy offer snacks for purchase or complimentary soft drinks, depending on flight length.

Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits) are complimentary in United Polaris®, First, and Business classes, as well as in Premium Plus and on long-haul international flights in Economy. On most domestic and short-haul flights in Economy, alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

Yes, you may bring your own food on board, provided it complies with airport security regulations. Liquids (such as sauces or yogurts) must generally adhere to the rules for carrying liquids.

The airline's origins trace back to Varney Air Lines in 1926, but United Airlines was formally formed in 1931 through the merger of several carriers, including Boeing Air Transport. It became a major force in U.S. aviation with the introduction of mail and passenger services.

United Airlines' corporate headquarters are located at the Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois, United States.