United Airlines reports first-quarter 2024 results

First-quarter diluted loss per share of $0.38; first-quarter adjusted diluted loss per share1 of $0.15 - ahead of expectations

Updates fleet plan - allowing for a more consistent delivery schedule of approximately 100 narrowbody aircraft yearly 2025 through 2027

Achieved second-best first quarter on-time departure performance in the company's history

United Airlines has reported its first-quarter 2024 financial results this week which showed the company had a pre-tax loss of $164 million, a $92 million improvement over the same quarter last year; adjusted pre-tax loss1 of $79 million, a $187 million improvement on an adjusted basis over the same quarter last year. These earnings reflect the approximately $200 million impact from the Boeing 737 MAX 9 grounding, without which the company would have reported a quarterly profit. In the quarter, the company generated $2.8 billion operating cash flow and free cash flow1 of $1.5 billion. The company continues to expect full-year 2024 adjusted diluted earnings per share3 of $9 to $11.

United delivered strong financial and operational performance in the quarter. The demand environment remained strong with a double-digit percentage increase in business demand quarter over quarter, as compared to pre-pandemic. Additionally, the company was able to take advantage of a number of opportunities to adjust domestic capacity which drove meaningful improvements in first quarter profitability. Atlantic and Domestic markets both saw large passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) increases year over year, with 11% and 6% growth respectively.

"I want to thank the United team for working so hard this quarter to deliver strong operational metrics for our customers and sharpen our focus on safety, while producing excellent financial results for our shareholders," said United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby. "We've adjusted our fleet plan to better reflect the reality of what the manufacturers are able to deliver. And, we'll use those planes to capitalize on an opportunity that only United has: profitably grow our mid-continent hubs and expand our highly profitable international network from our best in the industry coastal hubs."

Fleet Update

United has made several adjustments to its long-term fleet strategy based on future needs of the airline and manufacturers production and delivery timelines that are expected to smooth out and moderate the company's aircraft delivery schedule in the coming years including:

Guide Dogs announces United Airlines as official partner for art trail

United Airlines has been announced as the official Accessible Events Partner for Guide Dog’s art trail, Paws on the Wharf.

Paws on the Wharf, an accessible and inclusive art trail, takes place in Canary Wharf from 25 March to 17 May 2024. The event features 25 guide dog sculptures, each skillfully painted by a different artist, transforming Canary Wharf into a free public art exhibition that highlights the power of creativity and inclusivity. 

As the official Accessible Events Partner, United Airlines’ support enables Guide Dogs to deliver sighted guide and sensory tours of the art trail. This allows Guide Dogs to help people with sight loss who would prefer support navigating the trail. 

The guided sensory tours, taking place on selected days throughout the event, will showcase some of the sculptures, proving a multi-sensory experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to touch items and smell specific scents that the artists have suggested will relate to their designs. 

United Airlines is rethinking the entire flying experience to better serve its customers, including adding Braille onboard and making inflight entertainment and the United App accessible to those with visual impairments. In 2023, United became the first U.S. airline to add Braille to aircraft interiors, helping travellers with a visual impairment navigate the cabin more easily and independently. 

Paws on the Wharf aims to be one of the most accessible art trails yet to ensure inclusivity for people with sight loss and other disabilities. In addition to being step free and offering different options for maps, there will be an option to access the trail through the NaviLens App and NaviLens Codes - cutting-edge technology to enable people with sight loss to visit the trail independently. The NaviLens App will also provide information about the guide dog sculptures, the artists and the sponsors. Five of the sculptures will feature exclusive artwork by artists with sight loss including Angela Charles, Alex Devlin, Kevin Gavaghan, Sian Healey and Clarke Reynolds. 

Michelle Freyre appointed to the board of directors at United

U.S. mega-carrier United Airlines has this week confirmed that Michelle Freyre is joining its Board of Directors. Freyre currently serves as President, Global Brands, Clinique and Origins, at The Estée Lauder Companies, where she is responsible for guiding the brands' overall strategic vision and driving global growth.

"Michelle's extensive experience in business and product strategy will make her an excellent addition to our already strong Board of Directors," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "In each of her previous roles, Michelle has deftly balanced modernizing and celebrating the historic brands she has overseen."

"We are excited to welcome Michelle to the Board of Directors and look forward to the valuable insight and experience she will bring to United," said Ted Philip, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "For the last two decades, Michelle has guided some of the most prominent brands in corporate America and her sophisticated understanding of large brands to serve the needs of customers is valuable experience that will benefit United and our Board of Directors."

New digital tools to aid wheelchair users book the correct flight on United.....

New digital sizing tool helps customers determine the right aircraft for their wheelchair; airline will refund the fare difference if they have to pay more for an alternative flight with a larger cargo door

Industry-first initiatives, developed in collaboration with accessibility advocates and experts, reflect United's ongoing commitment to make the travel experience more accessible for everyone

One of the leading airlines in the U.S.  United, has launched a new digital tool on its app and website that aims to make it much easier for customers who use wheelchairs to find flights that can best accommodate the specific dimensions of their personal mobility device.

United also says that eligible customers may be able to seek a refund of the fare difference if they need to pay more for a specific flight that can accommodate their wheelchair.

In addition to working with the airline's Accessible Travel Advisory Board, United collaborated with United Spinal Association and Numotion to develop these industry-first initiatives.

"The more we know about a customer's device, the more likely their experience will be a good one – from booking and check-in to the flight itself," said Linda Jojo, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer for United. "These new tools and policies also set our employees up for success, especially those working on the ramp or at the gate."

"United Spinal Association appreciates this strong first step toward improving the air travel experience for wheelchair users," says Vincenzo Piscopo, Chief Executive Officer and President of United Spinal Association, the largest disability-led membership organization representing our nation's 5.5 million wheelchair users. "We look forward to continuing our collaboration with United Airlines to ensure that all wheelchair users can book a flight to their next adventure, business meeting, or visit with family or friends on the flight they choose, trusting they will arrive safely with their equipment intact."

United adds new, larger overhead bins to Embraer E175 aircraft

The U.S. mega-carrier United Airlines has announced this week that it is installing new, larger overhead bins on its Skywest operated Embraer E175 fleet that will provide more room for passengers' roll aboard carry-on bags. These new bins will be available on 50 aircraft with a 76-seat configuration by the end of this year. United may expand the E175 larger overhead bins offering to more than 150 aircraft by the end of 2026. 

United is the first airline to offer these larger overhead bins on E175 airplanes and estimates this move will nearly eliminate the need for one million annual passengers to gate-check bags on more than 150,000 E175 flights.  

United is enhancing the passenger experience by adding larger overhead bins on the Embraer E175 fleet to increase customer convenience and improve operational efficiency. The new bins will accommodate up to an extra 29 carry-on bags on the regional jets, which is an 80 percent increase in space.

"Customer sentiment for the new overhead bins and signature interiors has been extremely positive. By helping to eliminate the need to gate check bags, we are seeing an increase in gate and boarding satisfaction," said Linda Jojo, United's chief customer officer. "This is just the latest way we're working to create an industry-leading experience for all our customers – whether they're on an international or regional flight."

United makes it easier to share award miles with family and friends

Just in time for summer travel planning, United launched MileagePlus miles pooling – a new way for MileagePlus members to contribute and combine their miles into a joint account. Available on United.com, groups of up to five members can now share and redeem miles in one linked account. United allows any MileagePlus member – whether relatives or close friends – to be in a pool with other members. United is the first and only major U.S. airline to offer this feature.

"We're always looking for new ways to provide the most value to all of our loyalty members and are proud to be the first major U.S. airline to allow our members to pool their miles with their loved ones and friends," said Luc Bondar, Chief Operating Officer of MileagePlus. "MileagePlus miles pooling further reinforces United's position as the leader in family and group travel and gives our members more flexibility to use their miles while making it easier to connect to the destinations and moments that matter most, with the people that matter most." 

As 81% of parents report intent to travel with their children in the next year and nearly 60% report concern about travel affordability, according to a 2023 U.S. Family Travel Survey conducted by the Family Travel Association, the introduction of MileagePlus miles pooling aims to make travel even easier for families or groups looking to get away; even the youngest family members can contribute as there's no minimum age to become a MileagePlus member.

MileagePlus miles pooling is now available to all MileagePlus members by logging in to their account on United.com. For those not already MileagePlus members, the program is free to join here. 

How MileagePlus miles pooling works

Any MileagePlus member over 18 years old can become the pool leader and create a pool for free when logged in to their account on United.com.

Pool leaders can invite up to four of their family, friends, or close travel companions of any age to join the pool if they have an active MileagePlus account. There is no minimum age to join MileagePlus.

When logged in to their MileagePlus account on United.com, members will be instructed on how to contribute miles to the group pool as well as how to redeem pooled miles for award flights on United and United Express*.

There are no limits to the number of miles that may be contributed to an active miles pool.

Pooled miles can be used when booking a ticket on United.com or in the United mobile app. 

Airlines try to leverage Boeing woes despite lack of alternatives

Airline executives are frustrated with Boeing as its safety crisis has upended their business plans. But in a tight market for large aircraft supplied by two companies, they have little choice but do business with the U.S. planemaker, reports Rajesh Kumar Singh from Reuters.

Despite some public displays of alarm - United Airlines  CEO Scott Kirby flew to France to talk with Airbus as Boeing's latest crisis erupted - carriers are still negotiating new plane orders, looking to leverage Boeing's delays to secure better terms.

Boeing's delivery schedule faces extended delays following a Jan. 5 mid-flight cabin blowout that exposed problems with safety and quality control in its manufacturing processes. But rival Airbus already has a backlog of orders that makes shifting over a non-starter.

Instead, airlines are adopting a variety of strategies to try to stay in the game with Boeing, using orders of one type of plane as a placeholder to possibly take deliveries of a different model. They also are negotiating harder, looking to use production delays to get discounts from the planemaker on new orders and compensation for financial losses.

"Boeing customers don't have much option but to stick with Boeing whether they like it or not," said Scott Hamilton, managing director at aviation consulting firm Leeham Company.

Kirby has been among the most vocal in expressing frustrations with Boeing. He met with Airbus after regulators grounded all of United's Boeing 737 MAX 9 fleet and put a big question mark over certification of the larger variant MAX 10, which was due for deliveries this year and was to be the cornerstone of United's fleet.

United raises miles for Girls Scouts of the USA to help inspire the next generation of leaders

Miles donated will help offset travel costs for Girl Scouts participating in educational experiences and leadership programs across the country

United will match the first one million miles raised for Girl Scouts of the USA through Miles on a Mission, United's leading fundraising and crowdsourcing program

This March, in celebration of International Women's Day and Girl Scouts' 112th birthday, United is encouraging MileagePlus members to donate miles to Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) to help fund life-changing experiences for Girl Scouts through travel.  

United will match the first one million miles raised for GSUSA through Miles on a Mission, United's leading fundraising and crowdsourcing program, giving MileagePlus members a chance to use their miles for good. Travel is an essential part of many Girl Scouts' journeys as they are encouraged to explore, make global connections and cultivate skills they can use for the rest of their lives. More than 59,000 Girl Scouts traveled either domestically or internationally in 2023, with many troops funding their own adventures with money earned through the Girl Scout Cookie Program^®.

"We are honored to be the featured partner for United's Miles on a Mission program this month," said Wendy Lou, Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Membership, GSUSA. "As we come to a close on our 2024 cookie season and many are figuring out creative ways to use their cookie proceeds, including travel, we hope this program can help them take their travel dreams even farther."

United introduces three new international destinations....

United is the only U.S. airline to offer non-stop flights to Marrakesh, Morocco and Cebu, Philippines and will fly non-stop to Medellin, Colombia for the first time in its history

The U.S. mega-carrier United Airlines is expanding its leading global route network, adding new non-stop flights between New York/Newark-Marrakesh, Morocco; Tokyo/Narita-Cebu, Philippines and Houston-Medellin, Colombia. United will also increase flying to popular destinations across the globe including Hong Kong; Seoul, South Korea and Porto, Portugal. Additionally, the airline will add four weekly flights between Los Angeles and Shanghai as the Chinese and U.S. governments recently agreed to increase flights between the two countries*.

United now has the largest and most diversified international route network among U.S. airlines, offering non-stop service to 134 international destinations across 67 countries. United offers flights to more destinations across the Atlantic and Pacific than all U.S. carriers combined.

In addition to flying to the most popular international destinations, United has been a trailblazer in introducing its customers to off-the-beaten-path locales around the globe – including flights to nine destinations that no other carriers serve from the mainland U.S., like Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Christchurch, New Zealand; Dubrovnik, Croatia and more.

"We have consistently been ahead of the curve in finding hidden gem destinations for our customers to explore and remain committed to providing the most unique slate of travel options for their adventures abroad," said Patrick Quayle, United's Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, "With our leading global network and elevated inflight experience, United has become the airline of choice for discerning customers looking for experiences they can't have with any other carrier."

Tickets for United's new Shanghai and Cebu flights are on sale now on the United app and on United.com; Marrakesh and Medellin will be available later this year.

New York/Newark-Marrakesh, Morocco

NTSB investigating 'stuck' rudder pedals on United Airlines 737 MAX jet

Investigators at the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board  -  NTSB are looking into another incident involving the troubled 737 MAX aircraft, following an incident when the rudder pedals stopped working on a United Airlines plane last month.

The aircraft was performing flight UA1539, from Nassau, Bahamas, to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on 6th February 2024 when the incident occurred.  According to the preliminary report,  before the aircraft had reduced to taxing speed,  the rudder pedals for both the captain and the first officer stopped working. "The captain used the nose wheel steering tiller to keep the airplane near the runway centerline while slowing to a safe taxi speed before exiting the runway onto a high-speed turn-off," the report documented.  

The flight data recorder showed that the rudder surface position remained near its neutral position as the plane landed and during its rollout, despite the crew putting force on the rudder pedals, which was increasing.  The report said "Significant pedal force input was observed along with corresponding rudder surface movement. Afterward, the rudder pedals and rudder surface began moving as commanded and continued to function normally for the remainder of the taxi."  

737 MAX plane maker Boeing issued a statement this week,  "We worked closely with United Airlines to diagnose the rudder response issue observed during two 737-MAX 8 flights in early February. With coordination with United, the issue was successfully resolved with the replacement of three parts and the airplane returned to service last month."

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United Airlines names Rosalind Brewer to Board of Directors

United Airlines confirmed this week that Rosalind (Roz) Brewer is joining its Board of Directors. Brewer is an influential leader with CEO experience, repeatedly recognized by Fortune and Forbes among their "Most Powerful Women in Business."

"Roz's strategic acumen and visionary leadership make her the right addition to our already strong Board of Directors as we plan for the long-term success of United Airlines," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "Her vast leadership experience characterized by innovation and digital transformation have made a lasting impact on some of the world's leading companies and will be an asset to United."

"Roz has led some of the most dynamic and well-regarded companies in the world, and I am eager for her to help United excel in our plan to grow United to become the best airline in aviation history," said Ted Philip, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

"I am honoured to join the Board of Directors at United Airlines, an iconic company known for its commitment to excellence and innovation in the aviation industry," said Brewer. "I look forward to collaborating with the board and leadership team as we continue to deliver unparalleled travel experiences for our customers and chart the course for our bright future."

United to fly daily nonstop between Guam and Tokyo-Haneda

New flights create a more direct link between Guam and Tokyo's city centre 

Service is scheduled to start on May 1 

United Airlines will launch daily nonstop flights between Guam and Tokyo Haneda International Airport on May 1*. Flights will operate year-round and create a more direct link between Guam and Japan's capital, given the Haneda airport's proximity to the city centre. These new flights build on United's 32 weekly flights between Guam and Tokyo-Narita and tickets will go on sale tonight.

"As we grow our global network, we're always looking for opportunities to give our customers more choice and strengthen links between countries. This route – connecting Tokyo's most convenient airport with our unique Guam hub – accomplishes just that. I appreciate the support of the Department of Transportation in recognizing the importance of this route to our customers and stakeholders," said Patrick Quayle, United's Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances. 

United plans to operate a 737-800 on this route, which has room for 166 customers – including 16 business class seats. The flight is scheduled to depart Guam at 19:00 local time and arrive at Haneda at 22:00 on the same day. On the return, the flight will depart Haneda at 23:55 and arrive in Guam at 04:45 the next day.

Stephen Curry launches UNDERRATED Golf European Tour

Stephen Curry, four-time NBA Champion and two-time MVP announced his UNDERRATED Golf program in partnership with United Airlines will expand the golf tour to Europe for the 2024 season. Two years ago, Curry launched UNDERRATED Golf, and today, the brand is expanding its presence internationally, building the second tour, UNDERRATED Golf Europe. The schedule for the inaugural UNDERRATED Golf European Golf Tour will kick-off at Walton Heath Golf Course outside of London, May 29-31.

UNDERRATED Golf Europe will Become Second Tour, in Addition to U.S. Tour This Summer
 

For the First-Time Ever and with the Support of United Airlines as UNDERRATED Golf European Tour Presenting Sponsor,

The UNDERRATED Golf Tour Season 3 will Kick-Off at Walton Heath Golf Course, May 29-31

 

Henni Koyack, Ladies European Tour Professional Golfer to Join UNDERRATED Golf as Ambassador

 

Over the past two seasons, UNDERRATED Golf has hosted 10 tournaments throughout the US. In that time, UNDERRATED Golf in partnership with its brand partners who understand the vision, help junior athlete golfers gain access to great courses and create a special and inclusive environment. The tour is expanding to Europe to provide access and opportunities to junior golfers and give them the chance to be front and center with top-tier college recruiters. Like the U.S., the current golf system for student athletes throughout Europe is exclusive and exclusionary, and UNDERRATED Golf will provide a viable pathway forward for everyone.

 

United Airlines confirmed that Rosalind (Roz) Brewer is joining its Board of Directors.

United Airlines confirmed this week that Rosalind (Roz) Brewer is joining its Board of Directors. Brewer is an influential leader with CEO experience, repeatedly recognized by Fortune and Forbes among their "Most Powerful Women in Business."

"Roz's strategic acumen and visionary leadership make her the right addition to our already strong Board of Directors as we plan for the long-term success of United Airlines," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "Her vast leadership experience characterized by innovation and digital transformation have made a lasting impact on some of the world's leading companies and will be an asset to United."

"Roz has led some of the most dynamic and well-regarded companies in the world, and I am eager for her to help United excel in our plan to grow United to become the best airline in aviation history," said Ted Philip, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

"I am honoured to join the Board of Directors at United Airlines, an iconic company known for its commitment to excellence and innovation in the aviation industry," said Brewer. "I look forward to collaborating with the board and leadership team as we continue to deliver unparalleled travel experiences for our customers and chart the course for our bright future."

United Airlines to restart Newark - Tel Aviv service.

The U.S. mega carrier, United has confirmed it plans to resume a daily flight from New York/Newark to Tel Aviv, following a review of the situation in Israel. 

The carrier suspended its in October and now plans to bring back the Newark-Tel Aviv flights on March 2nd and 4th with a stop in Munich to ensure all service providers are ready to support non-stop service to and from Newark.  According to the airline, no Newark departures to Tel Aviv are planned for March 3rd and 5th.  The airline said it hoped to resume daily non-stop service to Tel Aviv beginning March 6.

The airline said it carried out a detailed safety analysis of the situation before making the decision and worked with the U.S. administration, for whom it will be carrying some cargo and the Israeli government. The airline is said to have collaborated with Air Line Pilots Association and the Association of Flight Attendants to develop the protocols to ensure United staff are safe and well-informed. At present, it isn't clear if staff will be penalized if they decline to operate these services due to safety or other concerns.   

United said in a press release that it would 'continue to monitor the situation in Tel Aviv and adjust the schedule as warranted, including changes to the resumed service from New York/Newark'.

The airline has faced some pressure in recent weeks from certain quarters to bring back services to Israel and said it was "Eager to resume a second daily Tel Aviv flight from Newark as soon as May as travel demand recovers. Previous flying from San Francisco, Washington Dulles and Chicago O'Hare will be evaluated for resumption beginning in the fall."

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United Airlines wins a Gold Medal at the Business Traveller Cellars in the Sky Awards 2023 for Best Business Class Rosé

United Airlines has won a Gold Medal for ‘Best Business Class Rosé’ at the Business Traveller Cellars in the Sky Awards 2023, which took place at the iconic ME London, located on the Strand.

Whispering Angel Rosé, 2022, Château d’Esclans, served on board United flights in United PolarisSM business class across the airline’s international network, was awarded first place in this category by an independent panel of judges, consisting of the world’s leading wine masters and experts led by Charles Metcalfe, founder of the International Wine Challenge, who blind tasted all entries over a two-day period to determine the winner. The rosé was described and recognised for its “fresh, crisp, some redcurrant, complex minerality and great finish”.

Whispering Angel Rosé was first introduced on board United flights in March 2023 as part of the airline’s wider programme to refresh the Polaris business class wine selections and further elevate and enhance the onboard food and beverage experience.

“We are delighted to be awarded a Gold Medal at this year’s Cellars in the Sky Awards, which reflects our commitment to creating memorable experiences for customers flying United,” said Jenefer Jackson, United Director, Menu Planning. “United Polaris brings a new level of quality to premium cabin travel and we are proud to be the only U.S. airline that serves Whispering Angel Rosé.”

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United Airlines adds new corporate partners to sustainable flight fund which now exceeds $200 million.

Aircastle, Air New Zealand, Embraer, Google, HIS, Natixis CIB, Safran, and Technip Energies are now part of first-of-its-kind effort to reduce emissions and drive production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by providing startups with both financial and strategic capital

United customers play a role too, with more than 115,000 people contributing nearly $500,000 since February 2023

The U.S. mega-carrier United has announced that Aircastle (a Marubeni & Mizuho Leasing Company), Air New Zealand, Embraer, Google, HIS, Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking, Safran Corporate Ventures, and Technip Energies are now among the 22 corporate partners that make up the airline's The United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight FundSM, a first-of-its-kind effort to reduce emissions and drive production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through investments in startups.

These corporate partners make up all parts of the aviation supply chain – airlines, aircraft and engine manufacturers, fuel producers, engineering and technology experts, financiers, travel management and more – and have now committed more than $200 million while collaborating to provide strategic expertise to help the Fund's portfolio companies reach commercialization.

Since its inception in February 2023, the Fund remains aviation's first and only venture fund backed by a broad limited partner base and created to identify and support startups advancing feedstock and technology development focused on increasing the supply of SAF.

The airline has included a way for everyday consumers to participate as well. Anyone using United.com or the United app has an option to contribute to supplement United's investment in the UAV Sustainable Flight FundSM before check-out. Users have the choice to contribute $1, $3.50 or $7.00.1 Continuing in the effort toward climate transparency for our customers, United also now shows an estimated carbon emission for flights booked through United.com or the United app. In less than 12 months, more than 115,000 people have contributed nearly $500,000 since February 2023.

SAF is an alternative to conventional jet fuel that, on a lifecycle basis, reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with air travel compared to conventional jet fuel alone. To date, United has invested in the future production of over five billion gallons of SAF - the most of any airline in the world.2

"SAF is the best tool we have to decarbonize aeroplanes, but we don't have enough of it. To create the fuel supply we need for our fleet, United recognized that we would have to help build a brand-new industry from scratch – like wind and solar in previous decades," said Andrew Chang, Managing Director of United Airlines Ventures. "As part of our effort to build a new sustainable aviation ecosystem, we recruited a group of partners with the industry expertise to support our startups with both financial and strategic capital, to help them navigate the entire process from conception to commercialization."

UAV Sustainable Flight Fund

No Fees to Change a Flight: United Airlines Inspires Football Fans to Believe in Next Season

Airline has saved customers more than $2 billion since eliminating change fees in 2020 and will debut new series of ads this Sunday starring Emmy-award winning actor Kyle Chandler

United becomes first big game advertiser to create six different commercials written to speak directly to local football fans

United Airlines has saved customers more than $2 billion since becoming the first legacy airline to permanently eliminate change fees more than three years ago, and today released a series of new commercials starring Emmy-award winning actor Kyle Chandler that will air this Sunday and promote the benefits of the policy change. In the ads, Chandler speaks directly to football fans in five different markets and encourages them to believe in their team and book a United flight to next year's game in New Orleans, without worrying about change fees.

No Fees to Change a Flight: United Airlines Inspires Football Fans to Believe in Next Season

The campaign - "Believing Changes Everything" - is the first time a big game advertiser has created this many different commercials that were written specifically for local markets. The market-specific ads will target Chiefs fans in Kansas City, Browns fans in Cleveland and Texans fans in Houston on broadcast TV and Bears fans in Chicago and Broncos fans in Denver on social media. A general market film will also air on TV in Chicago, Denver, Baltimore, Orlando, Colorado Springs and Cincinnati. Each of the local commercials speaks directly to the emotions fans in these cities may be feeling on Sunday and culminates by encouraging them to dream big about their team's chances next season.  

"This is about believing. Believing so hard that you book your flight to next year's big game before the season even starts," says Chandler. "Because believing that hard can change everything."

More than 10 million United customers have changed their flight without paying change fees since the airline's policy went into effect in 2020. Since that time:

3.6 million people switched the time of day of their flight;

1.8 million people extended their trip altogether;

1.5 million people chose to fly to or from a different airport;

300,000 people changed from a domestic flight to an international one, or vice-versa;

And the number of people who changed their flights themselves in United's industry-leading app has doubled.

United adds eight new routes this summer to cities in Alaska and Canada - including the only nonstop flight from Washington, D.C. to Anchorage, AK

U.S. mega carrier United confirmed it will offer more than 100 new flights to cities in the U.S. and Canada this summer, making it easier for travellers to connect to some of the most picturesque destinations in North America including Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska and Canadian cities like Calgary, Vancouver and Halifax.

Adventure Awaits: United Unveils New Summer Flights to Top Outdoor North American Destinations.

During the pandemic, the airline saw an increased demand from travellers wanting to get outdoors and explore scenic destinations like national parks and mountain towns.

United expects the trend to continue this year and is flying its largest schedule to Alaska in the past decade and significantly expanding flying between the U.S. and Canada. This summer, United will also have nearly 70 daily flights to national park destinations like Bozeman, MT, Jackson Hole, WY and Kalispell, MT.

United remains the largest U.S. carrier to Canada this summer with over 150 daily flights between the countries, serving nine destinations in Canada from all seven of its U.S. hub airports. Since the partnership between United and Air Canada expanded in 2022, United has grown by over 70% in the Canadian market, fueled by the shared goal to increase accessibility between the two countries. Today, United customers can quickly connect to 25 more Canadian cities on Air Canada – all while enjoying the benefits of the carriers' MileagePlus® and Aeroplan loyalty programs.

"We know people want to get outdoors this summer and United is making it easier than ever to get to fun destinations across North America," said Patrick Quayle, United's Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Alliances. "From adding non-stop service to places previously only reachable through multiple connections to leveraging our relationships with airline partners like Air Canada, we're giving customers lots of options to unlock new experiences."

Whether you're hoping to hike, stargaze or just take in the great outdoors, January is the ideal time to start charting your summer adventure. 

Latest results from United Airlines

United Airlines reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 financial results this week, showing how the mega-carrier diversified revenue strategy proved, once again, to be a critical, differentiated, competitive advantage. United's premium cabin saw an increase in revenue of 16% for the quarter year-over-year, while its Basic Economy offering again saw a substantial revenue increase of 20% for the quarter year-over-year.

United also benefited from cost convergence across the industry. This cost convergence resulted in a stronger relationship between United's unit costs and unit revenue performance. Combined with durable demand for travel and an increasing preference for United's reliable operational performance and premium offerings, the company delivered on its initial full year 2023 earnings per share guidance despite a wide range of headwinds.

"Our plans really came together in 2023, and I want to thank the United team for all of the hard work it took to get us there," said United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby. "Despite unpredictable headwinds, we delivered on our ambitious EPS target that few thought possible – and set new operational records for our customers," said United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby. "Looking ahead, we expect these trends to continue and United is incredibly well positioned to capitalize on them and to deliver on our short and long-term financial targets."