Question 1

What is the United Airlines reservations phone number?

Accepted Answer

United Airlines reservations can be reached at +1-800-864-8331, 24 hours a day. Baggage tracing has its own line at +1-800-335-2247. CheapoTrav also publishes phone-only fares that are not loaded into online inventory — call us first to compare.

Question 2

Where does United Airlines fly from?

Accepted Answer

United Airlines operates from 8 primary hubs — ORD, EWR, IAH, DEN, SFO, IAD, plus 2 more — and serves roughly 350 destinations worldwide with a fleet of about 1000 aircraft. Founded in 1926 and headquartered in United States, United Airlines is one of the larger carriers in the North America region.

Question 3

Is United Airlines part of an airline alliance?

Accepted Answer

United Airlines is a member of Star Alliance, which means you can earn and redeem MileagePlus miles on every Star Alliance partner and use Star Alliance lounges when flying in eligible cabins.

Question 4

What is the United Airlines carry-on baggage allowance?

Accepted Answer

1 carry-on (22 × 14 × 9 in) + 1 personal item, free in most fares. Items that exceed those dimensions are gate-checked and may incur a fee, so it is worth measuring your bag at home — including wheels and handles — before you fly.

Question 5

How much does a checked bag cost on United Airlines?

Accepted Answer

First checked bag $30–$40, second $40–$50. Free for elite & premium cabins. Elite MileagePlus members and passengers traveling in Business typically receive a higher free checked allowance — check your fare class on the booking confirmation for the exact entitlement.

Question 6

What is United Airlines's cancellation and refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Free 24-hour cancellation. Main cabin non-refundable; refundable fares available. Refunds are issued to the original form of payment and typically post within 7 business days for credit cards or up to 20 days for cash and check purchases. Travel-insurance or trip-protection plans can broaden the reasons that qualify for a refund.

Question 7

Does United Airlines charge change fees?

Accepted Answer

No change fees on domestic / short-haul main cabin. Basic Economy non-changeable. Same-day flight changes are usually offered as a flat-fee option (subject to availability in your original fare bucket). Note that any fare difference between the original and new flight is always payable on top of the change fee.

Question 8

What cabin classes does United Airlines offer?

Accepted Answer

United Airlines sells the following cabins: Economy (30–31 in); Premium Economy (38 in); Business (Polaris suite 78 in). Signature product: Polaris suite with direct aisle access. Cabin availability varies by aircraft type and route — long-haul widebody routes generally offer the full premium line-up, while short-haul narrowbody flights typically operate with Economy and a domestic First/Premium only.

Question 9

Does United Airlines have Wi-Fi on board?

Accepted Answer

Yes — United Airlines offers Wi-Fi across most of its fleet. Availability by cabin: Economy — Paid; Premium Economy — Paid; Business — Paid. Connectivity is typically fastest on widebody aircraft equipped with Ka-band or Ku-band satellite service; older regional jets may still rely on slower air-to-ground systems.

Question 10

What in-flight entertainment and meals can I expect on United Airlines?

Accepted Answer

Entertainment ranges across the cabins as follows: Economy — Streaming to device; Premium Economy — Seatback HD; Business — Seatback HD. On the catering side, Economy passengers receive complimentary on long-haul; snacks domestic., while Business guests enjoy multi-course polaris menu. Pre-order meal selection is available on most long-haul routes if you book at least 24 hours before departure.

Question 11

How does United Airlines's MileagePlus loyalty program work?

Accepted Answer

MileagePlus is United Airlines's frequent-flyer program, with elite tiers Silver → Gold → Platinum → 1K → Global Services. Miles can be earned on paid flights, partner airlines, co-branded credit-card spend, and partners including Star Alliance, Marriott, Avis, and redeemed for award tickets, cabin upgrades, and ancillaries. Elite status typically unlocks priority check-in, free checked bags, complimentary upgrades when available, and lounge access on international itineraries.

Question 12

Where are the United Airlines lounges and how do I get in?

Accepted Answer

United Airlines operates branded lounges at Chicago (ORD), Newark (EWR). Access is generally limited to same-day travelers in Business or First, top-tier MileagePlus elites, and Star Alliance elite partners. Day passes are sometimes sold subject to capacity; the flagship room is United Polaris Lounge, known for à la carte dining + private daybeds.

Question 13

What aircraft does United Airlines fly?

Accepted Answer

United Airlines's fleet of roughly 1000 aircraft is built around 5 core types: boeing-787-9, boeing-777-300er, airbus-a321neo, boeing-737-max-9, boeing-757-200. Equipment is generally assigned by stage length — narrowbodies cover short and medium-haul routes, while widebodies are reserved for long-haul intercontinental flying. You can confirm the exact aircraft type for your itinerary at booking and again 24 hours before departure, since substitutions do happen.

Question 14

Can I travel with my pet on United Airlines?

Accepted Answer

Small pets in-cabin $125 each way. Cargo program for larger pets. Carriers must fit fully under the seat in front of you, the pet must remain inside for the duration of the flight, and only a limited number of in-cabin pets are permitted per flight — book early. Service animals trained to assist passengers with disabilities travel free with documentation submitted at least 48 hours before departure.

Question 15

Does United Airlines accept unaccompanied minors?

Accepted Answer

Ages 5–14: $150 fee each way, dedicated escort. An adult must complete a release form at the airport, present government-issued photo ID, and remain at the gate until the aircraft departs. The same identification is required by the receiving adult on arrival. Connecting itineraries and overnight flights are usually restricted for the youngest age band.

Question 16

How do I request special assistance on United Airlines?

Accepted Answer

Wheelchair, mobility aid and medical equipment carried free with 48-hour notice. Requests can be added during booking, in your account profile, or by calling reservations. For mobility devices, give battery and dimension details ahead of time so the airport team can pre-stage the right equipment. Pre-boarding is offered to passengers who self-identify at the gate.

Question 17

When does check-in open for United Airlines flights?

Accepted Answer

Online and mobile check-in opens 24 hours before scheduled departure and closes 45–60 minutes before departure for most domestic flights and 60–90 minutes before international departures. Airport baggage drop and ticket counters typically close 30–60 minutes before departure depending on the route. Plan to be through security at least 90 minutes before a domestic departure and 2–3 hours ahead of an international one.

Question 18

How can I find the cheapest United Airlines flights?

Accepted Answer

For published fares, search 4–8 weeks ahead for domestic and 2–6 months ahead for international, fly mid-week (Tuesday/Wednesday) and avoid peak holiday windows. CheapoTrav also negotiates phone-only consolidator fares on United Airlines that are not loaded into public booking engines — call +1 (815) 473-8090 to have an agent compare them against the best online price before you commit.

Question 19

What is Polaris?

Accepted Answer

United Polaris is the carrier's international business class, featuring lie-flat suites with direct aisle access, on all widebody long-haul aircraft.

United Airlines

Cabin experience

Airport lounges

United Polaris Lounge

United Club

Policies

Fleet

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Boeing 777-300ER

Airbus A321neo

Boeing 737 MAX 9

Boeing 757-200

Notable routes

Loyalty program

In pictures

Awards & recognition

Frequently asked questions about United Airlines

Other Star Alliance carriers