United Airlines, Inc. is a major airline in the United States headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It operates an extensive domestic and international route network across the United States and to destinations on six continents. Regional service is provided by independent carriers operating under the United Express brand, and the Star Alliance, of which United was one of the five founding airlines, extends its network throughout the world.
The principal figure behind the formation of the airline was William E. Boeing, founder of the Boeing Aircraft Company in 1916. He launched an air service between Victoria, British Columbia, and Seattle and later acquired three additional airlines, completing the merger by 1931 to form United Air Lines. Through successive mergers and acquisitions, United has remained one of the largest airlines in the world for much of its history.
As of 2026, United Airlines flies (or has flown) to the following destinations. This table does not include destinations served by United's regional subsidiary, United Express.
As of 2026, United operates eight hubs:
Alliance and codeshare agreements
United Airlines is a member of Star Alliance that has 26 member airlines that operate a combined fleet of over 5,000 aircraft, with more than 19,000 flights, serving more than 1,150 airports with access to over 1,000 lounges in 190 countries.
United has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:
United Polaris is the airline's international business class product. The seats convert into a 6-foot-6-inch (1.98 m) flatbed and include personal storage areas, power outlets and upgraded dining and amenity offerings.
Polaris seats are available on all Boeing 767s and 787s, internationally configured 757s and 777s, and Airbus A321XLRs. Boeing 757s use a 2–2 layout without direct aisle access from each seat, while widebody aircraft and Airbus A321XLRs provide aisle access for all passengers.
United has introduced an updated Polaris suite for newer Boeing 787s and Airbus A321XLRs. These suites include sliding doors and larger 4K screens. On the 787s, the bulkhead row of each Polaris cabin is designated as "Polaris Studio" seats with additional space and features.
Polaris passengers receive priority check-in and boarding along with access to United Polaris lounges or partner lounges.
United First and United Business
United First is the highest cabin offered on domestically configured aircraft. When these aircraft operate internationally, the cabin is marketed as United Business. Seats on narrowbody aircraft have a 38-inch (970 mm) seat pitch, while domestically configured Boeing 777-200ERs feature fully flat seats in a staggered layout. Amenities include priority services, complimentary alcoholic beverages and meals on longer flights, and dedicated check-in areas.
United introduced a redesigned domestic first-class seat in 2015, initially on Airbus A320 family aircraft, subsequently rolling it out across the mainline fleet.
In 2019, United announced a fleet-wide increase in first and business class seating, including the introduction of the premium-configured CRJ550 and later the CRJ450 regional aircraft.
United's newest narrowbody interiors debuted on the Airbus A321neo in 2023.
United Premium Plus is the airline's international premium economy class cabin. It is available on all internationally configured widebody aircraft and Airbus A321XLRs, featuring recliner seats with increased width, legroom and footrests. On newer Boeing 787s and A321XLRs, the seats also feature privacy dividers. Typical layouts are 2–2–2 on Boeing 767s, 2–3–2 on 787s, 2–4–2 on 777s, and 2-2 on A321XLRs.
Premium Plus includes enhanced dining, complimentary alcoholic beverages and upgraded bedding and amenities. The product entered service in 2019 after initially being sold as extended-legroom seating during the rollout period.