A Detailed Review of United Airlines

As one of the largest and most recognisable carriers in the United States, United Airlines is a go-to carrier for digital nomads. With a long-standing presence in global aviation since its founding in 1926, United Airlines has a fleet of more than 900 aircraft that fly to over 350 destinations across nearly 50 countries. Thanks to its vast route network and dependable mid-to-premium service, United is a top choice for digital nomads, business travellers, and frequent flyers looking to fly from the US. Here’s a detailed look at United Airlines to help you decide if it’s the right airline for your next journey.

When to Use United Airlines

Routes and Destinations

As one of the largest airlines in North America, United offers global routes with significant hubs in cities such as Chicago, Denver, Houston, Newark, and San Francisco. The airline provides domestic and international flights, including direct services to key cities in Europe, Asia, South America, and Oceania. United provides excellent coverage for business and leisure travellers from bustling metropolises like New York to London to emerging travel hubs.

Best For

United Airlines is ideal for travellers seeking a reliable full-service airline with a comprehensive selection of routes. Its business class (Polaris) product, wide-body aircraft on long-haul routes, and membership in the Star Alliance make it especially attractive for global travellers. Digital nomads and frequent flyers can also benefit from the MileagePlus loyalty programme, which offers valuable perks, upgrades, and mileage redemptions. It is ideal for digital nomads who are willing to pay a bit more than a budget airline to have more reliability.

When NOT to Use United Airlines

United is not suited to travellers who focus purely on low-cost travel. While the airline competes with budget carriers in specific markets, the base fares can be higher, particularly when extras like seat selection or checked baggage are added. You will have a more comfortable experience, and luggage may be included but will incur higher ticketing costs. As United is not a budget airline, it wouldn’t be an excellent choice for digital nomads on a low budget.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• United flies to over 350 destinations.
• Polaris business class offers lie-flat seats, lounge access, and elevated service on international routes.
• Most aircraft features modernised cabins with in-flight entertainment screens and Wi-Fi.
• The MileagePlus rewards programme is ideal for frequent travellers.
• It’s a great mobile app.

Cons:

• Higher base fares compared to budget competitors.
• Items such as seat selection, baggage, and upgrades cost extra.
• Service quality may vary depending on the route and aircraft.
• Economy seating can feel cramped on some older domestic airliners.

Booking Experience

Website and App Usability

It is really simple to book with United. They have a well-designed and user-friendly website combined with an app that makes it really simple to keep track of bookings and tickets. There is a clear process from start to finish, with the option to add extras before you check out. On the app, you can also make changes to your booking, such as adding additional luggage and more.

Payment and Ticketing

United accepts most major credit and debit cards for payments. Upon checkout, you can enter your details and choose to store them for future purchases or to buy food and entertainment packages on the flight.

United Airlines Baggage Policy

United has a reasonably standard baggage policy for a full-service carrier, but fees and allowances can vary significantly depending on your fare type and route.

• Personal item: This item is included with all fare types and must fit under the seat in front, with a maximum dimension of 9 in x 10 in x 17 in (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm).
• Carry-on bag: Included with most fares, with size limits of 9 in x 14 in x 22 in (23 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm)
• Checked baggage: The first bag costs around $35 (USD) on domestic routes, and fees increase for additional luggage or international itineraries. Dimensions and weight limits vary depending on ticketing levels.
• Overweight/oversized bags: Additional charges apply for items exceeding weight (50 lbs/23 kg for Economy) or size limits.

In-Flight Experience

Food and Drink

As United is not a budget airline, you will be offered complimentary snacks and meals depending on the duration of your flight. You should expect a light snack and non-alcoholic drinks for domestic flights, while on long-haul flights, a light meal and non-alcoholic beverages are offered. Additional snacks and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. If you are travelling business or premium, there is a great selection of food and beverages included with your ticket.

Entertainment

United offers seat-back entertainment on most long-haul aircraft, with a wide selection of films, series, music, and more. On selected flights, passengers can also use the United app to stream entertainment to their own devices using Bluetooth. The availability of in-flight entertainment may vary on short-haul domestic aircraft. On long-haul flights, you will be able to use the built-in screens to order food and drinks and check for flight updates.

Does United Airlines have Wi-Fi on board?

Wi-Fi is available on most United flights, with prices varying depending on the route and duration. For domestic flights and short international routes such as those to Mexico and Canada, Wi-Fi is available for $8 or 800 miles for MileagePlus members and $10 for other passengers. For all other journeys, the cost varies based on your destination and the flight duration.

United Airlines Customer Service

Customer Support

As a non-budget airline, United has good customer service efforts and offers support in multiple ways, including phone, social media, and live chat. Staff at airports and in-flight are generally professional and helpful, though service consistency may vary by region and time of day. The airline prioritises seeing customers’ needs and makes sure they are taken care of.

Reliability

United has a decent track record for punctuality, though weather and operational issues can affect performance, especially at major hub airports. In cases of significant disruption, the airline generally offers rebooking options, travel credits, or accommodation. United is an organised airline, so where there are problems, they tend to jump right to finding solutions.

Alternative Airlines

Comparisons

There are a number of airlines in North America, so United is not your only choice. Competitors may offer better rates, but their customer care is sometimes not up to United’s standards. It is best to weigh up what is best for you before deciding, but here are a few to consider:

• Delta Air Lines: Known for strong customer service and reliability. Often comparable in pricing and service to United.
• American Airlines: Offers a similar route network and loyalty programme but can be hit-or-miss regarding customer service.
• JetBlue: More budget-conscious, with excellent legroom and customer service, but fewer international destinations.
• Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines is great for domestic US travel with flexible policies, though it is not a traditional full-service airline.

Final Thoughts

United Airlines is a solid choice for digital nomads, prioritising reliable service, premium cabin options, and a loyalty programme for frequent flyers. While it may not be the cheapest airline in North America, it offers good value for money, particularly for frequent flyers or those seeking comfort on longer flights. The airline continues to modernise and improve, making it a dependable option for international travel, remote work lifestyles, and everything in between.

Have you recently travelled with United Airlines? We’d love to hear about your experience. Send us a message!