United Airlines is one of the oldest airlines in the United States, with some of its predecessors going back to the late 1920s. Originally, United Airlines was known as "The Boeing Company," and, in some ways, they still are the Boeing Company since this is the primary plane found in their fleet. United has nine airline hubs throughout the world. Its largest hub is in Houston and handles 16.6 million passengers every year, with 45,413 people getting on United flights every day. Chicago O'Hare is the company's largest hub in terms of departures. United flies Boeing 747s, 767s, 777s, and 787s. They also fly narrowbody Airbus 319s, 320s, Boeing 737s, and Boeing 757s, as well as various Embraer and Bombardier jets for its regional carriers. For its regional flights, United usually uses third-party carriers (such as ExpressJet) to get customers to and from smaller airports when traversing between mainline destinations. United Airlines is also a pretty safe airline. In the past twenty years, there have been 3 fatal flights, including two flights that crashed on 9/11, and one minor incident where some passengers and crewmembers were hurt on takeoff (though there was no structural damage to the aircraft).

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The Good

Ticket prices
Boarding
Check-in
Destinations
In-flight services
Time in business

United Airlines has a low price guarantee on their tickets. They have some of the lowest ticket prices for both domestic and international flights. Their prices were often the exact same being offered by other large airlines (such as American Airlines or Delta). Because they are such a large airline, they have the ability to offer many different options for ticket times and connections. With their low prices and flexibility, many customers would be able to choose the flight that best suits them while using United. United also offers different discounts and promotions on their website and for reward club members. Customers can become a part of the MilagePlus program and earn different discounts with their miles. Customers can also have United email them specific discounts or promotions that are being offered. United Airlines has a similar boarding process to many other airlines. Seats are chosen when purchasing tickets and can be changed or upgraded at the check-in time depending on availability. Boarding times vary depending on the flight locations and specific airports being used. United offers a few different methods of check-in including: • Mobile check-in • Online check-in • Airport kiosks • Airport check-in counters Using the United mobile app, passengers can check-in for their flight 24 hours before departure and receive a mobile boarding pass. This speeds up the time at the airport and eliminates the need to keep track of a paper boarding pass. Passengers can also check-in 24 hours before departure on the online check-in and can also ask to receive a mobile boarding pass. If a passenger chooses to check-in at the airport, they have the choice of self-service kiosks (which are always open for use) or check-in counters which have specific hours of operation depending upon the airport. United Airlines serves 374 different destinations, both domestic and international. This is a large number of destinations for an airline and makes United one of the larger airlines available. Some of their top destinations include: • Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo • Ft. Lauderdale from New York/Newark • In and around California • New York • Chicago • Las Vegas United flies to Asia, the Americas, Europe, Oceania, and Africa. With all of their destinations, United would be able to serve many passengers on their flights. They would be able to provide a number of different options and because they offer more destinations than many other airlines, they would have more flight choices for passengers to choose from. United Airlines partners with a number of different airlines so that they are able to provide as many destinations as possible. They also continue to grow and their destinations are constantly changing and expanding. United Airlines offers many of the customary in-flight services that are expected from passengers. Some of the details include: • Dining: For economy flights, United offers a snack shop as well as an onboard bistro for their domestic flights. For international flights, they offer a complimentary meal. Often this is a three-course meal with a light snack and beverage options. They provide an option of beer, wine, and water. United also gives passengers the opportunity to order a special meal in advance for any dietary restrictions. • Entertainment: There are a number of different options for entertainment on United Flights. Some of their planes offer personal devices. The passengers can use a personal device provided that it is already uploaded with a number of games, movies, and TV shows. Other planes offer screens on the back of the seats for passengers to view the entertainment options. And some of the United fleet has main screen entertainment. There is a screen at the front of the cabin for passengers to view the entertainment. The type of entertainment viewing option available for each flight can be found on the United website. They also offer magazines and packages of different DirecTV programs for purchase. • Shopping: On international flights, United offers tax-free shopping for different items such as fragrances, cosmetics, and jewelry similar to many other airline shopping offers. • Wi-Fi: United is in the process of making all of their planes have the option of Wi-Fi. Currently, 700 of their aircraft's do offer in-flight Wi-Fi for purchase. The prices vary depending on the specific flight and are not posted to view without specific flight information. Wi-Fi is also not permitted to be used to make any video calls on flights. United Airlines has been in business for 89 years. They have become one of the oldest airlines, opening their company on April 6, 1926. Since they opened they have been committed to becoming the airline that customers want to fly with. They are currently offering the following to become that airline: • Most extensive network: United flies 150 customers every year on close to 5,800 flights • Most flat-bed seats: United offers the most flat-bed seats of any airline • More overhead space: Passengers enjoy 66% more room • More leg room in economy: Economy seating on United enjoys extra leg room for their seat United Airlines also recently received their 5th consecutive perfect score on leading LGBT Equality Index for the Best Places to Work.

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The Bad

Baggage
Flight statistics

United Airlines does not allow any checked baggage to be free for most of their flights. In comparison, a number of airlines do allow at least one piece of free checked baggage. A few international flights are free for one checked bag but generally the first checked bag costs $25, the second $35 or $100 for trans-Atlantic, and the third costs $150. Any additional baggage will cost $200 a piece. Additional baggage is also only accepted if the aircraft has room. While the cost is relatively low, it is still a cost while other airlines offer it for free. The maximum exterior dimension (length + width + height) of standard checked baggage is 62 inches (158 cm), including handles and wheels. Having excess baggage weight or size will come at a fee to be determined by the specific weights and size of the baggage. However, there are restrictions including any baggage weighing over 100lbs will not be accepted (with the exception of assistive devices and musical instruments). Any baggage whose total outside dimensions are larger than 115 inches will not be accepted. United Airlines flies close to 5,800 flights a year. When examining the daily flights that United flies to the most frequently, they did not have as high of performances when compared to other top airlines. Other airlines close to their size (such as Southwest and Delta) have slightly better statistics of daily flights than United does (as per Flightstats.com). Overall, United had roughly an 82% on time rate, a 7% late, 2% very late, 5% excessive and 1% of canceled flights according to Flightstats.com. Many other airlines have 0% canceled flights, unlike United. When looking at their most active routes, they received ratings lower than average for top airlines. Their top three routes include: • Washington to San Francisco (3.5 stars, 91% on time) • Los Angeles to Chicago (3.5 stars, 90% on time) • Los Angeles to Houston (3.4 stars, 89% on time) When compared to other airlines that have many high four-star ratings and some five-star ratings, United's 3.5 stars are low. United's most active routes are all domestic routes so it is hard to say how they compare with other airlines on international flights. Their lowest rated flight was the route of Houston to Newark with only 1.9 stars and 78% on-time according to Flightstats.com.

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The Bottom Line

We recommend United Airlines as a top airline company. They offer very low prices and tons of flights that consistently leave and arrive on-time. They also are improving their in-flight service to ultimately enhance the overall user experience.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

3.1

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516 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

22%

4 grade

27%

3 grade

15%

2 grade

12%

1 grade

24%

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MindyV Lubbock, TX

Wonderful airline!!!! My son's first time flying ever, this past Christmas, was on a Untied flight and it was great!!! He really didn't want to land at all. But I told him that after we landed, we were getting on another plane, a bigger plane, and will be up in the air flying again. Of course, the trip went by WAY too fast but United was amazing!!! I know that it was an extremely difficult time, especially with COVID, but everyone was so nice and helpful. I appreciated the fact that on both United airplanes, everyone was given a beverage. And even though I'm what's considered a customer of size, the flight attendant was really sweet when I had tor request a seatbelt extender on my first flight because it was a smaller plane. Everyone was so awesome on both of our flights and we LOVE United Airlines!!!!!!

5 years ago

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DealStar South Jordan, UT

United Airlines upgraded me to First Class when it turned out the Coach seats were full. I had to be across the country for an important meeting, and this could have turned out very badly. Instead, it was wonderful! It's the only time in my life I have been happy to be last onboard :) and it's the only time in my life I had flown first class. In my opinion, United Airlines is the industry standard for air travel, even if it's in Coach Seating!

5 years ago

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JOHN M CAMPBELL ,

I was a loyal Continental Airlines customer since mid 1970's. When United purchased Continental, they used the best things from the OnePass & United MilesPlus rewards system. I was afraid that my Continental OnePass benefits (which was rated as the #1 airline miles program at the time) would be devalued. Not only were the miles not devalued the program became better. I now have "1 MillionMiles Status" with United and I would not fly any other airline, even if it might be cheaper, unless United didn't go to that place.

5 years ago

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Candace Barrow Venus, TX

All the people we met were very friendly and helpful. The only problem was at the Houston arrival. The attendant who brought me a wheelchair insisted that we go to our connecting flight on a cart. It was extremely difficult for me to get on the cart and caused me to strain my back causing me more pain than I already had. All the other wheelchair attendants were very very helpful.

6 years ago

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Bryan Thompson

My wife and I booked flights and were looking forward to a lovely time in S America. Then suddenly my aging mother took a nosedive in her health and is clearly days away from passing. To be received with compassion and kindness rather than suspicion (about our request to cancel flights) was an amazing touch we needed today. Thank you, United Airlines!

8 years ago

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Jacob Lundquist

Me and my wife were returning from our Honeymoon, and we noticed that our seats were not right next to each other. We talked to the gate agent, and the next thing we knew they had upgraded us to first class at no extra cost. I know that United as a whole gets a lot of bad press lately, but I can say that I actually had a great experience and they went above and beyond for us.

9 years ago

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Matt Cox Kansas City, MO

I love United. Not once, but twice they got me home when another airline stranded me hundreds of miles from home. Also, I fly to Phoenix via Denver a lot and they operate a nice, roomy Boeing 757 from MCI to DEN, not a tiny "regional jet" like most others. I've nothing but nice things to say about them and they'll always get my business to anywhere they fly.

11 years ago

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Casey Bailey Beaver, PA

I love United. Their Customer Service is professional and even though some times the weather or other factors throw a kink into travel plans, United does their best to get you where you're going. Also, their MileagePlus Program is easy to understand and I've found it rather easy to earn status on it even with the infrequent flying I do on a yearly basis.

11 years ago

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Ascot21071 Chicago, IL

I have flown United for over 20 years. Lived in Asia for 8 years and travelled to the US every month, most of the time on UA. Fly at least monthly domestically with 4 international trips a year. I don't have the same experience as others on this site. Delays happen, if I am kept advised of the delay and what they are doing to resolve the delay, I'm fine. Staff are generally helpful and courteous.

11 years ago

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Paula Pili Provo, UT

Lucky review of Business First! Amazing Food Amazing! Sleep Amazing I was headed to Hawaii for a funeral I decided to upgrade So worth it! Bed seats and everything Oh well… the dream is over! I would love to fly them again!!!!

4 years ago

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Julia UP Southbury, CT

I like United Airlines, it was very accommodating for our vacation recently and even got us home a little quicker. We were travelling coming home from a vacation and because of storms back east our connecting flight was delayed by hours. Would recommend

5 years ago

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Darrin Pelham Rincon, GA

For me I have looked at United as the upper echelon of the US based carriers and that's always been the case when I have flown on their flights. The planes have always been super clean, the staff very professional and flights on time. If you have the chance to fly United take it you will see the difference.

5 years ago

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Steve Ashby Portland, OR

I like United a lot and it is one of the main airlines I use. They have mini-hub at PDX so flights go just about everywhere. Their terminal is nice and they offer a lot of perks for freq customers. I took them to Brazil many times and it was very nice.

5 years ago

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Desiree Pleasant Grove, UT

I love flying with United! United Airlines has one of the best services and an amazing crew. I've had a positive experience with United every time. They let us bring a carry on which was super convenient. United is definitely more affordable.

5 years ago

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James O. Dallas, TX

From every flight that I have taken with them, my experience was really incredible. Flights were punctual on the take off and sometimes arrived minutes earlier than expected. The service was really great, overall a very pleasant experience.

6 years ago

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Jean Sarasota, FL

Several flights in 2019 - all on time, luggage not lost; called when had 45 minute time frame between flights and my seat was moved up without additional cost; food available for sale has met my neds when there is no time to purchase food at given airport; card members has opportunity to purchase miles

6 years ago

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Michael Gall Provo, UT

I have been traveling on United for quite some time. They seem to offer the best pricing to most of the cities I frequent. My last few trips, I upgraded to first class and really enjoyed the level of service. When possibe, I'll be choosing United again in the future.

7 years ago

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Lesa Burgess Pleasant Grove, UT

I love United Airlines rewards program and how they are partnered with Marriott hotels. Because of this, I was able to upgrade to Premier Silver & have benefited from many upgrades while I travel. Having this feature has made me book more through United than other airlines.

8 years ago

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Pete Centerville, UT

I recently flew to Hawaii on United and I wasn't impressed with the flight being delayed and causing me to miss my next flight, but the staff was very helpful about getting me and my friends hotel accommodations and free dinner to make up for it. We were able to get on the next available flight in the morning.

8 years ago

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Regina Igel

Flight 861, Dulles -Sao Paulo, June 11, 2015. Business class. All service of superior quality. "Commodore" John Davis (I asked for his name), excellent, attentive to our needs, thoughtful, cordial, friendly. - Food of excellent quality, as well as drinks. Smooth flight, no disturbances, nice landing. All went well.

11 years ago

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Anand Anandan Palatine, IL

I am a Million miler with United. I started using United as I was travelling all over the world and I wanted to depend on one airlines for that. Now I am addicted to them as they are doing such a great service. All in all my experience with their Star Alliance partner has been great! I highly recommend!

11 years ago

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Lizabeth Augustine Holmdel, NJ

I have been flying United consistently since the 1990's. Have always had a pleasant experience. On our honeymoon we missed our flight and they got us on another flight as soon as humanly possible. Always had the same customer service since that memorable and only flight we ever missed. Our daughter now flies United. Nice to see a company be safe and successful. Thank you.

6 years ago

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stevey shumway Orem, UT

I absolutely love flying with United. I flew with them to Europe in 2017, and I do not have enough great things to say about them! The customer service was phenomenal, the flight attendant were the nicest! Everything was very nice and organized. I have never enjoyed a trip more and I do believe it was because of the great airline I was flying with.

6 years ago

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Tom M Holmdel, NJ

When I fly, United Airlines is my first choice to fly. I live in New Jersey and it seems that everywhere I want to or need to go to United Airlines can get me there. I find that the price is competitive. The find the online booking and seat selection very easy to use. I have been a member of their Frequent Flyer program and signed up the rest of my family. We are looking forward to using the miles in the future.

6 years ago

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Michelle Hawker Las Vegas, NV

I know many don't like the baggage fees etc. But all that aside, I cannot say enough about my positive experience with United. We were in a stressful situation, flying overseas for the second time in weeks to adopt a baby. Once they realized our situation, we were upgraded to 1st class. On our trip home with the baby, the off duty flight attendants helped with my baby. I will forever love United.

8 years ago

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Emy

United Airlines are my favorites among all airlines. They offer a lot of pleasant perks for their devoted customers, but their helpful and caring crew members make every effort to make the flight experience nice.

4 years ago

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Rahat Afnan Dhaka, 13

United Airlines is one of the best airlines I've ever used. Their services for customers are very satisfactory. All the crews are supportive and friendly. Smooth management overall. Should be appreciated throughout.

5 years ago

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Qiao Bethesda, MD

This is my favorite airline, I use for most my trips national and international. it is tide, on time, and crews are friendly. I am planing to book tickets to Orlando this summer.

6 years ago

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Ahmi Thitayan

As a MileagePlus member, United is truly the airline of the Friendly Skies. Every flight I’ve been on has been on time, and the customer support has been efficient and helping.

8 years ago

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Connie Little Falls, NJ

I flew United to Italy paid a little more for the seats but well worth it I got treated really nice both here and in Milan, No delays comfortable seats and really nice people. Will fly them again ,,,,

11 years ago

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Steve Midway, UT

I fly a lot, and within the last few years, it's mainly been on United. I have gotta say, quite impressed with the little amount of flights that have been canceled or delayed. Probably the most consistent airline I've flown on. Service is always good, not great, but I don't mind it.

6 years ago

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Michelle W Coraopolis, PA

United is an airline I've only flown once, and I think I should start to use it more often. The staff is great, and the flight I was on they "performed" the speech at the beginning to make it entertaining and have us all pay attention. Pretty cool!

6 years ago

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Desi Pleasant Grove, UT

Just went a couple months ago and the people were also very kind. Really great entertainment too. I've watched a bunch of movies and was very relaxed. I slept a lot, and the treats made me happy! We had ice cream and a bunch of snacks!

7 years ago

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Jennifer Gilbert, AZ

I phone with United up on several occasions and have always had a pleasant experience. Your customer service has been great their planes have been clean and I’ve never had a flight delayed or late. I would recommend anybody flying with United airlines.

7 years ago

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Rosie Hansen Salt Lake City, UT

Hands down the best airline in the business!! They have so many flights going in and out of anywhere and their flight attendants are literally the sweetest!! I must also mention that flying their first class (Polaris Business) is the way to go, especially if you're flying international!!

7 years ago

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Reese Pleasant Grove, UT

I have flown on United Airlines many times in the past and they have great customer service. They have space for the seats and that is important to me and I think that their fleet or airplanes is newer and well maintained. They give me access to many international flights and the people that work there were very helpful to me.

7 years ago

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Ashley Pleasant Grove, UT

I just love how the name alone "United". That's how I feel that way when I fly with this company. The service is professional and the feeling being connected. I love to ask the flight attendants where their favorite place to eat or to go see if they have visited that city often. We have enjoyed our experience with United.

7 years ago

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August Moulton Lehi, UT

United was the first airline I ever flew on and I was impressed with their product. But more so with their service representatives. I still remember the agent who helped me make my flight round trip for only 14.00 and saving me a 10 hour bus ride home. Great customer service!

7 years ago

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Sarah Provo, UT

Always a comfortable flight with United. I really appreciate their customer service as their flight attendance are always searching for anyone in need. They always walk the aisles with their free snacks and drinks and willing to answer any questions that you have!

7 years ago

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Emma Webster Gilbert, AZ

I love flying United! They offer new, comfortable seating with everything you need for plane rides of any length. The service is very friendly and are willing to provide you with anything to make your ride more comfortable. I trust United to bring me and my baggage to and from any overseas destination.

7 years ago

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Marci Schramm Salem, UT

I have flown the friendly skies of United before. I always go with the best rate so whenever I can get a more reasonable flight I will buy that one. United has been safe and friendly and I hope to fly with them again sometime

8 years ago

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LeAnn Baytown, TX

You cannot go wrong flying American Airlines. We flew Rome to Houston. Our seats were comfortable and roomy even in Economy. The movie selection was great too.

5 years ago

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Aaron Patterson Arlington, TX

This was my first flight ever. I was super nervous and the staff was polite and upbeat and the pilot was awesome and highly skilled!! I loved every minute!!

7 years ago

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Jade V Redlands, CA

Every time I’ve flown with United Airlines I’ve had a positive experience. They have been especially helpful every time I travel alone with my 4 little kids.

8 years ago

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Gary Mayer South Jordan, UT

Great airline and enjoy flying with them. Their service from reservation to flying is always first class. They are so very friendly. Highly recommend them to everyone.

8 years ago

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Virginia

Flew from Houston to Frankfurt on 4 July 2015. Was seated in Business First, everything was excellent, the meal, the flight attendants and airport staff.

11 years ago

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MattB American Fork, UT

We’ve had good experiences with United! The last flight our family took with them was a pleasant experience with great customer service, kind and Caring staff and reasonable and competitive rates.

6 years ago

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Elizabeth Norton ,

Good experience, and a big clean plane. I feel like the prices are a little high, but the quality is good. I was happy with my experience, and I felt I was treated with kindness and respect the entire time.

6 years ago

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hmarashi Belleville, NJ

United is the only airline I use to fly to and from California, every year my family and I visit our cousins in LA, United flights are priced fairly and in flight meal options were stupendous.

6 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Bennett Robinson Riverton, UT

United Airlines has great flight options, especially when traveling domestically. Their prices are pretty comparable to other major airlines and they are a company you can trust to get you where you need to be.

6 years ago