United Airlines Review

Headquartered in Chicago, United Airlines is one of the biggest airlines in America and flies to destinations on all six continents. It flies to 238 destinations in the United States and 118 international destinations. Out of all its destinations, Chicago O’Hare sees the most traffic.

I fly a lot, and generally I like to fly on a budget. I’m not overly fussed about perks, but it’s nice to know they’re available if we want them. I recently flew with United Airlines from Denver, Colorado, to Portland, Oregon, and took the opportunity to write this article and share the details you might like to know before you book your flights.

My Experience Flying United Airlines 

Denver to Portland

My flight for Portland left at six in the morning, so I had an early wakeup and an early bus ride to the airport. When I’d gotten through security and arrived at the gate, I had to wait less than twenty minutes before boarding my flight.

I’d describe my experience with United Airlines as pleasant. OK, it wasn’t First Class, but I far from paid a First Class fare, and the staff and flight ran very smoothly. As a bonus, I had a window seat and an empty middle seat next to me, which allowed me to stretch out my legs.

Being in the last row meant I felt a little more cramped than other areas of the plane, but using the window as a pillow and sitting in a more angular position made the flight much more comfortable. I like to take a gamble with where I’m seated, and it wasn’t too bad at all.

I got to look at the beautiful views over Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon! I only traveled with a personal item, even though I had a carry-on bag included with my airfare. 

This is because I was taking another airline on the return journey, where I had to pay for a carry-on. I didn’t mind traveling with only a personal item, since it meant I could save money and travel lightly. That’s less I have to worry about!

Meals On Board

United Airlines did not offer meals on my flight to Portland since my flight was so short. They did hand out dark chocolate quinoa snacks and complimentary water, coffee, and soda.

For international flights, United does offer meals. 

Flights between 300 and 500 miles receive complimentary snacks and beer, wine, and spirits for purchase. Flights over 500 miles receive complimentary snacks, beer, wine, and spirits, with premium snacks and boxes are available.

Flights over 1,190 miles receive beer, wine, and spirits available for purchase, premium snacks and snack boxes for purchase, and a Bistro on Board available for purchase. 

Bistro On Board

On longer United flights, you can purchase hot and cold meals. Breakfast options include apple cinnamon overnight oats, a three-cheese omelet with seasoned potatoes, and a ham, egg, and cheese breakfast bagel.

For lunch, you can purchase a classic cheeseburger, a turkey bacon club, and a fresh cheese and fruit tray. 

Flights in Canada offer different options, like a maple breakfast sandwich, hummus platter, Forty Creek barbecue burger, and sun-dried tomato chicken pesto wrap for lunch and dinner.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, you’ll get a maple breakfast sandwich, a turkey and mozzarella sandwich, and a BBQ chicken sandwich. 

Entertainment On Board

Only select United Airlines fleets offer in-flight entertainment. While the flight I took did not have an in-flight entertainment system, other longer-duration United Airlines flights do. I’ve found this is common for airlines.

If your flight does have in-seat entertainment, you can purchase Wi-Fi and watch several shows and movies. New releases include Ghostbusters, One Life, the Long Game, Sleeping Dogs, and Lisa Frankenstein. 

Checking A Bag

If you’re checking a bag with United Airlines, the maximum size is 62 total inches, or 30 in x 20 in x 12 in (76 cm x 52 cm x 30 cm).

Prices vary depending on where you’re flying. For example, my flight from Denver to Portland charged $40 for a checked bag when paying at the airport. If you paid for the bag during check-in, it’s $35.

The second bag is $50 if you pay at the airport or $45 if you pre-paid. The maximum weight for a checked bag is 50 pounds or 23 kilos.

If you’re flying in United Business or First Class, you have a weight limit of up to 70 pounds or 32 kilos. 

Paying For Pre-Selected Seats

How much it costs to pay for your pick of seats really does depend on where you’re flying with with United Airlines, and of course in which class. If you’re flying with the most basic fare, you’ll get a random seat assigned when you check in to your flight.

Selecting a seat at check-in will cost anywhere between $24 to $36. You’ll get a complimentary seat selection if you pay an economy fare or higher. Most of the time, I never pay for a seat and hope I get lucky! 

Mileage Plus Loyalty Program

United Airlines has the most awarded destinations out of all the airlines in America. This frequent flyer program, associated with United Airlines, offers flyers the chance to earn points every time they fly with United.

You can use these points on future flights and upgrades to save money. You can earn miles on checked bags, in-flight snacks, and onboard Wi-Fi. Level up with the Mileage Plus Premier Status, where you’ll have free access to Economy Plus and numerous free upgrades. You can also use points to cover the cost of your seat upgrade and other perks. 

With a United Airlines credit card, you can earn up to 90,000 bonus points when you sign up. They offer different credit cards, including United Explorer, United Gateway, United Quest, and United Club.

You can also earn more points using their MileagePlus X app. Another perk is RocketMiles, where you can earn up to 10,000 miles per night when you book hotels. 

How To Book With United Airlines

When booking with United Airlines on their website, you have plenty of options to personalize the flight. After entering your departure and arrival airport and departure and return date, you can select the type of cabin, either Economy/Premium Economy or Business/First.

Then, you can select the type of fare, either the lowest available or fully refundable. You can then select to show flights from all airlines, United and United Express only, or All-Star Alliance airlines.

Basic Economy

This is the most restrictive airfare, and it does not offer any of the perks that your standard economy does. You’re limited to a personal item, cannot change your flight, and you’re in the hands of random seat selection – you cannot choose.

You do, however, get from A to B for a very good price.

Economy

With economy, you can choose a complimentary seat, sit with your group or family, change your flight, bring a carry-on plus a personal item on board, and earn full Premier qualifying credit. 

Economy – Fully Refundable

The fully refundable economy offers the same perks as the economy, plus it’s fully refundable should you decide to cancel. So if you’re not entirely certain this trip will go ahead or you want that extra protection, this is a great option.

Economy Plus – Extra Legroom

The extra legroom Economy Plus offers the same perks as economy but with seats with extra legroom. The width of your seat doesn’t change, at 17.3 inches; but you’ll get 6 more inches of legroom in Economy Plus (31 inches in Economy and 37 inches in Economy Plus).

Business/First 

If you’re not a fan of economy and want to allocate a bigger budget for more perks, United delivers. You’ll get priority check-in, boarding, and security, plus two free checked bags, and access to United’s premium Polaris lounge. In-flight dining is also included. 

My Verdict On United Airlines

United is one of the most popular and affordable airlines in the USA. With hundreds of destinations worldwide, you’ll get excellent service that suits any budget. It would be unfair to say they’re only good at economy, because they do offer excellent Business and First Class flights.

However, economy seems to be their niche – getting us around the globe on the best price, with add-ons that won’t crank up the air fare.

My experience in Economy was seamless. It left on time, and I had a pleasant experience boarding, during the flight, and disembarking. If it means I have to take a gamble with where I’ll be seated, I’m happy with that, and the option is there to make some tweaks, such as seat selection.

Ultimately, United Airlines is for you if you want to travel safely and arrive at your destination quickly, at a fantastic price.