By Maksim Koval, 23 December 2023
How to book cheap United Airlines flights?
From booking directly with United Airlines to leveraging loyalty programs and curated deals services, the table below outlines effective strategies to help you secure affordable flights. Discover each method, its potential savings, and the reasons it works.
Method | Savings | Why it works |
---|---|---|
Booking directly with airline | 2% — 10% | OTAs and travel agents often add service fees |
Flying on weekdays | 5% — 10% | Weekend flights tend to cost slightly more |
Flying early morning | 15% — 20% | Lower demand for flights departing 1am - 5am |
Layovers / stopovers | 10% — 30% | Non-direct flights to often cost less |
Early booking | 10% — 30% | As departure day nears, airfares start to rise |
Flying during low-season | 10% — 30% | With fewer people traveling to , prices drop due to lower demand |
Booking round-trip flights | 10% — 35% | Airlines encourage longer commitment by offering discount |
Frequent flyer programs | 10% — 40% | Discounts, travel perks and benefits to foster customer loyalty |
Sales and promotions | 10% — 50% | Airlines often offer special promotions to boost demand |
Air Traveler Club BEST | 40% — 80% | Exclusive, handpicked SuperDeals deliver the highest savings ( learn more ) |
Fly with any airline.
Pay 40-80% less for your flight.
- Amazing deals to 200+ destinations in Asia
- Departures from US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Asia
- Regional routes within Asia included
- Each deal is 40%–80% cheaper than the regular price
Join 80,000 savvy travelers — it’s free!
Does United fly to Asia?
Yes, United offers flights to destinations in Asia, as well as the broader Asia Pacific region:
Australia, China, Hawaii, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Jordan, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Tahiti, Taiwan, UAE
Why are United Airlines flights so expensive in 2024?
Airfares soared in 2023. United Airlines flights are more expensive now due to rising demand, limited supply, inflation, fuel prices, closed airspace, and increased operational costs.
One key factor within your control is the timing of your booking. To save money on travel, it’s wise to plan ahead – the best time to book international flights with United is between 2 to 8 months before your departure date.
The primary elements that impact the cost of flights:
- Rising demand With more people traveling in the post-pandemic era, airlines have no incentive to lower prices. Instead, they capitalize on spiked demand and raise prices to make up for lost revenue during the period of 2020-2022.
- Limited supply In 2024 United Airlines is still operating at reduced capacity after the pandemic. Staffing shortages of pilots, plane crew, and airport workers lead to flight cancellations and delays, affecting the supply even more. With fewer flights, the American carrier charges more for the plane tickets that are available.
- Inflation Inflation has a significant impact on flight prices, as it directly increases the cost of fuel and labor for airlines. This can be particularly true for United Airlines that operates in countries with high inflation rates.
- Jet fuel costs Fuel is a significant airline cost, influenced by crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions. To cope with rising fuel prices, the airline may pass it on to travelers in the form of a fuel surcharge added to the ticket price.
- Closed airspace Avoiding airspace due to war, political conflicts, extreme weather, or natural disasters make airline tickets more expensive. United Airlines may be forced to take longer routes to reach the destination airport – which means higher fuel and labor costs.
- United operating costs The costs of labor, aircraft maintenance, aircraft leasing or purchasing expenses, marketing, etc. significantly increased in 2024. As United Airlines aims to remain profitable, it must factor in these operating costs when setting ticket prices.
- Will flight prices go down in 2024?Historical trends suggest that airfare prices will fluctuate based on the factors described above. As long as the demand for travel is up, so is airfare. After tough years the United Airlines is in no position to offer discounts for passengers and will likely try to maximize profits in 2024.
United Airlines ticket price
What is the fair price of a United Airlines flight? While airfares constantly fluctuate, we can estimate costs based on historical data. If you want to know if you’re paying a fair price and not overpaying, check the figures below to gauge what to expect.
Assuming that you are flying one-way in economy class, your United Airlines flight ticket will cost:
- $50 – $200 for an ultra-short-haul flight up to 500 km (310 miles)
- $150 – $300 for a short-haul flight ranging 500–1,500 km (310–930 miles)
- $150 – $400 for a medium-haul flight ranging 1,500–3,000 km (930–1850 miles)
- $300 – $600 for a long-haul flight ranging 3,000–6,000 km (1850–3700 miles)
- $400 – $1000 for an ultra-long-haul flight above 6,000 km (3700 miles)
Round-trip (return) flights with United Airlines generally provide some cost savings compared to purchasing two separate one-way tickets. As a general guide, you can expect a savings of approximately 10–30% potential savings with round-trip bookings for extensive, ultra-long-haul flights.
It is a raw estimate on what ticket price you can expect and can serve as a guideline for what might be considered a reasonable, ‘fair’ fare. It’s based on key factors like flight distance, fuel cost, aircraft types used by the carrier, and the fact that United Airlines is a full-service airline.
Price-drop alerts
Price drops present an excellent chance to score an inexpensive flight. They are typically caused by an increased number of passenger cancellations — when the pricing algorithm is forced to return to lower price levels.
The same happens when the airline adds extra, unscheduled flights shortly before the departure date.
Air Traveler Club is a great source for tracking price drops. With its mobile app and email notifications, you’ll never miss a great bargain on United Airlines flights.
Best time to book
United Airlines flights
The best time to book international United Airlines flights is between 2 to 8 months before your travel date. The prime booking window (the most likely time to find the bargains) is 4–6 months before takeoff. For United domestic flights within United States, making a reservation from 4 to 8 weeks in advance is recommended.
Why do prices fluctuate?
Airfare prices fluctuate due to demand, seasonal trends, and competition, causing numerous price drops and increases as your departure date approaches. Airlines such as United Airlines use sophisticated revenue management systems to adjust pricing for optimal seat sales. Generally, as seats are sold, prices tend to become more expensive.
Don’t book too early
United start selling their flights 9–12 months in advance. However, booking a ticket too early in that window can be an expensive mistake – the airline typically starts by setting prices at a relatively high level to capture early demand from those willing to pay more to secure their seats.
Prime Booking Window
For long-haul flights with United Airlines, the best time to book your ticket is around 4–6 months before departure. It is the “Prime Booking Window” – after some seats have already been sold, the airline starts dropping prices to stimulate demand.
It may also offer promotions and sales (especially for flights departing from its hub in O'Hare International Airport ORD
, Denver International Airport DEN
, Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport GUM
, George Bush Intercontinental Airport IAH
, Los Angeles International Airport LAX
). This is the ideal time for bargain hunting.
Fly on weekdays
It makes a difference which day of the week you board the plane. Midweek travel (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) is less busy and likely cheaper than flying on weekends. The American airline charges higher prices for weekend travel due to the high demand from people going on short getaways or visiting family and friends.
Opt for early morning flights
Select a late night or early morning (1–5 am) flight to save on airfare. United Airlines often offers discounts on their first morning flight (up to 15-20%) simply because of lower demand – most people are not willing to go to the airport so early. Moreover, morning flights have fewer delays, and airport queues are usually shorter.
Peak seasons are expensive
Peak travel seasons are always expensive – due to higher base prices set by United for dates it expects to be popular. Avoid the high season during summer and major holidays, including holidays in the country you’re flying to.
Stop overpaying
for flights
Take advantage of our curated flight deals and save up to 80% on every booking
United Airlines upgrades
How to get free upgrade to United Airlines Business Class?
Free upgrades to United Airlines Business Class are quite rare. The American carrier doesn’t offer them unless necessary – such as when the Economy Class is full. However, some tried-and-true methods (hacks) to increase your chances include joining MileagePlus loyalty program, traveling solo, booking flight times less popular among business travelers, or simply asking politely for an upgrade at check-in or the gate.
Let’s delve into the specifics:
- Be loyal. Joining an MileagePlus – United Airlines frequent flyer program – boosts your odds of free business class upgrades. Earning air miles through regular travel can lead to preferred status with the airline and possible complimentary class upgrades.
- Know your aircraft. Wide-body planes used by United Airlines have more business class seats, increasing the likelihood of empty seats. Check the aircraft type when booking and seat availability in business class close to departure. The more empty seats, the better your chances of an upgrade.
- Fly midweek or redeye. Book a flight on the less popular times for business travellers. Flying on midweek days, or late-night hours is a good way to reduce competition for business class seats.
- Go solo. If there is an upgrade to happen, the staff will look for solo bookings. Consider booking your flights separately even when traveling with friends.
- Volunteer for next flight. Like many airlines, United oversells flights to maximize their profit. If your flight is overbooked, consider volunteering to be “bumped” to the next flight – in exchange for an upgrade.
- Ask for an upgrade. Asking for an upgrade at the check-in or departure gate can be effective. Inquire politely about last-minute upgrade opportunities. It will help if you have a good reason: having a bad back problem, being exceptionally tall, celebrating a honeymoon, etc.
- Arrive early. If there is an upgraded seat available, being among the first to check in and request an upgrade often puts you in a favorable position.
- Bid for upgrade. This method, while costing money, has been effective for many passengers. After booking your flight, you may receive an offer from United Airlines to a blind auction for unsold business class seats. If your bid is successful, an upgraded boarding pass will be issued between 72 and 24 hours before departure.
Please note: not all fares can be upgraded. Don’t buy the cheapest possible United Airlines ticket with that expectation.
How much is United Airlines Business Class?
The cost of Business Class on United Airlines flights can vary, typically being 50-200% more expensive than its economy class. For international flights, fares usually range from $2,000 to $5,000 or even higher for ultra-long-haul flights. Yes, business class tickets can be shockingly unaffordable!
On average, United Airlines Business Class tickets cost $300 to $800 for short-haul (under 2 hours), $800 to $1500 for medium-haul (2-6 hours), and $1500 to $5000 for long-haul flights (over 6 hours). For ultra-long-haul flights (10 hours or more) prices start at $2500 and can go much higher, up to $8,000.
This premium price depends on factors like the type of aircraft, route, flight duration, time of booking, and demand. Additionally, business class features like spacious seating, lie-flat beds, gourmet meals, advanced entertainment, increased luggage allowances, priority boarding, and lounge access also contribute to its higher price tag.
United Airlines Premium Economy: seat upgrade cost
United Airlines offers a Premium Economy Class as a middle ground between Economy and Business Class. Seats in Premium Economy cabin are wider, with more generous legroom and recline than standard economy seats. They also come with exclusive amenities, a wider selection of complimentary meals and beverages, and priority boarding. Depending on the route, Premium Economy ticket may come with a higher baggage allowance.
Premium Economy Class fares typically range from 25% to 80% more than Economy tickets on the same flight. However, this is just an estimate — the upgrade cost can vary depending on travel season, demand, and time of booking.
When booking closer to the departure date, Premium Economy is generally only 10–30% more expensive than Economy fare. United Airlines might offer discounted upgrades at check-in if premium seats aren’t filled.
Is the United Premium Economy worth it? This decision hinges on your priorities. It may be a worthwhile investment, ensuring you arrive rejuvenated — especially if you’re heading for a medium– or long–haul flight. If your journey consists of two or more connecting flights, opting for a premium cabin on just one leg can still provide a superior journey compared to the standard economy throughout.
Why is United Airlines so cheap on ATC?
United Airlines can be extremely cheap when you seize opportunities such as ‘mistake fares‘, sudden price drops, sales and promotions, or employ strategies like hidden city ticketing.
Moreover, flights connected to their main American hub airport — O'Hare International Airport ORD
— are typically priced lower due to the benefits of economies of scale, negotiated airport fees, and streamlined operations.
On average, ATC members save $500–$700 on flights.
Air Traveler Club (ATC) capitalizes on these opportunities by tracking over 100 airlines, including United Airlines. We seek out heavily discounted deals, which we refer to as SuperDeals. All SuperDeals are 40%–80% off regular prices.
United Airlines tips
5–20% off when booking group flights with United Airlines
Flights are cheaper when purchased in bulk rather than as individual tickets. Booking group flights with United Airlines can be a cost-effective option for a school trip, family reunion, or corporate group traveling to a conference.
To qualify for the special group rate, the group must usually have at least 10 passengers. Discounts depend on the group size and travel dates and typically range from 5% to 20% off the regular airfare.
United Airlines website typically limits automatic group bookings to 9 passengers. This limit reflects the complexity of managing larger groups, which require personalized service and more time to coordinate. To get the price quote for your group, you’ll need to contact the airline directly.
A travel agent may be better if you want more personalized service. Travel agents may have access to discounted group rates for United Airlines and can help with logistics and scheduling.
Visit the official website to read more about the United Airlines group booking policy.
Cancelled United Airlines flight. What are your rights, and how to rebook or refund your ticket?
Even in normal times, United Airlines cancellations happen more than travelers realize. It is normal to expect around 1–2% of flights to be canceled. There are plenty of reasons why flights can be canceled: air traffic control delays, bad weather, late-arriving aircraft, mechanical issues, and staffing shortages.
Having your flight canceled is always an unfortunate situation, but if you know the rules, you can understand what you might try asking for.
If United Airlines cancels a flight for any reason, you are legally entitled to a full cash refund, including for ticket price, taxes, baggage fees, extra charges, and ancillary fees. You must receive that refund within 7 business days if they paid by credit card, and within 20 days if by cash or check.
If you opt for rebooking instead of refund, United Airlines is required by Department of Transportation to rebook you for free on the next available flight. You can also request to transfer you to a competing airline’s flight; while not legally required, United Airlines often accommodates if options are limited. It’s at the discretion of the airline to cover your hotel stay and transportation to the hotel in the event of an overnight cancellation.
United Airlines may try to offer you a travel voucher in lieu of a cash refund. You don’t need to accept this, and shouldn’t, as travel vouchers can expire and may be nontransferable.
If your United Airlines flight is cancelled, visit the airline’s official website and read through the specific cancellation policy. Additionally, check the regulations of the originating country for precise entitlements. Lastly, reach out to carrier’s customer service for available options tailored to your situation.
What to do if you miss your United Airlines flight?
Every day, anywhere from 2% to 8% of passengers miss their United Airlines flight. It can happen to even the best-prepared travelers. However, if you act quickly, know your rights, and stay polite, you can minimize the potential fallout:
- Notify United Airlines immediately. Giving the airline a heads-up improves your chances of being rebooked on the next available flight, space permitting.
- Ensure you call the airline before your departure. While United Airlines typically charges for a new ticket if you miss your flight, there are notable exceptions. If they can release and possibly resell your seat (offsetting lost revenue), you might be rebooked without extra charges. In some cases, you may only need to pay the fare difference.
- Assess the flight schedule board. Look for later trips with United Airlines. Verify if seats are available; if not, ask the check-in or gate agent to place you on the standby list.
- Do not expect a refund if you miss a flight due to being late. United Airlines will classify you as a “no-show” and no refund will apply. Note that your return flight will also be canceled automatically. However, contacting the airline before departure might secure a partial ticket credit, depending on your ticket type.
- If you missed a connecting flight and your checked luggage has gone ahead without you, immediately contact an airline representative. The carrier may be able to track your bags and hold them for you or reroute the bag to your new flight’s destination.
- If you miss your flight and it is the airline’s fault, you could be eligible for options like automatic rebooking, complimentary overnight accommodations, or meal vouchers.
How to ensure smooth transit between United Airlines connecting flights
Before your trip, research your connecting airport. Familiarize yourself with its layout, terminals, amenities, and the location of your connecting gate. This will save you time and stress during your layover. Every airport has a minimum connection time — make sure your layover is longer than this minimum time.
Additionally:
- You may need to move between terminals if you have a connecting flight with a different airline or separate point-to-point tickets with United Airlines. Each flight may require individual check-in procedures and an additional pass through security. As your luggage may not be automatically transferred to your final destination, you’ll need to retrieve your bags and check them in again for your subsequent flight.
- When flights are booked on separate tickets, United Airlines is not responsible if you miss your connection due to a delay with the first flight. Allow plenty of buffer time between flights to account for any potential delays.
- Gate assignments can change. Regularly check the flight information boards to ensure you’re in the right place.
- If your airport connection is tight (1-hour layover or less), pick a set near the front of the plane. It can shave 5–10 minutes off your deplaning time, especially on larger planes.
United Airlines profile
Full name | United Airlines, Inc. |
---|---|
IATA code | UA |
Country | United States |
Commenced operations | 1931 |
Type | full-service |
Cabin classes | Basic Economy, Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First |
Subsidiaries | — |
Subsidiary of | — |
Airline alliance | Star Alliance |
Frequent flyer program | MileagePlus |
Hubs | O'Hare International Airport ORD , Denver International Airport DEN , Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport GUM , George Bush Intercontinental Airport IAH , Los Angeles International Airport LAX |
Main destinations | Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States |
Fleet size | 911 |
Aircraft | Airbus A319-100, Airbus A320-200, Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737-900, Boeing 737-900ER, Boeing 737 MAX 8, Boeing 737 MAX 9, Boeing 757-200, Boeing 757-300, Boeing 767-300ER, Boeing 767-400ER, Boeing 777-200, Boeing 777-200ER, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 787-8, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-10 |
Official Website | https://www.united.com/ |
FAQ
Does United Airlines last-minute flights get cheaper?
No, last-minute flights are often more expensive than booking in advance. Airlines increase prices as the departure date approaches, knowing that urgent travelers will pay a premium, especially for business or emergency travel.
Check this in-depth explanation of how last-minute deals work.
How to request a refund for your United ticket?
If your flight was canceled by United Airlines (due to bad weather, technical problems, strikes, overbooking, etc), you are entitled to a full refund.
If you need to cancel your flight for any reason, the refund amount will depend on your ticket's fare conditions.
You may be able to apply for a refund online through the united.com website. Visit their refunds page and follow the instructions to complete your refund request.
Once a refund request has been submitted, wait for a confirmation email. United Airlines will review your request and typically process the refund within 1-2 weeks.
Please note:
- Low-fare tickets are typically non-refundable. You will not receive a refund if you cancel your flight.
- Be sure to cancel your flight as soon as possible. The earlier you cancel, the more likely you will receive a full refund.
- United may charge you a cancellation or processing fee.
- Refunds for tickets purchased through a travel agent or OTA must be requested through that agent.
Can I get a refund if my United Airlines flight price drops after I buy?
Generally, no. The booking price is final, and the airline won't refund even if the price dropped for the same dates, times, and class.
However, there are exceptions:
- Your ticket is fully refundable. You can then cancel it at any time, usually without a fee, and buy a new one at a lower price.
- You’re fine taking another flight. Ask for rescheduling to the same or the next day. A rebooking fee may apply, but if the price difference is big enough, it could be worth it.
- Your flight originates or ends in the U.S. Take advantage of the 24-hour penalty-free cancellation window (the rule introduced for all airlines by the U.S. Department of Transportation). You'll get a full refund as long as your flight is at least 7 days away.
Does United Airlines have refundable tickets?
United Airlines offers refundable tickets in all cabin classes, but the terms and conditions of the refundability vary depending on the class of service.
A 24-hour cancellation policy allows passengers to cancel their flights within 24 hours of booking without incurring any cancellation fees.
- Basic Economy tickets are not refundable. However, if you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking, you will receive a travel credit that can be used for future travel.
- Premium Economy tickets are nonrefundable, except for a flight cancellation, a change to a different flight, or an oversold flight.
- Business Class tickets are fundable. You can modify your ticket for free; however, there is a fee if you want to cancel it.
- First Class tickets are refundable. However, there may be a fee depending on the fare type and the time of cancellation.
Do I have to recheck my luggage on connecting flights?
When all layover flights are booked with United Airlines, your baggage will be automatically transferred through to your final destination. However, if one of the flights is with a different airline, you may have to claim and re-check your baggage during your layover.
How to get an extra legroom seat on United Airlines plane?
Securing an extra legroom seat on a United Airlines plane requires some planning and flexibility, but you can easily score one of these seats by familiarizing yourself with the cabin layout and checking in for your flight early. You may also consider paying for an upgrade to a seat with ample legroom and enhanced comfort.
As the location of the extra legroom seats varies depending on the aircraft, we recommend visiting the SeatGuru website. By simply entering your United flight number, you can access a detailed seat map specific to your flight. Hover over individual seats to identify those with ample legroom. They are often found in exit rows, bulkhead rows (the first row in each cabin section), or other designated areas that offer additional legroom.
Due to their desirable features, the preferred seats are in high demand. They are often limited in number and typically incur additional fees. Seats with extra legroom located in front and exit rows ("hot seats") are priced higher. However, for medium– and long–haul flights, the additional cost of $10-$50 may be worth the increased comfort. Hot seats typically provide at least 36 inches of legroom (4-6 inches more than standard economy seats), wider seat pitch, and may also have adjustable footrests and recline further back.
Paying for an extra legroom seat is usually a more affordable option than upgrading to a Premium Economy.
How do I obtain my United Airlines boarding pass?
United Airlines boarding pass is a travel document that contains crucial information about your flight, confirms your seat and allows you to board the plane. It includes the passenger’s name, flight number, boarding time, boarding zone, gate number, seat number, and other essential flight details. The United Airlines boarding pass can be in paper or electronic format. The boarding pass is issued during check-in — online on the airline's website (usually available 24 hours before the flight), its mobile app (mobile boarding pass) or at the airport. You can print your boarding pass at home or use a mobile app to store the digital boarding pass on your smartphone. Alternatively, you can check in at the airport, where the airline's representative will issue the boarding pass for you.
How to check United flight status?
If you have the flight number at hand, you can conveniently check the United flight status on the airline’s website. Visit the flight status page to get the reliable information regarding the scheduled and actual departure and arrival times.
There are several online platforms where you can check the status of United Airlines flight: FlightRadar24, FlightStats, or FlightAware. They offer comprehensive information about any flight (regardless of the airline) – including real-time flight tracking.
Alternatively, input your flight number directly into Google's search bar. Drawing data from diverse sources (including the airlines themselves), Google will provide you with all the crucial flight information right on the search results page.
References
- Flight search. Online booking tool for United Airlines Basic Economy, Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First class tickets.
- Online check-in. Self-check in and boarding pass.
- Baggage policy. Checked and hand luggage regulations on United Airlines flights.
- Fare rules. Terms, fees, and restrictions for various ticket types. Also: United Airlines flexible ticket availability.
- Refunds and cancellations. Procedures and policies for canceling flights and obtaining refunds.
- United Airlines help. How to get in touch with the airline: customer service numbers, call centers, offices, and more.
User Review
4.0 (2330 votes)United Airlines
United Airlines (IATA code: UA) is a American carrier that operate flights since 1931. The primary airport hub of this full-service airline is located at O'Hare International Airport ORD
in Chicago. United Airlines operates a fleet of 911 planes flying to popular destinations such as Aruba, Boston, Cuba, Denver, Dubai, Fort Lauderdale, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Rome, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Seoul, Singapore, Washington, D.C. It offers flight tickets in Basic Economy, Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First cabin class.
About the author
Maksim Koval
Aviation industry expert, digital editor at Tiket2 since 2010, and the pioneering founder of the Air Traveler Club.
Maksim is a Bali-based seasoned travel writer, avid flyer, tinkerer, photographer, motorbiker, animal lover, and the truest evangelist of the company. His dedication to providing valuable insights and engaging content has established him as a trusted voice in the industry.
You can contact him via email at maksim[at]tiket2.com.